After the previous episode’s double elimination, Top Chef Season 19 episode 5 takes on an iconic food in Texas, the brisket. While it can take decades for pitmasters to perfect that smoke ring, this challenge might be slightly controversial. Could there be a shake-up in the kitchen?
According to Bravo, Top Chef Season 19 episode 5, “Don’t Mess with BBQ” features the following:
"The chefs meet Brooke Williamson at Houston’s J-Bar-M where she tasks them with putting their own spin on a brisket dish for some of the best BBQ pitmasters in Houston and their guest judge, pitmaster Greg Gatlin."
To be fair, this challenge is extremely hard. While all the chefs might be great on a kitchen line, BBQ is a far different animal. Appreciating how the smoke flavors the brisket, temperature control and nuance is key to a delicious final product. It is much different than searing a piece of meat in a pan.
Given that the task is to put a new spin on a brisket, the idea could be quite confusing. Although some chefs could go totally out of the box, the reality is some flavors might not work in this scenario. An Asian inspired brisket might sound good in theory, but the spices might not enhance the meat.
More importantly, the chefs need to take into consideration the smoke. From the wood used to amount of smoke, those factors will impact the final flavor. While a smoke ring is brisket perfection, a piece of meat that tastes like an ashtray is not a good idea.
Even though many of these chefs might have ambitious ideas, this challenge might be about playing smart. Focusing on what can be accomplished instead of pushing too far to the edge could be the right play. After all, no one wants their chance to be Top Chef go up in smoke.
Be sure to watch Top Chef Season 19 episode 5, “Don’ Mess with BBQ” on Bravo Thursday night at 8 p.m.