After an unexpected twist in the Yes, Chef competition, Chef Chris Morales saw his opportunity to win the grand prize go up in smoke. Although he will not be walking away with the title, Chef Chris held his head high and found the positivity in his experience. That change in attitude makes him a true winner in this food television competition.
As viewers of the Jose Andres and Martha Stewart led food television competition have come to appreciate, Yes, Chef is more than just another cooking competition. Each challenge pushes the chefs beyond perfect execution. The overall concept is to make them grow as a person, which makes them a better chef.
During a recent conversation with Chef Chris Morales after his elimination, the private chef reiterated his positive outlook that closed the episode.
When asked why he felt it was important for him to be on the NBC show, he said, “I wanted to join because I’m a big advocate for sobriety in the restaurant because I am a recovering addict and alcoholic. It comes with personal shortcomings, like the anger, ego, and other traits that led me to drink. I was a hot head, had a short fuse. Now, being sober, I am a better person, not just better chef. Since Yes, Chef focuses on being a better chef and person, it was a good fit because it sounded like me. Cooking is a minuscule component to how I am perceived by my fellow chefs.”
Although Chef Chris did not have drastic reactions to uncontrollable situations like some other Yes, Chef contestants, he understands how and why those moments can happen. His biggest takeaway from appearing on the show is a concept that can apply to anyone’s life.
“I was vulnerable for the whole world to see and it was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders. No one is perfect. Even Jose, with his Michelin Stars, is not perfect. When I left, I held my head high, because I won a grand prize through the total experience.”
That sentiment is something that other food television programs has brought to the surface recently From Kaleena Bliss in Top Chef Season 21 stepping aside for her mental health to the current Top Chef season showing Samuel Olayinka of Last Chance Kitchen dropping out for the same reason, highlighting the person behind the plate is vital for food television viewers and diners to understand.
Another connection between Yes, Chef and Top Chef is the risotto curse. Chef Chris was eliminated because his risotto was too tight. Although he might have nailed the grilled component of the challenge, the risotto error caused his downfall.
When asked why he tried to cook a risotto in 30 minutes, he was quite clear, saying, “I wanted to push boundaries.”
Looking back at his previous cook-off, the choice made sense. Chef Chris recounted how he made pasta in 30 minutes, which was a feat he had not previously done. That willingness to step up to the challenge and take the risk fits within his approach to the competition.
Although his final dish has a misstep, Chef Chris had other offerings that wowed the judges and his fellow chefs. For example, his nachos in the leadership challenge were a hit with the other chefs. He mentioned that it was the play on textures that made it a stand out.
Additionally, he believed that his reverse sear, butter poached ribeye was well-received. In contrast, he appreciates that his lamb rack was a bad day in the kitchen.
Through the whole food television competition process, Chef Chris learned that one key concept brought success. Specifically, he said that he tried to focus on “less is more” approach because he did not want to “get into my head.” Whether it was figuring out the dish in the challenge or interacting with his fellow chefs, the concept applied to both scenarios.
What is Chef Chris Morales doing now? He is working as a private chef. For anyone who wants to get a taste of his food, they can book that experience.
Hungry for more Yes, Chef? New episodes air Monday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.