Matthew, Chris, and Sally were the final three and they celebrated at the apartment. Matthew knew that he was great at what he does. Chris called his wife and got an update from her and her daughter; he knew the sacrifices were worth it. Sally knew that she didn’t have children, her child was her career. The three arrived for the last elimination challenge. Johnny and Gail explained that the three contestants would have to create a full table of several elements including a bonbon and savory bread. Johnny explained that the contestants would have to make a dessert for a special person in their life. Gail welcomed special guests Jacques Torres, Sebastien Canonne, and Stephane Treand. They arrived to be advisors and mentors, but the three would be at their final tasting.
Sally was worried the most about showpieces, mostly because of the height and her lack of height. She was told that techniques would be the key to winning. Matthew wanted to do the whole collection about his wife and daughter. He was directly grilled about pushing himself. Chris wanted to do something industrial and was told to be super-clean with his pieces.
The contestants had five hours to cook while the MOFs wandered around. There was a lot of intimidation because of the talent. Chris had Jacques as a judge before, so he wasn’t as nervous. Sally decided to focus on flavors that she loved. Matthew was worried about making a sugar structure. In a little bit of time, the MOFs started to help the contestants. There was a lot of work done with time up. Sally knew that there were ten hours in the next day.
The next day, the contestants saw the eliminated contestants. Gail announced that everyone would get two sous chefs. It was a random draw for the first chef, but the second choice was their own. Sally began the process:
The contestants explained their tasks, but Chris was worried about Rebecca’s standards. Sally decided to use Orlando as the showpiece specialist that he was. Sally explained that this experience was similar to prior competitions. Matthew had some good time the day before so with help, he wanted to focus on his showpiece. As Orlando worked on the showpiece, Sally decided to work on her family related flavors: Cashews and Coffee. Sally wanted to be feminine with her shapes and display. Orlando was disappointed to help because he wanted to win, but he sucked up and kept going. Rebecca tried to talk to Chris about bonbon flavors. Matthew wanted to do a key lime inspired bonbon. Sally was worried because she used the wrong inserts and she had to start over.
With two hours to go, Chris continued his industrial theme and was worried about his showpiece. Sally was worried about her showpiece looking too much like Orlando had done all the work, but was nervous about losing time. The contestant’s knew they had to get everything perfect because there was only a little bit of time to prepare their plated desserts after they presented their tables. Sally was nervous as Orlando and Van moved her showpiece. With time running out, Sally was worried about presentation. With the time up, the contestants felt confident about the competition.
Gail and the judges arrived including special guests Jordan Khan, Hasty Torres, Valerie Gordon, Jacquy Pfeiffer, and Ludo Lefebvre. The presentations of all the contestants were impressive and had different positive elements. Matthew started off first and explained that he tried to push himself hard. The judges appreciated the level of textures. His family style focaccia got positive reviews. Sally explained the mango/chocolate/caramel idea and Johnny loved the flow of the pieces. She explained that Orlando did a lot of the work. Sally’s entremet had balanced layers. Her parker house roll had a lot of savory elements. Her bonbon was a salted caramel milk chocolate and was given positive feedback. Chris explained his industrial elements with flowers. Johnny pointed out that part of his display was falling apart. His bread’s sides seemed more important.
The chefs returned to the kitchen to work on their plated deserts. Sally was first and was running out of time. She sacrificed the glaze for timing. Sally explained her family influences in the flavors. They called her dish technically amazing. The presentation was a bit weak because of finishing. Matthew was worried about how complicated his dish was. He presented his dish inspired by his wife and daughter with his playground-style display. The judges appreciated the play on chocolate chip cookies. Chris was last and he struggled with his speed. He explained his almond cake with banana inspired by a competition and his wife’s dedication to him. The judges didn’t see the connection between the story and the desserts, but it tasted great.
The contestants arrived at the judging table and Matthew started first. His bonbon was appreciated for being original. Matthew admitted being more comfortable with chocolate rather than sugar. While chocolate may have been better, it was a love letter. His plated dish lacked focus. Sally was complimented on her coloring, but was reminded by Johnny that Orlando did most of her presentation for her. Her layers were positive. Sally signed about her plated dessert, because she lacked finishing. Chris’ piece was the only one that fell apart, he tried to throw Sally under the bus. He was complimented about his plated dessert and the judges ate all of his food.
After deliberation the judges and eliminated contestants went before the finalists. The three contestants were complimented for their hard work. Gail announced the winner was Chris. He had a big gamut of emotions and was the happiest that he gained a friend in Matthew. Sally was disappointed and one has to wonder, if Orlando hadn’t done all of the work, would she have won?
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