Top Chef: Line Cook for a Day

April 11, 2025 4:27 PM - Season 22, Episode 5

There is no Quickfire Challenge as the chefs are taken by surprise when a “Last Chance Kitchen” chef joins the competition. After breaking into pairs and spending time at a local restaurant, the chefs are informed that for this Elimination Challenge, they must create a dish inspired by their time on the line. The chefs’ collaboration skills are put to the ultimate test as this week is a double elimination. “Top Chef” alum Sara Bradley joins Kristen, Tom and Gail at the judges’ table.

Discussion of this week's Last Chance Kitchen and The Dish with Kish are welcome here, including spoilers.

posted by Frayed Knot (4 comments total)

Don't tell the judges what you wanted to do!

Never tell the judges what you wanted to do!
posted by kbanas at 11:33 AM on April 12 [1 favorite]

Man I can't imagine those fritters without salt cod, and they apparently really needed it. I think the contestants should realize they you can't talk to the judges like you would another chef about what went wrong.
posted by Carillon at 2:22 PM on April 12

I was right that Bailey and Tristen would be teamed up. Usually people with immunity do poorly. Nice to see them swinging for the fences and coming out on top again.
That fritter must have been really bad. Doing a hollandaise sauce with Indian food as your inspiration was just a really weird choice.
posted by Spike Glee at 3:05 PM on April 12 [1 favorite]

I used to read Top Chef recaps by a blogger named Limecrete who dubbed one season "Challenge Parameters are Beneath Us". The "Indian" hollandaise brought that to mind immediately.

Love to see Tristen and Bailey excel! Tristen continues to make all the food I want to eat.
posted by epj at 12:42 PM on April 14