So We Think We Can Cook

[WARNING: Spoilers aplenty, including the above recap video.]

The sixth season of Top Chef kicked off on Bravo last night, and we're excited to see what the two cheftestants from Seattle can do in Las Vegas over the next few months. As always, the first episode (and the next few thereafter) have far too many characters to keep track of, but we were watching for local ladies Ashley Merriman (of Branzino) and Robin Leventhal (chef-owner of our dearly departed Crave).

In last night's episode, after everybody shucked clams, Robin drew the golden poker chip (because VEGAS) and didn't have to compete in the quickfire dice-rolling (VEGAS) number of ingredients challenge, which Jen C. won with her ceviche. For the elimination challenge, the chefs made dishes that were about their vices (VEGAS). Haitian Ron made a really good-looking sea bass dish because thinking about the month-long boat escape from his hellhole homeland is somehow a vice? Whatever, it's early, he got by, and besides--most of the contestants (including Ashley) had boring liquor-themed dishes. We get it; everybody lurves Makers Mark. Robin's dish was a little more interesting, since it was about being a "bad Jew who eats pork" and featured her savory break pudding, which we always loved (photo 18 in the gallery o' food here).

Beardo Kevin won the first challenge. Douchebag Michael is already shaping up to be this season's asshole/villain. And Jen Z. was kicked off because she made a garbage dish. We won't miss her less than appetizing huge gauged ears food at all.