Is It Just Me: A Top Chef Medical Mystery

Did Top Chef All-Stars' Jamie wimp out over her injury?
On the December 8 episode of Top Chef, Jamie Lauren sliced open her finger while cooking during a challenge — not an uncommon occurrence around these parts — and temporarily left the competition to get the injury stitched up. Seems reasonable, no?
Cut to the disapproving grumbling from her comrades, who proceeded to brag about how in a similar situation, they'd simply duct-tape the damaged digit and soldier on. So we wondered: Was leaving Jamie's decision, or was she ordered to head to the ER by clucking producers?
"There is always a medic on site," confirms a spokesperson for the show. "It is up to the chefs whether or not they want to go to the hospital." Translation? If you can't take the blood, get out of the kitchen!
Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!