The thing about reality shows, however humdrum a season it may be, is that they keep you guessing. Because nothing's scripted (unless, apparently it's 'The Hills'), you're never really quite sure of what the outcome's going to be and last minute shockers are not uncommon.

So it was with this week's 9th episode of 'Top Chef: DC.'

Want to know what the unexpected twist of fate was and whose ouster resulted? Read on.

Warning: Spoiler alert!

On the heels of last season's Voltaggio-driven "best Restaurant War in six seasons," as judge Tom Colicchio heralded at the time, this anemic bunch's attempt at the challenge was much less exciting. But that doesn't mean that there wasn't a surprise.

When all was said and done, it was "the Beast" himself, Kenny Gilbert, who got the heave-ho. Kenny and not Alex. Kenny and not Amanda. Kenny!

And, while it's a pretty safe bet that his nemesis, Angelo, secretly (or openly) delighted in the news, it was pretty apparent that Gilbert was flummoxed by the decision. "I'm in awe right now," he said following the announcement. "I hope that the best chef wins. It's anybody's game now. Anybody's."

Who does the 36-year-old executive chef at Florida's PGA National Resort & Spa think has the chops to go all the way? Was he sent home fairly? And, how did he refrain from clocking guest judge Frank Bruni when he asserted that Kenny's beet salad had been "done through the guise of Hamburger Helper?"

We talked to Gilbert who answered these, and various other, questions. Here's what he had to say...

From the first episode, I had you pegged as the one the others would have to contend with, yet you seemed to falter as the weeks went on. What do you think happened to keep you from winning the season?

It boiled down to figuring out what the judges were looking for. Sometimes you hit the mark and sometimes you don't.

The look on your face when Bruni mentioned Hamburger Helper in the same sentence as your beet dish was a combination of sadness and disbelief. What were you thinking at that moment?

LOL! You said it, shock and "disbelief and sadness." He got his Simon Cowell moment of fame last night, it's all good. Ignorance is bliss!

At the end of last night's episode you said "it's anybody's game now." Can you explain what you meant and tell us who you think deserves to win?

I felt that at this point that it is truly anyone's game. In my mind it was going to come down to Angelo, Me, Kevin and Kelly with Ed and Tiff bringing in the rear. With me out of the equation it truly was anyone's game. I was the most diverse chef there. Being able to cook my food for 4 courses would have sealed the deal, because I am just as solid in savory as I am in sweet.

Kevin said that you and he aren't necessarily friends but that you've known each other for years and were working well together. Did doing the show help to strengthen your relationship and do you now consider him to be a "friend?"

I definitely consider Kevin a good friend now. I would give him the shirt off my back. We talked a lot and we supported each other tremendously and that goes for Ed as well.

What was your best moment of the competition? And, which dish were you most proud of?

Best moment of the competition would be the Farm Challenge because at that time Kevin was doubting himself and I had the confidence and support for him to still be his partner and when I won that challenge, I feel I won for both of us. Also, all of the relationships that were built with everyone. I'm part of a special fraternity now that only so many people can say that they are a part of. The dish I was most proud of was the Banana Fosters Pie, because it showed my range as a chef. Also the Baby Food Challenge; Grilled Chicken, Panaag Curry, Bulgur Wheat, Butternut Squash and Maitake Mushrooms. [It had] a great balance of flavor and presentation.

You say in your Bravo bio that you'd like to share your last meal with President Obama. If you had the chance to cook for him and his family, what would you make?

Heirloom Tomato Salad, Saffron Onion Marmalade, Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese and Arugula

Sweet Potato Cappucinno with Duck Confit, Truffle Spaetzle and Nutmeg Froth

BBQ Mississippi Quail, Creamy Parmesan Grits, Lima Bean Tomato Relish

Duo of Kobe Beef Short Rib and Colossal Shrimp, Fingerling Potato, Asparagus and Porcini Mushroom Marsala Gastrique

Oreo Cookie Souffle with White Chocolate Ice Cream, Macerated Strawberries and Tempura Oreo Cookie

Yum! OK, final question; who was your favorite and least favorite guest judge and why?

Least favorite judge was a tie between Michelle Bernstein and Frank Bruni purely because of their Simon Cowell-esque way of criticizing the chefs in a hurtful way versus stating the facts of what they didn't like. Favorites were a three-way tie between Padma, Gail and Eric. They always gave solid, accurate feedback in a graceful and respectful manner. True professionals!