Jeremy has been strong all season and is easily the favorite to win. But Amar has a point about his nerves, the challenges that he's been nervous about, he has fallen apart... but when he's on, he is unstoppable!
Amar started as a Dreg but has proved that he takes risks and personally cooks the type of food I like. He's not afraid of no-nonsense flavor and has the background and the technical skills. He can sometimes makes bad choices so we will see how he holds up.
I really feel like it's anyone's game! This is a great match-up!
They each get to choose their sous chefs and Amar picks Kwame and Marjorie; Jeremy picks Carl and Angelina.
Challenge is to create a 4 course meal highlighting 4 specific ingredients served head-to-head at Craft. They even get their mentors to help as sous chefs as well- what a twist!! Awkward situation with Amar and Charlie Palmer! I hope it doesn't throw him off having him there.
Amar:
Seared Tuna Tataki, Habanero Coconut Dressing, Compressed Pineapple, and Toasted Peanuts
Sea Urchin Risotto with Butter-Poached Lobster, Finger Limes, Jicama and Shellfish Froth
Harissa-Rubbed Rack of Lamb with Braised Lamb Pastilla, Date Ginger Puree, and Yogurt
Coconut Financier, Mango Sorbet, Passion Fruit Curd, Tropical Fruit Salad, and Brûlée Meringue
Jeremy:
Foie Gras Two Ways with Chili, Passion Fruit and Marshmallows
Slow-Cooked Branzini, Herbal Lime Vinaigrette, Squash, and Tomatoes
Duck with Roasted Maitake Mushrooms, Smoked Chili, Buttermilk, and Lemon
Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese Cylinder with Spiced Fig Jam, Pumpernickel Toast, and Honey
They both did AMAZING. I wish I could have been in that room! Damn!
*Side Note* Gale's dress was like, backless and she clearly did not have on a traditional bra- how the hell does she keep the puppies in the pen!?!
And the winner is Jeremy. He did a great job, but I actually thought Amar executed better. Overall Jeremy probably is the better chef, but I would eat at Amar's any day!!!
LE CHEFRE!
ReplyDeleteWow, it got really close in points leading up to the final 4. Luckily, Jeremy straightened himself out and got back into his early season form.
I thought Amar's menu looked better in the finale and I was telling Michal I thought he was going to win. I think Jeremy's meal was harder to execute and in a close battle I think that may have tipped the scales in his favor.
I have a points scoring change to suggest. 10 points for finalists, 15 for runner up, and 20 for the winner. Amar and Jeremy beat out Isaac and Marjorie for their spots in the final but in our current system the runner up gets no love for beating out 3rd and 4th place. I also think it would be nice to give the winner of the show +10 points more than the finalists instead of the current +5 - which is less than they would win for the elimination challenge (+7) on any given week. What do you all think?
I liked Amar but I'm glad Jeremy won because it means a dreg didn't win our pool! Haha. It also means the Le Chefre victory is more "legit" because we had the winning chef.
Thanks to Kelly for hanging in there with the blog and getting the posts up when you could. Always love reading the recap and seeing the pics.
I think next season our team name has to be Le Chefre Dynasty. Good luck!
Sigh, terrible season for Pickely, hopefully we can bounce back next season! Congrats to Le Chefre, you really did crush it.
ReplyDeleteI'm on board with Ben's suggested points change. I also suggest that we give 1-2 points to eliminated chefs who are chosen to help as sous chefs in the finale. What do you think?
Good blogging Kelly!