Just two episodes in, "Top Chef: Texas" is already a nail-biting proposition - A jillion chefs showed up to find that they still had to compete to the death with knives and fruit leather for a spot in the house. (OK, not fruit leather.) If they stink up one challenge, they have to pack their knives and go. And I feel kinda bad for anyone who had to take an unpaid leave of absence or quit their jobs or put a new knife set on credit, because...it's not gonna happen.

But that's not the case for Michelle Bernstein's Lindsay Autry, because she was one of the 12 chefs who get to officially compete in Top Chef and move into that sweet house in Austin. I'm not sure, of course, how long she'll be there - no one ever is - but it;s nice to know she at least gets to spend the night.

Not so lucky - Jeanine, who was closerthanthis to getting in but missed it. Her girlfriend apparently dumped her AFTER nine years and a committment ceremony because she didn't like her vows. For real. Chin up, Janine. This is not someone you want to spend your life with. Sorry you won't be able to fill that void by being on "Top Chef."

But Lindsay will! Can't wait till next week!