After a hugely successful Season 1, 24 in 24 Last Chef Standing Season 2 episode 1 brought together some well-known, popular food television chefs and some new faces in the most grueling culinary competition. For the chef who can weather all the tests, that one person will earn the cash prize and the glory of being the last chef standing.
When this Food Network show premiered last year, the audience could not wait to watch episode after episode. Each challenge was more than just another theme. The chefs who had the ability to overcome the tiredness and showcase their ability to execute made a big impression.
Although no one from Season 1 returned to compete again, 24 in 24 Last Chef Standing Season 2 episode 1 kicked off the competition with a bang. The speed mise en place style challenge had an unforeseen twist.
The first chef who finished all three challenges, stiff eggs whites, turning potatoes, and juicing lemons, earned the Golden Knife. Additionally, that chef was able to pick his opponent in a 24 minute sudden death cook-off.
Earning the first honor was Kevin Lee. He chose Michelle Ragussis to battle in a beef cook-off. Chef Kevin made a beef tartare with crispy rice and Chef Michelle made a Greek style meatball. The one bite dish was judges by Tournament of Champions Season 6 winner, Antonia Lofaso.
The feedback on the two dishes was straight forward. First, Chef Kevin’s crispy rice was well-seasoned, but it needed some more beef in the total bite. Second, Chef Michelle had a nice crisp on the meatball, but it ate a little dry.
The first chef eliminated in 24 in 24 Last Chef Standing Season 2 was Chef Michelle Ragussis. Chef Kevin was safe, retained the golden knife, and was able to sit out the next challenge. He immediately moved into the second round. Given that half the chefs would be eliminated in the first round, it was a big advantage.
In another twist, the first two chefs in the lemon juicing challenge were able to choose the “Breakroom” station. That option gave them safety into the next round.
The other chefs had to face a battle between similar proteins. The chefs who got to the station first were able to choose whether the challenge would be a head to head battle or a team battle. Bryan Voltaggio and Nini Nguyen picked team challenges while Marc Murphy, Johnathan Sawyer, and Laurence picked head to head battles. Either choice was a risk, but it came down to confidence, or maybe luck. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.
Overall, the majority of winning individuals and teams featured well-known chefs. Yes, Brian Voltaggio with his team’s beautiful plate of tuna tartare moved into the next round. While Voltaggio often comes up just short of a title, he is making another run at winning a culinary competition.
Nini Nguyen and Chef Gabe impressed with their scallops dish. Although Richie Farina was visibly upset, his and Ilan’s mussels dish needed to be tighter. When the dish was dumped out of the bowl, it was not a good sign.
Jonathan Swayer impressed with his chicken dish. He seems to be a strong contender in this food television show. He has done well in other Food Network shows, it might be his time to make a splash.
Overall, favorites triumphed over newcomers or less well-known faces. One big upset was that Marc Murphy lost in his lamb battle. Based on some of the hints, it seemed possible that he would be going home. It wasn’t that his dish was bad. The head to head comparison tipped the scales to his opponent.
At the end of the 24 in 24 Last Chef Standing Season 2 episode 1, 13 chefs moved into the next challenge/shift. Can these chefs hand the simplicity required in the next round?
Be sure to watch new episodes of 24 in 24 Last Chef Standing Season 2 on Food Network every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on MAX.