Tournament of Champions Season 4 episode 3: Ladies rule the kitchen

As Food Network fans know, the previous Tournament of Champions winning chefs have all been women. Although a previous episode saw a former winner eliminated, Tournament of Champions Season 4 episode 3 was all about the ladies. In several tight battles, the women are rolling into round two.

While Tournament of Champions Season 4 saw 32 chefs enter into round 1, the first-round battles have been highly competitive. Not a single competition has been a complete blow out. From veterans to newcomers, the randomizer could not derail these impressive dishes.

For the first battle in Tournament of Champions Season 4 episode 3, former champion Maneet Chauhan took on Jonathon Sawyer. While Chef Maneet knows her way around Food Network competition, Chef Jonathon is no slouch. It was a good start to the episode.

In a somewhat expected approach, Chef Maneet offered bold flavors in her dish. More importantly, there was an emphasis on technical skill. Her catfish was butter tender, but the judges wondered if there was a little too much unnecessary garnish on the plate.

With Chef Jonathon’s catfish, it was also well-cooked. While he used the collard greens well, the judges felt that the dish didn’t capture the required smokiness.

In the end, Chef Maneet’s use of spices to create a more robust smoke quality earned her the win. While the Randomizer can play havoc, using those required elements wisely can earn a chef the win.

The second battle saw Shirley Chung take on Tracey Shepos Cenami. While some viewers know Chef Shirley from her Top Chef triumphs, fans of Guy’s Grocery Games know the Napa chef Tracey Shepos Cenami. For this battle, tofu seemed to play into Chef Shirley’s wheelhouse.

Although Chef Shirley did not make a dumpling, her tofu knowledge served her well. Being able to use silken tofu in a fried presentation showed a lot of technique. Add to that scenario, the tofu infused glaze that was tangy, spicy and sweet, it seemed that she had an advantage.

Chef Tracey showcased a lovely tofu dish. The silken tofu cream was impressive, but the dish was somewhat disjointed. Some people wondered if she should have taken the dish in a direction away from Asian flavors.

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Chef Shirley won her battle. Awaiting her in the next round is a match-up that seemed destined, or adventitious for a good Food Network show plot.

The third battle saw Adam Sobel battle Nate Appleman. Although Chef Adam had no Food Network competition experience, the Michelin star chef was ready to battle in Tournament of Champions Season 4 episode 3. On the other hand, Chef Nate knows his way around these competitions. This battle was going to come down to something small.

Chef Adam chose to make a pork schnitzel with a waffle. While the presentation might have been a little sloppy, the flavors were on point. More importantly, the pork was cooked perfectly. It could have been that coating on the schnitzel. For anyone watching, go back and watch the ingredients carefully in this recipe.

Chef Nate took a difficult approach to his pork. Making a roulade in just 30 minutes is hard and there were some cooking issues. But, the surprising element was the whipped potato chips with brioche waffle. That component might be the most creative item in Tournament of Champions Season 4.

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In the end, Chef Adam beat Chef Nate. That win sets up a battle with Chef Shirley. Given that Chef Adam was once Chef Shirley’s boss, it makes for a must watch moment.

The last battle of Tournament of Champions Season 4 episode 3 was Stephanie Izard against Madison Cowan. Last year, Madison Cowan was the first chef to be eliminated for not completing the challenge. He was definitely looking for redemption. But, going against Chef Stephanie is a tough battle.

In the final battle, the chefs were able to change one of the Randomizer ingredients. Chef Stephanie wanted to get rid of yellow squash but Chef Madison wanted that flavorless component. It seemed that he had something up his chef’s coat. Instead, they decided on chicken wings, which might have been an advantage for Chef Stephanie.

Given her ability to layer flavors, Chef Stephanie found ways to hit all the flavor profiles. From the unique caramel sauce on her wings to the pickled element to the heat, it was a robust, well presented dish.

Chef Madison was no slouch. His squash puree with twice fried wings was almost a nod to chicken and mac and cheese. While there was debate over the name for this chicken wing dish, it was equally well-executed.

The last battle of Tournament of Champion Season 4 episode 3 was a one point difference. Chef Stephanie prevailed and Chef Madison said that his time on Tournament of Champions might have come to a close.

With only a few more first round battles left, could there be more upsets on the horizon? Be sure to watch the next Tournament of Champions episode on Food Network Sunday night at 8 p.m. or stream it on Discovery+.