S15.E15: 3 Chefs Compete

[HalcyonDays]

Episode synopsis: The chefs must create a steak dish and two sides in 40 minutes to be submitted to the scrutiny of chef Ari Rosenson.  During dinner service, the chefs take turns leading the kitchen with two chefs advancing.

 

[Janimo]

Am I the only one who watched?? Or are there West Coasters who are gonna chime in soon?
I'm curious as to others reactions as to who got eliminated.

[DoctorK]

Janimo maybe I am confused but if you just watched this episode you must have a time machine LOL. I just posted on this week's thread and it was seriously boring episode.

 

P.S. I am just teasing you, I was surprised that this thread appeared even before tonight's episode, when I come to this site I tend to assume that the top of the list is the current show.

 

P.P.Ps. If I am wrong and you actually have a time machine PM me, we need to talk LOL.

Edited April 16, 2016 by DoctorK

[Janimo]

@DoctorK, Janimo laughs at self and goes "d'oh!" Thanks for the realty check. :)

[Canada]

This topic was posted a bit early, even before the previous episode.  Which is annoying, since the title is essentially a spoiler.

[backformore]

Started watching and my first reaction was that Krisin picked a HORRIBLE dress to go out to dinner.   It looked like the kind of "dress"  that you wear as a swimsuit cover-up.   Too short, and the strapless top kept creeping down, she was pulling it up constantly.  And what a weird switch-up.  She thought she was going out with Ramsey, having a chance to talk to him.  And he escorts her to a restaurant where, SURPRISE!  her parents are there to eat with her.  And Ramsey leaves.  HA!

[mlp]

I thought the same thing about Kristin's dress.  She just looked cheap - which I kind of understood when I saw her mother.  Her father doesn't look like he belongs in the same family.

 

I don't understand why Ramsay makes them go through the unpleasantness of dissing each other when he's clearly already made up his mind and has the pictures right behind him.  Maybe that's supposed to be drama and good TV.

 

I'm not crazy about either of the finalists but I hope Ariel pulls it out.  She's more composed, more attractive (which I'm sure Gordon notices) and she's soldiered through almost the entire season with an injured foot so she's tough.  I imagine Gordon takes a lot of that into consideration, especially since they have similar ability.

[placate]

I'm on team Ariel.  She broke her foot and kept trucking on.  She also caused the least amount of drama so I respect her for that.  Oh hey, she's from New Jersey too and didn't feel the need to bring it up every five minutes?  Even better...

 

I'm kinda confused about Ashley.  She has always talked about her two dads but this episode she wanted to buy her mom a house?  Her dad's own a few restaurants, you'd think they'd get her mom a house for carrying a child for term for them.

[spiderpig]

I'm not on either team but see all ^ points of view.  Both finalists were serious at the pass.  As a lifetime carrot-hater I was amused at the sabotages.  Even though we all know the position at BLT is mostly a smokescreen, I think what it comes down to is which finalist has more potential in a brigade kitchen.

[mertensia]

The right two chefs made it, I think. Ashley's meltdown doomed her.

[placate]

I'm not on either team but see all ^ points of view.  Both finalists were serious at the pass.  As a lifetime carrot-hater I was amused at the sabotages.  Even though we all know the position at BLT is mostly a smokescreen, I think what it comes down to is which finalist has more potential in a brigade kitchen.

What's up with a steakhouse being called BLTsteakhouse? Still makes me think of BLTs but I don't wanna unknowingly shill...

[Major Bigtime]

I'm not on either team but see all ^ points of view.  Both finalists were serious at the pass.  As a lifetime carrot-hater I was amused at the sabotages.  Even though we all know the position at BLT is mostly a smokescreen, I think what it comes down to is which finalist has more potential in a brigade kitchen.

I think the job's legit. Scott is still working in Vegas at the job he won. Christina not only worked at the job she won, she is now one of Ramsay's executive chefs and appears on this show. One girl couldn't pass the drug test and never worked one day. But all in all, they do get the job they are promised on the show. What they do with it, whether they succeed, is up to them.

I'm rooting for Kristin. Yes, bad dress choice, but there's a fierceness in her I don't see in Ariel. Ariel seems to feel entitled, like she's supposed to win no matter what.

[Sir RaiderDuck OMS]

I think the job's legit. Scott is still working in Vegas at the job he won. Christina not only worked at the job she won, she is now one of Ramsay's executive chefs and appears on this show. One girl couldn't pass the drug test and never worked one day. But all in all, they do get the job they are promised on the show. What they do with it, whether they succeed, is up to them.

I'm rooting for Kristin. Yes, bad dress choice, but there's a fierceness in her I don't see in Ariel. Ariel seems to feel entitled, like she's supposed to win no matter what.

By "smokescreen," spiderpig likely meant that the position is advertised as "Head Chef," but the winner will in reality be a sous chef or glorified line chef. Nobody disputes that the winners do get a real job working in the promised restaurant; it's just not the job you would think, given the "Head Chef" title.

Edited April 23, 2016 by Sir RaiderDuck OMS

[Puffaroo]

Pat Benatar's song "Stop Using Sex as a Weapon" comes to mind.  ;)

 

Sexy dress wasted.  I wonder what her parents thought?

[DropTheSoap]

Ashley's mom is probably ex-wife of a dad. Not normal that you'd buy ex a house, unless part of divorce decree.

Called this a couple weeks ago. Ashley freaks under pressure. Maybe it'd be good for her to not work for daddies for a bit, and grow a little as a leader.

I'd been on Team Kristen. Being from the Midwest, the dress doesn't surprise me. She's got some maturing to do, but seems to mostly have it together in the kitchen.

Sort of switching to Team Ariel, though. She's worked with the boot on for several eps now. She's been strong throughout, and seems to be a bit more of a leader in and out of the kitchen.

Next week, will the whack jobs like Frank and Jackie be there to work the brigade?

[Drogo]

Ariel: Success is my only option, failure's not. This is my opportunity.

Safe to assume she's a big Eminem fan.

[hkalex]

I'm on team Kristin. I also thought her dress was horrible (which, as a sixteen year old male, is quite something) but there's a certain fight to her that I like. She doesn't go down without a fight.

 

Ariel's good, and I think she's a great chef, but there's something missing. Like she's so focused on professionalism that she would screw over her team to be the sole winner. It also looks like one of her team walks out next time, which could either help or hinder her.

 

In terms of winner arcs, I'd say Kristin's had the better one - she started off in the middle of the pack, good, but not outstanding, but she's grown to be a contender. Ariel's been more sporadic - she started off okay (she did bring Meese's fish up and nominated Vanessa even though she wasn't the consensus), and she has got better, but around the time the black jackets were given out, she seemed to be very unter the radar, and before that, made the mistake with scallops.

 

I want Kristin to win because I really like her and I think she deserves it, but I won't be surprised if Ariel wins.

[Julia]

Ariel's good, and I think she's a great chef, but there's something missing. Like she's so focused on professionalism that she would screw over her team to be the sole winner.

 

I'm not sure I'm understanding this? In every kitchen I've worked in, professionalism meant putting ego aside to get the food out as a brigade. How is her professionalism going to allow her to screw her team?

[hkalex]

I'm not sure I'm understanding this? In every kitchen I've worked in, professionalism meant putting ego aside to get the food out as a brigade. How is her professionalism going to allow her to screw her team?

I don't mean she'll screw her finale team, I meant that in the past, before the finale, she would probably screw her team over (like she did with Meese) to make herself look better.

 

She's just professional to the nth degree. Like how she kept barking at sous chef Christina? She's good, but she just needs to be more "human" I guess.

 

 

On another note, who does everyone think will be on the final teams? My guesses (assuming Kristin wins the challenge even though I have no idea):

Kristin: Ashley, Manda, Joe, Frank (over Jackie)

Ariel: Jared, Chad, Dannie, left with Jackie

 

I'll assume Dannie's the one who walks out.

[Julia]

I don't mean she'll screw her finale team, I meant that in the past, before the finale, she would probably screw her team over (like she did with Meese) to make herself look better.

 

She's just professional to the nth degree. Like how she kept barking at sous chef Christina? She's good, but she just needs to be more "human" I guess.

 

I guess you're using professional to mean goal oriented or all business? Because those are qualities which are way more valued in kitchens than maybe they are on reality shows, in my experience, particularly with female chefs. Christina, probably the most successful chef this series has produced, was downright wrath of god scary on the line in the finale...

Edited April 23, 2016 by Julia

[Kerri Okie]

No one could possibly bark worse than GR on the line.  If it's okay for him, I presume that's what he wants in his winner, so I don't think Ariel's barking will be a detriment to her.  I actually liked how she kept on Christina, and Christina responded perfectly.  Even if she outranks Ariel every other minute of the day, for that moment, Ariel was in charge and Christina acted accordingly.

 

So many of the contestants in recent seasons have been so trashy, but this final three, and more specifically, this final two, are the right ones.  I'm pulling for Ariel a smidge more than Kristin, but I agree with Major Bigtime's post above, that Kristin's got an edge in the fierceness department.   All in all, I'd be okay with either one winning.

[hkalex]

I guess you're using professional to mean goal oriented or all business? Because those are qualities which are way more valued in kitchens than maybe they are on reality shows, in my experience, particularly with female chefs. Christina, probably the most successful chef this series has produced, was downright wrath of god scary on the line in the finale...

I think professional was the wrong word, sorry. Determined would be better, or goal-oriented, yeah.

 

Then again, GR tends to like those type of people - remember when Meghan pulled her team out last year for being terrible? Ramsay didn't berate her, he just claimed she was being a leader...and then she won.

 

I don't particularly like Christina as a sous chef. Andi was good, she said little but when she spoke, it was hardly ever good. Christina, I think, is just trying to appear harsh and trying to fill Andi's shoes. She's a great chef, but she demands respect when she doesn't need.

[BogoGog24]

I find Ariel to be overly cocky. Would rather see Kristin win and I think she will. She has been given a stronger winner's edit than Ariel IMO.

[spiderpig]

By "smokescreen," spiderpig likely meant that the position is advertised as "Head Chef," but the winner will in reality be a sous chef or glorified line chef. Nobody disputes that the winners do get a real job working in the promised restaurant; it's just not the job you would think, given the "Head Chef" title.

Thanks for clarifying, Sir Duck. My comment was poorly worded.  I think many viewers think "head chef" means "celebrity chef" and expect a high-profile position. Nothing at all wrong with a solid job at a known restaurant.  One thing that all these cooking shows have done is increase my respect for chefs. I love to cook, but don't have the concentration or stamina to actually work a line.

[RCharter]

Kristin just annoys me, I don't particularly like Ariel, but since Kristin actively annoys me I guess I'll root for Ariel.

 

Agreed with the poster above who said that whoever wins is unlikely to get any "Head Chef" job with GR.....and if they do, it will be only as long as it takes to do press and interviews and they will be quickly moved somewhere else.

[Julia]

Thanks for clarifying, Sir Duck. My comment was poorly worded.  I think many viewers think "head chef" means "celebrity chef" and expect a high-profile position. Nothing at all wrong with a solid job at a known restaurant.  One thing that all these cooking shows have done is increase my respect for chefs. I love to cook, but don't have the concentration or stamina to actually work a line.

Thank you. I've worked as a professional cook, and I went to restaurant school after that because I thought it was something I could be good at, but I dropped out (and I was doing pretty well, from all accounts) because I realized I didn't have the discipline to really do it. It's not about raw talent. It's about having the talent to be able to cook while having the skill to be able to run a brigade. I didn't. Neither did a lot of people I've worked for. It's a rare skill.

Edited April 23, 2016 by Julia

[Snarklepuss]

Kristin annoys me too but I'd root for her over Ariel any day.  Ariel's attitude is entitled and superior.  Even in this episode she said stuff under her breath to talk down about the other two women.  I just don't like that in someone who's made it this far in the competition and if history is any judge it doesn't exactly give her the "winner's edit".  She needs to get over herself in a BIG way.  I think her edit is actually playing that down a lot or she would look far worse.  Kristin, however, is a much more modest and positive person IMHO.  Of course she could still stand to grow up a little and her taste in that dress was atrocious, but in spite of all of that I like her better than Ariel.

 

Kristin's parents looked a little old to be her parents.  I would have been 30 when she was born and I take them for around 10 years older than I am if not more.  Mr. Snarklepuss said, "Did her mother have her when she was 40?" so it wasn't just my perception.

[Rammchick]

Kristin's selection of Ashley for the boot was so strange. At the top of the episode, they showed Ashley and Kristin conspiring against Ariel and talking about how they were going to be the two in the final. Then, Kristin picks Ashley to go home?

Edited April 24, 2016 by Rammchick

[wineaux]

I think the job's legit. Scott is still working in Vegas at the job he won. Christina not only worked at the job she won, she is now one of Ramsay's executive chefs and appears on this show. One girl couldn't pass the drug test and never worked one day. But all in all, they do get the job they are promised on the show. What they do with it, whether they succeed, is up to them.

I'm rooting for Kristin. Yes, bad dress choice, but there's a fierceness in her I don't see in Ariel. Ariel seems to feel entitled, like she's supposed to win no matter what.

 

What I'm seeing is just a clear difference in personalities.  Truth be told, I'm actually seeing a little of Christina's personality in Ariel.  Like Ariel, (if I'm remembering correctly), Christina was very good, didn't get wild and crazy with anyone, and basically kept her head down and tried not to make any crazy mistakes.  They ALL make mistakes here and there...none of the chefs over the years have been absolutely perfect.  But, I think Ramsey wants a winner who is confident, learns from mistakes, is a team player AND a leader, who can be professional and who would be a great person for him to mentor.

 

I find Ariel to be overly cocky. Would rather see Kristin win and I think she will. She has been given a stronger winner's edit than Ariel IMO.

 

What exactly is 'overly cocky'?  Why not 'confident'?  IMO, all of the others thought and expressed the same of themselves and their abilities?  And, to an extent, you have to be confident, AND back it up, to survive Hell's Kitchen.  

 

Kristin's selection of Ashley for the boot was so strange. At the top of the episode, they showed Ashley and Kristin conspiring against Ariel and talking about how they were going to be the two in the final. Then, Kristin picks Ashley to go home?

 

Yes, that was a bit odd, wasn't it?  I didn't see that coming at all.  Probably, it was edited that way so that we could see how Kristin flipped on Ashley.  I'm SO sure Ashley was very, very surprised.

[Snarklepuss]

What exactly is 'overly cocky'?  Why not 'confident'?  IMO, all of the others thought and expressed the same of themselves and their abilities?  And, to an extent, you have to be confident, AND back it up, to survive Hell's Kitchen. 

 

Although you didn't ask this of me, this is my take on it - There's such a thing as being overly cocky if it comes at the expense of others.  Kristin may know she's the best but she doesn't act like other people are less than her because of it.  I have seen Ariel on more than one occasion utter put-downs under her breath about the others.  To me that's just a poor sport and poor gamesmanship, and IMO that is an important characteristic of a winner on this show - Being humble enough to know you're good but not acting like you're better than anyone else.

[BogoGog24]

What I'm seeing is just a clear difference in personalities. Truth be told, I'm actually seeing a little of Christina's personality in Ariel. Like Ariel, (if I'm remembering correctly), Christina was very good, didn't get wild and crazy with anyone, and basically kept her head down and tried not to make any crazy mistakes. They ALL make mistakes here and there...none of the chefs over the years have been absolutely perfect. But, I think Ramsey wants a winner who is confident, learns from mistakes, is a team player AND a leader, who can be professional and who would be a great person for him to mentor.

What exactly is 'overly cocky'? Why not 'confident'? IMO, all of the others thought and expressed the same of themselves and their abilities? And, to an extent, you have to be confident, AND back it up, to survive Hell's Kitchen.

Yes, that was a bit odd, wasn't it? I didn't see that coming at all. Probably, it was edited that way so that we could see how Kristin flipped on Ashley. I'm SO sure Ashley was very, very surprised.

To add to what Snarklepuss said, there is a fine line between being confident and being cocky. Granted almost all of the contestants who enter HK are cocky to some degree and I think that is a common trait in chefs in general for some reason. But I've seen moments from Ariel where she does act entitled or has outright said she is the best person there. That's a huge turnoff for me. Ariel is a good cook, so what she's saying could be justified, but it just looks arrogant to say that out loud. Being confident is "I'm good at what I do." Cocky is "I'm the best/better than everyone else." Putting down others, especially if they actually happen to also be strong chefs, is just a big big turnoff for me. In her own mind Ariel thinks she's better than she really is. IMO.

[xcrayon2215x]

Not surprised about the result, hopefully Kristin wins.

[JenMcSnark]

I'm just watching now, but I'm pretty much team Kristin at this point.  I've liked Ariel so far and still do in some ways, but I do think she was purposefully sabotaging Ashley.  Granted Ashley did not respond as she needed to (to be in the finals), so that's on her.  But I don't like how Ariel wasn't responding and basically talking back to Ashley.  

 

And because of the above, I'm not at all surprised that Kristin decided Ashley needed to go.  She seems to want to act with integrity for the most part, and it was pretty clear that of the three of them, Ashley was the least ready to be "head chef". 

[BogoGog24]

It's not like it matters because Ramsay is gonna choose whoever he wants, but if Kristin was smart she would have voted to keep Ashley in because she's a much weaker chef therefore Kristin could have easily won over her. She and Ariel are about equal in terms of skill, it's going to be a much closer competition between them than if it were her and Ashley.

[Sonja]

Started watching and my first reaction was that Krisin picked a HORRIBLE dress to go out to dinner.   It looked like the kind of "dress"  that you wear as a swimsuit cover-up.   Too short, and the strapless top kept creeping down, she was pulling it up constantly.  And what a weird switch-up.  She thought she was going out with Ramsey, having a chance to talk to him.  And he escorts her to a restaurant where, SURPRISE!  her parents are there to eat with her.  And Ramsey leaves.  HA!

I thought she forgot she was still wearing the towel after having a shower. Not a very classy outfit.

 

I'm kinda confused about Ashley.  She has always talked about her two dads but this episode she wanted to buy her mom a house?  Her dad's own a few restaurants, you'd think they'd get her mom a house for carrying a child for term for them.

I suspect her mom isn't a surrogate but might have been in a relationship with one of the dads. A co-worker of mine got married to a man recently and has three kids from his first marriage.

 

Called this a couple weeks ago. Ashley freaks under pressure. Maybe it'd be good for her to not work for daddies for a bit, and grow a little as a leader.

Sort of switching to Team Ariel, though. She's worked with the boot on for several eps now. She's been strong throughout, and seems to be a bit more of a leader in and out of the kitchen.

Next week, will the whack jobs like Frank and Jackie be there to work the brigade?

Absolutely. She needs to work without a safety-net for some time.

 

Of course it's hard to walk around with the boot, but if I remember correctly, she got it by getting drunk off her backside while in a competition.

 

I'm on team Kristin. I also thought her dress was horrible (which, as a sixteen year old male, is quite something)

You just cracked me up. That was interesting in the school episode as well though. She flirted with the students and they flirted back, but still voted her dish the least appealing. I loved that they didn't let her distract them from the actual food.

 

No one could possibly bark worse than GR on the line.

Except the chefs in about every other kitchen ;-) My type of school included culinary school (we have a weird educational system where I'm from) and we had to work in hotels for three months between two grades. Let me tell you, Ramsay is a pussycat compared the chef there. Thankfully, I got the chance to save the pastry chef's arse after which he requested me full time. The head chef didn't care about patisserie, so no more getting yelled at for me.

 

It's not like it matters because Ramsay is gonna choose whoever he wants, but if Kristin was smart she would have voted to keep Ashley in because she's a much weaker chef therefore Kristin could have easily won over her. She and Ariel are about equal in terms of skill, it's going to be a much closer competition between them than if it were her and Ashley.

That could backfire though. You said it yourself, Ramsay has already chosen at that stage, so why say or do something that might influence his decision when it comes to picking a winner in the finale? He might have seen that as choosing the weaker competition instead of rising to the challenge. The man's a triathlete, so I doubt he's looking for employees looking for the path of least resistance.

[Jersey Guy 87]

Kristin's selection of Ashley for the boot was so strange. At the top of the episode, they showed Ashley and Kristin conspiring against Ariel and talking about how they were going to be the two in the final. Then, Kristin picks Ashley to go home?

 

 

And because of the above, I'm not at all surprised that Kristin decided Ashley needed to go.  She seems to want to act with integrity for the most part, and it was pretty clear that of the three of them, Ashley was the least ready to be "head chef". 

 

I think Kristin was much friendlier with Ashley than Ariel (after all, earlier in the season both Ariel and Kristin talked about how they didn't like each other but could put aside their differences and work together) so, when talking with someone about who to get out she sided with Ashley.  However, after the dinner service she knew that Ariel was the better chef and Ashley wasn't up to the same level.  So, rather than appear to be looking for an easy out in front of Ramsay (who was booting whoever he wanted anyway) she correctly said Ashley was the one who deserved to go home.  Leaving us with the strongest possible final two.

 

And, overall, this is probably the strongest final three they've had in a long time.  Ashley isn't as good as Kristin or Ariel but she's better than the runner up many seasons in the past.  Heck, she could have won some of the past seasons.  Despite the obvious cannon fodder that stayed too long like Frank and Jackie this season actually had some stronger than usual competitors as well.  I'm leaning towards Kristin but Ariel is a good choice as well, Ramsay will actually have a tough decision unless one of them melts down in the finale.

[Drogo]

I don't particularly like Christina as a sous chef. Andi was good, she said little but when she spoke, it was hardly ever good. Christina, I think, is just trying to appear harsh and trying to fill Andi's shoes. She's a great chef, but she demands respect when she doesn't need.

 

Agree with this.  Kristen said 'more salt' and Christina looked noticeably annoyed, then she snapped "You're getting a little @#$% there.  Watch yourself."  (I'm thinking "bitchy" was the omitted word.) 

[Sir RaiderDuck OMS]

Agree with this.  Kristen said 'more salt' and Christina looked noticeably annoyed, then she snapped "You're getting a little @#$% there.  Watch yourself."  (I'm thinking "bitchy" was the omitted word.) 

I thought it was "cocky". Who knows?

[Snarklepuss]

Given that I think Ramsay had already made up his mind to send Ashley home and I think Kristin knew that, I think she chose Ashley to go home to impress him that she would not want to make it easier on herself in the finale but would be OK to compete against a better chef.  In fact, I think the only reason he asked her that question was to test her response.

Edited April 25, 2016 by Snarklepuss

[jewel21]

I thought it was "cocky". Who knows?

I figured it was "ballsy."

[BogoGog24]

True but perhaps Ramsay would appreciate a good strategist? Who knows. I remember the quality control test that they do was actually invented by the first winner, he decided to sabotage the other contestants by putting wrong ingredients in the food, and lo and behold Ramsay adopted that into the competition so I think he does have some appreciation for a good strategist as well.

[hkalex]

On 25/04/2016 at 2:29 PM, Drogo said:

 

Agree with this.  Kristen said 'more salt' and Christina looked noticeably annoyed, then she snapped "You're getting a little @#$% there.  Watch yourself."  (I'm thinking "bitchy" was the omitted word.) 

Thank God, someone agrees. I've been rewatching old series recently and noticed that SC Scott acted a similar way. He said things like "She really needs to watch her **** or else I'm gonna smack the **** out of her" - to Christina M, who ended up winning, and "go **** yourself you stupid ****" - to Andrea, third place.

On Hell's Kitchen, it seems a sous chef's job in this isn't necessarily to be a good chef. It's to be harsh for no reason make everyone else feel like shit. Chrisitna seems to be really abusing her position of authority (remember when she sent Ariel and Kristin into the storeroom? Andi never would have done that. She would have berated them and have them continue).

I don't think either Kristin or Ariel are the strongest finalists we've ever seen. I really like Kristin, but she's a much weaker chef than, say, Meghan from last season. It's a shame T wasn't on this season because she would've won by a mile. She just happened to go up against the strongest competitor for a good few seasons.