The latest season of Bravo’s Top Chef has kicked off with a bang, and San Francisco’s culinary scene is right in the mix. The premiere episode, which aired on Wednesday, March 20, introduced three talented chefs from the city, but unfortunately, one of them has already been eliminated.

Chef David Murphy, known for his work at Shuggie’s Trash Pie + Natural Wine in the Mission, was the first contestant to bid farewell in the new season. Despite his departure, chefs Rasika Venkatesa and Laura Ozyilmaz, representing Moroccan fine dining restaurant Mourad and Dalida in the Presidio respectively, are still in the running.

Murphy’s undoing came during a challenge where he and several other contestants were tasked with creating a stuffed pasta dish with limited time and ingredients. Despite his bold choice of a mushroom-stuffed gnocchi with chicken liver gravy and Calabrian chili, the judges were unimpressed. His slow pasta rolling and choice of words, including dropping swear words and using the word “sexy” generously, did not work in his favor, ultimately leading to his elimination.

With Murphy’s exit, San Francisco is left with just two representatives in the competition, making the stakes even higher for the remaining chefs. As the season progresses, the city will be eagerly watching to see if Venkatesa and Ozyilmaz can make their mark and keep the San Francisco culinary flag flying high on Top Chef.