Suvechha Sarkar
Season 5 of Fox’s ‘Next Level Chef’ finally reaches its most intense chapter yet in episode 16, aptly titled ‘The Final Level.’ Guided by legendary mentors/judges Richard Blais, Gordon Ramsay, and Nyesha Arrington, the competition tests the chefs’ adaptability and creativity for the last time this season. Today, the Grand Finale shines the spotlight on the Top 3 contenders — Connor Caine, Cole Lawson, and Darian Bryan. After surviving countless challenges, they are now just one final cook away from turning their dreams of becoming the champion, winning the $250,000 cash prize, and receiving mentorship from each judge into reality.
The Finalists Enter the Three-Course Battle After Emotional Family Reunions
The Grand Finale of this season formally commences as Darian Bryan meets his mother, Althea, and wife, Jessica, in the Top Level Kitchen. He considers them the two most important women in his life and the reason he has come this far. In the Basement Kitchen, Connor Caine meets two of his biggest supporters: his parents, Andy and Laurie. After hearing their encouraging words, the chef is further motivated to make them proud. Lastly, Cole Lawson gets the extra push she needs after meeting her beloved partner, Dashlyn, and aunt, Elycia. After meeting their families, the three final contestants take their spots before the judges. Richard quickly reminds them of the prizes before Gordon announces that today’s challenge is to create a cohesive three-course menu with a show-stopping dish from each course.
The judges explain that the chefs will start in the Basement with Richard to create a next-level appetizer, and then move on to the Middle Kitchen with Nyesha to prepare a flawless fish course. Finally, the Top 3 contestants will meet Gordon at the Top Level, where the cooks will deliver a stunning meat entrée. They will have 90 minutes to complete the three-course meal, and the time they spend on each level is up to them. Each time they finish a dish, they have to hit the buzzer at the center of the kitchen to stop their clock. After the announcement, Gordon welcomes the season 4 winner, Austin Beckett, who tells Cole, Connor, and Darian to keep a backup plan since things never go as planned in the kitchens. Once Austin exits, the competitors take their positions in the Basement with Richard.
The 90 minutes on the clock begin ticking once the platform reaches the Basement. Connor quickly grabs the shrimp, but it sets Darian off course since he wanted the same protein. While the latter pivots and grabs the lobster, Cole picks the scallops. Following the ingredient grab, Richard arrives at Darian’s station and instructs him not to overcook the protein. The chef reveals that he aims to elevate traditional Jamaican street food and tells the mentor that the dish is quite popular in his hometown. Richard then approaches Connor, who is highlighting New Orleans, Louisiana, where he found himself as a chef and an artist. When the judge moves on to Cole, he learns that she is tapping into her Creole roots and has named her dish The Awakening, which is an introduction to herself.
Strong Appetizer Performances Give the Finalists Momentum in the Fish Course
With 23 minutes already gone, Richard asks Darian to properly cook his lobster, since his idea is potentially the simplest. When the mentor tastes the chef’s curry, the former points out that it’s too spicy and asks Darian not to add more spice. The contestant becomes the first person to finish making his appetizer and presses the buzzer with 64 minutes left on the clock. In the meantime, Connor and Cole focus on finishing the plating of their dish. While Cole presses the buzzer with 62:52 remaining, Connor follows suit on the mark of 62:30. The tasting officially begins once Gordon and Nyesha arrive. They start with Darian’s peppered lobster, which Nyesha finds visually vibrant. The dish’s flavors and spice balance also impress the judges. Next up is the seared scallops dish, which is prepared by Cole.
Upon tasting it, all the mentors praise the dish for its incredible texture, flavors, and simplicity. Lastly, it’s Connor’s turn with his Cajun shrimp cake, which Nyesha notes showcases his use of Cajun flavors with a California flair. The dish also earns several compliments from Gordon and Richard. Cole, Darian, and Connor then head to the Middle Kitchen, where they are joined by Nyesha. As the time on the clock begins ticking again, the chefs rush to the platform to grab their ingredients for the fish course. Darian initially aims for the snapper, but Connor once again grabs that protein first. While Darian settles for the sea bream, Cole picks the halibut. Once they return to their respective stations, Nyesha approaches Darian and learns that he plans on taking the judges to Jamaica through his dish.
Nyesha then moves on to Cole, who is focusing on portraying her healing journey. When the mentor points out that the chef’s protein can be challenging, Cole discloses that she plans to undercook it a little and let it finish on its own. It is a technique the competitor has learned from Gordon. Nyesha finally arrives at Connor’s station, where he reveals that he is representing California through his preparation and is making a homemade masa tortilla. As time passes, the judge tastes Cole’s broth and observes that the tomatoes have a tin-like flavor. It makes the chef worried because it’s difficult to remove that particular taste. When Cole tries to blend the hot broth, a small amount splashes onto her hand. Despite the burning sensation, she continues working on her dish.
Strong Fish Dishes Raise the Tension as the Finalists Move on to the Last Course
Nyesha eventually re-tastes Cole’s broth and notes that the chef has already significantly reduced the tin-like taste. After asking Darian not to overcook his fish, the mentor moves on to Connor’s station. When Connor explains that he is trying to gain some time, Nyesha emphasizes that he should focus on the protein, since cooking it perfectly will be an advantage. She then points out that a side of the fish hasn’t been properly seared. Connor begins rushing to finish cooking the protein to press the buzzer. With just 30 minutes left on the clock, Cole presses the buzzer after finishing her dish. While Darian presses it with 30:30 remaining, Connor is left with 29 minutes when he reaches the buzzer. The tasting commences once Gordon and Richard arrive.
The judges begin with Darian’s sea bream dish, which Gordon finds to be visually vibrant. Gordon then points out that, although the fish tastes good, he would’ve preferred the fins cut off. While Richard wishes for a little more spice, Nyesha compliments its presentation and flavors. The next dish is Cole’s pan-roasted halibut, which impresses Gordon because it’s cooked beautifully despite being the hardest fish cooked tonight. Nyesha and Richard also immensely praise the dish for its flavors and execution. They lastly move on to Connor’s pan-roasted snapper. Richard promptly remarks that the dish looks the prettiest among the three preparations. Upon tasting it, all the judges praise the dish’s taste, but Gordon and Nyesha point out that the fish needs to be cooked for an additional 90 seconds.
The competitors ultimately reach the Top Kitchen, where they are soon joined by Gordon for the final meat course. While Darian has 30:30 minutes left, Cole and Connor have 29:30 (excluding the 30 seconds for the ingredient grab) and 29 minutes, respectively, to finish their last preparation. Once the platform reaches the kitchen, Darian gets a head start and picks the duck breast, but it disappoints Cole since she wanted that. During her turn, she picks the venison, while Connor lastly chooses the rack of lamb. As the chefs begin cooking, Gordon approaches Cole and discovers that she has never cooked venison before. She explains that since this dish is about her freedom, she will use different components to make it cohesive. Gordon then arrives at Connor’s station and asks him to forget about the fish course and rather focus on his meat entrée.
A Cohesive Three-Course Menu Crowns Darian the Season 5 Champion
Gordon learns that Connor is preparing a rack of lamb, through which he will take the mentors to his favorite places. The judge moves on to Darian and instructs him to taste everything he is preparing. With just 15 minutes remaining on the clock, Gordon informs Cole that her protein must be pink in the middle. He also emphasizes that she should slice it at the last minute to keep the goodness inside. In the final 4 and a half minutes, the mentor points out to Darian that a specific component could ruin his sauce, asking the chef to remove the ingredient. As Darian tries to salvage the situation, Gordon turns his attention to Cole and discovers that she has already sliced her protein. When the mentor reminds her of his last advice, the chef explains that she assumed she had no time left.
Once the final 3 minutes begin ticking, Gordon asks Darian not to use any more butter if he is reducing his sauce. The finalists finish plating their dishes as the time runs out. After Richard and Nyesha arrive, the tasting begins with Darian’s seared duck breast. Richard quickly praises the cook on the duck, noting that it is the best piece of this protein he has seen being cooked on this show. Similarly, Gordon and Nyesha remark that the dish’s flavors are exceptional. Upon tasting Cole’s pan-roasted venison, the judges are left impressed with the incredible blend of all the components in the dish. When they next taste Connor’s rack of lamb preparation, the mentors not only praise the dish’s visuals but also its depth of flavor. Following that, the judges excuse themselves to discuss each course the finalists have prepared.
After a detailed discussion, Gordon tells Cole that she came here seeking confidence and is now a force to be reckoned with. While Richard praises Darian’s calm and composed nature, which has helped him stay true to himself in this competition, Nyesha notes that Connor has demonstrated his tenacity throughout his time in the kitchen. Gordon ultimately announces that the season’s winner is none other than Darian. The chef becomes emotional and promptly embraces his mother and wife. Darian explains he can’t put into words how amazing the victory feels. He is proud to represent his homeland and thanks the mentors for believing in him. Lastly, this win makes Connor and Cole the runners-up and gives Richard’s team another victory. The season wraps up as Austin also joins in the incredible celebration with Darian.
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