1 00:00:01,202 --> 00:00:03,206 Previously on Next Level Chef... 2 00:00:03,306 --> 00:00:05,712 We are celebrating America's 250th birthday. 3 00:00:05,812 --> 00:00:07,480 Woo! 4 00:00:07,481 --> 00:00:09,519 What's this big spill? 5 00:00:09,520 --> 00:00:11,489 Let's get these cakes done. Let's go. 6 00:00:11,490 --> 00:00:14,262 I'm just sick to my stomach at this moment. 7 00:00:14,362 --> 00:00:16,432 The winner of the Time Token tonight is... Connor. 8 00:00:16,534 --> 00:00:17,869 There it is, baby. 9 00:00:17,969 --> 00:00:19,272 Christian and Gabrielle, 10 00:00:19,372 --> 00:00:21,676 you're two spots away from finale. 11 00:00:21,677 --> 00:00:24,247 This is the most important burger of my life at this point. 12 00:00:24,248 --> 00:00:26,251 I will be sending home the short rib burger. 13 00:00:26,252 --> 00:00:28,790 - Christian. - Good job, chef. 14 00:00:28,791 --> 00:00:30,527 And tonight... You have 30 minutes 15 00:00:30,528 --> 00:00:33,535 to create a fusion dish inspired by the cuisines 16 00:00:33,635 --> 00:00:36,238 of two World Cup countries. 17 00:00:36,339 --> 00:00:38,409 Mexico, Argentina, England. 18 00:00:38,410 --> 00:00:40,748 Argentina and Germany are very different cuisines. 19 00:00:40,848 --> 00:00:42,585 Um, what am I gonna do with this? 20 00:00:42,685 --> 00:00:45,289 Please welcome Alexi Lalas. 21 00:00:45,290 --> 00:00:46,894 I believe that we will win! 22 00:00:46,994 --> 00:00:48,897 I believe that we will win! 23 00:01:13,881 --> 00:01:15,552 Good morning. 24 00:01:15,652 --> 00:01:17,587 - So we're playing soccer today? - Oh, my! 25 00:01:17,588 --> 00:01:19,291 Oh, wow. My favorite sport, man. 26 00:01:19,292 --> 00:01:21,029 Amazing. 27 00:01:21,129 --> 00:01:22,932 What the heck? 28 00:01:23,032 --> 00:01:24,033 Why is there a soccer field 29 00:01:24,034 --> 00:01:25,704 in the middle of here? 30 00:01:25,705 --> 00:01:28,076 I cannot take any more surprises right now. 31 00:01:28,176 --> 00:01:29,311 Right, chefs, good morning. 32 00:01:29,411 --> 00:01:31,182 Good morning! 33 00:01:31,282 --> 00:01:33,186 Welcome to the Next Level stadium. 34 00:01:33,286 --> 00:01:35,457 - Wow. - It's super cool. 35 00:01:35,559 --> 00:01:37,461 Honestly, right now I really wish I had my Scotland jersey 36 00:01:37,562 --> 00:01:39,464 with me 'cause I'd get out there and play a little 37 00:01:39,465 --> 00:01:41,637 - five-a-side together. - Forget Scotland. 38 00:01:41,737 --> 00:01:43,073 You know I'm pulling for the red, white, and blue. 39 00:01:43,173 --> 00:01:44,810 Same. 40 00:01:44,910 --> 00:01:46,446 I would get out there. Let's go! 41 00:01:46,547 --> 00:01:48,851 But I just want to warn you, I'm pretty sure... 42 00:01:48,951 --> 00:01:51,624 since we're so competitive, I'd run circles around both of you. 43 00:01:51,724 --> 00:01:53,359 - Both of us? - Just sayin'! I'm just sayin'! 44 00:01:53,360 --> 00:01:55,598 Are you kidding me?! 45 00:02:00,708 --> 00:02:03,614 Listen up. Today, we are celebrating 46 00:02:03,714 --> 00:02:07,388 one of the most incredible sporting events in the world. 47 00:02:07,488 --> 00:02:12,632 The 2026 FIFA World Cup, airing on Fox this summer. 48 00:02:12,732 --> 00:02:13,967 - How cool is that?! - Come on, let's go. 49 00:02:13,968 --> 00:02:16,205 Hey! 50 00:02:16,305 --> 00:02:20,214 The last time the US hosted the World Cup was in 1994. 51 00:02:20,314 --> 00:02:22,853 So, we've decided to bring in 52 00:02:22,953 --> 00:02:25,223 a legend from that team. 53 00:02:25,323 --> 00:02:27,628 - Oh, . - Please welcome America's 54 00:02:27,728 --> 00:02:32,403 soccer star and Fox Sports lead analyst, Alexi Lalas! 55 00:02:34,008 --> 00:02:37,516 Hello! Hello people! 56 00:02:37,616 --> 00:02:40,387 I grew up watching Alexi Lalas. 57 00:02:40,487 --> 00:02:42,390 Everything meaningful in soccer 58 00:02:42,491 --> 00:02:45,430 in the States, he's the face on the TV. 59 00:02:45,531 --> 00:02:47,000 Oh, my goodness me, welcome to the Next Level stadium. 60 00:02:47,100 --> 00:02:49,371 Thank you. This is awesome! 61 00:02:49,472 --> 00:02:51,242 You've got a busy summer ahead of you. 62 00:02:51,342 --> 00:02:53,647 Busy summer. The biggest World Cup in history. 63 00:02:53,747 --> 00:02:55,685 It's fitting to bring it back to the United States 64 00:02:55,785 --> 00:02:57,254 with our friends to the North, Canada, 65 00:02:57,355 --> 00:02:58,256 and our friends to the South, Mexico. 66 00:02:58,357 --> 00:03:00,293 I go back to 1994. 67 00:03:00,294 --> 00:03:02,030 I was literally running around 68 00:03:02,031 --> 00:03:03,667 as a spotty 25-year-old chef... 69 00:03:03,768 --> 00:03:05,571 - Wow! - ...watching you on that pitch? 70 00:03:05,572 --> 00:03:07,007 - Extraordinary. - It was a lot of hair ago. 71 00:03:10,413 --> 00:03:12,017 Mike Lapper on the cross far side... 72 00:03:12,117 --> 00:03:14,755 and he SCORES! 73 00:03:14,756 --> 00:03:16,425 Lalas! 74 00:03:21,235 --> 00:03:23,372 How excited are you it's here? 75 00:03:23,473 --> 00:03:25,377 I am jacked up. This is me jacked up. 76 00:03:25,477 --> 00:03:27,548 You smell that? That's a World Cup. 77 00:03:27,649 --> 00:03:30,921 A World Cup is a celebration. A World Cup is an adventure. 78 00:03:31,021 --> 00:03:34,394 The candle has been lit. We will see where it leads us. 79 00:03:34,494 --> 00:03:36,901 You know a little bit about competition, obviously. 80 00:03:37,001 --> 00:03:38,570 You've been to the highest level. 81 00:03:38,571 --> 00:03:40,307 Do you have any advice for our competitors? 82 00:03:40,407 --> 00:03:42,410 Only five of them left. 83 00:03:42,411 --> 00:03:43,679 What do they need to do to bring this home? 84 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:45,183 Whether it's on a soccer field 85 00:03:45,184 --> 00:03:46,552 or whether it's in the kitchen 86 00:03:46,553 --> 00:03:48,590 if you don't believe in yourself 87 00:03:48,591 --> 00:03:51,427 nobody else is going to. Ultimately, you have to say, 88 00:03:51,428 --> 00:03:53,601 "I am here for a reason and I'm gonna kick some ass." 89 00:03:53,701 --> 00:03:56,306 - That's right. Here we go. - Let's go, baby. Let's get it. 90 00:03:56,406 --> 00:03:58,043 One of the greatest things the World Cup does 91 00:03:58,143 --> 00:04:00,179 is bring nations together. 92 00:04:00,180 --> 00:04:02,416 So for today's top-five challenge, 93 00:04:02,417 --> 00:04:04,689 you'll do exactly that. 94 00:04:04,789 --> 00:04:07,594 You have 30 minutes to create a stunning fusion dish... 95 00:04:07,595 --> 00:04:09,432 - Ooh! - ...inspired by the cuisines 96 00:04:09,533 --> 00:04:12,438 of two incredible World Cup countries. 97 00:04:12,539 --> 00:04:15,745 So let your imagination go wild. 98 00:04:15,845 --> 00:04:18,448 I'm kind of like the embodiment of fusion. 99 00:04:18,449 --> 00:04:21,322 Got Cameroon, German, Irish. 100 00:04:21,422 --> 00:04:23,493 I was born for this challenge. 101 00:04:23,594 --> 00:04:26,600 Now listen, that's the goal... today, okay? 102 00:04:26,700 --> 00:04:31,042 Honor two culinary traditions in one united dish. 103 00:04:31,142 --> 00:04:33,613 And only 30 minutes to do it. 104 00:04:33,614 --> 00:04:35,483 Thirty minutes?! C'mon, at least give 'em a half. 105 00:04:35,484 --> 00:04:36,452 Forty-five minutes is a half in soccer. 106 00:04:36,553 --> 00:04:38,590 I mean, give 'em a half! 107 00:04:38,591 --> 00:04:40,459 - Would you like 45 minutes? - Yes, chef! 108 00:04:40,460 --> 00:04:43,634 No. Too bad! 109 00:04:43,734 --> 00:04:45,604 And Alexi's gonna help us judge today. 110 00:04:45,704 --> 00:04:47,742 - You got it. - That's amazing. Thank you. 111 00:04:47,842 --> 00:04:49,612 And listen, I listen to Alexi's podcast. 112 00:04:49,712 --> 00:04:51,817 - He's a harsh critic, okay? - I am, I am. 113 00:04:51,917 --> 00:04:52,818 So, feed me. Feed me well. 114 00:04:55,323 --> 00:04:57,761 - Right, Connor. - Yes, chef. 115 00:04:57,762 --> 00:05:00,266 Thanks for that incredible winning dish last time round. 116 00:05:00,267 --> 00:05:02,037 You know you have that Time Token 117 00:05:02,138 --> 00:05:05,476 which means you've got a big choice, young man to make today. 118 00:05:05,477 --> 00:05:07,380 Are you gonna keep that extra 10 seconds 119 00:05:07,480 --> 00:05:10,520 for yourself at the platform? Or take 10 seconds away 120 00:05:10,521 --> 00:05:12,090 from one of your fellow competitors? 121 00:05:16,199 --> 00:05:17,367 I'm gonna take the 10, chef. 122 00:05:17,467 --> 00:05:18,636 You're gonna take the 10 yourself? 123 00:05:18,637 --> 00:05:20,541 Yes. My best cooks have been the cooks 124 00:05:20,641 --> 00:05:22,678 with intentional grabs. 125 00:05:22,679 --> 00:05:23,813 So if I can bring that together today 126 00:05:23,814 --> 00:05:26,553 with the Time Token, I feel good. 127 00:05:26,653 --> 00:05:28,657 Gabrielle, you're cooking in the basement 128 00:05:28,757 --> 00:05:30,260 - this time round. - I'm ready. 129 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:31,697 Anybody can cook in the penthouse! 130 00:05:31,797 --> 00:05:33,266 Don't you worry 'bout it. It's gonna be fine. 131 00:05:33,366 --> 00:05:34,568 - I'm bettin' on you. - Yes. 132 00:05:34,569 --> 00:05:36,507 - Thank you. - Connor and Cole, 133 00:05:36,607 --> 00:05:38,811 you're on the top level today. 134 00:05:38,911 --> 00:05:40,781 Head to the elevator and I'll see you there soon. 135 00:05:40,881 --> 00:05:42,417 Let's go, Connor. Let's go, Cole. 136 00:05:42,519 --> 00:05:44,788 You can do this. Believe in yourselves. 137 00:05:44,789 --> 00:05:46,091 - We got this. - Cole, let's go! 138 00:05:53,674 --> 00:05:55,544 Woo! Top kitchen, baby. Let's get it. 139 00:05:55,545 --> 00:05:56,546 Let's get it! C'mon, now. 140 00:05:56,646 --> 00:05:58,415 I love fusion cuisine. 141 00:05:58,416 --> 00:06:00,588 It is everything that I'm about. 142 00:06:00,688 --> 00:06:03,326 But fusion can turn into confusion real quick. 143 00:06:03,426 --> 00:06:04,729 So I don't want to be confused at all. 144 00:06:04,829 --> 00:06:06,700 I want to have a solid plan and idea 145 00:06:06,800 --> 00:06:08,804 going into this cook, for sure. 146 00:06:08,904 --> 00:06:10,674 I got the exact same . Let's go. 147 00:06:10,675 --> 00:06:12,043 We know exactly what we need! 148 00:06:18,724 --> 00:06:20,460 Oh, thanks. 149 00:06:20,561 --> 00:06:21,862 Oh, we get to look at each other! 150 00:06:21,863 --> 00:06:24,167 Yeah, there you go. Here it is. 151 00:06:27,542 --> 00:06:29,745 My very own kitchen. What a dream! 152 00:06:29,746 --> 00:06:32,617 God, I love this. This is my basement. 153 00:06:32,618 --> 00:06:36,860 I am so excited to run for that platform... by myself! 154 00:06:36,960 --> 00:06:38,830 It's getting spooky down here. 155 00:06:38,831 --> 00:06:41,034 Getting spooky. 156 00:06:43,072 --> 00:06:44,441 Alright, let's go, Connor and Cole. Let's go. 157 00:06:44,542 --> 00:06:46,445 - Let's go RB! - How we doing? 158 00:06:46,546 --> 00:06:47,582 - How we doing? - Hello, chef. 159 00:06:47,682 --> 00:06:49,719 Listen, I love this challenge. 160 00:06:49,819 --> 00:06:52,624 I love sort of like the idea of really good fusion. 161 00:06:52,625 --> 00:06:54,461 So I know we can make this happen. 162 00:06:54,563 --> 00:06:55,998 - Yes, chef! - There's a literal 163 00:06:56,098 --> 00:06:58,470 US soccer chant that's, "I believe that we can win." 164 00:06:58,571 --> 00:07:00,507 I believe that we can win. 165 00:07:00,508 --> 00:07:03,378 I believe that we can win! 166 00:07:05,518 --> 00:07:06,886 Let's go. 167 00:07:06,887 --> 00:07:09,091 - Hey! - What's up, chef? Let's go baby! 168 00:07:09,191 --> 00:07:11,495 - Yeah! - Andy! 169 00:07:11,596 --> 00:07:13,500 What's happening?! 170 00:07:14,636 --> 00:07:16,506 Let's go, girl. 171 00:07:16,606 --> 00:07:18,744 - Let's go. - Let's do it. 172 00:07:18,844 --> 00:07:20,780 - Are you good? - You and me, chef. I'm ready. 173 00:07:20,781 --> 00:07:22,217 - How're you feeling? - I feel great. 174 00:07:22,317 --> 00:07:24,921 First pick for Chef Ramsay. 175 00:07:24,922 --> 00:07:27,493 And now here we are in the basement together. 176 00:07:27,494 --> 00:07:29,933 Come on. This is a love story. 177 00:07:30,033 --> 00:07:32,904 This is what we've all been waiting for... 178 00:07:32,905 --> 00:07:34,910 and it's finally here. 179 00:07:35,010 --> 00:07:37,948 So grab that first basket, something classic. 180 00:07:38,049 --> 00:07:40,787 Then a second drop when that comes down, sort of weave it in. 181 00:07:40,788 --> 00:07:43,928 These guys are grabbing two baskets randomly. 182 00:07:44,028 --> 00:07:45,565 It's like a guessing game. They literally have to pivot 183 00:07:45,665 --> 00:07:47,702 and think quickly on their feet 184 00:07:47,802 --> 00:07:50,908 to come up with a fully uncompromising dish to blend 185 00:07:51,008 --> 00:07:53,914 both cultures on one plate. That's a hard task. 186 00:07:54,014 --> 00:07:55,149 - C'mon, you got this. - I'm ready. 187 00:07:55,150 --> 00:07:56,385 What a dream. 188 00:07:59,225 --> 00:08:00,927 Here we go. When the light's green, it's go time. 189 00:08:00,928 --> 00:08:02,665 Connor, you got a... extra 10 seconds 190 00:08:02,765 --> 00:08:04,401 because of the Time Token. 191 00:08:04,502 --> 00:08:06,337 - Here we go. - You got this, Connor. 192 00:08:06,338 --> 00:08:09,110 When the light's green it's go-time. Your time starts... 193 00:08:09,111 --> 00:08:11,081 ...right now! Let's go. 194 00:08:11,082 --> 00:08:12,818 - What do we got, dude? - We got Argentina, Spain-- 195 00:08:12,918 --> 00:08:14,956 England, USA, Argentina. 196 00:08:15,057 --> 00:08:17,595 I'm seein' gorgeous shrimp and seafood 197 00:08:17,695 --> 00:08:21,135 but paella in 30 minutes? Hell no. 198 00:08:21,235 --> 00:08:22,437 Do you like fish or meat? That's a good way to start. 199 00:08:22,438 --> 00:08:23,540 - I gotta go USA. - USA? 200 00:08:23,640 --> 00:08:25,945 I'm seein' chicken, USA. 201 00:08:26,045 --> 00:08:27,281 I've somethin' in the back of my mind just sayin', 202 00:08:27,381 --> 00:08:31,722 "USA! USA! USA!" 203 00:08:31,723 --> 00:08:33,727 - Go, go! Let's go! - C'mon, Cole! 204 00:08:33,827 --> 00:08:35,832 - Argentina, what's over here? - You got Argentina. 205 00:08:35,932 --> 00:08:36,965 - Mexico. - Do you like seafood or meat? 206 00:08:36,966 --> 00:08:39,605 - You got seafood up top. - Spain. 207 00:08:39,606 --> 00:08:41,976 Spain, perfect. I love Spanish food. 208 00:08:42,077 --> 00:08:43,714 I feel like I have the perfect fixings 209 00:08:43,814 --> 00:08:46,119 for a paella-type of situation. 210 00:08:46,219 --> 00:08:50,760 I love seafood. This is gonna go perfectly. 211 00:08:50,761 --> 00:08:52,997 Go, go, go! Go, go, go! 212 00:08:52,998 --> 00:08:56,973 Mexico, Argentina, England! 213 00:08:57,073 --> 00:09:00,613 I'm seeing this Mexico basket, like pork, pineapple. 214 00:09:00,614 --> 00:09:03,854 Yes! Okay. One down, one to go. 215 00:09:03,954 --> 00:09:05,625 I see the steak. I'm like, I want that ribeye. 216 00:09:05,725 --> 00:09:08,028 It's beautiful. Let's go to Argentina. 217 00:09:08,029 --> 00:09:10,233 - Good job. - I'm happy with this. 218 00:09:12,872 --> 00:09:14,475 Let's go. What is coming to us? 219 00:09:14,576 --> 00:09:15,878 Let's go, girl. 220 00:09:15,978 --> 00:09:17,013 Let's go! Let's go, let's go. 221 00:09:17,014 --> 00:09:19,751 - Yes, England! - Woo! What?! 222 00:09:19,752 --> 00:09:22,157 - That is incredible. - Alright. 223 00:09:22,257 --> 00:09:27,636 Fish, malt vinegar, potatoes, mayonnaise, pickles. 224 00:09:27,736 --> 00:09:30,006 I immediately see the vision for the dish. 225 00:09:30,106 --> 00:09:32,476 Fish and chips, classic. And some malt vinegar fries. 226 00:09:32,477 --> 00:09:34,749 Fish and chips with my guy?! 227 00:09:34,849 --> 00:09:37,922 We are fired up about this basket. 228 00:09:38,022 --> 00:09:40,059 - Let's do it! - That is amazing. 229 00:09:40,060 --> 00:09:42,932 - Wow, we got really lucky. - Amazing! 230 00:09:43,033 --> 00:09:46,204 Alright, guys. World Cup Fusion Dish! 231 00:09:46,205 --> 00:09:48,341 Your 30 minutes starts right now. Let's go! 232 00:09:48,342 --> 00:09:51,115 - Let's go, let's go. - This is a great grab. 233 00:09:51,215 --> 00:09:52,685 Darian, what did you grab? 234 00:09:52,686 --> 00:09:54,388 Yes, I got some beautiful ribeye steak, 235 00:09:54,488 --> 00:09:57,194 some bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes. 236 00:09:57,294 --> 00:09:59,064 Nice. What're you thinking with the peppers? 237 00:09:59,164 --> 00:10:00,702 The peppers, I'ma put them in my chimichurri. 238 00:10:00,802 --> 00:10:02,906 - Excellent. - Thank you. 239 00:10:03,006 --> 00:10:05,510 - We need music down here, chef. - Andy's a singer. 240 00:10:07,882 --> 00:10:09,652 Don't think I didn't look up your songs on Spotify. 241 00:10:09,752 --> 00:10:12,224 Wha'? Uh-oh. Call me out, chef. 242 00:10:12,324 --> 00:10:14,828 Girl, I had to! I say, "What is Andy all about?" 243 00:10:14,829 --> 00:10:17,066 Alright Andy, what'd you grab? 244 00:10:17,067 --> 00:10:19,938 I got pork chop. I'm gonna spice this up. 245 00:10:19,939 --> 00:10:23,814 Make an amazing tomato-pepper sauce to go with it underneath. 246 00:10:23,914 --> 00:10:25,717 Yum, flavors of Mexico. 247 00:10:25,718 --> 00:10:27,688 - Yes, exactly. - Incredible. 248 00:10:27,689 --> 00:10:28,957 So, what are you hoping for to go with 249 00:10:29,057 --> 00:10:31,428 your Mexican-flavored inspiration? 250 00:10:31,529 --> 00:10:33,331 I would love Italian, chef. 251 00:10:33,332 --> 00:10:34,869 Ooh, nice. 252 00:10:37,174 --> 00:10:39,244 - What are we making? - I grabbed Spain, chef. 253 00:10:39,245 --> 00:10:42,084 Right now, I'm going towards a paella-type base. 254 00:10:42,184 --> 00:10:44,087 That's how my fusion's gonna start 255 00:10:44,187 --> 00:10:45,857 but I know I can get a lot of different things 256 00:10:45,858 --> 00:10:47,727 - that can go well with that. - So I love this. 257 00:10:47,728 --> 00:10:49,833 What are you hoping for with the next basket? 258 00:10:49,933 --> 00:10:52,738 I'm hoping for something that has some spice. 259 00:10:52,739 --> 00:10:55,243 I love the idea of a jambalaya paella dish. 260 00:10:55,343 --> 00:10:57,881 Okay, so we know one thing. Paella, just like risotto, 261 00:10:57,982 --> 00:10:59,586 has got to start as soon as you can. 262 00:10:59,686 --> 00:11:01,723 Yes, chef. 263 00:11:01,823 --> 00:11:03,760 Alright Connor, what're we making? 264 00:11:03,860 --> 00:11:05,598 I got USA, baby. I'm gonna do fried chicken. America. 265 00:11:05,698 --> 00:11:07,134 Okay, fried chicken. So what basket 266 00:11:07,234 --> 00:11:09,739 would you love to see next, then? 267 00:11:09,839 --> 00:11:13,246 I think fried chicken is so, you know, versatile. 268 00:11:13,346 --> 00:11:15,750 There's Korean fried chicken. There's Japanese fried chicken. 269 00:11:15,751 --> 00:11:17,120 - Pretty classic, right? - Yes, chef. 270 00:11:17,220 --> 00:11:19,156 Hey, Connor and Cole, platform is on the move. 271 00:11:19,157 --> 00:11:21,728 Here come your second baskets, okay? 272 00:11:21,729 --> 00:11:23,734 What's gonna work with Spain and the USA? 273 00:11:23,834 --> 00:11:26,873 I'm lookin' for Korean or Japanese, 274 00:11:26,973 --> 00:11:29,278 something to give me that sticky, icky fried chicken. 275 00:11:29,378 --> 00:11:32,182 I'm gonna go Italy. The gods have spoken. 276 00:11:32,183 --> 00:11:36,024 Italy, America. Chicken parm. That's kinda classic. 277 00:11:36,025 --> 00:11:39,163 Canada, Germany, Brazil, and South Korea. 278 00:11:39,164 --> 00:11:41,467 I'm looking for something spicy, something punchy. 279 00:11:41,468 --> 00:11:44,141 Something that can really give this paella an edge. 280 00:11:44,241 --> 00:11:46,211 Five seconds left. Here's South Korea. 281 00:11:46,212 --> 00:11:48,181 Korea? Yep, perfect. 282 00:11:48,182 --> 00:11:50,319 I see a little gochujang in there. 283 00:11:50,420 --> 00:11:53,259 I know gochujang can go pretty well inside of this paella. 284 00:11:54,896 --> 00:11:57,032 Platform's on the move again, guys. 285 00:11:57,033 --> 00:11:58,770 What're you gonna use to fuse into your dish? 286 00:11:58,870 --> 00:12:01,942 You have Canada, Germany, and Brazil. 287 00:12:01,943 --> 00:12:03,947 I'ma take Germany. I got the bratwurst 288 00:12:04,047 --> 00:12:06,085 and the beer, sauerkraut... 289 00:12:06,185 --> 00:12:08,823 Challenging. I'm here for it, though. 290 00:12:08,824 --> 00:12:11,530 There's Brazil and then Canada. 291 00:12:11,630 --> 00:12:13,332 Okay, let's think. Think, think, think. 292 00:12:13,432 --> 00:12:16,172 - Five seconds. - This is game-time decision. 293 00:12:16,272 --> 00:12:17,675 Let's go! Now, now, now, now! 294 00:12:17,775 --> 00:12:20,312 Potato, cheese, sausage. 295 00:12:20,313 --> 00:12:23,786 Canada seems like the simplest basket? 296 00:12:23,787 --> 00:12:25,222 Okay, okay, okay. Cheese curds. 297 00:12:27,695 --> 00:12:30,066 Oh, my gosh. 298 00:12:30,166 --> 00:12:33,272 I've never had a Mexican-Canadian fusion dish 299 00:12:33,372 --> 00:12:34,708 in my life. 300 00:12:34,709 --> 00:12:35,977 Literally shaking. 301 00:12:35,978 --> 00:12:37,681 That was a terrible decision! 302 00:12:37,781 --> 00:12:40,120 Oh, my goodness. 303 00:12:40,220 --> 00:12:42,858 Looking at that Brazil basket go down? 304 00:12:42,958 --> 00:12:44,561 I made the wrong call. 305 00:12:50,206 --> 00:12:52,109 Here we go. Here we go, second one. 306 00:12:52,110 --> 00:12:54,549 - Here we go. We have got... - Brazil. 307 00:12:54,649 --> 00:12:57,087 ...uh, Brazil! Okay. 308 00:12:57,187 --> 00:12:58,723 - Okay. - England and Brazil. 309 00:12:58,823 --> 00:12:59,858 - Oh, my goodness. - Okay. 310 00:12:59,859 --> 00:13:01,830 England and Brazil. 311 00:13:01,930 --> 00:13:04,869 Perfect combination! You heard it here first. 312 00:13:04,969 --> 00:13:07,139 I mean, that is a perfect soccer game. 313 00:13:07,140 --> 00:13:08,610 - Cool, cool. - Let's get that absolutely true. 314 00:13:08,710 --> 00:13:10,447 Wow. 315 00:13:12,651 --> 00:13:15,991 Okay, okay, okay. What can we do with Canada? 316 00:13:16,092 --> 00:13:20,266 Let's do some boiled potatoes and make a purée out of it. 317 00:13:20,367 --> 00:13:22,837 And the sausage, I'm gonna slice that up, 318 00:13:22,838 --> 00:13:24,843 put it into my sauce. 319 00:13:24,943 --> 00:13:28,249 I'm like, "Oh, this? This going to be fire." 320 00:13:28,349 --> 00:13:30,987 Ooh, I like it, I like it. I'm getting excited! 321 00:13:30,988 --> 00:13:32,891 Twenty minutes remain, only 20 minutes. 322 00:13:32,992 --> 00:13:34,161 Alright Cole, what did you grab here? 323 00:13:34,261 --> 00:13:35,998 - I grabbed South Korea, chef. - Okay. 324 00:13:36,098 --> 00:13:38,135 Kinda what you wanted, isn't it? 325 00:13:38,136 --> 00:13:39,872 I'm gonna do a gochujang paella type of situation. 326 00:13:39,973 --> 00:13:41,609 Let's go, Cole. That sounds fire! 327 00:13:41,710 --> 00:13:43,747 - Let's get the rice going. - Yes, chef. 328 00:13:43,847 --> 00:13:46,050 Let's get the rice cooking. 329 00:13:46,051 --> 00:13:47,287 Okay, Connor. So what did we get? 330 00:13:47,387 --> 00:13:48,757 - What is our second basket? - Italy. 331 00:13:48,857 --> 00:13:50,459 - Italy! - My first thought is 332 00:13:50,460 --> 00:13:52,431 - fried chicken parmesan. - Let's go. I love it. 333 00:13:52,532 --> 00:13:54,334 An heirloom tomato sauce and American cheese. 334 00:13:54,434 --> 00:13:56,740 Italian-American, these are some of the most classic 335 00:13:56,840 --> 00:13:58,409 quintessential dishes on the planet. 336 00:13:58,510 --> 00:14:00,915 So if I can't do somethin' with this, c'mon! 337 00:14:01,015 --> 00:14:02,752 Tomato sauce has got to cook. 338 00:14:02,852 --> 00:14:04,154 You got to get your chicken breaded 339 00:14:04,254 --> 00:14:05,891 - and get that cooking. - Let's get it, baby. 340 00:14:05,991 --> 00:14:07,259 Connor, you got a lot of work to do, right? 341 00:14:07,260 --> 00:14:08,797 Yes, chef. 342 00:14:13,305 --> 00:14:15,777 Okay, Andy. You grabbed Canada. 343 00:14:15,778 --> 00:14:17,180 - How is that... - Yes. 344 00:14:17,280 --> 00:14:19,450 ...influencing your dish of fusion? 345 00:14:19,451 --> 00:14:22,757 So, I'm excited. I'm gonna do this fresh salsa 346 00:14:22,758 --> 00:14:27,466 with some grilled pineapple, with a little maple syrup. 347 00:14:27,467 --> 00:14:29,070 Bringing sweetness in from maple syrup. 348 00:14:29,171 --> 00:14:31,909 - Yes. And then a potato purée. - Yep. 349 00:14:31,910 --> 00:14:35,584 And then a tomatoey sauce. 350 00:14:35,684 --> 00:14:38,454 And I'm gonna bring in the sausage in that sauce as well. 351 00:14:38,455 --> 00:14:41,061 - Nice. Kinda chunky, rustic... - Yes. Yes. 352 00:14:41,161 --> 00:14:43,934 Excellent. Twenty-two minutes left, guys. 353 00:14:44,034 --> 00:14:46,839 I just want to get my pork going. 354 00:14:46,840 --> 00:14:49,445 Treat that pork with kindness. 355 00:14:52,216 --> 00:14:54,086 Did you grow up eating a lot of fish and chips? 356 00:14:54,087 --> 00:14:56,257 Fish and chips. That was the staple, oh my God. 357 00:14:56,258 --> 00:14:57,695 That was a... I mean, absolute staple. 358 00:14:57,795 --> 00:14:59,765 And a massive treat as well. 359 00:14:59,766 --> 00:15:02,136 I'll be honest, I've never had Brazilian fish and chips, but... 360 00:15:02,236 --> 00:15:03,573 - We're gonna do it today. - ...today is the day. 361 00:15:03,674 --> 00:15:05,611 Today is the day. 362 00:15:05,711 --> 00:15:07,814 I feel like I can toss this sausage with my peas. 363 00:15:07,815 --> 00:15:09,951 Yes, nice idea. 364 00:15:09,952 --> 00:15:11,622 I have never cooked with Brazilian sausage before 365 00:15:11,623 --> 00:15:15,996 but tossing it in with the peas is a great pairing. 366 00:15:15,997 --> 00:15:18,235 I see the cachaça and I'm like, the what? 367 00:15:18,236 --> 00:15:21,374 The ca-what? Like, what is this? 368 00:15:21,375 --> 00:15:24,515 That's like a local alcohol, so maybe the batter. 369 00:15:24,615 --> 00:15:26,520 Just a little splash in the batter, as well, yeah? 370 00:15:26,620 --> 00:15:29,124 Okay. We've already got this beer batter going. 371 00:15:29,224 --> 00:15:31,862 Why not toss a little in there 372 00:15:31,963 --> 00:15:34,000 and then use it as a deglazing agent? 373 00:15:34,100 --> 00:15:35,402 Nice. Nice, nice, nice! 374 00:15:37,574 --> 00:15:39,745 - Hey, okay! - Hello! 375 00:15:39,746 --> 00:15:41,115 Oh! This is the basement, huh? 376 00:15:41,215 --> 00:15:42,852 This is the dungeon. 377 00:15:42,952 --> 00:15:44,254 It smells of authenticity though. 378 00:15:44,354 --> 00:15:46,290 - You love it? - This is real cooking here. 379 00:15:46,291 --> 00:15:47,895 - This is grit, exactly. - Exactly that. 380 00:15:47,995 --> 00:15:49,398 What do we got going here? 381 00:15:49,498 --> 00:15:51,670 First basket was an incredible English box 382 00:15:51,770 --> 00:15:53,740 with traditional fish and chips, and then followed by... 383 00:15:53,840 --> 00:15:55,042 - Brazil. - ...Brazil. 384 00:15:55,043 --> 00:15:57,013 - Brazil-England? - Yes! 385 00:15:57,113 --> 00:15:59,284 Oh, if I had a nickel for every time 386 00:15:59,384 --> 00:16:01,288 a Brazil-England fusion dish was requested. 387 00:16:01,388 --> 00:16:03,458 It smells good, it looks good. 388 00:16:03,459 --> 00:16:05,296 - Oh, yes. - I'm gonna go upstairs, alright? 389 00:16:05,396 --> 00:16:07,300 - Okay, thanks, my man. - Have fun. Good luck. 390 00:16:07,400 --> 00:16:11,141 See you later. Take care. C'mon, score that goal. 391 00:16:11,241 --> 00:16:13,446 Guys, we're halfway down, 15 minutes to go. 392 00:16:13,547 --> 00:16:16,183 Wow. Where does the time go? 393 00:16:16,184 --> 00:16:17,922 Hello, hello, hello! 394 00:16:18,022 --> 00:16:19,892 - Hey, welcome... - There he is! 395 00:16:19,993 --> 00:16:21,161 - ...to the middle level! - How you doing? 396 00:16:21,261 --> 00:16:23,030 I'm doing fine. How're you guys doing? 397 00:16:23,031 --> 00:16:25,069 - Feeling it today. - Alexi, he said you were 398 00:16:25,169 --> 00:16:26,539 throwing an apron on and helping him as sous chef. 399 00:16:26,639 --> 00:16:28,209 Yes! 400 00:16:28,309 --> 00:16:30,346 That'd be great. 401 00:16:30,446 --> 00:16:32,751 Andy has Mexico and Canada. 402 00:16:32,851 --> 00:16:35,488 Our host countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico 403 00:16:35,489 --> 00:16:37,459 hosting the World Cup this summer. 404 00:16:37,460 --> 00:16:38,964 - Exactly. - That's right. 405 00:16:39,064 --> 00:16:40,465 Love that. Obviously, you've been 406 00:16:40,466 --> 00:16:42,236 - to Mexico and Canada. - Yes, many times. 407 00:16:42,237 --> 00:16:43,573 Have you been to Argentina or Germany? 408 00:16:43,673 --> 00:16:45,943 - Been to Argentina and Germany. - Amazing. 409 00:16:45,944 --> 00:16:48,048 And all over the place. 410 00:16:48,148 --> 00:16:50,318 Guys, Alexi's been to every country on this floor. 411 00:16:50,319 --> 00:16:52,057 - Wow. - Wow. 412 00:16:52,157 --> 00:16:53,191 He'll be tasting your dishes, so... 413 00:16:53,192 --> 00:16:54,327 here to impress, right guys? 414 00:16:54,427 --> 00:16:56,063 Well, I'm already impressed. 415 00:16:56,064 --> 00:16:57,467 Darian, have you ever played soccer? 416 00:16:57,568 --> 00:16:59,371 All my life in Jamaica. Defender, you know? 417 00:16:59,471 --> 00:17:02,110 - Reggae Boyz. - Reggae Boyz! 418 00:17:02,210 --> 00:17:05,216 Are you happy with your picks? 419 00:17:05,316 --> 00:17:07,353 - I see the wheels turning. - She's turning. 420 00:17:07,354 --> 00:17:08,957 - Okay. Alright. - Wheels turning, for sure. 421 00:17:09,057 --> 00:17:10,359 - Absolutely. - Alright, good luck. 422 00:17:10,459 --> 00:17:11,962 - Thank you. - Running out of time. Let's go! 423 00:17:12,063 --> 00:17:14,635 - Let's go, let's go! - Okay. 424 00:17:14,735 --> 00:17:17,340 How are you fusing your countries together? 425 00:17:17,440 --> 00:17:20,378 - What's the flavor profile? - So, I'm going, um, 426 00:17:20,379 --> 00:17:22,116 with the chimichurri... - Yep. 427 00:17:22,117 --> 00:17:24,689 ...for Argentina. 428 00:17:24,789 --> 00:17:27,260 You know, Germany, um... 429 00:17:27,360 --> 00:17:30,533 Argentina and Germany are very different cuisines. 430 00:17:30,534 --> 00:17:33,607 It's just two kinda difficult country to pair together 431 00:17:33,707 --> 00:17:37,146 and make sense on a plate. 432 00:17:37,246 --> 00:17:39,652 What the do you do with that? 433 00:17:39,752 --> 00:17:42,389 Y'know I cook fusion on a daily, but I've never 434 00:17:42,390 --> 00:17:45,864 done German and Argentina, so I'm like, um... 435 00:17:47,668 --> 00:17:49,639 "Holy crap, what am I gonna do with this?" 436 00:17:49,739 --> 00:17:51,274 I'ma tryna figure out what I'm gonna do here. 437 00:18:01,361 --> 00:18:03,666 The two absolute "you're going home" - it is undercooked rice 438 00:18:03,766 --> 00:18:05,838 - or undercooked chicken, right? - Yes, chef. 439 00:18:05,938 --> 00:18:07,742 Those are the two things that are gonna absolutely destroy us. 440 00:18:09,411 --> 00:18:11,682 - Oh... - Alexi, hello! 441 00:18:11,683 --> 00:18:13,585 - I Smell it! - Look who it is. 442 00:18:13,586 --> 00:18:18,462 I smell the rarefied air of the penthouse, the top floor. 443 00:18:18,563 --> 00:18:21,301 - Okay, what do we got here? - Right here I have a Korean 444 00:18:21,401 --> 00:18:24,173 and Spanish-style paella. 445 00:18:24,174 --> 00:18:26,310 - Korea and Spain. - Yes. 446 00:18:26,311 --> 00:18:28,415 Oh, my goodness. Alright, two teams that are 447 00:18:28,516 --> 00:18:30,820 definitely going to be playing in the World Cup this summer. 448 00:18:30,921 --> 00:18:33,159 Spanish cuisine is sort of like Spanish football. 449 00:18:33,259 --> 00:18:35,563 It looks really simple but it's really not. 450 00:18:35,564 --> 00:18:37,300 - There's a lot of small details. - There's a lot of layers! 451 00:18:37,400 --> 00:18:38,937 A lot of layers and complexity but ultimately 452 00:18:39,037 --> 00:18:40,574 - there's a beauty to it. - Yes. 453 00:18:40,674 --> 00:18:42,043 Get that stock in there. Let's get it cooking. 454 00:18:42,143 --> 00:18:43,478 - Heard, chef. - Okay. 455 00:18:43,580 --> 00:18:45,584 I really don't have time to chit-chat. 456 00:18:45,684 --> 00:18:48,488 I love you Alexi, but I'm trying to focus 457 00:18:48,590 --> 00:18:50,594 on getting this stuff cooked, or else 458 00:18:50,694 --> 00:18:52,497 I won't have anything for you to taste. 459 00:18:52,598 --> 00:18:54,367 - Over to Connor. - It's a pleasure, man! 460 00:18:54,468 --> 00:18:57,205 Connor is like an iconic California kid 461 00:18:57,206 --> 00:18:59,712 so he's making American fried chicken parmesan. 462 00:18:59,812 --> 00:19:02,015 We live around the corner so this better be good, 463 00:19:02,016 --> 00:19:05,590 - or else I'm gonna heckle you. - I've seen Alexi Lalas heckle 464 00:19:05,591 --> 00:19:08,361 with the best of 'em so it's just a little extra motivation 465 00:19:08,362 --> 00:19:10,600 for my to be pristine 466 00:19:10,700 --> 00:19:13,606 because I'm not trying to get roasted by that man today. 467 00:19:13,607 --> 00:19:16,378 I grew up watchin' you and seein' you on the TV. 468 00:19:16,478 --> 00:19:18,349 - So sorry you had to see that. - I got extra fire in the tank 469 00:19:18,449 --> 00:19:19,784 and it's an honor to cook for you today, Alexi. 470 00:19:19,785 --> 00:19:22,355 The pressure is on, Alexi. We're in the 90th minute. 471 00:19:22,356 --> 00:19:24,393 We got 12 minutes of stoppage time left here. 472 00:19:24,394 --> 00:19:26,130 - That's right. - We gotta push. 473 00:19:26,131 --> 00:19:27,900 I see no sweating at all here, though. 474 00:19:27,901 --> 00:19:29,605 Both of these contestants know what they're doing. 475 00:19:29,706 --> 00:19:31,743 - It's very, very obvious. - Smart man! 476 00:19:31,843 --> 00:19:34,481 I'm sweaty! I've lost two inches off the hair already, Alexi, so. 477 00:19:34,582 --> 00:19:36,350 Alright, keep going. Don't let me interrupt you. 478 00:19:36,351 --> 00:19:37,653 - Thank you. - I cannot wait to taste this. 479 00:19:37,654 --> 00:19:39,090 - Alright. - It's a pleasure. 480 00:19:39,190 --> 00:19:40,491 Thanks, Alexi. We appreciate you, man. 481 00:19:40,492 --> 00:19:43,499 Alexi, I believe that we will win. 482 00:19:43,600 --> 00:19:49,144 I believe that we will win! 483 00:19:51,081 --> 00:19:51,949 Man, what a treat. 484 00:19:54,788 --> 00:19:56,524 Alright Darian, where are we going? 485 00:19:56,525 --> 00:19:57,995 So I'm gonna roast these potatoes up. 486 00:19:58,095 --> 00:19:59,397 - You know, Germany. - Yep. 487 00:19:59,497 --> 00:20:01,301 Got the rustic vibe going on, too. 488 00:20:01,401 --> 00:20:03,840 Sauerkraut, it's sort of fermented cabbage. 489 00:20:06,211 --> 00:20:07,247 You see that pickly sort of flavor... 490 00:20:07,347 --> 00:20:08,784 It'd be good in the chimichurri. 491 00:20:08,884 --> 00:20:10,688 Really nice in your chimichurri, absolutely. 492 00:20:10,788 --> 00:20:13,527 I'm gonna use my sauerkraut in the chimichurri. 493 00:20:13,627 --> 00:20:16,298 I've never done anything like this before. But fusion... 494 00:20:16,398 --> 00:20:18,269 That's what I do best! 495 00:20:18,369 --> 00:20:20,172 That's what my entire restaurant is about. 496 00:20:20,272 --> 00:20:21,742 I'm feeling good about this. 497 00:20:24,013 --> 00:20:26,686 - Ten minutes to go, girl. - Yes. 498 00:20:26,786 --> 00:20:29,157 That's it. And then tilt that pan and flambé it. 499 00:20:29,257 --> 00:20:29,924 There you go. ! Careful. 500 00:20:29,925 --> 00:20:31,729 Woo! 501 00:20:33,600 --> 00:20:35,302 I'm gonna burn my eyebrows off! 502 00:20:35,402 --> 00:20:37,140 Bloody hells bells. 503 00:20:37,240 --> 00:20:39,710 The basement is the vibe today. 504 00:20:39,711 --> 00:20:41,715 I feel bad for the other levels. 505 00:20:41,716 --> 00:20:43,586 Whatever happens after this, 506 00:20:43,587 --> 00:20:45,156 this is gonna go down as my best day. 507 00:20:45,256 --> 00:20:47,092 - I'm telling you, girl. - Of my life. 508 00:20:47,093 --> 00:20:49,030 - Together in the basement. - And I've given birth twice, so. 509 00:20:50,534 --> 00:20:51,770 Oh my gosh, we're total besties. 510 00:20:51,870 --> 00:20:52,938 Gordon and Gab. 511 00:20:55,309 --> 00:20:56,978 We should do this again, you and I. 512 00:20:56,979 --> 00:20:59,952 Right? We're a good team. When do you want to meet up? 513 00:21:00,052 --> 00:21:03,358 I'm ready whenever. 514 00:21:03,458 --> 00:21:05,062 We are the A-Team. Come on! 515 00:21:05,162 --> 00:21:06,665 Yes, chef. 516 00:21:09,003 --> 00:21:11,576 - Eight minutes left, everyone. - Eight minutes, heard. 517 00:21:11,676 --> 00:21:14,047 Okay, what's going on, Cole? 518 00:21:14,147 --> 00:21:15,481 Feeling a little behind, chef. 519 00:21:15,482 --> 00:21:17,854 - What are we behind on? - Um, the rice. 520 00:21:17,955 --> 00:21:20,193 I need it to be cooked all the way in the next five minutes 521 00:21:20,293 --> 00:21:21,762 so I can drop my seafood in there. 522 00:21:21,763 --> 00:21:23,800 Okay. Do we have more stock to go in there? 523 00:21:23,900 --> 00:21:25,369 Heard, chef. 524 00:21:25,470 --> 00:21:26,939 It was always gonna be last minute. 525 00:21:27,039 --> 00:21:29,343 Okay, boom. 526 00:21:29,444 --> 00:21:31,748 - Okay. Chicken is frying. - Yes, chef. 527 00:21:31,749 --> 00:21:33,385 - It is? - It's gettin' close. 528 00:21:33,485 --> 00:21:35,489 Okay. It looks really good, dude. 529 00:21:35,590 --> 00:21:37,528 - Thank you, chef. - It looks really good. 530 00:21:37,628 --> 00:21:39,665 You got the cheddar cheese sliced so it'll melt on top? 531 00:21:39,765 --> 00:21:41,936 - Yeah, my cheese is right there. - Dude, I'm excited about this. 532 00:21:42,036 --> 00:21:44,372 I'm excited, too. My sauce is a little salty 533 00:21:44,373 --> 00:21:45,611 but I think it's gonna be good in the mix. 534 00:21:45,711 --> 00:21:47,479 Dude, you're locked in, man. I love it. 535 00:21:47,480 --> 00:21:48,749 Locked in, man. I'm here to frickin' bring it home. 536 00:21:48,850 --> 00:21:51,856 - You got this, Connor. - Okay, let's go. 537 00:21:54,327 --> 00:21:55,062 Get that pork outta that pan. 538 00:21:57,333 --> 00:21:58,402 - Are you slicing your pork? - No, chef. 539 00:21:58,503 --> 00:22:01,140 I'm gonna keep it whole. 540 00:22:01,141 --> 00:22:02,644 Darian, how are your potatoes? 541 00:22:02,745 --> 00:22:04,782 Delicious. It's actually really good. 542 00:22:04,882 --> 00:22:06,951 - Chef, wanna taste some of this? - I would love it. 543 00:22:06,952 --> 00:22:09,659 So this is my chimichurri I made with the sauerkraut 544 00:22:09,759 --> 00:22:11,663 - for that brightness. - Delicious. 545 00:22:11,763 --> 00:22:14,000 - Thank you, chef. - Keep going, Darian. Keep going. 546 00:22:15,904 --> 00:22:16,939 That fish is cooked beautifully. 547 00:22:18,142 --> 00:22:19,912 Mmm. 548 00:22:20,012 --> 00:22:21,548 - This is a winner, man. - Yes, it is. 549 00:22:21,549 --> 00:22:23,520 Let's move to the top. 550 00:22:23,620 --> 00:22:24,822 This is not a Gordon Ramsay fish and chips. 551 00:22:24,922 --> 00:22:26,524 This is Gabrielle's fish and chips, yes? 552 00:22:26,525 --> 00:22:27,760 This is Gabrielle's fish and chips. 553 00:22:27,761 --> 00:22:29,163 Come on, girl! 554 00:22:30,967 --> 00:22:32,670 Four minutes left. The number one thing 555 00:22:32,671 --> 00:22:34,141 is that rice has got to be cooked. 556 00:22:34,241 --> 00:22:35,976 The chicken has to be cooked. 557 00:22:35,977 --> 00:22:39,417 I want to be the mentor that keeps both of you up top. 558 00:22:39,518 --> 00:22:41,823 Okay, the rice is working in extra time. 559 00:22:41,923 --> 00:22:44,828 Yes, chef. I am sitting here with this rice 560 00:22:44,928 --> 00:22:47,834 and it's just not getting to where I need it to get. 561 00:22:47,934 --> 00:22:49,839 I'm afraid that it's not gonna be cooked all the way. 562 00:22:49,939 --> 00:22:51,541 Is the rice cooked? 563 00:22:51,542 --> 00:22:53,780 - Talk to me, Cole. - Not yet, chef. 564 00:23:00,861 --> 00:23:02,564 Three minutes left. Three minutes. 565 00:23:02,665 --> 00:23:05,435 Cole, that rice has gotta get cooked. 566 00:23:05,536 --> 00:23:07,842 - We gotta go, okay? - Yes, chef. 567 00:23:07,942 --> 00:23:10,579 Two minutes, guys. Start plating! 568 00:23:10,580 --> 00:23:11,949 Think about how these different countries 569 00:23:12,049 --> 00:23:13,752 plate differently, right? 570 00:23:13,753 --> 00:23:15,924 And how we're fusing the looks together. 571 00:23:16,024 --> 00:23:16,825 - Yes, chef. - Yes, chef! 572 00:23:18,563 --> 00:23:20,366 - Love that. On you go. - Gorge. 573 00:23:20,466 --> 00:23:22,770 - Love that! - Woo! 574 00:23:22,771 --> 00:23:24,173 Here it comes. Platform's moving, girl. 575 00:23:24,273 --> 00:23:25,442 Let's go, all the way. 576 00:23:25,543 --> 00:23:26,779 We're going all the way. 577 00:23:28,983 --> 00:23:30,719 - Wow, look at that. - Love it! 578 00:23:30,720 --> 00:23:32,456 Thank you, chef! 579 00:23:34,361 --> 00:23:36,497 Twenty seconds, guys. 580 00:23:36,498 --> 00:23:38,202 We're not missing the platform, right? 581 00:23:38,302 --> 00:23:39,437 Platform's here. 582 00:23:41,174 --> 00:23:42,611 Darian, let's go! 583 00:23:42,711 --> 00:23:44,514 Now, now, now, now! 584 00:23:44,515 --> 00:23:46,118 Wow, that was intense. 585 00:23:46,218 --> 00:23:48,789 Oh, God. 586 00:23:48,889 --> 00:23:50,760 Platform is arriving. 587 00:23:50,860 --> 00:23:53,666 Get it on the platter. Let's go, Connor. You okay? 588 00:23:53,667 --> 00:23:55,637 - Yes, chef. - Platform's here, Connor. 589 00:23:55,737 --> 00:23:57,473 - Connor, five seconds left. - Alright. 590 00:23:57,575 --> 00:23:59,376 Okay, go, go, go. 591 00:23:59,377 --> 00:24:00,613 Let's go! 592 00:24:00,614 --> 00:24:02,216 Wow. 593 00:24:09,932 --> 00:24:12,638 Let's have a look at these beauties. 594 00:24:12,738 --> 00:24:16,779 Oh, my goodness me. Wowza. 595 00:24:16,879 --> 00:24:19,685 - What an exciting challenge! - Yes, chef. 596 00:24:19,785 --> 00:24:21,689 Is this a celebration of the World Cup or what? 597 00:24:21,789 --> 00:24:23,691 This is, y'know, this is kinda like knee deep in a World Cup. 598 00:24:23,692 --> 00:24:24,661 - Mm-hm. - Some great countries. 599 00:24:24,761 --> 00:24:27,098 They all look wonderful. 600 00:24:27,099 --> 00:24:29,537 Shall we start at the top level, please? 601 00:24:29,538 --> 00:24:31,374 - Yeah, let's do it. Over here. - Yes, of course. 602 00:24:31,474 --> 00:24:32,645 I'm so used to you being 603 00:24:32,745 --> 00:24:34,280 in the basement. I'm so sorry. 604 00:24:34,380 --> 00:24:35,649 No worries. 605 00:24:35,650 --> 00:24:37,821 This chef had to fuse 606 00:24:37,921 --> 00:24:40,159 - the USA and Italy. - Right. 607 00:24:40,259 --> 00:24:42,931 They made a Fried Chicken Parmesan 608 00:24:43,031 --> 00:24:46,304 with a homemade tomato sauce and roasted potatoes. 609 00:24:46,404 --> 00:24:48,810 - That is good. - I think this is 610 00:24:48,910 --> 00:24:50,981 an incredible way to fuse two different dishes together. 611 00:24:51,081 --> 00:24:52,817 You take the classic elements of a dish 612 00:24:52,917 --> 00:24:54,955 and you sort of reinvent it. 613 00:24:55,055 --> 00:24:57,828 Cheddar cheese works really well with the crispiness 614 00:24:57,928 --> 00:25:00,699 and the richness of the fried chicken. 615 00:25:00,700 --> 00:25:03,138 Chicken's cooked beautifully. It's heavily battered 616 00:25:03,239 --> 00:25:05,843 so it just needs a touch more salt, but it's really good. 617 00:25:05,844 --> 00:25:07,412 Yeah, I think this chef did a great job combining 618 00:25:07,413 --> 00:25:09,551 the USA and Italy. 619 00:25:09,651 --> 00:25:10,954 I wish maybe I got a little more brightness 620 00:25:11,054 --> 00:25:12,757 out of the tomatoes, but it's a minor quip. 621 00:25:15,229 --> 00:25:18,869 Okay next up, we have a Gochujang Paella. 622 00:25:18,870 --> 00:25:20,773 This chef had Spain and South Korea. 623 00:25:24,682 --> 00:25:26,752 Spain, as we know on the soccer field, 624 00:25:26,753 --> 00:25:29,857 are incredibly complex in what they do. 625 00:25:29,858 --> 00:25:32,262 But there is also a simplicity underneath it. 626 00:25:32,263 --> 00:25:34,032 I get a little bit of that. It's got a little zing. 627 00:25:34,033 --> 00:25:36,739 - Very good. - Yeah, really nice composition. 628 00:25:36,839 --> 00:25:39,243 Great presentation. Definitely reads paella. 629 00:25:39,343 --> 00:25:41,715 The part that I'm searching for is that Korean element. 630 00:25:41,815 --> 00:25:45,254 The gochujang, definitely understated. 631 00:25:45,255 --> 00:25:46,892 Smart combination. Really good grab. 632 00:25:46,893 --> 00:25:49,864 Rice needs another 90 seconds. 633 00:25:49,865 --> 00:25:52,035 Just needs to be bloomed a bit more. 634 00:25:52,036 --> 00:25:53,739 Yeah, I think the rice is a little bit undercooked. 635 00:25:53,839 --> 00:25:56,276 I would have loved to see a finishing aioli 636 00:25:56,277 --> 00:25:59,050 or something else to just break through some of the salinity. 637 00:25:59,150 --> 00:26:01,355 At this stage in the game, there's only five of us. 638 00:26:01,455 --> 00:26:02,624 There's no room for mistakes. 639 00:26:02,724 --> 00:26:04,627 There's no room for errors. 640 00:26:04,628 --> 00:26:06,298 I could be looking at elimination cook. 641 00:26:06,398 --> 00:26:09,069 And that means my future in the finale is on the line. 642 00:26:11,876 --> 00:26:14,045 Okay, let's move to the middle level, please. 643 00:26:14,046 --> 00:26:17,353 First up, this chef had Mexico and Canada. 644 00:26:17,453 --> 00:26:18,387 That's a tough combination, isn't it? 645 00:26:18,388 --> 00:26:19,892 Yes, definitely. 646 00:26:19,992 --> 00:26:22,664 Here we have a Cumin-scented Pork Chop 647 00:26:22,764 --> 00:26:26,638 with a charred pineapple salsa and elk sausage. 648 00:26:26,639 --> 00:26:28,074 There's some maple syrup that was used 649 00:26:28,075 --> 00:26:31,180 in the sweetness of the salsa, as well. 650 00:26:31,181 --> 00:26:33,952 The thing I'm struggling with is I think it would be hard 651 00:26:33,953 --> 00:26:36,958 for me to pick out what the countries were. 652 00:26:36,959 --> 00:26:38,695 Pork, a little bit chewy on the fatty side 653 00:26:38,696 --> 00:26:41,067 and a little overcooked for me. 654 00:26:41,168 --> 00:26:44,206 It's a tough grab because of the Canadian influence with elk 655 00:26:44,307 --> 00:26:46,512 on top of a pork chop - you've got your work cut out there. 656 00:26:46,612 --> 00:26:47,947 Exceptional. 657 00:26:50,486 --> 00:26:53,927 Next up, we are heading to Argentina by way of Germany. 658 00:26:54,027 --> 00:26:56,965 This is a Spiced Rubbed Ribeye 659 00:26:56,966 --> 00:27:00,305 served with a bratwurst demi-glace 660 00:27:00,405 --> 00:27:03,112 and a sauerkraut chimi. 661 00:27:03,212 --> 00:27:05,082 Now, this is fusion. I'm really interested 662 00:27:05,182 --> 00:27:06,250 in what this is gonna taste like. 663 00:27:09,057 --> 00:27:11,094 That's good. And I like mine mooing. 664 00:27:11,194 --> 00:27:15,503 So this is well cooked for me. That's good. 665 00:27:15,504 --> 00:27:18,075 Ribeye's cooked beautifully. Smart move with the sauerkraut. 666 00:27:18,175 --> 00:27:20,947 It's actually delicious. It's a really good combination. 667 00:27:21,047 --> 00:27:24,987 We asked for two World Cup nations that play together 668 00:27:24,988 --> 00:27:27,960 and this is a great composition of that. 669 00:27:27,961 --> 00:27:32,236 Yeah, sauerkraut chimichurri does not sound like something 670 00:27:32,336 --> 00:27:35,241 that I want to enjoy, but I do really, really enjoy it. 671 00:27:35,242 --> 00:27:37,179 I'll take that back to my kitchen and play around with it. 672 00:27:38,950 --> 00:27:40,319 Fancy coming down to the basement 673 00:27:40,419 --> 00:27:42,122 for some fish and chips? 674 00:27:42,123 --> 00:27:44,259 Big old party down there on the bottom floor. 675 00:27:44,260 --> 00:27:47,265 So this is a English-Brazilian fusion. 676 00:27:47,266 --> 00:27:50,739 Beer Battered Fish and Chips with a caramelized sausage, 677 00:27:50,740 --> 00:27:53,245 fresh pea with mint, vinegar fries 678 00:27:53,345 --> 00:27:56,283 and that Brazilian liqueur is in the batter. 679 00:27:56,384 --> 00:27:58,589 Yeah, I want to hear this one 'cause it looks so crunchy. 680 00:28:00,459 --> 00:28:01,861 Yes. 681 00:28:01,862 --> 00:28:04,066 Oh, the crunchy bits. 682 00:28:07,908 --> 00:28:09,745 I mean, a classic type of matchup when it comes 683 00:28:09,845 --> 00:28:12,049 to international soccer here. 684 00:28:12,149 --> 00:28:14,320 Usually it's the English that will be whining and crying 685 00:28:14,420 --> 00:28:17,058 about everything, whether it's on the field or off the field. 686 00:28:17,059 --> 00:28:20,197 I would think the Brazilians would taste this and say, 687 00:28:20,198 --> 00:28:22,168 "There's not enough Brazil! We need more Brazil!" 688 00:28:22,169 --> 00:28:24,874 By the way, it's the same here. Usually, uh... 689 00:28:24,975 --> 00:28:26,878 the English are whining a little bit more than everyone else. 690 00:28:26,879 --> 00:28:28,783 I just would like to address the room. 691 00:28:28,883 --> 00:28:32,056 I'm actually Scottish. 692 00:28:32,156 --> 00:28:35,060 Visually it's hard to find Brazil in the dish visually, 693 00:28:35,061 --> 00:28:37,901 but when you taste it... when you taste it 694 00:28:38,001 --> 00:28:40,071 you do get the notes from the sausage 695 00:28:40,072 --> 00:28:43,077 and really smart use of the liqueur in the batter. 696 00:28:43,078 --> 00:28:44,914 Really, really delicious. 697 00:28:44,915 --> 00:28:47,185 The cachaça works really well. 698 00:28:47,286 --> 00:28:49,390 It really adds the crispiness in the batter. Really smart. 699 00:28:52,430 --> 00:28:55,102 Okay, Richard, Nyesha and I have got a lot to talk about 700 00:28:55,202 --> 00:28:57,438 but in the meantime, give a big round of applause 701 00:28:57,439 --> 00:29:00,780 for this incredible legend. And the very best of luck... 702 00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:02,082 Let's go, champ! Let's get it! 703 00:29:02,183 --> 00:29:05,956 ...hosting the World Cup soon, on Fox. 704 00:29:05,957 --> 00:29:07,926 America! Happy birthday, America! 705 00:29:10,933 --> 00:29:12,202 Right. You five, well done. 706 00:29:12,302 --> 00:29:14,239 Chat amongst yourselves, grab a ball. 707 00:29:14,240 --> 00:29:16,844 Andy go in goal and take some penalties. 708 00:29:16,845 --> 00:29:17,946 We'll be back in a moment, please. 709 00:29:17,947 --> 00:29:20,251 Let's go. 710 00:29:20,252 --> 00:29:21,922 - Get it, girl. - Like when I was-- 711 00:29:23,191 --> 00:29:24,560 - Nice. - Okay. 712 00:29:24,561 --> 00:29:26,130 Okay, tricks. 713 00:29:26,230 --> 00:29:27,566 - Yes, Coles. - There it is. 714 00:29:27,567 --> 00:29:29,002 - Please. - Oh, my God. 715 00:29:29,003 --> 00:29:30,940 Right, shall we start on the top floor? 716 00:29:31,040 --> 00:29:34,113 Yes, I think the American fried chicken parmesan tast-- 717 00:29:34,213 --> 00:29:36,483 - Winner. - Under-seasoned for me. 718 00:29:36,484 --> 00:29:40,358 I think that's a great way to fuse two nations together. 719 00:29:40,458 --> 00:29:43,232 Unfortunately the paella, which was Spain and South Korea, 720 00:29:43,332 --> 00:29:45,870 - just didn't execute. - It read more paella 721 00:29:45,970 --> 00:29:47,974 - than a fusion dish. - Also some of those rice kernels 722 00:29:47,975 --> 00:29:49,745 - were a bit crunchy. - Definitely underdone. 723 00:29:49,845 --> 00:29:52,282 Damn, that rice will be my demise. 724 00:29:52,382 --> 00:29:55,154 We're in the basement, fish chips was exceptional. 725 00:29:55,155 --> 00:29:57,259 And very smart to use the Brazilian liqueur in the batter. 726 00:29:57,359 --> 00:29:59,563 - Really smart. It's delicious. - Middle floor. 727 00:29:59,564 --> 00:30:01,267 The pork chop was slightly overdone. 728 00:30:01,367 --> 00:30:03,404 - It was a bit dry, sadly. - Definitely. 729 00:30:03,506 --> 00:30:06,845 I think the other chef, the Argentinian and Germany, 730 00:30:06,846 --> 00:30:08,749 those were two hard flavors to put together. 731 00:30:08,750 --> 00:30:10,252 - They were good. - Sauerkraut chimichurri. 732 00:30:10,352 --> 00:30:12,389 That was my favorite dish of the night. 733 00:30:12,489 --> 00:30:14,528 I know that you're flipping out. I can see it. 734 00:30:14,628 --> 00:30:16,565 I would've preferred seeing a touch more caramelization 735 00:30:16,666 --> 00:30:19,604 on that ribeye, because it was just a little bit under-seared. 736 00:30:21,407 --> 00:30:23,679 It's just like every bite was a surprise. 737 00:30:23,680 --> 00:30:26,283 I think for me, that was the best fusion of two countries. 738 00:30:26,384 --> 00:30:27,754 - That was the Lionel Messi of... - Yeah. 739 00:30:27,854 --> 00:30:29,891 ...dishes for me. 740 00:30:29,991 --> 00:30:32,162 Definitely a close second to the fish and chips. 741 00:30:32,263 --> 00:30:34,166 Fish and chips, absolutely decadent. 742 00:30:34,266 --> 00:30:35,903 - Yeah, number one. - No, for me, the best dish-- 743 00:30:36,003 --> 00:30:37,272 If it had more of a Brazilian influence, 744 00:30:37,273 --> 00:30:39,009 - it would be number one. - That's what I mean. 745 00:30:39,010 --> 00:30:41,146 - It's the ribeye steak. - Oh, I disagree. 746 00:30:41,147 --> 00:30:42,883 - Sauerkraut chimichurri?! - Your best dish of the night? 747 00:30:42,884 --> 00:30:44,920 Argentina and Germany 748 00:30:44,921 --> 00:30:47,292 is damn near impossible to fuse together. 749 00:30:47,392 --> 00:30:49,596 Are you two, uh... plotting something here? 750 00:30:49,597 --> 00:30:51,634 'Cause the fish and chips was obvious for me. 751 00:30:51,635 --> 00:30:53,605 Wow. Okay, wow. 752 00:31:02,356 --> 00:31:03,926 Alright... 753 00:31:04,027 --> 00:31:05,896 There was one dish that scored today. 754 00:31:07,700 --> 00:31:09,136 And that dish was cooked by... 755 00:31:11,474 --> 00:31:13,646 Darian. 756 00:31:13,746 --> 00:31:14,948 Great job. 757 00:31:15,049 --> 00:31:16,785 - Yes! - Thank you. 758 00:31:16,885 --> 00:31:19,457 GOAL! 759 00:31:19,558 --> 00:31:22,963 I'm in semi-finals. Let's GO! 760 00:31:22,964 --> 00:31:25,468 - Darian, congratulations. - Whoo! 761 00:31:25,569 --> 00:31:28,074 You'll be cooking in that top level kitchen... 762 00:31:28,174 --> 00:31:31,080 - Watch out! - ...next time, in our semi-final. 763 00:31:31,081 --> 00:31:32,349 - Thank you so much. - An extra 10 seconds. 764 00:31:32,449 --> 00:31:36,123 Appreciate you, chef. Much love. Look at this. 765 00:31:36,124 --> 00:31:37,861 I'm very proud. Very proud of myself. 766 00:31:37,961 --> 00:31:40,231 First one into the semi-final. 767 00:31:40,232 --> 00:31:42,536 One step closer to the championship, chef. 768 00:31:42,537 --> 00:31:45,109 Cooking is what get me to this point in my life. 769 00:31:45,209 --> 00:31:47,112 And I'm always grateful for that. 770 00:31:47,212 --> 00:31:49,115 And I'm still loving every second of it. 771 00:31:49,116 --> 00:31:51,487 Okay, so unfortunately, 772 00:31:51,589 --> 00:31:54,595 the chefs who are heading into the elimination today are... 773 00:31:57,533 --> 00:31:59,269 ...Cole. 774 00:32:03,111 --> 00:32:06,117 - And Andy. - Yep. 775 00:32:06,217 --> 00:32:09,289 Okay, Andy, Cole, for this elimination cook-off 776 00:32:09,290 --> 00:32:13,899 we are paying tribute to our guest, Alexi's roots. 777 00:32:13,900 --> 00:32:16,270 He may be an American soccer legend 778 00:32:16,271 --> 00:32:19,242 but his family heritage is from Greece. 779 00:32:19,243 --> 00:32:21,849 - Mm-hm. - So in honor of that 780 00:32:21,949 --> 00:32:24,287 you're both gonna have 25 minutes 781 00:32:24,387 --> 00:32:28,161 to create a Next Level Greek entrée. 782 00:32:28,261 --> 00:32:29,898 Okay, all of you, head to the elevator 783 00:32:29,998 --> 00:32:31,266 and I'll see you on the top floor. 784 00:32:31,267 --> 00:32:32,903 - Good luck, both of you. Focus. - Let's go. 785 00:32:32,904 --> 00:32:33,906 - Good luck, guys. - Thank you. 786 00:32:34,006 --> 00:32:36,310 - Let's go. - Wow. 787 00:32:36,311 --> 00:32:38,715 That is a battle I didn't think we'd be witnessing tonight. 788 00:32:38,716 --> 00:32:42,056 It's my worst outcome to have two of my mentees, 789 00:32:42,156 --> 00:32:44,326 Andy and Cole, go head-to-head in an elimination. 790 00:32:44,426 --> 00:32:46,731 - Come on, my girls. - Yeah. 791 00:32:46,732 --> 00:32:49,202 It's gonna be devastating saying goodbye to either of them. 792 00:32:49,203 --> 00:32:50,238 You got this. 793 00:32:55,415 --> 00:32:57,686 - Let's go, baby. Let's go. - Y'all got it. 794 00:32:57,687 --> 00:33:00,290 Love my girl, Andy, and I hope she does her absolute best. 795 00:33:00,291 --> 00:33:01,896 And I'm gonna be doing my absolute best. 796 00:33:01,996 --> 00:33:03,198 Alright, everyone. How're we doing? 797 00:33:03,298 --> 00:33:04,333 - Hey, chef. - Much love. 798 00:33:04,433 --> 00:33:05,936 At the end of the day everybody 799 00:33:05,937 --> 00:33:06,904 was supposed to leave except me. 800 00:33:06,905 --> 00:33:08,576 So, bring it. 801 00:33:08,676 --> 00:33:12,684 Now we're into the World Cup knockout phase. 802 00:33:12,784 --> 00:33:14,219 - High-pressure moments. - Yes, chef. 803 00:33:14,220 --> 00:33:16,323 Okay, you have 25 minutes 804 00:33:16,424 --> 00:33:19,328 to create a Next Level Greek entrée 805 00:33:19,329 --> 00:33:22,201 inspired by Alexi Lalas. Hands on the wall. 806 00:33:22,202 --> 00:33:24,072 - Let's go. - Let's go, girls. 807 00:33:26,477 --> 00:33:28,347 - Platform is on the way. - Moving, girls. 808 00:33:28,348 --> 00:33:31,321 - And... go! - Go, go, go. 809 00:33:31,421 --> 00:33:33,325 Alright, so we got racks of lamb. 810 00:33:33,425 --> 00:33:35,729 We got feta cheese, tomatoes. 811 00:33:35,730 --> 00:33:41,339 I see some figs, some grapes, pistachio, eggplant. 812 00:33:41,340 --> 00:33:44,112 - This is classic Greek. - Get some herbs! 813 00:33:44,213 --> 00:33:46,217 Everything green, give it to me. 814 00:33:46,317 --> 00:33:48,622 Chives, rosemary, mint. 815 00:33:48,722 --> 00:33:51,227 I want all of it because I know that's gonna bring some punch 816 00:33:51,327 --> 00:33:53,129 and pack some flavor into my dish. 817 00:33:53,130 --> 00:33:55,000 Olives, tomatoes! 818 00:33:55,001 --> 00:33:56,838 The platform is literally moving up 819 00:33:56,839 --> 00:33:58,743 and I'm like Supermanning 820 00:33:58,843 --> 00:34:01,114 - to get the cherry tomatoes. - Go, babe, go! 821 00:34:01,214 --> 00:34:02,483 Grab it or regret it! There you go. 822 00:34:02,584 --> 00:34:03,852 - Dang! - Yeah, it was a good grab. 823 00:34:05,723 --> 00:34:08,094 Alright, your 25 minutes starts right now. 824 00:34:08,194 --> 00:34:10,098 Heard, chef. 825 00:34:10,199 --> 00:34:12,001 - Take a second. - You're good, Andy. 826 00:34:12,002 --> 00:34:13,971 If you're gonna leave this rack whole 827 00:34:13,972 --> 00:34:15,509 you gotta get it scored and seared 828 00:34:15,610 --> 00:34:17,646 and in the oven as quick as you can. 829 00:34:17,647 --> 00:34:20,384 But it has to go now if you're gonna leave it whole. 830 00:34:20,385 --> 00:34:22,255 Yes, chef. So I have about 10 seconds 831 00:34:22,256 --> 00:34:24,126 to really figure this out. 832 00:34:24,226 --> 00:34:26,130 I can leave it whole, but if I leave it whole 833 00:34:26,230 --> 00:34:27,833 I run the risk of undercooking it. 834 00:34:31,742 --> 00:34:33,411 Alright, Andy, what are we thinking dish-wise here? 835 00:34:33,513 --> 00:34:36,283 Chef, I am doing a pistachio-crusted lamb 836 00:34:36,284 --> 00:34:39,422 with feta, pistachio, a fennel salad, 837 00:34:39,423 --> 00:34:42,898 - And also some roasted potatoes. - Okay, I love it. 838 00:34:42,998 --> 00:34:44,700 I'm feeling good about the lamb. 839 00:34:44,701 --> 00:34:48,041 I just have to get that searing right away. 840 00:34:48,141 --> 00:34:49,442 What's your plan for the grapes? 841 00:34:49,443 --> 00:34:51,547 Um, I'm gonna sauté them. 842 00:34:51,548 --> 00:34:53,184 - Get it in the pan. - Just throw it in. 843 00:34:53,284 --> 00:34:54,721 Put in some herbs and some butter. 844 00:34:54,821 --> 00:34:56,724 - Crack a garlic. - Give me a second, guys. 845 00:34:56,725 --> 00:34:58,662 - Okay, cool. Alright. - Take your time, Andy. 846 00:35:00,265 --> 00:35:02,201 Five minutes down. 847 00:35:02,202 --> 00:35:04,305 Okay, so what's the dish called? What do we got? 848 00:35:04,306 --> 00:35:06,911 I'm gonna do a preserved lemon type of tzatziki, chef. 849 00:35:06,912 --> 00:35:08,448 Okay. Do you have yogurt? 850 00:35:08,549 --> 00:35:11,187 I do have yogurt and I have mint. 851 00:35:11,287 --> 00:35:13,290 - You'll leave the lamb whole? - Yes, chef. 852 00:35:13,391 --> 00:35:15,562 I love it. The lamb's gotta get in the oven as soon as we can. 853 00:35:15,563 --> 00:35:17,165 Get the other side seared real quick. 854 00:35:17,265 --> 00:35:18,734 - Get it in the oven right away. - Yes, chef. 855 00:35:18,735 --> 00:35:20,338 Only seventeen and a half minutes left. 856 00:35:20,438 --> 00:35:22,309 Agh! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon! 857 00:35:22,409 --> 00:35:23,778 - You're good, Andy. - You're good. 858 00:35:25,182 --> 00:35:27,184 Take a breath, Andy. 859 00:35:27,185 --> 00:35:29,090 - Okay! - You got it, Andy. 860 00:35:29,190 --> 00:35:31,360 - Let's go. In the oven. - Yes, chef. 861 00:35:31,460 --> 00:35:33,365 - Alright, how're we doing, Cole? - I'm doing good, chef. 862 00:35:33,465 --> 00:35:35,200 Get it seared, but the most important part 863 00:35:35,201 --> 00:35:36,871 - is getting it in that oven. - Yes, chef. 864 00:35:36,972 --> 00:35:39,042 I like it, you have rosemary in there. Basty, baste, baste. 865 00:35:39,143 --> 00:35:40,477 Sear all sides, right into the oven. 866 00:35:40,478 --> 00:35:41,581 It's got to happen in the next 60 seconds. 867 00:35:41,681 --> 00:35:43,051 - Heard, chef. - Good work. 868 00:35:43,151 --> 00:35:44,052 There you go. 869 00:35:44,153 --> 00:35:45,322 Ten minutes down. 870 00:35:45,422 --> 00:35:47,459 Fifteen minutes left only. 871 00:35:47,560 --> 00:35:49,463 Love all the greens, Cole. You're good, Andy. 872 00:35:49,565 --> 00:35:52,469 - You're good. - Oh, ! 873 00:35:52,571 --> 00:35:55,341 - What's the matter? - That wasn't on. 874 00:35:55,441 --> 00:35:57,947 - What is that, potatoes going? - Yes, chef. 875 00:35:58,047 --> 00:36:00,351 - You got 12 minutes, Andy. - Oh, my God. 876 00:36:00,451 --> 00:36:02,088 Turn the potatoes on. This fire's out on the potatoes. 877 00:36:02,089 --> 00:36:04,492 Ooh... 878 00:36:04,493 --> 00:36:06,531 Focus. 879 00:36:06,532 --> 00:36:09,002 Oh, no! 880 00:36:16,619 --> 00:36:18,487 (Ten minutes left. 881 00:36:18,588 --> 00:36:20,125 I love the pace. Keep it up, Andy. Keep it up, Cole. 882 00:36:20,225 --> 00:36:22,228 Beautiful, Andy. 883 00:36:22,229 --> 00:36:24,232 - Yeah? You good? - Yeah. 884 00:36:24,233 --> 00:36:25,636 Just make sure the potatoes are cooked. 885 00:36:25,736 --> 00:36:28,509 Yes, chef. I just need to get these 886 00:36:28,609 --> 00:36:30,812 potatoes in the frying pan, sauté them up a little bit. 887 00:36:30,813 --> 00:36:32,684 Toast, toast, toast, toast! Here we go. 888 00:36:32,784 --> 00:36:34,720 Just... I need them to just be a little crispy. 889 00:36:34,721 --> 00:36:36,691 It's gonna be close. 890 00:36:36,791 --> 00:36:38,828 You got your crumble working and then that's gonna be 891 00:36:38,829 --> 00:36:40,431 a mixture with the eggplant and those grapes, 892 00:36:40,532 --> 00:36:42,002 - and/or figs, right? - Yes, chef. 893 00:36:42,102 --> 00:36:44,106 Let's go. Great job, chef. 894 00:36:44,206 --> 00:36:46,644 I need to check my lamb. 895 00:36:46,645 --> 00:36:49,416 I am so nervous about the lamb. If there's anything 896 00:36:49,517 --> 00:36:51,386 that could send me home in this cook right now, 897 00:36:51,387 --> 00:36:53,559 it is undercooked lamb. 898 00:36:53,659 --> 00:36:55,161 Okay, it needs more time. 899 00:36:55,261 --> 00:36:56,430 Get the tomatoes right in that pan. 900 00:36:56,431 --> 00:36:59,537 Four minutes left! 901 00:36:59,538 --> 00:37:02,441 Check your lamb, Andy, yeah? I think this one's done, yeah? 902 00:37:02,442 --> 00:37:04,412 Yep, they're done. They're ready to rest. 903 00:37:04,413 --> 00:37:06,685 - Looks good, Andy. - I'm nervous about this lamb. 904 00:37:06,785 --> 00:37:08,420 Think about what this plate looks like. 905 00:37:08,421 --> 00:37:10,292 - You got it. - Here you go, Cole. 906 00:37:10,392 --> 00:37:11,594 Cole, you're good, baby. 907 00:37:11,695 --> 00:37:13,566 Two minutes left. You can start plating. 908 00:37:13,666 --> 00:37:15,168 It's go time, gotta go now. 909 00:37:15,268 --> 00:37:17,305 Visualize the plate. 910 00:37:17,306 --> 00:37:18,575 Put every bit of trust into this. 911 00:37:18,675 --> 00:37:21,948 Beautiful. Shine it up, baby. 912 00:37:21,949 --> 00:37:24,586 - Grab that beautiful crust. - Let that lay up. 913 00:37:24,587 --> 00:37:25,889 - There you go! - Gorgeous, gorgeous. 914 00:37:25,890 --> 00:37:27,560 Incredible. 915 00:37:27,660 --> 00:37:29,697 Thirty seconds. I love it. 916 00:37:29,698 --> 00:37:31,200 Okay, let's get it on a plate, too. Gotta get it on the plate. 917 00:37:31,300 --> 00:37:33,303 Beautiful, chef! 918 00:37:33,304 --> 00:37:35,307 I love it, I love it. Okay, boom. 919 00:37:35,308 --> 00:37:36,578 Gorgeous. Let's go. 920 00:37:36,679 --> 00:37:38,715 - Five, four... - Good job, there you go. 921 00:37:38,815 --> 00:37:40,184 - ...three... - That's how you spend your time. 922 00:37:40,284 --> 00:37:41,922 ...two, one. Hands up! 923 00:37:45,162 --> 00:37:46,497 It's tough. 924 00:37:46,598 --> 00:37:48,200 This cook determines whether I stay 925 00:37:48,300 --> 00:37:50,004 in this competition or not. 926 00:37:50,104 --> 00:37:53,076 It's tough to not know what the outcome is gonna be 927 00:37:53,077 --> 00:37:55,716 until they cut into that lamb. 928 00:37:55,816 --> 00:37:57,887 - Good job, girl. - Looks beautiful, chef. 929 00:38:01,426 --> 00:38:03,999 Nyesha, Gordon, incredible cook, 930 00:38:04,099 --> 00:38:06,571 and both chefs absolutely gave it everything they had. 931 00:38:08,041 --> 00:38:10,611 We'll start right here. 932 00:38:10,612 --> 00:38:14,888 This is a Pan-Roasted Lamb with a feta and fig sauce 933 00:38:14,988 --> 00:38:17,660 with eggplant, potatoes, and a pistachio crumble. 934 00:38:25,308 --> 00:38:26,578 Lamb is seasoned beautifully. 935 00:38:28,347 --> 00:38:29,617 And there's some really nice 936 00:38:29,718 --> 00:38:32,756 Mediterranean Greek flavors in here. 937 00:38:32,757 --> 00:38:35,630 The one issue I've got: It's about 90 seconds over. 938 00:38:35,730 --> 00:38:38,400 The lamb's running from mid-rare. 939 00:38:38,401 --> 00:38:39,671 I know they sit and they rest 940 00:38:39,771 --> 00:38:43,678 but it's sort of running to medium. 941 00:38:43,679 --> 00:38:46,417 But it's still juicy and it is seasoned beautifully. 942 00:38:46,518 --> 00:38:48,955 Yeah, great flavors. 943 00:38:48,956 --> 00:38:51,661 I love the salty, briny notes coming from the feta cheese 944 00:38:51,761 --> 00:38:54,298 and the sweet balance of the roasted grapes. 945 00:38:54,299 --> 00:38:56,036 It brings a lovely depth of flavor. 946 00:38:56,137 --> 00:38:57,739 Really nice dish. 947 00:38:57,740 --> 00:38:59,644 Next up, we have 948 00:38:59,744 --> 00:39:02,549 a Honey-Spiced Roasted Rack of Lamb 949 00:39:02,550 --> 00:39:05,421 with a warm Greek potato and olive salad 950 00:39:05,522 --> 00:39:07,358 and an herbed yogurt sauce. 951 00:39:20,184 --> 00:39:24,594 The lamb is cooked beautifully, very well rested, juicy, 952 00:39:24,694 --> 00:39:27,966 and I love the richness coming from the herbed yogurt sauce. 953 00:39:27,967 --> 00:39:29,570 As something as humble and simple as a potato, 954 00:39:29,670 --> 00:39:30,772 it's cooked perfectly. 955 00:39:33,077 --> 00:39:36,417 Another good dish. Lamb is seasoned beautifully. 956 00:39:36,518 --> 00:39:38,588 But inside it's just the perfect pink. 957 00:39:38,688 --> 00:39:41,961 This yogurt dressing with the potatoes, it's so on-point 958 00:39:42,061 --> 00:39:44,432 but when you've got such a high cap of fat like that 959 00:39:44,433 --> 00:39:46,002 I'd trim that off a little bit 960 00:39:46,003 --> 00:39:47,171 because it's just a little bit excessive. 961 00:39:49,677 --> 00:39:51,615 Nyesha, I'm gonna start with you. 962 00:39:51,715 --> 00:39:55,355 Which dish will you be eliminating tonight? 963 00:40:00,331 --> 00:40:00,932 The dish that I'm eliminating... 964 00:40:03,739 --> 00:40:05,876 ...is the lamb with the feta and fig. 965 00:40:08,314 --> 00:40:09,883 Just straight to the points, 966 00:40:09,884 --> 00:40:12,456 the pistachio one is cooked with flair, 967 00:40:12,557 --> 00:40:15,361 the lamb rack is cooked with confidence. 968 00:40:15,461 --> 00:40:17,199 The dish I'm sending home 969 00:40:17,299 --> 00:40:19,102 is gonna be the lamb with the... 970 00:40:21,240 --> 00:40:22,208 pistachios. 971 00:40:24,479 --> 00:40:26,250 That dish was cooked by Andy. 972 00:40:28,087 --> 00:40:30,893 Ah, shoot. 973 00:40:30,993 --> 00:40:34,768 Andy, I get the talent before coming in here, 974 00:40:34,868 --> 00:40:37,740 but I just want to talk to you chef-to-chef. 975 00:40:37,840 --> 00:40:39,877 I'll make one thing clear, there's a future 976 00:40:39,977 --> 00:40:41,648 - in food for you. - Thank you. 977 00:40:41,748 --> 00:40:44,184 You've really honed in 978 00:40:44,185 --> 00:40:47,760 your craft while you spent time in these Next Level kitchens. 979 00:40:47,860 --> 00:40:49,997 It's been just an honor to be a part of that journey with you. 980 00:40:50,097 --> 00:40:51,634 We're gonna miss you, girl. 981 00:40:51,635 --> 00:40:53,505 This is a dream come true. 982 00:40:53,605 --> 00:40:55,943 I never imagined I would be here. 983 00:40:56,043 --> 00:40:59,182 I grew up in West... in West Africa. 984 00:40:59,282 --> 00:41:02,087 So coming to America, the way my life has unfolded 985 00:41:02,088 --> 00:41:05,830 is truly an example of what's possible. 986 00:41:05,930 --> 00:41:09,670 And this beautiful seed of food and love of cooking in my heart 987 00:41:09,770 --> 00:41:12,910 that has been watered and nurtured by all three of you - 988 00:41:13,010 --> 00:41:15,648 I'm just so excited to keep going and letting it bloom 989 00:41:15,649 --> 00:41:19,088 and continuing to share my heart and my love for food. 990 00:41:19,089 --> 00:41:21,794 - So thank you, thank you... - Do not stop there. 991 00:41:21,795 --> 00:41:24,799 I'm so proud of myself that I've come this far, 992 00:41:24,800 --> 00:41:27,038 that I took a chance on something that I dreamed of. 993 00:41:30,178 --> 00:41:32,716 Thank you. I am... heartbroken 994 00:41:32,717 --> 00:41:34,954 that my journey is ending here. 995 00:41:35,054 --> 00:41:36,457 - Chef, thank you so much. - Wow. 996 00:41:36,558 --> 00:41:38,862 But what a gift! 997 00:41:38,962 --> 00:41:41,734 I got to, for the first time in my life, 998 00:41:41,834 --> 00:41:45,207 really share my spirit 999 00:41:45,208 --> 00:41:48,414 and be the Cameroonian-American person that I am. 1000 00:41:55,395 --> 00:41:57,432 Cole, well done. 1001 00:41:57,533 --> 00:41:59,704 I mean, not to slice that thing 1002 00:41:59,804 --> 00:42:01,841 and sit that on there with the confidence? 1003 00:42:01,942 --> 00:42:03,745 It's exactly what I want at this stage of the competition. 1004 00:42:03,746 --> 00:42:05,280 - Beautifully done. - Thank you, chef. 1005 00:42:05,281 --> 00:42:08,454 You four, congratulations. Semi-finalists! Come on! 1006 00:42:08,555 --> 00:42:11,025 Let's go, baby, let's go. 1007 00:42:11,026 --> 00:42:14,132 Please get some rest because next time 1008 00:42:14,232 --> 00:42:18,473 the finale and your legacy are on the line. 1009 00:42:18,474 --> 00:42:21,080 - Ooh. - Good night. Great job. 1010 00:42:21,180 --> 00:42:22,850 - Thank you. - Well done. 1011 00:42:22,950 --> 00:42:24,754 - Take care. Much love. - Get some rest. 1012 00:42:24,854 --> 00:42:26,456 See you next week. 1013 00:42:26,557 --> 00:42:28,327 Sheesh! Top four, let's go. 1014 00:42:28,427 --> 00:42:29,730 That was hard. 1015 00:42:29,830 --> 00:42:31,601 - That was hard. - Ah! Heart shakes. 1016 00:42:36,110 --> 00:42:38,347 Next time on Next Level Chef... 1017 00:42:38,447 --> 00:42:40,620 Welcome to the semi-finals. 1018 00:42:40,720 --> 00:42:42,655 Come on! 1019 00:42:42,656 --> 00:42:45,060 For the first time ever 1020 00:42:45,061 --> 00:42:48,368 the protein you pick will be a surprise. 1021 00:42:48,468 --> 00:42:50,171 Are you kidding me?! 1022 00:42:50,271 --> 00:42:52,474 What protein are you gonna grab? 1023 00:42:52,475 --> 00:42:53,745 Give me more stuff! 1024 00:42:53,845 --> 00:42:56,750 I'm like sick to my stomach. 1025 00:42:56,751 --> 00:42:59,790 This is it. This is to get into the finale, okay? 1026 00:42:59,791 --> 00:43:01,527 Gotta get that fish in the pan, Cole. 1027 00:43:03,531 --> 00:43:05,066 You okay? 1028 00:43:05,067 --> 00:43:06,904 Pull the pork chop, man. It's done. 1029 00:43:07,004 --> 00:43:09,810 God! You guys are giving me an absolute heart attack.