Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Todd English is here to help Padma judge the Quickfire Challenge -- and intimidate the cheftestants.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Today's Quickfire is inspired by the phrase "One, if by land, and two, if by sea." The contestants will be competing for the best items from land and sea, based upon one or two lanterns that will light up at random.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

The chef's sprinting skills are truly being tested.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Adam doesn't even realize the sea lanterns went off, and grabs dried crab snack. . .much to his chagrin.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Aaron lunges over Adam for the ingredient he sees as most desirable. Things were getting vicious.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

There he goes again...what an arm.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Mei strains her ramp tomato nage.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

40 seconds on the clock! Gregory's plating is right on schedule.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Joy and Mei work side by side with intensity.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

After seeing two chefs go home within the first 48 hours, each competitor is focused and knows just how much is at stake.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Don't look so stressed James, you're doing great!

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

The chefs find time to have a laugh despite the stress of this Quickfire.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Aaron's hat is backwards for this occasion...he means business.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Time! Hands up!

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Padma is intrigued by Ron's description while Todd chows down.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

They meet again! Adam must be screaming on the inside...

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

What is behind that side-smirk Todd? Pleasure or disdain?

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Rebecca seems to have an especially wide smile going on -- maybe it has something to do with Todd? He is an especially charming presence.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Todd slips in a comment to Padma on Katsuji's sweetbreads. He can't resist the classic combination of quail egg and uni.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Katie, Stacy and Joy look on, wondering how they will fare in this challenge.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Todd has a look of intense interest as Keriann describes her dish.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Mei presents her pan-seared haddock dish.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Did the judges enjoy the wasabi tobiko and shaved fennel salad that accompanied Mei's haddock?

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Joy presents her meat-centric dish, including both steak and veal.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Maybe a bit too much meat, as Padma and Todd aren't impressed.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Stacy presents her grilled pork chop with fried skate cheeks.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Katie has a lot to prove after landing in the bottom three last week.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

James presents his sauteed mussels with boar bacon broth.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

James is the victor of the second Quickfire of the season!

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Tom's looking rather incredulous here. That's the face of man who is ready to eat -- and judge.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Glasses on -- ready to critique .

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

For the elimination challenge, the chefs are put into random teams and given mystery ingredient boxes. That isn't all -- these meals have to impress the men and women of Boston's police and fire departments. That's no short order.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Padma has a laugh with one of Boston's finest.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Although Doug and James have the only two-member team, they work together with finesse. Perhaps it's an advantage to have one less person to work with?

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Gail has her poker face on -- she is not taking this meal lightly.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Katsuji and Katie work together to delicately plate their dish.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Doug is taking charge! He does not want to mess this meal up.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Gail gets to know Lieutenant John Soares.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

On the yellow team, each chef is a little too agreeable -- will this lead to their downfall?

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

The blue team presents their surf and turf. Will the judges be displeased by the predictability of this classic combo? Or is it a classic for a reason?

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Padma couldn't find more honorable meal companions.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Gail listens to a story from Lieutenant John about responding the day of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

The judges were so honored to dine with the heroes of Boston.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

This gang is all smiles...you wouldn't think that they were facing a potential Elimination.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Padma lets everyone know that the Judges table is about to begin -- and that everyone's invited.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Not exactly in the bottom...yet.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Every chef's fate hangs in the air.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

The blue team and the red team are the top two groups of tonight -- but who is the winner?

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

Dante de Magistris is also at Judges' Table to lend his opinion.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

The blue team wins! They celebrate with a glorious group hug.

Behind-the-Scenes with Boston's Finest

The yellow team's amicability lands them in the bottom...Well the combinatoin of vanilla and undercooked veal might also have something to do with it.