With five chefs remaining and only three spots in the finale, the penultimate episode of the season had the toughest challenge yet. In Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 13, the chefs needed to channel their inner Gordon Ramsay. Wellingtons were on the menu. Unfortunately, the classic dish caused two chefs’ dreams to unravel in an instant.
Season after season, one outcome has remained the same. Team Blais had never had a winner. With three chefs wearing Blais blue, it is guaranteed that at least one of Richard Blais' chefs would make the finale. At least this season, the odds are better for Richard Blais and his team.
In Next Level Chef Season 4 episode 13, requiring the chefs to make a wellington was more than an execution test. It was a challenge to see which chefs could handle the pressure and who would buckle with the finish line within reach.
Although all the chefs have probably memorized how to make a Gordon Ramsay Beef Wellington, beef was not on the menu. Instead, a variety of other proteins would be encased in that crepe and puff pastry.
Several factors go into executing a great wellington. First, the protein needs to be well-seasoned before it is wrapped. From the duxelles to the sear on a protein, those elements need to be perfect before it even hits the oven.
Additionally, it is vital for that pastry to be well-wrapped. Nothing can escape its pristine packaging. With an egg wash creating the golden, crisp texture that contrasts the robust, tender center, it is a perfect bite.
Overall, each chef did well given the challenge. 35 minutes to make a wellington was extremely difficult. Unfortunately, Brandon and Bobby had undercooked proteins. Even though each one needed just a few more minutes in the oven, the minutia makes a difference in the penultimate episode of Next Level Chef Season 4.
The best wellington of the challenge was abundantly clear. Austin was the hands down winner. When the judges compared this dish to a Michelin star dinner, everyone knew that Austin was moving into the finale. Could he earn Team Blais a title, finally?
The second automatic spot was a battle between Beatrix and Megan. Both had fish wellingtons. While they were both good, the dishes needed some editing. By the slimmest margins, Beatrix earned the second automatic spot. The judges felt that Megan put too much mushroom pate in her dish. Although Beatrix’s salmon was very oceanic, it was slightly better.
Bobby, Brandon, and Megan had to cook for the third and final spot in the Next Level Chef Season 4 finale. Their task was to create the best possible Michelin Star inspired dish. This challenge was more than perfect execution. It was understanding that this style was impeccable plating, careful editing, and superb flavor.
To say that the pressure was high was an understatement. Unfortunately, two chefs made mistakes that left them just short of the ultimate prize.
Brandon grabbed the rack of lamb. His flavor profile was smart. The earthy components with the berry flavors felt like a walk in the forest. Unfortunately, his lamb was unevenly cooked.
Bobby picked the halibut. Similar to the main challenge, he appeared flustered and chaotic, which is not good for this point in the competition. Gordon Ramsay warned him to add more acid to his sauce. Unfortunately, he did not add enough and the sauce read heavy.
Megan was in her element with a cast iron filet mignon. The beef was well cooked and the flavors told a cohesive story. She was so close to an automatic bid and this dish was a continuation of that good cooking.
Given that both Brandon and Bobby had execution errors and Megan did not, the outcome seemed clear. Megan earned the third spot in the Next Level Chef Season 4 finale.
Will this season finally see a Team Blais chef earn the title? Be sure to watch the Next Level Chef Season 4 finale on Thursday, May 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Hulu.