Louisville's Edward Lee made it to the top five in "Top Chef: Texas," but was eliminated on Wednesday night's episode, just one week shy of the finals.
The 610 Magnolia owner and chef kicked off the episode in the final four, but Beverly Kim, who had already been eliminated earlier in the season, was brought back to the competition after winning Last Chance Kitchen.
Lee started out strong at the beginning of the episode and was tied in the Quick Fire challenge with Sarah Grueneberg, but she was ultimately chosen the winner and a guaranteed spot in the finals.
The chefs had to cook for their mentors and Lee whipped up a braised pork belly and smoked oyster crema dish with pickled vegetables.
Several of the judges commented on his pickles, with one of the guest judges even saying: "I think he should jar and sell them, and I would be his best customer."
But in the end, Lee fell short to nab a spot in the finals and was sent to pack his knives.
After telling Lindsay Autry, who was in the bottom two with him, that she deserved a spot in the finals, Lee said: "This has been an incredible experience. It's the end of the road for me.
It's really difficult getting so close and getting knocked down by Beverly in the last round before the finals... Whether I was up or down, the competition is what drives you as a chef and I loved it. I had to come and just see what I was made of and I'm glad I did."
