With seven chefs remaining in the competition, the pressure to perform is amplified. On Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 11, tapas might seem like a straightforward challenge but disrespecting an elevated ingredient makes the mentors grumpy.
As the finale gets closer and closer, Richard Blais is hopeful that it could finally be his season to win. With three chefs from Team Blais still in it, there is a strong possibility.
On the other hand, Nyesha Arrington only has one chef, Bobby, left from her team. Even though he shined in the previous episode, this food television competition is not cumulative. One bad cook could have no more Team Arrington members in the finale.
For Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 11, the challenge was to create two tapas, one meat and one fish. Given that tapas are a small bite, the execution needs to be on point. From proper cookery to seasoning, there was no room for error.
The mid-round twist required the chefs to make a sangria. While that beverage was drunk, it did not seem to be integral to the judging. It would have been nice to understand if the chefs really found a way to complement flavors. That aspect would show how a chef understands how to build a menu.
Additionally, Beatriz was able to use her Time Token from the previous challenge. She decided to take 10 seconds from Austin. It was clearly game play.
Unfortunately, the sabotage did not derail Austin’s dish. He recovered from a momentary blip and soared to the top. The mentors were wowed by his mussels and flank steak dishes. The Iberica ham vinaigrette on the grilled mussels was smart and he should be grateful to Chef Nyesha for the assist.
Even though Austin overcame the disadvantage, he did not earn the Time Token. The win in Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 11 when to Megan. It was definitely her moment to shine.
While her dishes looked relatively simple, they had complex flavor and used ingredients well. The barbecue oysters were delicious. It was clearly the best dish of the day.
Unfortunately, the bottom dishes were quite obvious. Everyone knew that Brandon would be in the Elimination Cook. His meatballs were hammered. The dry, dismissal dish was a disservice to the wagyu. Just that element should have sent him to the bottom.
Bobby struggled as well. He did not realize that salted cod needed to be rinsed. That execution error turned his croquette into a salt bomb. The mentors could not overlook that error.
The third chef was Arnav. While he had tough ingredients, the lamb heart was not cooked well at all. There were too many errors on both of his plates.
For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs had to create a paella. With limited time, this challenge was difficult. To really capture the flavor depth, this dish needs a long time to come together.
Overall, the paellas were well done. Brandon redeemed himself from the meatball mess. The judges raved over the chicken, mussels, and chorizo. There were strong smoky notes, but the aioli elevated the dish in the best way.
Bobby and Arnav had issues. From Bobby’s slightly overcooked octopus to Arnav’s lack of flavor depth, the dishes were fine but not outstanding.
In the end, the judges eliminated the paella that was least authentic. Arnav was sent home.
Will Megan take time away from Austin in the next challenge? Or, will Bobby keep the dreams of Team Arrington alive? Be sure to watch new episodes of Next Level Chef Season 4 on FOX every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Hulu.