Although he has yet to mentor a winner, Chef Richard Blais believes that Next Level Chef Season 4 could be his moment to shine. Even though he might love the lighting in the basement, he’s ready to embrace the opportunity to rise to the top. With this key tactic, the possibility of a Gordon Ramsay three-peat is lessening.
Ahead of the Season 4 premiere, Chef Richard Blais spoke to FoodSided about the intense FOX food television competition. The high energy chef always has a thoughtful response and a quick turn of the phrase. This recent conversation was no different. Mixed into those humorous takes where a few poignant, telling responses that showcase his vast and diverse culinary knowledge.
Even without a Team Blais member earning the coveted title, Chef Richard has learned and adapted over the seasons. When asked about this approach to Season 4, he spoke candidly.
“The thing that I learned the most is to just embrace the storm. With that Next Level Chef platform grab, anything can happen. You have to have the ability to flip it into a puzzle to be solved. You have to embrace that challenge.”
“Working with the chefs on the show is truly a collaboration. They make the grab, have an initial idea, and have their mentor by their side to help them work through the problem. Often those chefs help me work through a problem, too. Whether it is my mentorship style or something going on in one of my restaurants. I have really learned to be a better collaborator.”
That ability to adapt and evolve has served Chef Richard well both on and off the show. Anyone who has watched over the past three seasons appreciates that he and his team do not see the basement as a hinderance. It is often the place where they shine.
When asked about his basement success, beyond the good lighting, Chef Ricard shared, “the benefit of the basement is that people don’t have to think. They just have to make do. That scenario frees up some spice in their mind.”
“For this season, I am going to get them to mentally visualize what their dish could be. There will probably be a protein, vegetable and maybe a sauce. There can be a way to game plan that strategy regardless of what floor you’re on.”
That planning might not be the only idea that Chef Richard has in his chef’s coat. As seen in this Next Level Chef clip, it might be time to create a plan and ensure that Gordon Ramsay does not get a three-peat.
As seen in that clip, the judges might be competing, but they do get along. When asked about their banter, Chef Richard said, “we are comfortable with each other right now. And, you will see the gloves come off a little between us during the competition. Our hands will get a little dirtier in this kitchen this season.”
While Chef Richard is still vying for one of his chefs to earn the title, he has and will not relinquish his reign in one aspect. “We know that Gordon Ramsay is going for that three-peat, but I have won all the hair competitions.”
Although that statement is a little tongue and cheek, there is a lot to be learned from the community that has been built through this FOX food television competition. No other show brings together professional chefs, social media chefs, and home cooks. It captures the totally of the food world in an engaging way.
Chef Richard believes that dynamic makes Next Level Chef a show which will have longevity. It keeps the fans engaged not only because of the competing chefs but also because of the concept, itself.
As he explained, “the other part about Next Level Chef that adds to its staying power is the set. It is a character in and of itself. There is so much opportunity for that set, format, and platform which allows endless creative opportunities.”
Can Chef Richard Blais and Team Blais rise to the occasion in Next Level Chef Season 4? New episodes air every Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Hulu.