Next Level Chef Season 4 Episode 9 Recap: The Thunderdome

As Fox’s ‘Next Level Chef’ season 4 episode 9 brings on a new surprise, the contestants really have to fight and prove their mettle. The episode titled ‘The Thunderdome’ marks a major turning point as the remaining nine chefs face the toughest challenge yet. With the team format of the competition now over, each chef must stand alone to prove they belong in this kitchen and begin their individual climb. After all, it will take them one step closer to the $250,000 grand prize and the year-long mentorship from culinary experts Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais.

A New Challenge Brings On a New Vibe to the Kitchen

As the episode begins, the three mentors/judges ask the contestants why they are in this competition in the first place and what their goal is moving forward. After hyping them up, Gordon announces the challenge of the day – no longer in teams, the chefs have ti compete against each other to determine their individual standing. Richard elaborates that all 9 competitors will head to the Top Kitchen, where they will each cook side-by-side for 20 minutes. Within this period, they have to create a next level dish of their choice – there are no rules or limits on what they can make. However, only the best dishes will stay at the Top, and the rest of them will move to the Middle Kitchen for the next round to earn a spot there. Ultimately, the final cook-off will happen in the Basement, from where one of the contestants will be eliminated. With the challenge announced, all contestants now move to the Top Kitchen for their first battle.

Richard is the one to manage this level, but when he arrives, he arrives with another surprise. He tells Bobby and Ryan that since the teams are no longer cooking together, they don’t have immunity either – he asks them to return their pins. As Gordon and Nyesha watch from a screen in a lounge, the contestants get ready for their ingredient grab. Both Beatrice and Megan reach out for the same ingredient, but Beatrice fights and doesn’t let go. With the fierce ingredient grabbing being over, the chefs get to work as soon as the clock starts ticking. Austin notes that he can feel that the competition is getting serious. As Richard approaches everyone to understand the concept of their dishes, Natalia reveals that cooking a fillet and a truffle of potatoes is something out of her comfort zone. Richard advises her to start cooking the potatoes quickly since this is the tricky part of making a puree.

When Beatrice discloses her components, Nyesha is visibly impressed with her choice. Austin notes that even though they are competing individually, he and Beatrice are working together toward their common goal. However, he does not forget to mention that he will take her down when the time comes. With just 10 minutes left, it is revealed that Bobby is making pasta and is determined to impress the judges with his risky move. Richard points out that it is a dangerous idea and suggests ensuring that it is properly cooked. Meanwhile, Megan’s duck breast is almost burning, and the mentor swoops in to ask her to prepare it in low heat. Soon after, he mentions that everyone’s puree needs to be smooth and not chunky. While checking Natalia’s dish on her request, he informs her that the dish is salty. As the chefs finally put their final touches, the time comes to an end.

Rising Pressure Creates Minor Setbacks in the Middle Kitchen

While carefully tasting each dish, Nyesha asks Bobby to make smart decisions based on his knowledge. On the other hand, Richard exclaims that Beatrice’s dish has an AI level of intelligence. The judges take a few moments to discuss how Austin and Beatrice’s preparations stood out the most, but Natalia’s puree was salty. Finally, Richard announces that Austin is the first person to earn his spot in the Top Kitchen, followed by Beatrice in the second. The pressure is mounting as the remaining 7 chefs move to the Middle Kitchen for the next challenge, presided over by Nyesha. As everyone rushes to grab the ingredients, Arnav falls on the floor but soon gets ahold of himself. Meanwhile, Megan ends up choosing the squid with no other options available.

The chefs start their preparations as soon as the clock starts ticking. As Ryan reveals the vision of his dish to Nyesha, both Austin and Beatrice observe from the lounge that he is doing well. On the other hand, Becca hopes that her cooking in the Middle Kitchen will be the last one since she does not wish to go to the Basement. However, things are not running smoothly for Megan as she discloses before Nyesha that she is scared of squids. The mentor reminds her about the incredible fried scallop dish she had prepared to hype her up. Nyesha is impressed when she hears how Bobby plans to ensure his cod is not overcooked. Amid the tension, the mentor points out to Brandon that his pork chop has started burning and suggests putting it in the oven.

With 12 minutes left, Nyesha cautions everyone to be mindful of their seasoning. Just when Arnav proudly states his steak is cooking in the oven, she informs him that the oven door is open. Since he has no idea how long it has been open, he nervously hopes it gets cooked properly. Nyesha approaches Becca and motivates her to stand tall and be confident. As the time approaches its end, Megan drops a few pieces of the squid in salt, while picking them up from the fryer. With the expectation of salvaging the seasoning in just the right amount, she focuses on her preparation. In a moment of panic, Bobby forgets to put a lid on before turning on the mixer, which ends up shooting his puree against his face. The final seconds tick away as the contestants complete plating their dishes.

Tough Calls Are Made as the Challenge Reaches Its End

As the mentors taste incredible dishes prepared by the talented chefs, they state that making a decision will be harder. During the discussion, they particularly agree that Megan’s dish is salty. Nyesha remarks that although Bobby’s dish is delicious, he tends to get ahead of himself sometimes. After extreme deliberation, Nyesha announces the most awaited result. Becca ends up being the first person to earn a spot in the Middle Kitchen, with Arnav being the second, followed by Bobby in the third. The four remaining chefs prepare themselves for the next challenge with Gordon’s arrival in the Basement Kitchen. When it is the time of the most awaited component grabs, Megan tries to get her hands on anything she can. While others managed to seize impressive proteins, Brandon is disappointed that he has only got spam.

The 20-minute countdown commences, and Gordon approaches the chefs individually to get an overall view of what they are preparing. Brandon is annoyed that he is unable to get his spam out of the can, but after much trial, he succeeds. When Natalia fails to give a clear picture of the dish she is preparing, the mentor guides her through the potential process. As he checks up on Ryan, he is impressed with his choice of making the pasta. Meanwhile, in the lounge, Arnav expresses his confusion about what Megan is cooking with her multiple ingredients. With 10 minutes already down, Gordon urges Ryan to keep his pasta boiling. The contestant divulges that he is fully aware he will go neck-to-neck with the running time to cook his dish completely.

The Last Cook of the Day Ends in an Emotional Goodbye

The tension gradually reaches Megan, who is nervous about grilling her salmon on cast iron because she does not want to mess it up. Meanwhile, Ryan faces a predicament as Gordon notes that his pasta is still undercooked, with just a few minutes to spare on the clock. The mentor urges him to start plating his dish, but Ryan is not yet ready to bid goodbye to the competition. With just the last few seconds left on the clock, he finishes placing his preparation on the plate perfectly. The judges are more than excited to taste the four beautifully prepared dishes. During this time, Nyesha remarks that Natalia’s ragu should have contrasted with the texture of the spinach. On the other hand, Richard compliments Ryan’s dish, expressing that it feels like his mother’s comfort cooking.

As the mentors compliment each dish, Megan observes that each of them has a 25% chance of going back home. After a thorough discussion, the judges have finally reached a decision. Gordon announces that Brandon will be the first contestant to remain in the Basement Kitchen. He is soon followed by Ryan, who is extremely relieved to have made it. The ultimate decision has been brought down between just Megan and Natalia. To much dismay, Natalia ends up getting eliminated while her opponent becomes the third person to stay back. Natalia emotionally expresses that it has been one of her best experiences and has been an honor.

Nyesha compliments Natalia, noting that the way she cooks and cares for her family is truly commendable. She also points out the fact that the competitor has always cooked with her heart and heritage in mind. As she bids her final goodbye, Natalia states in her exit interview that she will never trade this experience for anything else. The focus now shifts to Gordon as he makes a terrifying announcement that the chefs will be facing a challenge unlike anything they have seen before. The anticipation is high as we wait to see what twists the judges have in store for the competitors.