Next Level Chef winner earned the title with three exquisite dishes

While Gordon Ramsay has crowned many winners over his various culinary competitions, the Next Level Chef winner seems to have a bright future ahead. In addition to the monetary prize, the mentorship from Ramsay, Richard Blais and Nyesha Arrington should set this chef up for a bright future. Who earned the Next Level Chef crown?

For the Next Level Chef finale, Mariah, Pyet and Reuel were set for battle. Given that each chef represented one of the three mentors, there was no favoritism on the judging panel. It was all about the best dishes that would allow a chef soar to victory.

The premise for the Next Level Chef finale was simple. The chefs would cook a three-course meal, across all three kitchens in just 90 minutes. After each course was complete, the clock would stop.

Given that the clock was a factor, the challenge was more than just cooking well. Time management was key. Ensuring that there was enough time to finish the last dish was just as important as making the first dish perfect.

The finale three course meal consisted of an appetizer, seafood dish and a meat dish. The first course was cooked in the basement, the second course was cooked in the middle kitchen and the third course was cooked in the top kitchen.

In some ways, that decision allowed the chefs to show their versatility. While all the chefs have cooked in the various levels, being able to execute under pressure is key. Channeling that creativity in a pressure situation is a representation of years of hard work.

But, this Next Level Chef finale is more than one plate of food. It is about playing a game. The chefs need to push themselves, execute and stand out from others. It is a tall task to accomplish.

Next Level Chef winner: Appetizer course

For the appetizer course, the chefs needed to choose wisely. Spending too much time cooking the appetizer would put a person at a disadvantage in the subsequent rounds.

Looking at the three dishes, Reuel made a strategic decision. The clams would cook quickly. Even though he spent less than twenty minutes on the dish, he was able to develop some flavors in the broth.

Overall that dish was a smart choice, but not necessarily the best one. It would help him in the later round, but it didn’t really give a glimpse into his cooking, personality or background. That aspect might have been a less beneficial choice.

Pyet pushed herself by choosing to make empanadas. Although she mentioned that she makes this dish all the time, the dough doesn’t necessarily have a lot of time to rest. Still, she was able to succeed with this dish. The dough was delightful and the flavors impressed the judges.

The downside with Pyet’s dish is that it took a lot of time. With almost 30 minutes off the clock, those empanadas might have cost her later in the competition.

Mariah might have picked the most difficult protein. Her chicken lollipops were the risk/reward choice. If she could pull off this dish, she would get some big bonus points.

Even as Ramsay cut into the chicken, everyone was holding their breath hoping that the chicken wasn’t raw. Luckily, it wasn’t and her sauce was possibly one of the best flavors of the night.

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On the downside, this dish took a lot of time. Since time management has been an issue with Mariah, it might not have been the best start to her competition.

Next Level Chef winner: Seafood round two

As the mid-course of the competition, seafood is more difficult than it seems. Although seafood has been featured earlier in the season, this challenge was more about showcasing creativity than just cookery.

Looking at Mariah’s dish, she was able to bring big flavor with her great broth. It was the perfect complement to the pan seared snapper. It was more than just a plate of fish, it had that little extra that the judges wanted.

Pyet received high praise for her dish. The pan roasted striped bass with a sweet potato puree worked, even though it shouldn’t. However she was able to coax nuanced flavor into that component and the dish overall was impressive. When the judges call the dish enchanting, it is definitely a winner.

Reuel took a similar approach to the seafood course as he did with the appetizer round. It was about being strategic to keep as much time as possible for the final round.

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While his pan roasted cod was good, it wasn’t special. As Blais said, the peas and corn had a frozen veggie vibe. Everyone was almost waiting for the dreaded cruise ship food description.

Next Level Chef winner: Meat main course

For the last cook of the season, the chefs had to create meat dish that would seal the deal and earn them the Next Level Chef winner title. Since Reuel had the most time, it made sense that he would push the creativity on the last dish.

Reuel picked a hard protein, the rib cap. While a luscious piece of meat, there were a few pieces that were under. Still, his demi sauce was superb.

In addition, he decided to make pomme soufflees. This potato dish takes an expert hand. It was a huge risk, but one that paid off, sort of. While the judges praised the potato, it seemed to outshine the meat. Given that the challenge was about the meat, it might not have been a smart choice.

Mariah picked a filet mignon, which was smart given her limited time. As the chef with the least time, it was clear that she had to pick wisely.

Her use of herbs to develop flavors was smart. It helped to give the lean meat some more flavor.

But, Mariah’s dish was not perfect. The potatoes were slightly under, which made sense given the limited time.

Pyet took a huge risk by picking a rack of lamb. Cooking protein on the bone with less than 30 minutes is a tall order. But, Pyet was able to pull it off. Even though the prosciutto wrapped green beans were good and bad (somewhat dated), it was a well balanced dish.

Ramsay described the merlot sauce and the dish as a whole as unctuous. It was an impressive plate of food given all the circumstances.

Who was crowned the Next Level Chef winner?

As the judges weighed the decision, it was clear that no one made huge mistakes. It was more about standing out in the crowd.

Although Mariah was good, her dishes had some mis-steps. It was unlikely that she would win. It was a valiant effort, but not quite good enough.

Reuel tried to play the game. As seen in other episodes where he faltered, that decision might not have been a good one. The judges seemed to have wanted creativity served with a particular point of view. Just any great plate of food wasn’t enough.

Pyet stayed true to her culinary perspective. That idea that bringing her heritage onto the plate with flavors was smart. Even if there were some items that could be better, that uniqueness set her apart.

In the end, the Next Level Chef winner was Pyet. Only time will tell if she become a culinary personality that everyone knows.