Next Level Chef Season 2 finale: Which chef will earn the title?

After navigating the Immunity Pin, Time Token, and strenuous challenges, the chefs are ready to take on the Next Level Chef Season 2 finale. While the chefs have proven themselves on every level, these final cooks need to showcase their skills in flavor and technique. Quick thinking might be helpful, but strategy will be vital to earning the Next Level Chef Season 2 Champion title.

According to FOX, the Next Level Chef Season 2 finale features the following:

"In Part I of the two-hour Season Two finale, each chef must select two different boxes, each representing a state and its local ingredients, then will have to conceive a dish that seamlessly infuses both into one unforgettable and inventive fusion dish. Then, in the second half of the finale, the final three chefs must create one dish on each level of the kitchen in just 90 minutes! It is up to the chefs to determine how much time they use on the bottom and middle levels, which will determine how much time they have to make their final dish on the top level. Eighteen chefs began the journey, three will cook in the finale, and only one will win the one-year mentorship, $250,000 and the title of Next Level Chef in the all-new “Made In America/Next Level Finale” two-hour Season Two finale episode of Next Level Chef airing Thursday, May 11 (8:00-10:00PM ET/PT) on FOX."

Looking at the first challenge that narrows the final cook to three chefs, the idea of a “fusion” dish might need a different label. While the term fusion might be overused or incorrectly used, it is better to look at the challenge as a different concept. The chefs need to showcase their creativity by pulling together various ingredients in a cohesive way.

Thinking of the first challenge, all of the chefs are well-versed in this concept. As long as they focus on the ingredients, not the label, they will do well. Moving into the final cook will be dependent on execution, specifically the cookery. No one can make a simple mistake at this point in the game. It might be better to focus on simplicity, clean flavors, and precision that going in a whole new direction.

For the last cook of the Next Level Chef Season 2 finale, it is all about time management. While the Blais Basement might have good lighting, no one needs to spend too long enjoying the ambiance. The reality is that they need to cook simply in that location. The pans might be warped but that situation is not an excuse. Cook, serve, move onto the next level.

Although it is impossible to pick a potential winner or even favorites in this competition, it might be a good guess that Tucker has a strong possibility to make the last cook. She has been able to manage time well, execute strongly, and keep her nerves in check. She has a vast knowledge of dishes and flavor combinations. It could be her moment to rise to the challenge.

Chris surged through the back half of the competition. He has used his culinary creativity to his advantage. After a slightly slow start, he found his groove.

Pilar has had both ups and downs, but she is definitely a fighter. With her vast culinary knowledge, she should be able to handle that fusion dish. As long as she can keep focused, she could make the final three.

Which chef will earn the title in the Next Level Chef Season 2 finale? Be sure to watch the two-hour episode on FOX starting at 8 p.m. EST or stream the next day on Hulu.