Episode 12- Cooking Away in Margaritaville

We are on to the final portion of the show, they're off to Mexico for the finale, what twists and turns with the judges toss their way??? I think we all knew Sheldon and Shirley would make it to the finals. John was not what I expected... I honestly thought I would see Brooke at the end, maybe Katsuji. I think the biggest realization is that not a single rookie made it this far. I do think the vest had a huge advantage, they not only knew how to play the game, but also knew how tough it is and how intense the quickfires are!

Right off the bat- there are 4 cooking stations- who is the 4th chef?!?!?! It's BROOKE! Now this is a competition! I feel like we're watching All-Stars! I guess le'Chefre has a chance after all!

Quickfire- make a dish that celebrates Goat! This is tough given their time limitations. Everyone is struggling a little. Brooke and Sheldon were on top, Shirley and John, especially were on bottom, but the winner of this quikfire is Brooke. What a comeback!

Elimination Challenge- cook for 100 Patron employees at a party, not just the food, but the margaritas too! Make a Sweet, Salty, Sour and Bitter dish and a Margarita to go with it! The best part is that all get a sous chef! Brooke picks Casey, and assigns Emily to Sheldon, Sylva for Shirley and Katsuji for John... damn girl, mean! Casey and Sylva are the real helpers here. Emily is a bit of a wold card, and Katsuji could have been an asset with anyone BUT John- bad blood!!!

It's awesome to see the Patron factory! The chefs had a great time! I think everyone's dishes sound really good! I think John is missing an opportunity with his margarita, basic is good, but also boring! Take a chance!!! Brooke is taking a big risk with a non-protein Ceviche, I hope the coconut is enough! Shirley's Marg sounds awesome!!!

Side note- Padma's dress was... insane. She could have just been topless!

Sheldon's guava and coconut margarita brought sweetness to contrast with the octopus kinilaw, but it was very dirty which the judges didn't love... I don't think it's that bad, Mojitos are dirty too! His octopus kinilaw with guava took inspiration from his Filipino roots and went over pretty well, even though hethought the octopus was overcooked. The judges were not fans of the "rustic" cocktail, it was flat and sweet, as was his dish.

Shirley's charred beef topped off with salsa molcajete and cucumber was great and very Mexican, but the vanilla just seemed off. They loved garnish and salsas, the beef was also cooked well. The honeydew margarita was a bit thick for the judges, they would have preferred a more infused cocktail.

John's dish, caldo verde con pollo was also very Mexican. The judges thought it fell a bit flat. His classic margarita, as expected, was also too basic, alcoholic and did not pair well. He did not push himself enough- the thing the judges liked most was Katsuji's component.

Brooke's dish, a chilled avocado soup with watermelon and coconut salad was beautiful and refreshing, but maybe a bit too coconuty. The cocktail, a watermelon and hibiscus margarita worked very well with her dish. Was it safe, too safe? Nope! The judges loved it and her cocktail.

The winning dish is Brooke! Pretty insane to come from elimination to winning! Will she pull a Kristen???

And the chef going home is... John! His pairing is what did it to him and he can't blame Katsuji for that! It was all on him.

Team le'Chefre and Pickely are neck and neck for the win!!! This might be the closest season yet!!!