Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 finale set: Which chefs made the final three?

While the first dinner service for the five black jacket chefs went sideways, the final four looked to impress Gordon Ramsay with their visual creativity and leadership at the pass. Even if the pressure reaches a boiling point with only a handful of challenges remaining, the chefs are ready to rise to the occasion. Now that the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 finale is set, which of the three remaining chefs could walk away with the coveted title?

Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 described itself as Battle of the Ages. The teams were originally separated by those chefs with more experience and others who had less. Although their positions in the kitchen might be similar, it was a concept to determine if age impacts culinary ability. Given that there is only one of the “older” chefs remaining, it seems that age is only a number. Ability, knowledge, and drive may not know an age.

In the first challenge, the final four had to create a visually impressive dish for Entertainment Weekly. This challenge proves that chefs need to think about every element on the plate. While phones have become an accessory at any dining event, the reality is that people eat with their eyes.

For that perfect food photography, it needs to invite the eye into what the eating experience could be. From texture to color, it is a journey. Even though there should be a focal point, there needs to be parts to explore.

Looking at the four plates, each chef had a different approach. While the visual was part of the challenge, the flavor needed to be more impressive. That perfectly composed bite needs to be the moment that captures the stunning visual.

Overall, all four chefs impressed. No one had a plate of muted colors or lack of textures. Still, only one chef could win, and it was Dafne. Even though she had had some overwhelming moments in previous episodes, she excelled with her homage to California. From the vibrant colors to the luscious flavors, it was the dish that earned the win.

While first challenge earned Dafne her reward, it was the dinner service which would send three chefs to the finale and one chef would be left disappointed. As seen in previous seasons, this episode is the time where the chefs take their turn at the pass. Beyond having a firm hand in keeping the tickets going out, the chefs need to spot the sabotage on the plate.

First up for the challenge was Alejandro. Even though he has been a little soft spoken in the past, he was laser focused in this moment. He spotted every sabotage instantly. It was almost as if he knew that they were coming. More importantly, he kept dishes moving and everything was swift. It was clear that Alejandro was a strong front runner.

Summer stepped up next. While she made her voice heard, she was not as confident at catching all the mistakes. More concerning to the chefs was her approach to the position. Without clear timing, the chefs seemed a little off their rhythm. Still, they managed to push through.

Alex was the third chef to man the pass. He was confident and was willing to give feedback to the chefs on the line. Although he missed the lamb/venison swap, he did well. He was the only chef to give feedback on seasoning.

The last chef to go was Dafne. At first, she seemed a little timid. It was almost as if she was letting the chefs on the line lead. While she spotted most of the sabotages, it was how she found her voice and recovered that earned her praise. Sometimes it is how you finish, not how you start.

Overall, the dinner service had all the chefs fairly even. It appeared that Alejandro would make the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 finale since he spotted all the sabotages. And, he was the first chef announced as a finalist.

The second reveal was Alex, who also seemed to be destined for the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 finale. Although, in recent seasons, there have been more women finalists than men.

It came down to Dafne versus Summer. Although both chefs had highs and lows throughout the season, there seemed to be one item that would decide who would move onto the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 finale. When Dafne was at the pass, Summer tried to talk over her and undermine her. That power play might have backfired. Sometimes it is better to support the leader than try to overtake her.

In the end, Dafne moved into the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 finale and Summer was sent home. But, Gordon Ramsay let Summer keep her black jacket and offered her assistance. Her culinary future seems bright.

Who could walk away with the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 winner title? Be sure to tune in on Thursday, February 9 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX to see which chef opens the door to a place in the Gordon Ramsay restaurant empire.