Oh my god Hugh.  If I didn't love you before...Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak?!  I'm so impressed.

I have never even heard of the term chum related to salmon.  However, I recall the Montauk fishing challenge a couple of seasons ago.  The chefs had to prepare whatever they caught, and Kerry Heffernan commented that although porgie was not considered a "noble" fish, it was used very effectively in one of the better dishes.  I think it takes creativity and skill to make something tasty when you don't have foie gras, truffles, and the like.  One of my absolute favorite challenges was at Le Bernardin.  After butchering several fish, the chefs had to take the leftovers (head, fins, etc.) and make a delicious dish.

when was the Alaskan adventure taped?

Don't be a classist - it said culinary destination not fine dining destination.

Hugh, as a long long resident of Juneau, I am ROFL about your description of the Lucky Lady.  I am definitely going to steal it. But thank the powers that be you did not go into The Arctic Bar - it makes the Lady look high class!  BTW, no all locals dislike chum salmons (or dog salmon as it was lovingly referred to by my commercial fisherman Dad in my youth).  The oil makes it great for smoking.   But really, any type of salmon you catch that day and cook that night - ain't nothing better in the whole world!

I was so sad to Lizzie go.  She is a sweetheart AND a clearly talented chef.  Why is Josh still there?  Except for Brooke, all the cheftestants had mistakes.  Several guest and judges remarked that Lizzie's salmon needed stronger seasoning, but that her bread was the best, and, as one judge put it, the contest was to do bread and salmon.  Sheldon had problems with his bread AND his salmon.  I like Sheldon, but I think the judges are partial to him, and they seem to read his Asian approach to all the challenges as "creative" instead of  what it is - the way he always cooks . If the others always did French or Southern, I think they would get called on it.  Lizzie I'll miss your lovely voice and spirit.

Alaska. The odds are good, but the goods are odd.

Hugh, as a former resident of Juneau, I agree that the Lucky Lady is absolutely terrible. In fact, "Lysol covering a crime" smells better than how it actually smells. What other bars did you visit?

Your recaps are the best thing about Top Chef! I don't always see the show but I always read your recaps!

Loved this eposode, thanks for reconfirming how much I want to go to Alaska! Loved the challanges and the chef's choices! Can't remember the last time I saw King Salmon in the store, I love it! Even in Canada I was surprised at all the salmon choices in restaurants and none were King!

Speaking of salmon choices, these chefs drive me crazy when their choices are based on when they were growing up instead of what they've learned and experienced as a chef, ie., Sheldon's salmon choice!

Hugh, if you want to get into some trout fishing in North Georgia, check out my friend Jimmy Harris at Unicoi Outfitters in Helen. He has a Gilligan Special which is a great way to learn. Also in Atlanta, in Buckhead, is the famous Fish Hawk, one of the best outfitters on the planet. The Chattahoochee in Atlanta, from Morgan Falls Dam to Hwy. 41 host a "delayed harvest" opportunity with trout stocked from Nov. to spring. Strick regulations, catch and release in force but a good time on a river that runs through Atlanta. Enjoy.

Chef, I have very important question for you.  I love salmon sushi, what makes salmon "sushi" grade or worthy?  

Am I the only one who started laughing as soon as the word "chum" was uttered? C'mon--Sponge Bob, The Chum Bucket restaurant owned by arch villain Plankton. . . . If Sheldon were more cartoon conversant he would have known better than to touch the chum!

Umm, yeah. OK is not the South, sorry guys. Neither is most of FLA. Hugh is right on, even if he is Canadian. Btw, Go Dawgs!

The "South" officially starts where you can get grits at Waffle House and sweet tea is on the menu.  The "Deep South" is where grits and sweet tea are served automatically (I live in SE Alabama).  Oklahoma qualifies as The South.  Some parts of Maryland do as well, while some parts of Virginia and even Florida do not.

 As usual, great recap.  I tend to agree with you about Lizzie wanting to be outta' there several episodes ago.  Even so, she was an admirable cheftestant. 

Now, Joker, you might want to figure out the whole Mason Dixon Line/North-South thing.  I can hear folks already:  "What???  Does he not know ANYthing about the south???"  Oh, lord...the trouble you'll see.  

Rock on. 

As a sun-lover have never really wanted to go to Alaska.  These episodes and the judge's blogs are making we want to go tomorrow!

Hugh,

I am a huge fan, and I realize that you live in GA now, but we all know you're Canadian.  

I am from Oklahoma and I, along  the United States Census Bureau, strongly disagree with your statement that OK is not part of the South.  

You are still my favorite judge and wittiest,most insightful blogger. 

Peace, 

Jason in OKC

Love your play-by-play, Hugh.  But I must have missed it in the episode and you didn't mention in your recap...who won the quickfire?  Was there a prize or advantage?