‘MasterChef’ recap: The Iceman goeth home

Has there ever been a more intimidating panel of celebuchefs in the history of cooking competitions? Even the Bocuse d’Or -- the Olympics of the food world -- arguably does not pack such recognizable star power as this week’s “MasterChef” lineup, including: chefs Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot, Guy Savoy, Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse and restaurateur Joe Bastianich.

The final four home cooks did just that, breaking down into teams of two. Christine Ha, as the winner of the last challenge, decided the lineup. She shrewdly chose Becky.

That was risky, because the lose of the challenge would face a pressure test, a scenario that would potentially pit Christine against standout Becky Reams.

But it had an extra special impact: It meant that archrivals Frank Mirando and Josh Marks would be thrown together on the same team. Let the teeth gnashing begin!

Christine and Becky turned out a “stunning” three-course meal for the judges, and impressed in part with their gorgeous plating. By contrast, the men’s team turned out a dessert course that looked as if it was slapped together. Which it was. And it showed.

The judges handed victory to the red team, and the judges only seemed mildly impressed that 50% of said red team is blind. Chef Boulud said he tells his chefs they need to perfect their skills until they can do it with their eyes closed. Agreed, chef. But at some point, those chefs get to open their eyes again and see, right? Christine doesn’t.

Ramsay billed this as the single toughest pressure-cooker challenge ever. He called it “almost impossible.” Do you agree? Making three different souffles in one hour seems like a pretty steep challenge to me. (And I say that even if they gave the competitors a recipe to follow, as they did in Season 1).

“Thank God it’s not me,” Christine said when she learned of the challenge.

Frank appeared as if he had it nailed. The Ice Man and all. But it was Josh -- who had been eliminated earlier in the competition, and fought his way back in -- who is the last man standing.

Were you surprised by Frank’s loss? I was. I thought he’d at least be in the final three, if not the final two. Who do you think will be the Season 3 “MasterChef”?

And here’s hoping Frank doesn’t take the loss too hard, and goes on to sell something that I can buy online or off a supermarket shelf. Like, maybe bacon marmalade?

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