Hell’s Kitchen Season 19 episode 13: The champion’s chair fits just right

While the chefs look good in their black jackets, Hell’s Kitchen Season 19 episode 13 proved to be a bigger knockout than anyone had expected. Although Mohamed Ali’s iconic phrase float like a butterfly sting like a bee may not apply in the kitchen, sometimes a lightweight can be victorious.

Although many people were sad to see Niki fall just short of the black jacket, the final five were ready to step into the ring and battle. In the first black jacket battle, the chefs had to be quick on their feet. This challenge was more than just expert cooking. The creativity needed to be the star of the plate.

While the chefs had to combine the ingredients that they grabbed in each round, the reality is that all the ingredients should have gone together well. Unlike other food competitions, Hell’s Kitchen is not going to throw in an ingredient that doesn’t belong. The chefs just need to show their creativity.

Which chef threw a Hell’s Kitchen knockout?

For the first black jacket challenge, the chefs had to earn the seat in the champion’s chair. It was basically the best dish would be the winner, but there was a little advantage to the challenge. In some ways, going first could help. And, the same can be said for going last.

Declan brought out an Irish classic. It is interesting that he hasn’t featured more references to Irish dishes in his individual challenges. Is he afraid that Gordon Ramsay and his Scottish heritage doesn’t like Irish food?

Still, Declan’s time on the throne was short lived. Mary Lou and her veal chop took down Big D. Mary Lou has been on a roll recently. From being the first chef to earn the black jacket to this superb dish, no one should doubt her.

As the chefs present their dishes, no one could take down Mary Lou. In the end, it came down to Mary Lou versus Kori. In a battle of the Red Kitchen alums, only one could raise her arm in victory.

While Mary Lou enjoyed her winning reward with Kori, the former blue team had to take out the trash, literally. This punishment was beyond harsh for the chefs.

Going into the first dinner service wearing black jackets is hard. The chefs need to learn a new rhythm. Although the brigade will find their cadence, it isn’t a smooth transition.

Is the Hell’s Kitchen Black Jacket pressure too much?

The beginning of this Hell’s Kitchen dinner service was brutal. From Declan’s undercooked crab cake to Amber’s mistakes on the scallops, the kitchen looked like step back to episode one. Even though these chefs haven’t worked in the same kitchen, the poor cooking mistakes are unforgivable.

While some chefs thrive on pressure and the big moment, the reality is that others falter. For Amber, the past couple of challenges have seen her crumble. Whether it is the pressure, the bickering or just something else, Amber was not focused.

Throughout dinner service, Amber was flustered. Lack of a sear on a scallop, overcooked salmon and a variety of other issues riddled her station. Although she often says that she can cook fish, the reality is that her mistakes keep mounting.

At one point during Hell’s Kitchen dinner service, all the chefs were helping the fish station. If everyone is focused on one area, it doesn’t make for an efficient kitchen. Even though food was getting to the pass, the chefs were off their mark.

Given the task to nominate two chefs, the group was in consensus that Amber was going to be a nominee. Her mistakes were too many.

The other nominee was slightly curious. Although it was clear that Mary Lou and Kori would not vote against each other, the reality is that it was a toss up between Declan and Cody. But, it really didn’t matter. It was clear that all of Amber’s mistakes were too many for Gordon Ramsay to ignore.

Gordon Ramsay determined that Amber was just not ready for the Hell’s Kitchen title. Even though Amber has an impressive resume, she was flustered with the pressure. An executive chef needs to rise to the occasion, not falter.

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With four chefs left in Hell’s Kitchen Season 19, predictions on winners are starting to become clear. Although everyone has a favorite, Gordon Ramsay has the final say. Hopefully, no one will stumble right before the end goal.

Do you have a prediction for the Hell’s Kitchen winner? Who has been your favorite Hell’s Kitchen chef this season?