Bacon wins 5 days in Italy

We're getting our numbers back up, yay! So, there was a three-way tie this week with Dave, Doria and Kate getting 9 points total for picking Zoi to go home (finally!) and "predicting" the fight. Even though I am still in the lead for total points for the season, it is only by a few. Maybe after next week I'll post all the scores for everyone to see that I'm not cheating! And for overall number of wins: Kate, Dave and I each have two now, and everyone else who has ever played has one.

On to the results...
1. Antonia rocked this one. I am so glad that she finally is getting to show her stuff a little bit, and though her team totally bombed the elimination challenge, it wasn't her fault at all. (Even though Spike blamed her completely!) I was also glad to see that Dale got shot down on the caviar this round; his ego is really getting to me.

2. So if cooking bacon wins you a five-day trip to Italy, get me on Top Chef! Lisa won this one, though complaining and screeching the whole time, because she stood up for what she wanted and I totally have to give her props for that one. Dale's deviled egg idea was terrible and she knew she wanted to do a East-meets-West dish that showcased her skills and the guest judge's palate. I really had to laugh at Gail's comment that bacon adds to any dish, I have a coworker that says the same thing! And the funny thing is that in the dish, Grilled Shrimp with Pickled Chili Salad (shown above and here's the recipe), the bacon was just a side thought. Dale was sure pissed that she won for it!

3. I don't even have to say anything here. Zoi went home after three weeks being in the bottom and you know what, she deserved it even if her girlfriend didn't like it! Bland mushrooms with overpowering rosemary — I don't think I can imagine anything more disgusting! (Pictured at right...) I do have to say that I am also glad to see that Richard's ego was knocked down a couple pegs, though.

4. Of course there was a fight. We all saw it in the previews and I gave everyone a heads up last week. It was three points for everyone.