This episode began with a mystery box challenge, except they would be choosing their own ingredients. There was an extra surprise, with the chefs switching baskets with their competitors.
The top three chefs were Josh, Monti, and Christine. Josh made a savory bread pudding out of Frank’s Italian ingredients. Monti made a Thai coconut soup from Christine’s ingredients. Christine made a roast mushroom chicken dish from Becky’s ingredients. Josh was the winner for his innovative use of the ingredients. He went outside the box. It’s interesting how well Josh is doing now since he’s been brought back from being eliminated. It was a controversial decision between him and Ryan.
Josh had a big reward for the elimination round. He had to choose between three dishes that Graham Elliot has made for famous celebrities. His choices were Oprah Winfrey, Jay Z, and Barack Obama. Josh chose Obama with an intricate sashimi dish. Doesn’t Josh know that Christine does amazing sashimi? Her knife cuts are careful but perfect.
I think Josh was trying to get Monti or Frank out this episode with his meal choice. It worked with Monti, who faltered with the white tuna. Becky actually had difficulty with this challenge because she gave too large a portion of passion fruit.
Josh made the decision to try and improve Graham Elliot’s dish with mango. He said that the sweetness of the mango would help cut the sour from the passion fruit. It failed and the judges hated it.
The judges named Christine as the best dish this episode. Graham Elliot told her that it was a dish fit to be served to the President himself.
It was a hard decision for the judges to make. It was between Monti, Becky, and Josh for who would be eliminated. Ultimately it was Monti who was sent home. The remaining cooks are Josh, Frank, Becky, and Christine. They make up the top four positions.
What do you think of Monti eliminated this episode, did she deserve to go home?
