From the (frankly creepy) comment he made on last week's episode, it was almost a given that Ash was next go on Top Chef. Nominated for elimination along with challenge partner Michael V., Ash admitted that he essentially played second fiddle to his partner during the conceptualization and preparation of their dish, the halibut topped with egg yolk ravioli and some salad with asparagus and fennel. He was totally at peace with the idea, even saying that it was OK, since he had high respect for Michael as a chef and it was like washing the paintbrush of Picasso.

Needless to say, the judges were pissed, because, after all, they are looking for Top Chef, not Top Sous Chef. And they had something to say about that. So on last night's episode, Ash's head was in the chopping block for the second week in a row. For a change this week, he was surprised to be on the bottom. According to the judges, his dish wasn't strong enough for the wine (they had to prepare pork dishes that would be perfectly paired with wine). In the end, he was axed because he sucked, and because he second-guessed his first instinct instead of following his gut.