(S06E12) When I saw that the title of tonight's episode was "Culinary Olympics," I didn't really imagine what the chefs would be going through. Were they going to be pole vaulting into the kitchen, did they have to prepare a meal on an ice skating rink? What could be the Olympian angle? Well, apparently there's a culinary competition that's as intense as the Olympics -- and it's not held in a kitchen stadium with Alton Brown doing play by play.

That said, this may have been one of the toughest assignments ever on Top Chef. I tried to envision how past season winners -- let alone the runners up -- would have done in the same circumstances that these final five faced. I can't say for sure that I can think of one that would have aced it ... and for how this five did, read on.

The Bocuse D'or is the world championship of food, a veritable World Cup with dishes instead of soccer balls, with cooks representing their countries in a very specific food presentation. Make that French cooking, which is even more exacting.

When I heard the description of a protein and two garnishes -- only the garnishes had to be ultra complex and intricate -- it sounded daunting. I suspected that at least a couple of the cheftestants were soiling their shorts. The winner would get a place in the actual competition and $30,000. And, yes, a place in the final four of Top Chef.

Faced with making either lamb or salmon, there were three lamb preparations. Kevin succeeded most in delivering a composed, flavorful dish, but he was accused of being too simple. Eli's lamb was underdone and inedible. Brian put a lot of work in, but the execution was off. Still, those garlic chips impressed Thomas Keller.

Jen's salmon was uneven in the cooking and the cutting. Ironically, she had an extra 30 minutes because she won the Quick Fire, but she still was sloppier than she should have been. Michael's salmon included a bone. That's right, one bone and he would have been tossed from the Bocuse D'or. His presentation also lacked harmony. Doh!

How arrogant did Michael sound beforehand when he said that he was confident because he'd been in food competitions in the past. I'm also a little fed up with Michael dissing Kevin every week, saying that Kevin's food is what Michael cooks on his day off. Give me a break ... Kevin has been consistently winning challenges and proving himself. The younger Voltaggio is a jerk. Brian, on the other hand, gave Kevin advice -- when asked -- the night before, proving that he was not a prick (his word).

Kevin was the top winner, and he was floored by the honor. I've said from the start he was my choice for the final two. I'm standing by that prediction.

Eli got the gate because the chefs couldn't stomach undercooked lamb. In fact, they were upset that they couldn't taste the meat with his sauces. He was cool about leaving, a little emotional, especially when he realized how close he came to the finish. That meant Jen and the Voltaggio Brothers were moving onto the finals with Kevin.