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Top Chef Las Vegas: Eli Kirshtein Exit Interview

November 20, 2009 11:00:30 by Britteny Elrick

Eli Kirshtein was so close to the top 4 on Top Chef: Las Vegas he could smell it. Unfortunately, he was cut last Wednesday night after serving undercooked food in the culinary Olympics. Eli spoke to PEOPLE about how he deserved to go home and the drama among the chefs, Robin in particular…

People: Was it a fair final challenge [Bocuse d'Or]? It required you all to cook in a style that was so different from what’s expected on Top Chef.

Eli: The most notable thing was that was the next to last day of us being there. At that point in the competition, there was a huge emotional strain and it had been really prolonged. You’re really tired at that point, so everyone was looking at that challenge as a finish line. It was a milestone to get to that challenge — and get through that challenge.

People: Did you understand why the judges kicked you off? Did you think your lamb was inedible?

Eli: I totally understand what their perspective was. One of the things I always feel is arbitrary is the judges’ opinions. Across the board, they’re probably right about it — but I also know that I ate [my lamb] and I felt it was good. I feel as if there was a mental block at a certain point where [judges] said, “This is underdone to me,” without eating it or trying it.

People: Do you regret anything you said about Robin now that you’ve had time to think about your relationship?

Eli: First of all, I don’t think that I said anything out of malice. Specifically with the comments about cancer, I feel as if I said something that probably other people were thinking. I also would not be surprised if I was the only one who said it in the interview room; I just happened to be the one who got the edit on it. I feel as if you look back in the way she handled herself [with] the other contestants [and] it was absurd and unprofessional. It’s that simple.

Check out the entire interview at People.com.

Visit our sister site, SheKnows.com, for other great articles on cooking and entertaining tips.

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Photo Credit: Bravo

Related posts:

1. Top Chef Las Vegas: Previews For October 21, 2009
2. Top Chef Las Vegas: Preview Videos For October 14, 2009
3. Top Chef Las Vegas: Is Robin Leventhal Too Cocky?
4. Top Chef Las Vegas: Previews For October 7, 2009
5. Top Chef Las Vegas: Finally A Dessert Sends One Home

Topics: Bravo Reality TV Shows, Top Chef |

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