The three chefs battling for the title of Next Level Chef Season 4 winner have cooked impressive dishes. In the final challenge of the season, the three-course meal needed to exceed the high expectations that have been set. One chef gave the judges a culinary journey that balanced technical precision, creativity, and flavor.
Over the past three seasons, only one aspect of the finale remained consistent. A chef from Team Blais has never won the title. With two chefs in the finale, the odds are in Richard Blais’ favor, but luck can be fickle in this food television show.
Looking back at the previous cooks, Beatrix has done extremely well. While some of her dishes are a little out of the box, she has shown creativity beyond her young age.
Austin has been a contender since the beginning. Even though Richard Blais threw him into a face-off elimination early, it seems that the big swing proved favorable.
Lastly, Megan is the underdog. While there were moments when she struggled, she shines when she can break out the cast iron pan and cook her food.
Which Next Level Chef Season 4 winner dish impressed the judges the most?
For their last cook, the chefs had to create a three-course meal consisting of an appetizer, fish dish, and meat entrée. All three dishes needed to be completed within 90 minutes. Once a dish was completed, the timer would stop.
Similar to previous seasons, the challenge was more than just a good platform grab. It was crafting a smart culinary story while using strategic time management. Hitting the stop button first is a type of mental gamesmanship in the finale. It might not be as dramatic as the time token, but no one wanted to be the last one to finish in any round.
The chefs began in the basement with Richard Blais. The appetizer round set each chef’s theme. While they might have had a thought about their direction, the platform usually drives the decision. Being able to adapt in the moment is always the key to Next Level Chef success.
As soon as the chefs picked their proteins, it was clear that they each had a story to tell. For example, Megan’s quick grab of the scallops allowed her to convey a Northwest sea and turf. The combination of scallops and mushrooms epitomizes what she does best.
Austin had a smart grab with the shrimp. His dish was technically superior. Not only was it plated elegantly, it was smart to use the shrimp heads. Although it might not have needed the fried leeks, the dish was vibrant and rich.
Beatriz had a clear vision from the start. She created a Japanese style chicken thigh. It will be key for her to keep the theme cohesive over the three courses. Sometimes a broader theme is more beneficial for this type of competition.
For the fish round, with Nyesha Arrington, the middle kitchen seemed to stump Austin. His fish grab was a prime example that these chefs need to adapt in the moment. Being able to think on their feet is key to doing well in Next Level Chef.
Austin created a Spanish inspired salmon. Although he was not thrilled with the cook on the salmon, the judges appreciated the colorful visual nod to the region. But, the dish was not perfect. The carrots were slightly under cooked.
Beatriz took a risk with the black miso cod. That classic dish has been made many times over and the judges want to see perfection. While her fish was well executed, her sweet potatoes were undercooked. That lack of focus cooking the side was a mis-step.
Megan continued the Northwest theme with the sea bass and green beans. Overall, the dish had a holiday vibe and kept with the land and sea theme. Unfortunately, the green beans lacked finesse.
In the final course, with Gordon Ramsay, the meat entrée came with pressure at the highest level. Not only did the chefs have to execute to near perfection, they needed to continue their theme to the end.
Beatriz served a Japanese inspired sandwich. While it was good and conveyed confidence, it might not have been the best way to end the meal. Still, it was a good bite of elevated street food.
Austin served a French inspired ribeye. While he had to recover with his sauce mid-cook, the judges felt it conveyed cooking with intelligence. The aroma from all the truffles made a huge statement. It was a stunning way to end the meal.
Megan made a bold statement with her lamb and beets meal. The lamb was perfectly cooked. While a curious choice to pair beets with lamb, it offered a lovely balance. It was an exclamation point to her sea and land meal.
Looking back at the three course meal, Beatriz nailed her appetizer, but the fish course was a miss. Megan clearly won the entrée round with the lamb, but the fish course seemed rushed.
In an outcome that Richard Blais has wanted for four seasons, a Team Blais member won Next Level Chef. Congratulations to Austin Beckett. His three-course meal represented his culinary journey on a plate. From traveling through Asia to studying under a Spanish chef to his technical French culinary training, he showed all this knowledge and passion for food.
Could Richard Blais go for a repeat? Be sure to catch up on previous seasons of Next Level Chef on Hulu.