TCFL 19 Houston // Episode 13 Recap (Finale Preview)

Hello TCFL! We've made it to Finale night and I'm celebrating it with an on-time post! Housekeeping first: As always, the Standings can be found HERE. As is tradition, I'll be in the TCFL GChat if anyone is watching live and wants to come hang out. Unlike last season, there will be a full End of Season recap, I promise. 

Before all of that, we have a TWO HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTE finale tonight. To me, that's way too long. And I'm afraid that it opens up the possibility of them eliminating someone before the final cook and/or changing the Final Challenge in some stupid way. For anyone who has forgotten, this kind of thing gets me so annoyed that I once tweeted at Tom about it (and he responded).

Some penultimate episode Quick Hitters:

• I was wondering if they would have their usual "break" in between the host city and the finale location. I'm glad they did, though this has always made me rather be the guy eliminated last in the host city (Nick) rather than the person eliminated first in the finale location (Damarr). What a hassle for almost no reason.
• I can't believe how shoddy the green screen/testimonial work is right now. Why can't they get the lighting right? Someone get Lucasfilm or the Marvel guys on the phone.

• The note left for the Chefs at the start of the episode was signed "XO" Padma. I'd still rather have the "Love, Padma" from a few weeks ago.
• Carlota Flores was cool as hell, but I was definitely afraid that she was going to be crushed by that meat cage.
• Chimichangas are the go-to order for my FIL at any Mexican restaurant. It has to be beef, he almost never wavers from it, and my MIL always wants to share, but ends up only taking a couple of bites.
• I cannot recall anyone having a more pronounced "home field advantage" than Evelyn. And it's so robust, that it even extended outside of Houston.
• I had no idea that we only have one native U.S. pepper. I love these little tidbits.
• Kiiiishhh.
• Buddha and Damarr's friend group comment in the Stew Room was both really sweet and really sad. I totally believe Damarr, too. I hope he gets some opportunities and some happiness out of being a Top Chef alum.