Did you miss it? A recap of “Top Chef ” Colorado Episode 1

EEBecause we are determined to stay on top of all things “Top Chef” while the Bravo show is in our own backyard, we’re offering recaps of all episodes. Before Thursday night’s Episode 2 airs, here’s the rundown on Episode 1, shot in Larimer Square. elimination challenge was to cook meat and potatoes at a block party in Larimer Square, which is interesting because filming was supposed to be top-secret and Larimer Square, being maybe the most public place in town, isn’t exactly top-secret. But whatever.

Also, do you remember that epic hailstorm we had back in May? That started about five minutes after the “Top Chef” judges cleared out. (I attended this challenge and have the demolished windshield to prove it.) Brittany Werges (managing editor of 303 magazine), Keegan Gerhard (D Bar), Gregory Gourdet (Departure), Troy Guard (TAG, Guard and Grace), Frank Bonanno (Mizuna, French 75, Bones), Hosea Rosenberg (Blackbelly Market, Santo)

Challenge-winning dish: Tyler Anderson’s (Millwright’s Restaurant and Tavern, Simsbury, Conn.) sweet potato puree with crispy potatoes and smoked pork gravy Carrie Baird (Bar Dough) was in the bottom for both the Quickfire and the Elimination Challenge. Luckily, she escaped elimination. (I enjoyed Baird’s braised beef short rib and potato chip, so apparently I do not have a future as a “Top Chef” judge.) Melissa Perfit (Bar Crudo), San Francisco. “There’s so much sweat on my face right now, I don’t even need to season my food. It’ll just go right into it,” from Joe “Mustache” Sasto (Cal Mare, Los Angeles)