Top Chef Season 22 has begun to see the favorites start to separate from the struggling cheftestants. As Chef Bailey re-entered the competition from the first round of Last Chance Kitchen, the impact was felt quickly. Will this secondary competition eventually influence who is crowned Top Chef Season 22 winner?
The impact of Last Chance Kitchen has been felt in many Top Chef seasons. Any fan can recall how Kristen Kish returned from the secondary competition and won her season’s title against Brooke Williamson.
Over the seasons, the Tom Colicchio led show has captivated viewers. It is more than just redemption on a missed opportunity in a challenge. It is the ability for a cheftestant to prove themselves when their back is against the wall. There is no reliance on a team or partner. It goes back to what the judges want to see in every challenge, the chef on a plate.
In Top Chef Season 22, Bailey is the first cheftestant to return from Last Chance Kitchen. While she had immunity in the team challenge, her return appears to be more than just a two episode run. It seems that her redemption will have a bigger impact on the season.
When Bailey rejoined the other cheftestants, her demeanor and attitude was clearly different. As she reflected, the Last Chance Kitchen opportunity was a wake-up call. She realized that she was not cooking for herself. That approach caused her initial elimination. She would not let it happen again.
Of course, winning multiple challenges in a row allowed Bailey to get her mojo back. Anyone would feel more confident with getting praise from Tom Colicchio time and again. Still, it seems more than just being on a roll.
Bailey’s return captures what epitomizes what allows cheftestants to succeed in this food television show. The most successful people in Top Chef always put themselves on the plate. The challenges will change, the requirements will vary, but the chefestants that infuse their knowledge, point of view, and creativity into each dish will always earn praise from the judges.
Bailey has seemed to find that secret sauce to the Top Chef challenge. Upon her return, she and Tristen earned the win. With another immunity under her belt, it could allow her to keep the momentum going. The best thing for her Top Chef journey might have been an early elimination and the road to redemption through Last Chance Kitchen.
Could Bailey make a run deep into Season 22? Be sure to watch new episodes of Top Chef Destination Canada on Bravo. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.