Free Radhika!

Tonight’s episode could be remembered as the Week of the Easiest Quickfire Ever. (Anyone who can define “breakfast” and “amuse bouche” wins!) But we will always remember it as the Week of the Disappearing Contestant. And it wasn’t just any contestant—it was our hometown gal, Radhika.

Every now and then, we’d catch a glimpse of her biting her lip nervously or running through the kitchen while the clock ticked down. But we hardly saw her cook, and there was zero discussion of her food. What gives, "Top Chef"? Last season, we gave you our city and a worthy champion. The least you can do in return is shout us a few minutes of screen time.

Just to be sure it’s not a figment of our imaginations, we’re breaking out the stopwatch next week: Fabio vs. Radhika, a screen-time smackdown. Bring your kitchen timers and your GladWare. (We’re not actually sure what we’ll be using the GladWare for yet; we’re just hoping someone will float us a few bucks every time we mention it. GladWare Gladware Gladware.)

Until then, we’d like to leave you with some sage advice from Gail, delivered in what was possibly the most overdramatic “Top Chef” quote ever: “That’s a pepper you don’t want people at home playing with unless they’re experienced.” That’s right, we’re talking to you, you wild and crazy home cook: Put down the habaneros and step away slowly!

Still hungry? Pop on over to The Stew for a closer look at Radhika's (fleeting) performance.