Alright let's get started! The Mystery Box is totally what got my blood going on this episode.

I was shocked to see Derrick had taken this beautiful rack of lamb and decided to grind it up, which he himself said was akin to crashing a Bentley. It's one thing to be a big fan of the meat grinder but c'mon, we're talking about rack of lamb! I have to admit after seeing that, I was really nervous that things were gonna be tough for him.

In the end I gotta say that it was Alejandra and Tracy that impressed me the most. Alejandra has this incredible ability to keep her food light while infusing tremendous flavor. Tracy is showing she has some serious chops and her side was one of the best vegetarian dishes I've ever tasted, and her lamb was beautifully done as well.

As I watched the elimination test, I remembered there was a lot of debate about what the three ingredients would be. Joe, Gordon and I made the last minute switch from chocolate to nuts so the show's behind-the-scenes culinary team was on a last minute, late night shopping run ... sorry guys!




Lastly, let's discuss my buddy Alvin ... oh, Alvin. I honestly couldn't contain myself after tasting his coffee filled beignets. What could've been a delicious and cool idea derailed into a snotty, gloopy mess that tasted like a cross between an old shoe and the bottom of a swamp.

Now I'm all for pushing the envelope when it comes to food, but one must first have a solid grasp of the fundamentals, then move on to a more creative and experimental approach. The choice to eliminate Alvin was unfortunately all too easy, even after tasting the horrible concoction made by the ever sweet and humble Max.

One thing that did come across on this episode was the fact that we judges take this competition very seriously. The 'MasterChef' kitchen needs to be looked at as a place where you can refine your culinary skills and push yourself to the limit. Having tasted enough bad dishes that our heads were actually spinning, we made it clear that if the contestants don't up their game none of them will be America's next 'MasterChef.'

The words were harsh, especially after the emotional goodbye of Alvin, but at the end of the day we agreed as a team that they were absolutely necessary.

The Top 14 'MasterChef' contestants face off again Tues., June 28, 8PM ET on Fox.