Next Level Chef episode 8: Time to trim the fat

As the cooks look to make their big culinary move, Next Level Chef episode 8 has another twist that makes everyone a little unnerved. With team safety net removed, could a favorite cook plummet in the standings?

According to FOX, Next Level Chef episode 8, “When Pigs Fly” features the following:

"Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais challenge their teams to create a pork dish! However, the mentors drop a bombshell as the competition moves forward with team immunity being eliminated. Based on their past performance, each contestant is assigned to a kitchen where they will need to prove that they can create magic in any environment, even when the odds are stacked against them. With the new rule, the best dish will keep only one contestant safe from elimination, and one contestant will be sent home with their dreams up in flames in the all-new “When Pigs Fly” episode of NEXT LEVEL CHEF airing Wednesday, Feb. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX."

A pork challenge is a tough protein for the cooks. While no one should ever serve under cooked pork, neither should they serve dried, flavorless protein either. Similar to chicken, a great pork dish does require culinary creativity and great execution.

Although there might be various cuts of pork on the platform, the cooks need to choose wisely. Like other challenges, picking a cut that is unfamiliar to a cook can spell disaster.

The biggest takeaway from this synopsis is that cooks are divided into kitchens based on past performance. With the randomness taken away, the cooks could either feel the pressure to remain in the top kitchen or it could light a fire to get out of the basement. In some ways, the change to the premise could impact the outcome greatly. Sometimes the nerves can influence a well-executed dish.

Even though a few cooks seem to have risen to the top, the new rules show that no one is safe. A small mistake could wipe away one person’s dream.

Still, at this point in the competition, the judges seem to know the cooks’ styles. Could there be some leeway for a cook who has performed well in the past?

Be sure to watch Next Level Chef episode 8 “When Pigs Fly” on FOX February 9 at 9 p.m. ET.