Graham Elliot Bowles dubs Jonathon Waxman “Obi-wan” at judges table, a name so fitting it will stick for the rest of the season.

Graham Elliot Bowles dubs Jonathon Waxman “Obi-wan” at Critics' Table, a name so fitting it will stick for the rest of the season.

When Carmen proves to be a compassionate competitor by helping out the other chefs, Susur tells her, “You’re the girl.” Like many of Susur’s comments, this may have been a little lost in translation, but we’re pretty sure Susur was expressing his thanks towards Carmen’s efforts.

When Carmen proves to be a compassionate competitor by helping out the other chefs, Susur tells her, “You’re the girl.” Like many of Susur’s comments, this may have been a little lost in translation, but we’re pretty sure Susur was expressing his thanks towards Carmen’s efforts.

A tired and stressed-out Jonathon gets a giant, Alps-shaped birthday cake on the set, complete with champagne. On the scale of Top Chef “surprises,” this – how do we say it? – takes the cake.

A tired and stressed-out Jonathan gets a giant, Alps-shaped birthday cake on the set, complete with champagne. On the scale of 'Top Chef' “surprises,” this – how do we say it? – takes the cake.

In the gas station quickfire challenge, Jimmy Bradley and Govind Armstrong grab the wrong kind of Cheetos: the Red Hot ones instead of Original. The result: a bright red, lumpy concoction more fit for aliens than The Bravery.

In the gas station quickfire challenge, Jimmy Bradley and Govind Armstrong grab the wrong kind of Cheetos: the Red Hot ones instead of Original. The result: a bright red, lumpy concoction more fit for aliens than The Bravery.

Susur recounts a conversation he had with his wife about his loss in the fruit-salad quickfire: “She said to me ‘Shut the hell up. Go out there and fight.’” Not only does his wife seem awesome, but she also helped to inspire his comeback win.

Susur recounts a conversation he had with his wife about his loss in the fruit-salad Quickfire: “She said to me ‘Shut the hell up. Go out there and fight.’” Not only does his wife seem awesome, but she also helped to inspire his comeback win.

Tony, along with his competitors, works hard to select ingredients at Whole Foods for the elimination challenge while Rick gets a massage. Getting a little confident there, Rick?

Tony, along with his competitors, works hard to select ingredients at Whole Foods for the Elimination Challenge while Rick gets a massage. Getting a little confident there, Rick?

Judge James Oseland, biting into a taco at the USC tailgate, says “I’m feeling more like a manly American by the minute.” Judge Jay Rayner replies, “James, any plate that can make you do that is a miracle.”

Judge James Oseland, biting into a taco at the USC tailgate, says “I’m feeling more like a manly American by the minute.” Judge Jay Rayner replies, “James, any plate that can make you do that is a miracle.”

Jonathan Waxman explains his technique: “I buy the ingredients, and then the ingredients speak to me when we get in the car.” Obi-wan, may the force be with you.

Jonathan Waxman explains his technique: “I buy the ingredients, and then the ingredients speak to me when we get in the car.” Obi-wan, may the force be with you.