1 00:00:05,222 --> 00:00:06,919 Previously, on Top Chef. 2 00:00:07,094 --> 00:00:08,834 Justin, please pack your knives and go. 3 00:00:09,009 --> 00:00:10,575 It sucks leaving Jenn. 4 00:00:10,793 --> 00:00:12,489 Bye, guys. 5 00:00:12,490 --> 00:00:15,406 But I'm super proud of her and super stoked she's moving on. 6 00:00:15,624 --> 00:00:19,019 It's time for Restaurant Wars. 7 00:00:19,584 --> 00:00:21,499 You will be responsible for creating your own 8 00:00:21,717 --> 00:00:24,937 restaurant concept in just over 36 hours. 9 00:00:25,547 --> 00:00:27,462 I don't know what's going on with my face. 10 00:00:27,679 --> 00:00:30,508 The medic's gonna take me to the ER. 11 00:00:30,726 --> 00:00:32,597 Let's just hope that she's okay. 12 00:00:33,250 --> 00:00:35,644 We have to asked her to leave the competition. 13 00:00:35,861 --> 00:00:38,386 Because you are the last person that was eliminated, 14 00:00:38,603 --> 00:00:39,909 we're offering you that spot back. 15 00:00:40,083 --> 00:00:41,737 Hey. 16 00:00:44,827 --> 00:00:46,133 Jenn's health comes first. 17 00:00:46,350 --> 00:00:47,873 There's no way I'm staying in the competition. 18 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:52,748 Eight chefs remain 19 00:00:52,965 --> 00:00:55,055 to compete in the ultimate culinary showdown. 20 00:00:55,272 --> 00:00:56,578 Woo! 21 00:00:56,795 --> 00:00:57,708 At stake for the winner, 22 00:00:57,709 --> 00:00:59,929 the grand prize of $125,000 23 00:01:00,103 --> 00:01:02,366 provided by Graza Olive Oil, 24 00:01:02,584 --> 00:01:04,455 a feature in Food & Wine Magazine, 25 00:01:04,673 --> 00:01:06,892 plus an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, 26 00:01:07,458 --> 00:01:09,199 your own exclusive dinner at the historic 27 00:01:09,417 --> 00:01:11,158 James Beard House in New York, 28 00:01:11,375 --> 00:01:13,508 and the title of Top Chef. 29 00:01:19,383 --> 00:01:21,298 [light tense music] 30 00:01:21,516 --> 00:01:23,518 So, let's agree on the concept and then we can delegate. 31 00:01:23,735 --> 00:01:25,998 Like, Latino food with like, Southern soul? 32 00:01:26,173 --> 00:01:28,044 - Yeah. - Oh, okay. 33 00:01:28,218 --> 00:01:29,089 Right? Embracing what Jenn does? 34 00:01:29,306 --> 00:01:30,350 Yeah. 35 00:01:30,351 --> 00:01:31,874 We're a player down right now. 36 00:01:32,092 --> 00:01:33,484 Obviously, we want to have Jenn here. 37 00:01:33,702 --> 00:01:36,183 Like, I'm worried for her. But we're not stagnant. 38 00:01:36,400 --> 00:01:37,531 We're making some decisions. 39 00:01:37,532 --> 00:01:38,924 I was thinking she's the exec chef. 40 00:01:39,099 --> 00:01:40,100 He's super strong in Latin food. 41 00:01:40,317 --> 00:01:41,622 Yeah. 42 00:01:41,623 --> 00:01:44,016 - Do we just have like-- - Hi. Can I come in? 43 00:01:44,191 --> 00:01:45,975 - Hey. - Hey, Kristen. How ya doin'? 44 00:01:46,149 --> 00:01:48,020 - It's been a very long day. - Yeah. 45 00:01:48,195 --> 00:01:49,413 A few updates. 46 00:01:49,631 --> 00:01:51,676 Jenn is still in the hospital. 47 00:01:51,894 --> 00:01:53,591 She is okay. Right now we're waiting on 48 00:01:53,809 --> 00:01:55,245 updates on what's going on. 49 00:01:55,463 --> 00:01:58,161 But because of everything that has transpired, 50 00:01:58,379 --> 00:02:00,163 we have removed her from the competition. 51 00:02:00,381 --> 00:02:01,817 [heavy music] 52 00:02:02,034 --> 00:02:03,210 For her own wellbeing and safety. 53 00:02:03,427 --> 00:02:06,126 Oh, that's really hard to hear. 54 00:02:06,300 --> 00:02:08,215 Jenn is such a powerhouse. 55 00:02:08,432 --> 00:02:10,391 The fact that she's made it this far 56 00:02:10,608 --> 00:02:12,915 with just one arm is insane. 57 00:02:13,133 --> 00:02:14,917 Jenn's gonna be missed. 58 00:02:15,874 --> 00:02:19,313 It was only fair that we went to the last eliminated person, 59 00:02:19,530 --> 00:02:21,967 Justin, and offered him a spot back. 60 00:02:22,142 --> 00:02:24,187 He's decided to go with Jenn. 61 00:02:25,014 --> 00:02:28,278 We have now moved on to the last, last eliminated person... 62 00:02:30,280 --> 00:02:32,021 And he's back! 63 00:02:32,195 --> 00:02:33,718 - Sweet. - Hey, back up. 64 00:02:33,936 --> 00:02:36,330 I'm stoked. Skipping Last Chance Kitchen is great. 65 00:02:36,547 --> 00:02:39,159 I wish it wasn't at the expense of Jenn leaving 66 00:02:39,376 --> 00:02:41,422 but hopefully I make her proud. 67 00:02:41,639 --> 00:02:43,424 Sieger is now on your team 68 00:02:43,641 --> 00:02:45,556 and we continue on with Restaurant Wars. 69 00:02:45,774 --> 00:02:46,774 - Welcome back. - Thank you. 70 00:02:46,775 --> 00:02:48,298 God damn, welcome back, my boy. 71 00:02:48,516 --> 00:02:50,518 - Jesus. - Talk about a rollercoaster. 72 00:02:50,735 --> 00:02:52,128 Yeah, you're tellin' me. 73 00:02:52,302 --> 00:02:54,565 It's a fair trade, right? Jenn's amazing, 74 00:02:54,783 --> 00:02:56,132 Sieger's amazing. 75 00:02:56,306 --> 00:02:58,526 His whole hog experience was so bittersweet. 76 00:02:58,743 --> 00:02:59,657 He gets a second chance. 77 00:02:59,875 --> 00:03:01,529 - It's 100 diners. - Yeah. 78 00:03:01,746 --> 00:03:03,051 Plus to-go. 79 00:03:03,052 --> 00:03:04,662 - Plus to-go? - Yeah, so there's gonna be 80 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:06,142 a phone and they're gonna be calling in 81 00:03:06,316 --> 00:03:07,795 every now and then with some orders. 82 00:03:07,796 --> 00:03:09,232 And then it's three courses but there's an option 83 00:03:09,450 --> 00:03:11,103 for each course, so a total of six dishes. 84 00:03:11,278 --> 00:03:12,278 Okay. 85 00:03:12,279 --> 00:03:13,453 We should just lean into Latin. 86 00:03:13,454 --> 00:03:14,890 - Mm-hmm. - Oscar, he should be the GM, 87 00:03:15,107 --> 00:03:16,631 and he could be out there with Spanish, 88 00:03:16,848 --> 00:03:18,110 - and you know, all the sh--. - Yeah. 89 00:03:18,285 --> 00:03:19,547 We all have very different backgrounds. 90 00:03:19,764 --> 00:03:21,288 - Yeah. - It would be smart to do 91 00:03:21,505 --> 00:03:22,637 a global approach to it. 92 00:03:22,854 --> 00:03:24,116 I think global is too broad. 93 00:03:24,291 --> 00:03:26,075 The thread that goes through everything, 94 00:03:26,249 --> 00:03:28,599 I think that should be the Carolinas. 95 00:03:28,817 --> 00:03:30,514 - Yeah, okay. - But I think the two threads 96 00:03:30,732 --> 00:03:33,387 that we have is Carolinas as location, 97 00:03:33,604 --> 00:03:34,996 and comfort as theme. 98 00:03:34,997 --> 00:03:36,390 - Yeah, all of that. Definitely. - It's Endless. 99 00:03:37,956 --> 00:03:39,784 So, I don't know what you feel more comfortable with, 100 00:03:40,002 --> 00:03:41,351 Sieger? If you wanna be exec chef 101 00:03:41,569 --> 00:03:43,004 or if you wanna be the line cook? 102 00:03:43,005 --> 00:03:44,485 I don't really care. Whatever, it's fine with me. 103 00:03:44,702 --> 00:03:46,313 Being executive chef at Restaurant Wars, 104 00:03:46,530 --> 00:03:47,836 your head's on the chopping block. 105 00:03:48,053 --> 00:03:50,621 But I always wanted to do executive chef 106 00:03:50,839 --> 00:03:51,969 or front of the house. 107 00:03:51,970 --> 00:03:54,625 Everyone on our team has restaurants. 108 00:03:54,843 --> 00:03:56,236 No one's a sleeper. Cool. 109 00:03:56,453 --> 00:03:57,976 Exec is probably under the most pressure. 110 00:03:58,194 --> 00:03:59,717 He has immunity. 111 00:03:59,935 --> 00:04:00,892 Do you want to be executive? 112 00:04:01,110 --> 00:04:03,243 Yeah, I'll take care of that. 113 00:04:03,417 --> 00:04:06,463 Am I a little uneasy because I have somebody with immunity 114 00:04:06,681 --> 00:04:09,074 on my team? Yes, a thousand percent. 115 00:04:09,249 --> 00:04:10,815 I think I would be very good 116 00:04:11,033 --> 00:04:12,687 with all my organizational skills to like, 117 00:04:12,904 --> 00:04:15,255 - run front of house. - Yeah, good. 118 00:04:15,472 --> 00:04:17,300 - Let's figure out a name. - Yeah. 119 00:04:17,518 --> 00:04:19,389 Why don't we play off of Charlotte, queen. 120 00:04:20,825 --> 00:04:22,217 - Mm-hmm. - That's perfect. 121 00:04:22,218 --> 00:04:24,742 We have the two last women on this competition. 122 00:04:24,960 --> 00:04:26,440 I think we should like, play on that. 123 00:04:26,657 --> 00:04:28,093 I like where your head's going. 124 00:04:28,268 --> 00:04:29,834 Queenies, or something like that. 125 00:04:30,052 --> 00:04:31,227 Tierra Reina? 126 00:04:31,401 --> 00:04:32,620 I like it, Tierra Reina. 127 00:04:32,837 --> 00:04:33,969 Like the Queen's Earth. 128 00:04:34,186 --> 00:04:36,145 - Carolina Queen? - I don't hate that. 129 00:04:36,319 --> 00:04:37,364 All right. Love it. 130 00:04:37,581 --> 00:04:39,191 Need to rapping about the menu. 131 00:04:39,366 --> 00:04:41,672 - I think it's aguachile verde. - Uh-huh. 132 00:04:41,890 --> 00:04:43,979 So, we keep it Mexican ceviche, aguachile. 133 00:04:44,196 --> 00:04:45,502 What would be the second option? 134 00:04:45,720 --> 00:04:47,374 If we bring it back to the Carolinas too, 135 00:04:47,591 --> 00:04:50,464 do like, the Carolina Ruby sweet potato tostada. 136 00:04:50,681 --> 00:04:52,640 I think logistics is going to be very important. 137 00:04:52,857 --> 00:04:54,206 We plan around that. 138 00:04:57,645 --> 00:04:58,994 Yeah. 139 00:05:00,212 --> 00:05:02,302 I think you should do something you can prep out 140 00:05:02,476 --> 00:05:03,694 and we can help you prep out. 141 00:05:03,912 --> 00:05:05,740 What about like, a ham and cheese gougère? 142 00:05:05,957 --> 00:05:07,959 - Oh, that would be really good. - 'Cause you can use 143 00:05:08,177 --> 00:05:09,395 - country ham. - Oh yeah. 144 00:05:09,396 --> 00:05:11,136 - And then desserts? - What if it's like, 145 00:05:11,311 --> 00:05:12,877 a peanut butter and jelly panna cotta? 146 00:05:13,095 --> 00:05:14,836 I love the peanut butter and jelly. 147 00:05:15,053 --> 00:05:16,925 What's a national-- oh Cheerwine? 148 00:05:17,142 --> 00:05:19,101 What they're gonna be looking for, service standards. 149 00:05:19,319 --> 00:05:20,972 We all have to be communicating hard core 150 00:05:21,190 --> 00:05:22,191 because that's what's gonna make us win. 151 00:05:22,365 --> 00:05:23,148 Yeah. 152 00:05:29,503 --> 00:05:32,941 [low tense music] 153 00:05:34,290 --> 00:05:36,423 Today, we have a lot to get done. 154 00:05:36,640 --> 00:05:38,903 Picking out different rentals and dinnerware, 155 00:05:39,121 --> 00:05:40,862 but also, we need to get all the ingredients we need 156 00:05:41,079 --> 00:05:42,603 to make this restaurant happen. 157 00:05:42,820 --> 00:05:46,433 It's definitely the most intimidating challenge so far. 158 00:05:47,085 --> 00:05:48,435 All right y'all, let's lock it in. 159 00:05:48,652 --> 00:05:50,828 Let's do it! 160 00:05:51,351 --> 00:05:53,440 All right, we're gonna follow me this way. 161 00:05:55,355 --> 00:05:57,487 It's gonna be feminine, but not tacky. 162 00:05:57,705 --> 00:05:59,402 - Not Barbie. - Yep, okay. 163 00:05:59,620 --> 00:06:01,273 But we're going to have like, lighter wood colors, 164 00:06:01,448 --> 00:06:03,188 maybe like Scandinavian, Japanese wood. 165 00:06:03,363 --> 00:06:06,061 I knew before I got here, 166 00:06:06,278 --> 00:06:08,063 when I make it to Restaurant Wars, 167 00:06:08,280 --> 00:06:09,760 I want to work the front of house. 168 00:06:09,978 --> 00:06:11,283 That's pretty. 169 00:06:11,458 --> 00:06:14,286 It's a role that takes a lot of organization, 170 00:06:14,461 --> 00:06:15,810 takes a lot of people skills. 171 00:06:16,027 --> 00:06:17,202 I'm ready to take that risk 172 00:06:17,377 --> 00:06:18,943 and I like putting myself out there. 173 00:06:19,161 --> 00:06:21,293 When you said light wood and Scandinavian, 174 00:06:21,468 --> 00:06:22,991 this is exactly what I was thinking about. 175 00:06:23,208 --> 00:06:25,385 - Yeah. - I also don't hate this one. 176 00:06:25,602 --> 00:06:27,561 Well, I think that feels very outdoorsy. 177 00:06:27,778 --> 00:06:29,519 That feels outdoorsy. That one's for the patio. 178 00:06:29,737 --> 00:06:31,042 I'm out ruled. 179 00:06:32,696 --> 00:06:34,524 I don't want to go too crazy with the colors. 180 00:06:34,742 --> 00:06:35,655 We wanna have some nice, 181 00:06:35,656 --> 00:06:37,135 - plain colors. - Yeah. 182 00:06:37,353 --> 00:06:39,007 We wanna make it feel warm in there, inviting. 183 00:06:39,224 --> 00:06:41,226 - How much are the black matte? - Do you not like these? 184 00:06:41,401 --> 00:06:43,141 Like 'em, but I just feel with the colors that we're getting-- 185 00:06:43,359 --> 00:06:45,753 - Dang, this is nice, though. - That is really nice. 186 00:06:45,970 --> 00:06:48,103 Obviously, myself, Sieger, my brother, Oscar, 187 00:06:48,320 --> 00:06:49,887 we're a bunch of dudes. 188 00:06:50,105 --> 00:06:52,760 We are trying not to have this be a man cave situation. 189 00:06:52,977 --> 00:06:55,153 I think we're gonna go with the brushed gold. 190 00:06:55,371 --> 00:06:57,939 - I like the wood topical vibe. - Yeah, absolutely. 191 00:06:58,156 --> 00:06:59,984 - Thank you so much. - Thank you. 192 00:07:00,202 --> 00:07:01,159 Nice meeting you. 193 00:07:01,377 --> 00:07:03,292 Let's go! 194 00:07:03,466 --> 00:07:05,163 [in Spanish] 195 00:07:10,038 --> 00:07:12,736 Jonathan and Sieger went with our master list. 196 00:07:12,954 --> 00:07:15,696 Oscar and I head to La Unica, because this is where we'll find 197 00:07:15,913 --> 00:07:17,088 the base of our Mexican cuisine. 198 00:07:17,306 --> 00:07:20,483 Vale, gracias. Dope. $6.99 a pound. 199 00:07:20,701 --> 00:07:22,616 Super G's. 200 00:07:22,833 --> 00:07:24,312 The big things that Duyen and Anthony 201 00:07:24,313 --> 00:07:26,097 are going to pick up are the proteins at Whole Foods. 202 00:07:26,315 --> 00:07:27,925 All right. 203 00:07:28,143 --> 00:07:30,928 But a lot of the other things are going to be on us. Let's go! 204 00:07:32,539 --> 00:07:34,410 Can I get 100 Carolina pearls? 205 00:07:34,584 --> 00:07:35,933 You got it. 206 00:07:36,151 --> 00:07:39,067 Shrimp, these 8 by 12, 10 pounds, please. 207 00:07:39,284 --> 00:07:41,461 $15.21. Thank you, sir. 208 00:07:41,635 --> 00:07:44,115 I got all the panko. I cleared them out. 209 00:07:44,333 --> 00:07:45,813 I've never filled up an entire shopping cart before, 210 00:07:46,030 --> 00:07:48,250 so that was weird. But we're filling it up quick. 211 00:07:48,468 --> 00:07:51,949 Oh, my God. I think we're gonna need, like, eight carts. 212 00:07:54,125 --> 00:07:55,605 Go right to the meats. 213 00:07:56,214 --> 00:07:59,827 [in Spanish] 214 00:08:02,917 --> 00:08:04,832 So we got protein, beef cheeks. 215 00:08:05,049 --> 00:08:07,574 Yeah, and tongue. You can check it off the list. 216 00:08:07,791 --> 00:08:10,490 It's just crazy to launch a restaurant in 36 hours. 217 00:08:10,707 --> 00:08:12,317 The food is the easy part. 218 00:08:12,492 --> 00:08:14,058 Let's head over to the fish to see what we've got. 219 00:08:14,276 --> 00:08:16,147 In all the seasons I've watched, I've realized that 220 00:08:16,365 --> 00:08:18,410 the teamwork makes the dream work. 221 00:08:18,585 --> 00:08:20,195 Hey, what's up, brother from the same mother. 222 00:08:20,412 --> 00:08:22,284 They don't have benne seed, but they have sesame. 223 00:08:22,502 --> 00:08:24,025 And I'm looking straight at it. 224 00:08:24,242 --> 00:08:25,374 I've seen restaurants get torn apart 225 00:08:25,548 --> 00:08:26,984 because of the front of the house 226 00:08:27,202 --> 00:08:27,942 versus back of the house. 227 00:08:28,159 --> 00:08:29,420 Oh, oh, the avocados. 228 00:08:29,421 --> 00:08:31,249 Oscar's on it now. I'm sending my best guy. 229 00:08:31,467 --> 00:08:32,816 We need to really focus on being team oriented. 230 00:08:33,034 --> 00:08:34,426 So, we're gonna finish up. 231 00:08:34,601 --> 00:08:35,645 We're gonna grab the avocados and that's it. 232 00:08:35,863 --> 00:08:37,212 Yes, sir. 233 00:08:37,429 --> 00:08:38,909 Fish, 25 pounds, which I think we're good. 234 00:08:39,127 --> 00:08:40,868 - Sick. - Super G the rest? 235 00:08:41,085 --> 00:08:42,478 Yes. 236 00:08:42,652 --> 00:08:44,088 Go-o-o-o-al! 237 00:08:44,306 --> 00:08:47,048 - Sherry, I found Cheerwine! - Uh-huh. Okay. 238 00:08:47,265 --> 00:08:52,357 I don't want to add a lot of flour to my she-crab cakes. 239 00:08:52,532 --> 00:08:54,055 We're all executive chefs 240 00:08:54,272 --> 00:08:55,665 and I think that's the biggest challenge 241 00:08:55,883 --> 00:08:58,407 when it comes to these team challenges. 242 00:08:58,581 --> 00:09:00,844 It's like, leaving the ego out the door. 243 00:09:01,062 --> 00:09:04,195 Just doing whatever needs to be done to win the challenge. 244 00:09:04,413 --> 00:09:07,242 Sherry! Sherry! 245 00:09:07,459 --> 00:09:11,463 Ugggh! My God! It's like my----ing kid! 246 00:09:14,205 --> 00:09:15,555 Sherry! 247 00:09:20,124 --> 00:09:24,215 [upbeat rock music] 248 00:09:28,655 --> 00:09:30,134 - Let's do this. - What's up, boys? 249 00:09:30,352 --> 00:09:31,788 - Yello! - What up?! 250 00:09:32,572 --> 00:09:34,225 Anthony! 251 00:09:34,443 --> 00:09:35,575 - Oh, finally! - Let's go! 252 00:09:35,749 --> 00:09:36,967 Uh-oh, bandana's coming out. 253 00:09:37,185 --> 00:09:38,360 You know what time it is, ese. 254 00:09:38,578 --> 00:09:39,840 Five hours. 255 00:09:40,057 --> 00:09:40,971 Five hours. 256 00:09:41,189 --> 00:09:43,365 Oscar! You're front of house? 257 00:09:43,583 --> 00:09:44,714 Don't let Dwayne come out. 258 00:09:44,932 --> 00:09:47,021 Oh, sh--. Dwayne's back. 259 00:09:47,238 --> 00:09:48,892 Oscar, you're gonna - ing get it. 260 00:09:49,110 --> 00:09:51,591 [laughing] Poor Oscar. 261 00:09:51,808 --> 00:09:54,811 Sometimes my alter ego, Dwayne, comes out. 262 00:09:55,246 --> 00:09:56,378 We're both in front of the house. 263 00:09:56,596 --> 00:09:57,553 It kind of motivates me 264 00:09:57,727 --> 00:09:59,207 to get my energy going. 265 00:09:59,424 --> 00:10:00,991 Okay, all right, I see you. 266 00:10:01,209 --> 00:10:02,776 [Oscar laughs] 267 00:10:02,993 --> 00:10:05,126 I got collards working, my rosa's working, 268 00:10:05,343 --> 00:10:07,084 - I got my cherry gel working. - Who's your exec? 269 00:10:07,302 --> 00:10:08,520 We went with the old Siegster. 270 00:10:08,695 --> 00:10:10,174 Hold on, he just got revived and you guys 271 00:10:10,392 --> 00:10:11,828 are putting him in the middle of the battlefield? 272 00:10:12,046 --> 00:10:13,917 - Back from the dead, dude. - Whoo! 273 00:10:14,135 --> 00:10:15,353 The first two courses are going to be 274 00:10:15,571 --> 00:10:17,051 my boy Jonathan and I. 275 00:10:17,268 --> 00:10:20,315 For Tierra Reina, this concept is like, Latin cuisine. 276 00:10:20,532 --> 00:10:22,012 And then aspects of the Carolinas. 277 00:10:22,230 --> 00:10:25,189 So, first course, a snapper aguachile verde. 278 00:10:25,407 --> 00:10:26,712 That's Jonathan. 279 00:10:26,713 --> 00:10:28,192 Whose idea was it to cut all these peppers? 280 00:10:28,410 --> 00:10:30,281 Oh, that was mine. 281 00:10:30,499 --> 00:10:32,675 We're going with sweet potato tostada by yours truly. 282 00:10:32,893 --> 00:10:34,110 I hit the sweet potatoes with the miso, 283 00:10:34,111 --> 00:10:36,374 roasted them off. That one's good to go. 284 00:10:36,592 --> 00:10:38,594 We're just building flavor on flavor on flavor. 285 00:10:38,768 --> 00:10:41,118 For the second course, Jonathan will be making 286 00:10:41,336 --> 00:10:43,294 a pescado a la Veracruzana, 287 00:10:43,512 --> 00:10:45,122 using cod as his fish. 288 00:10:45,340 --> 00:10:46,776 I'm trying to get a nice, thick filet. 289 00:10:46,994 --> 00:10:48,516 For the second option, 290 00:10:48,517 --> 00:10:51,215 I'm presenting a barbacoa wrapped in a collard green. 291 00:10:51,433 --> 00:10:53,609 In the barbacoa, I'm doing tongue-in-cheek. 292 00:10:53,783 --> 00:10:55,567 It's kind of funny, I don't know, maybe? 293 00:10:55,742 --> 00:10:56,786 Tongue-in-cheek? 294 00:10:57,004 --> 00:10:58,962 [quirky music] Right? You get it? 295 00:10:59,180 --> 00:11:00,660 [giggles] 296 00:11:01,312 --> 00:11:05,577 You have three hours and 30 minutes, everybody. 297 00:11:05,752 --> 00:11:07,710 Hey, Laurence, big dog. You bought Cheerwine? 298 00:11:07,928 --> 00:11:09,493 - Yeah. - I just need a little bit. 299 00:11:09,494 --> 00:11:11,627 They need some Cheerwine. Is it okay if we give them some? 300 00:11:11,801 --> 00:11:13,281 - One can. - Go for it. 301 00:11:13,498 --> 00:11:14,804 Thanks, brother. 302 00:11:15,022 --> 00:11:16,719 For dessert, Sieger is planning a mole crémeux 303 00:11:16,937 --> 00:11:20,114 with a Catalana crème and a benne seed cracker. 304 00:11:20,331 --> 00:11:24,553 It's a Latin take on the French crémeux, 305 00:11:24,727 --> 00:11:25,902 which is like a ganache. 306 00:11:26,120 --> 00:11:27,512 All the things kind of coming together. 307 00:11:27,687 --> 00:11:28,904 [chuckles] 308 00:11:28,905 --> 00:11:30,951 And finally, I am making arroz con leche 309 00:11:31,168 --> 00:11:32,691 with Cheerwine gel. 310 00:11:32,692 --> 00:11:34,737 Honestly, kinda glad that you chose rice pudding, man. 311 00:11:34,955 --> 00:11:36,434 Yeah, using Cheerwine in place of the raisins 312 00:11:36,652 --> 00:11:37,740 so you have a better texture. 313 00:11:37,958 --> 00:11:39,132 'cause you remember when we were kids, 314 00:11:39,133 --> 00:11:40,611 our nanny made it for us all the time? 315 00:11:40,612 --> 00:11:42,223 Yeah. First time we tried it, it was kind of weird. 316 00:11:42,440 --> 00:11:43,703 And remember, I didn't like the raisins. 317 00:11:43,877 --> 00:11:44,833 Yeah, we hated the raisins. 318 00:11:44,834 --> 00:11:46,749 Rice pudding is 50% complete. 319 00:11:46,967 --> 00:11:48,619 I just don't wanna burn the bottom. 320 00:11:48,620 --> 00:11:50,361 That'd be my worst nightmare, so I'm going slow and slow. 321 00:11:50,579 --> 00:11:51,928 How are you guys feeling about your menu 322 00:11:52,146 --> 00:11:53,451 and having to do takeout at the same time? 323 00:11:53,669 --> 00:11:55,453 - No problem. - We pivot. 324 00:11:55,671 --> 00:11:57,455 - We make it happen, baby. - All right, let's go, baby. 325 00:11:57,673 --> 00:12:00,632 Carolina Queen. It is new Southern comfort-style food. 326 00:12:00,807 --> 00:12:02,460 The first course, Sherry is going to make 327 00:12:02,678 --> 00:12:03,896 a she-crab cake. 328 00:12:03,897 --> 00:12:06,464 The Brazilian spin is adding coconut milk 329 00:12:06,682 --> 00:12:09,250 to the crab instead of mayonnaise. 330 00:12:09,467 --> 00:12:11,078 And Duyen is going to make a cheese puff 331 00:12:11,295 --> 00:12:12,906 with pimento cheese and country ham. 332 00:12:13,123 --> 00:12:14,603 Duyen, three hours left. How you feel? 333 00:12:14,777 --> 00:12:16,386 I'm feeling pretty good. 334 00:12:16,387 --> 00:12:18,650 I just want to give myself enough time to be able to go out 335 00:12:18,825 --> 00:12:20,348 - in the dining room. - Okay. 336 00:12:20,565 --> 00:12:21,914 You looking good, Anthony? 337 00:12:21,915 --> 00:12:25,353 Yes, I'm about to slice and cure the okra next. 338 00:12:25,570 --> 00:12:28,182 For the second course, you can choose between Anthony's 339 00:12:28,399 --> 00:12:32,186 red rice with a seafood Bearnaise oyster and shrimp. 340 00:12:32,403 --> 00:12:34,884 I started cooking a rice dish similar to this back in Miami, 341 00:12:35,102 --> 00:12:38,366 and the flavors are good, so I think it's gonna be a good one. 342 00:12:38,583 --> 00:12:39,888 Or you can have my course, 343 00:12:39,889 --> 00:12:41,935 which is a crispy pork belly with collards, 344 00:12:42,152 --> 00:12:43,674 cornbread, and pickles. 345 00:12:43,675 --> 00:12:46,374 Poking some holes. This is gonna help render the fat. 346 00:12:46,591 --> 00:12:49,159 And then when it renders, you get it nice and crispy. 347 00:12:49,377 --> 00:12:52,249 We wanted to do elevated Southern comfort, 348 00:12:52,467 --> 00:12:55,862 and I think that everybody loves PB&J. 349 00:12:56,079 --> 00:12:59,300 For the last course, you have dessert between a PB&J 350 00:12:59,517 --> 00:13:00,867 with a peanut panna cotta, 351 00:13:01,084 --> 00:13:03,347 some compressed fruits, and a Cheerwine jelly. 352 00:13:03,565 --> 00:13:05,959 Oiled peanuts are a big thing in Carolinas. 353 00:13:06,176 --> 00:13:08,788 Or you can have our pecan baklava 354 00:13:09,005 --> 00:13:10,441 with maple bourbon syrup. 355 00:13:10,659 --> 00:13:13,444 Oh, my God, it's taking forever. 356 00:13:13,662 --> 00:13:15,664 Very cool to be working right alongside of you with... 357 00:13:15,838 --> 00:13:17,404 For Restaurant Wars. 358 00:13:17,405 --> 00:13:18,798 - ...for Restaurant Wars. - Yeah, we're gonna crush it. 359 00:13:19,015 --> 00:13:20,538 Kind of like a dream come true, you know? 360 00:13:20,756 --> 00:13:23,237 My brother and I, we went separate ways in our career, 361 00:13:23,454 --> 00:13:25,239 but our dream is to open a restaurant together. 362 00:13:25,456 --> 00:13:28,111 We are very much connected. 363 00:13:28,329 --> 00:13:30,418 This is gonna be one for the books. 364 00:13:30,635 --> 00:13:32,594 We tend to argue a little bit about little sh--, 365 00:13:32,812 --> 00:13:34,988 but, you know, we're 40 years old now, so hopefully 366 00:13:35,205 --> 00:13:37,033 - that won't happen. - Should be all good. 367 00:13:38,339 --> 00:13:39,688 Hey, Chef! 368 00:13:39,862 --> 00:13:41,821 - Hey, Chef! - Hello! 369 00:13:41,995 --> 00:13:43,561 It smells like Restaurant Wars in here. 370 00:13:43,779 --> 00:13:45,825 - Hey, Chef. - Laurence, Chef Michael Mina. 371 00:13:46,042 --> 00:13:47,522 - Pleasure to meet you. - Likewise. 372 00:13:47,739 --> 00:13:49,829 To be in the presence of Chef Mina, 373 00:13:50,046 --> 00:13:51,352 it's a privilege. 374 00:13:51,569 --> 00:13:53,006 Makes me feel like this restaurant 375 00:13:53,223 --> 00:13:54,703 needs to absolutely be a success. 376 00:13:54,877 --> 00:13:55,922 This is Carolina Queen. 377 00:13:56,139 --> 00:13:57,792 Carolina Queen. 378 00:13:57,793 --> 00:14:01,188 Trying to do a new Southern comfort restaurant for you guys. 379 00:14:01,405 --> 00:14:02,754 What are you doing with the phyllo right now? 380 00:14:02,929 --> 00:14:05,235 I'm doing a baklava, and that's gonna come with 381 00:14:05,453 --> 00:14:06,976 a sweet potato-like crème anglaise. 382 00:14:07,194 --> 00:14:09,892 Where'd baklava play into the concept? 383 00:14:10,110 --> 00:14:11,763 Yeah, I mean, we thought about kind of vessels 384 00:14:11,938 --> 00:14:14,288 for um, a um... 385 00:14:14,505 --> 00:14:15,679 Southern Greece. 386 00:14:15,680 --> 00:14:17,160 Yeah, Southern Greece, there you go. 387 00:14:17,378 --> 00:14:19,293 But instead of pistachios, you're using pecans. 388 00:14:19,510 --> 00:14:21,382 - Pecans, yeah, exactly. - Yeah, looks like a good plan. 389 00:14:21,599 --> 00:14:23,297 - Thanks, chefs. - That's good, yeah. 390 00:14:23,514 --> 00:14:24,515 Okay, great. 391 00:14:24,733 --> 00:14:25,907 - Oscar, Brandon. - Hey. 392 00:14:25,908 --> 00:14:27,431 - Chef, how you doing? - Look at this, 393 00:14:27,649 --> 00:14:29,302 - I get a two-for-one here. - Two-for one. 394 00:14:29,303 --> 00:14:31,261 The name of the restaurant is Tierra Reina, Latino driven, 395 00:14:31,479 --> 00:14:32,828 but with a Southern appreciation as well. 396 00:14:33,002 --> 00:14:34,786 Is your Southern influence in the menu 397 00:14:34,961 --> 00:14:36,613 more, you think, in products? 398 00:14:36,614 --> 00:14:38,878 Like, good example, I am on the rice pudding, the dessert, 399 00:14:39,095 --> 00:14:41,054 so I'm gonna use the Carolina gold rice. 400 00:14:41,271 --> 00:14:42,794 Are you making green rice pudding? 401 00:14:42,969 --> 00:14:44,709 We're thinking about it. We were very inspired. 402 00:14:44,884 --> 00:14:46,320 Ha, ha, don't take shots at me. 403 00:14:46,537 --> 00:14:47,799 Just asking. [Oscar chuckles] 404 00:14:47,974 --> 00:14:49,236 Duyen, pâte à choux for 100, please? 405 00:14:49,453 --> 00:14:51,455 - Yeah. - Before you made all these, 406 00:14:51,673 --> 00:14:52,456 did you test one? 407 00:14:54,502 --> 00:14:55,285 I did not. 408 00:14:55,503 --> 00:14:57,374 [laughing]: I did not. 409 00:14:57,592 --> 00:15:00,334 Tom, come on. Let's be real here. 410 00:15:00,551 --> 00:15:02,989 Who has time to god damn test anything right now? 411 00:15:03,206 --> 00:15:04,033 - Good luck. - Thank you. 412 00:15:04,251 --> 00:15:05,729 Chefs, it all looks good. 413 00:15:05,730 --> 00:15:06,906 We'll see you at your restaurants tomorrow night. 414 00:15:07,123 --> 00:15:09,299 - Sounds good. Bye! - See you tomorrow! 415 00:15:09,517 --> 00:15:10,691 Bye chef! See ya! 416 00:15:10,692 --> 00:15:12,127 You know, like, when you watch a movie 417 00:15:12,128 --> 00:15:14,652 and they're like the devil? I have that with Tom. 418 00:15:14,870 --> 00:15:17,264 And he's like, "Duyen, this is not the time to R&T." 419 00:15:17,481 --> 00:15:20,876 And I'm like, Shut up, Tom. Let me do my thing. 420 00:15:21,790 --> 00:15:23,357 Not today, devil. 421 00:15:23,574 --> 00:15:24,662 30 minutes! 422 00:15:25,707 --> 00:15:27,274 Behind. 423 00:15:27,491 --> 00:15:28,579 We have more room here. 424 00:15:28,797 --> 00:15:29,885 We can do two tops across there. 425 00:15:30,059 --> 00:15:31,146 I like that. 426 00:15:31,147 --> 00:15:32,409 I'm portioning out the panna cotta. 427 00:15:32,627 --> 00:15:34,411 That way it's already in the containers. 428 00:15:34,629 --> 00:15:36,325 I'm gonna make a welcome tea. 429 00:15:36,326 --> 00:15:38,720 I'm gonna infuse this tonight, so it's gonna be super strong. 430 00:15:41,418 --> 00:15:42,767 You good, Duyen? 431 00:15:42,942 --> 00:15:44,552 Yeah. I'm just gonna wrap my gougères. 432 00:15:44,769 --> 00:15:45,682 What's the time? 433 00:15:45,683 --> 00:15:47,424 Five minutes and 32 seconds. 434 00:15:47,642 --> 00:15:49,513 I'm starting to get anxious. 435 00:15:49,731 --> 00:15:52,125 I was just hoping I could spend a little bit of time 436 00:15:52,342 --> 00:15:53,604 in the dining room. 437 00:15:53,822 --> 00:15:56,085 - What you need? - Yeah, let's go four top. 438 00:15:56,303 --> 00:15:58,566 Tomorrow, it's just gonna be a crazy long day, 439 00:15:58,783 --> 00:16:00,829 and all these things are starting to weigh on me. 440 00:16:01,003 --> 00:16:02,177 Ugh! 441 00:16:02,178 --> 00:16:03,614 No, it was a stretch, but we did it. 442 00:16:03,832 --> 00:16:05,181 Our mise en place is done. 443 00:16:05,399 --> 00:16:06,661 - Feeling good. Yeah. - Got everything done. 444 00:16:06,878 --> 00:16:08,532 I got two things I got to do. Just with 445 00:16:08,750 --> 00:16:10,055 the salsa, blitz it. Everything else is done. 446 00:16:10,056 --> 00:16:11,709 I got a big day tomorrow, but it'll be fine. 447 00:16:11,927 --> 00:16:13,189 Tierra Reina! 448 00:16:13,407 --> 00:16:14,495 [Duyen sighs] 449 00:16:14,712 --> 00:16:16,323 [tense music] 450 00:16:23,069 --> 00:16:25,810 [tense music] 451 00:16:25,985 --> 00:16:28,117 Blue suit. 452 00:16:30,990 --> 00:16:32,817 [knife rasping on stone] 453 00:16:33,514 --> 00:16:35,733 Okay, time to go. 454 00:16:42,218 --> 00:16:43,611 - Oh, wow! - Yo! 455 00:16:43,828 --> 00:16:46,570 - Whoa! - Wow! 456 00:16:46,788 --> 00:16:48,442 - I love it, I love it. - Yeah, cool. 457 00:16:48,659 --> 00:16:50,096 - Poppin'. - Carolina Queen! 458 00:16:50,313 --> 00:16:52,185 Wow. Look at the work they did. 459 00:16:52,402 --> 00:16:55,144 That's a nice host stand for you. The little lamp. 460 00:16:58,017 --> 00:16:59,583 Let's go, let's go! 461 00:17:00,628 --> 00:17:02,456 Restaurant Wars, baby! 462 00:17:02,673 --> 00:17:04,414 I've been waiting for this day my whole life. 463 00:17:04,632 --> 00:17:05,807 Yeet! 464 00:17:06,025 --> 00:17:07,155 Jonathan, how you looking? 465 00:17:07,156 --> 00:17:09,289 I'm gonna work on this ceviche first, 466 00:17:09,506 --> 00:17:12,031 and then I'm gonna go into getting the cod cured. 467 00:17:12,248 --> 00:17:13,945 Sieger, what are you gonna start working on? 468 00:17:14,120 --> 00:17:15,773 These are the sweet potatoes for the tostada. 469 00:17:15,991 --> 00:17:18,037 How we doing on those barbacoa boys? 470 00:17:18,211 --> 00:17:19,647 Four down, 76 to go, Chef. 471 00:17:19,864 --> 00:17:21,083 [Oscar chuckles] 472 00:17:21,301 --> 00:17:22,431 We're in a good spot. 473 00:17:22,432 --> 00:17:23,651 I'm in charge of front of the house, 474 00:17:23,868 --> 00:17:25,740 but I don't want to leave them with anything 475 00:17:25,957 --> 00:17:27,220 other to do than what we agreed on, 476 00:17:27,437 --> 00:17:29,309 which is Brandon rolling up the barbacoa 477 00:17:29,526 --> 00:17:31,093 in the collards. 478 00:17:31,311 --> 00:17:33,095 It's not like a circle. Actually, that's not bad. 479 00:17:33,313 --> 00:17:35,271 - That's not bad. - Yeah, this would be great. 480 00:17:35,489 --> 00:17:37,665 And I'm doing a duo of salsas, a tomato salsa, 481 00:17:37,882 --> 00:17:39,623 and then I'm doing a tomatillo one, too. 482 00:17:39,841 --> 00:17:42,061 I'm just hammering away at these balls. 483 00:17:42,235 --> 00:17:43,888 Can you say that one more time? 484 00:17:45,455 --> 00:17:47,718 I already pickled Duyen's mustard seeds. 485 00:17:47,936 --> 00:17:49,416 I'm letting that sit. 486 00:17:49,633 --> 00:17:52,941 The line cook is responsible for executing 487 00:17:53,115 --> 00:17:56,162 every single dish to perfection. It's tough. 488 00:17:56,379 --> 00:17:59,295 I'm working on Duyen's pimento cheese. 489 00:17:59,513 --> 00:18:00,731 Laurence, how you feel about that pork belly? 490 00:18:00,949 --> 00:18:02,733 Crisping up the skin right now. 491 00:18:02,951 --> 00:18:04,648 We'll see how it goes in the oven. 492 00:18:04,866 --> 00:18:06,955 Just under three hours before we're all open. 493 00:18:07,129 --> 00:18:08,609 Oh, man. Is anybody freaking out? 494 00:18:08,826 --> 00:18:12,221 I haven't done knife work like this in years. 495 00:18:12,439 --> 00:18:14,267 I got people, man, that do that for me. 496 00:18:14,484 --> 00:18:16,051 So, I'm trying to get back in the groove. 497 00:18:16,225 --> 00:18:17,705 Oh, my goodness. 498 00:18:17,922 --> 00:18:20,838 Coming down... this way. 499 00:18:21,056 --> 00:18:23,537 Hi, everyone. I'm Chef Duyen. 500 00:18:23,754 --> 00:18:25,104 Welcome to Restaurant Wars. 501 00:18:25,321 --> 00:18:26,844 I'll show you guys your sections, 502 00:18:27,062 --> 00:18:28,759 but let's get the dining room set up first 503 00:18:28,977 --> 00:18:30,631 and kind of just start getting into the workflow. 504 00:18:30,848 --> 00:18:33,329 I want us to start setting up the tables. 505 00:18:33,547 --> 00:18:35,288 My prep list is pretty insane. 506 00:18:35,505 --> 00:18:38,639 I need to get the dining room together, 507 00:18:38,856 --> 00:18:41,946 figure out everybody's roles, train them on those roles, 508 00:18:42,121 --> 00:18:44,819 and my team's doing everything they can to help me with my prep 509 00:18:45,036 --> 00:18:47,169 in the kitchen so I can just be out there. 510 00:18:47,387 --> 00:18:50,738 Two top should be right here. 511 00:18:51,217 --> 00:18:53,001 I want you to take some ownership over the host stand 512 00:18:53,175 --> 00:18:54,655 and tell them what their section is. 513 00:18:54,872 --> 00:18:55,917 You're gonna run this host station. 514 00:18:56,135 --> 00:18:57,352 You say you're the best. 515 00:18:57,353 --> 00:18:58,963 - I'm gonna hold you to it. - Yes, Chef. 516 00:18:59,138 --> 00:19:01,183 - How does it look out there? - It's coming together quick. 517 00:19:01,401 --> 00:19:02,793 All right, Sieger, I'm gonna go get changed up, bro. 518 00:19:03,011 --> 00:19:03,707 Good luck. 519 00:19:03,925 --> 00:19:05,666 58 minutes, guys. 520 00:19:06,275 --> 00:19:08,625 Weather report on the pork, it's looking really good. 521 00:19:08,843 --> 00:19:09,974 We're gonna throw it back in the oven 522 00:19:10,149 --> 00:19:11,411 with high heat and high fan. 523 00:19:11,628 --> 00:19:13,239 How are you guys looking over there? 524 00:19:13,456 --> 00:19:16,981 I'm just cutting the sherry and Cheerwine gelee 525 00:19:17,156 --> 00:19:21,551 that's gonna be in place of raisins on the rice pudding. 526 00:19:21,769 --> 00:19:24,337 I do know it's high risk because it's only one dish. 527 00:19:24,554 --> 00:19:26,033 It's super simple. It's three ingredients. 528 00:19:26,034 --> 00:19:28,254 But being the line cook, you have your hands in prep 529 00:19:28,471 --> 00:19:31,692 and in so many dishes so I want my dessert to be easy, 530 00:19:31,909 --> 00:19:33,172 and I want it to be pre-plated. 531 00:19:33,346 --> 00:19:34,607 Here, you wanna try a piece? 532 00:19:34,608 --> 00:19:35,913 - I'll take a scrap. - We've got plenty. 533 00:19:36,131 --> 00:19:38,220 - Oh, dude, it's so good. - Yeah. 534 00:19:38,438 --> 00:19:40,179 And remember, like, we can prep during service, too, 535 00:19:40,396 --> 00:19:41,702 so it's not like... 536 00:19:41,919 --> 00:19:43,268 You know, that's a thing now, right? 537 00:19:43,269 --> 00:19:44,966 Bro, anytime a cook tells me that, I'm like, 538 00:19:45,184 --> 00:19:46,446 bro, what do you need, bro? 539 00:19:46,663 --> 00:19:47,751 I send them home. I'm like, it's okay, 540 00:19:47,969 --> 00:19:49,535 I'll work your station. 541 00:19:49,536 --> 00:19:51,668 I got this. I just want to finish the aguachile verde, 542 00:19:51,886 --> 00:19:53,016 which should take me 20 minutes, 543 00:19:53,017 --> 00:19:55,890 and then slice Serranos, pick herbs, 544 00:19:56,107 --> 00:19:57,544 slice scallions. [chuckling] 545 00:19:57,761 --> 00:19:59,415 You guys, this is Chef Anthony. 546 00:19:59,633 --> 00:20:00,721 Hello, everyone. 547 00:20:00,938 --> 00:20:02,636 He's the executive chef tonight. 548 00:20:02,853 --> 00:20:04,855 Alrighty, 10 minutes after first course, 549 00:20:05,073 --> 00:20:06,378 I'm already gonna fire your second. 550 00:20:06,379 --> 00:20:07,944 So, there's no need to fire anything with me. 551 00:20:07,945 --> 00:20:10,296 This way allows me to have control over the flow of service 552 00:20:10,513 --> 00:20:13,081 and just ensure that we're moving at a consistent pace. 553 00:20:13,255 --> 00:20:14,387 We don't want to get backed up. 554 00:20:14,604 --> 00:20:15,475 When we clear the first course, 555 00:20:15,692 --> 00:20:17,607 that's when you fire to us. 556 00:20:17,825 --> 00:20:19,173 Five to seven minutes is what we're thinking. 557 00:20:19,174 --> 00:20:23,265 Getting tickets to chef, hand it directly to him. 558 00:20:23,483 --> 00:20:25,789 Food runners, we don't need all this explanation. 559 00:20:26,007 --> 00:20:27,965 We just want the seat number and the table number, 560 00:20:28,183 --> 00:20:29,052 and we run it out. 561 00:20:29,053 --> 00:20:30,445 We're gonna be really good. 562 00:20:30,446 --> 00:20:31,926 We're gonna go to all the right tables, right? 563 00:20:32,143 --> 00:20:33,101 Sick. 564 00:20:33,275 --> 00:20:34,320 18 minutes! 565 00:20:34,537 --> 00:20:35,798 How are you guys feeling? 566 00:20:35,799 --> 00:20:37,758 Good. Go taste your cheese sauce, please. 567 00:20:37,975 --> 00:20:40,500 It's done. Is it enough filling? 568 00:20:41,327 --> 00:20:43,067 It's a good bite. 569 00:20:43,242 --> 00:20:45,244 Yeah, but I feel like it's very plain. 570 00:20:45,461 --> 00:20:48,029 I think the pickled mustard seeds need to stay in there 571 00:20:48,247 --> 00:20:50,118 a little bit longer. 572 00:20:50,292 --> 00:20:52,251 - Okay. - Okay, I need to go change. 573 00:20:52,468 --> 00:20:53,947 - That's fine. - For service. 574 00:20:53,948 --> 00:20:56,080 I don't know how I get stuck doing somebody else's 575 00:20:56,255 --> 00:20:57,560 mise en place. 576 00:20:57,778 --> 00:20:59,388 I have one thing on everybody's dish. 577 00:20:59,606 --> 00:21:01,912 So, if anybody gonna get scolded, it's gonna be me. 578 00:21:05,002 --> 00:21:06,439 45 minutes for pick up. 579 00:21:06,656 --> 00:21:08,309 You could tell them, if they'd like to come 580 00:21:08,310 --> 00:21:10,617 five minutes ahead of time, we might have it ready for you 581 00:21:10,834 --> 00:21:12,532 beforehand, but 45 minutes to have it ready. 582 00:21:12,749 --> 00:21:15,317 [tense instrumental music] 583 00:21:15,535 --> 00:21:17,711 We're in the South. Maybe a little Southern hosp--, 584 00:21:17,928 --> 00:21:20,931 like if we can, women first, you know. 585 00:21:21,149 --> 00:21:23,020 The dining room is absolutely beautiful. 586 00:21:23,238 --> 00:21:25,545 It just feels light and airy. 587 00:21:25,762 --> 00:21:26,981 [snaps] 588 00:21:27,198 --> 00:21:28,809 I'm ready to pull up. [chuckles] 589 00:21:29,026 --> 00:21:30,505 Nine minutes! 590 00:21:30,506 --> 00:21:32,943 Hey Brandon, I just need your help with a little bit 591 00:21:33,161 --> 00:21:34,641 - of knifework, please. - What knifework do you need? 592 00:21:34,858 --> 00:21:35,903 I've just got a lot of knifework 593 00:21:36,120 --> 00:21:37,686 that needs to be finished. 594 00:21:37,687 --> 00:21:39,210 What kind of knifework, Chef? You gotta speak. Tell me. 595 00:21:39,385 --> 00:21:41,909 So, right here. So, I just need cilantro, chiffonade. 596 00:21:42,126 --> 00:21:43,911 I'm blown away. 597 00:21:44,128 --> 00:21:46,043 We're about to start service and my brother comes up 598 00:21:46,261 --> 00:21:49,090 with a 22-quart of vegetables. 599 00:21:49,308 --> 00:21:51,222 This is the garni-poo for the-- 600 00:21:51,397 --> 00:21:52,963 Just stop talking. Start working, bro. 601 00:21:53,181 --> 00:21:54,530 I'm working, dude. I'm working nonstop. 602 00:21:54,748 --> 00:21:57,403 Now is not the time to - ing chat and be funny. 603 00:21:57,620 --> 00:21:59,013 This is my worst nightmare. 604 00:21:59,230 --> 00:22:00,057 Oh, my God! 605 00:22:07,326 --> 00:22:08,892 Oh, my God! 606 00:22:09,110 --> 00:22:11,330 - Sherry, how you feeling, girl? - Ready for service, Chef. 607 00:22:11,504 --> 00:22:13,288 I wish I could say the same for my brother. 608 00:22:13,462 --> 00:22:14,463 Oh. [laughs] 609 00:22:14,681 --> 00:22:15,985 He's mad as hell. 610 00:22:15,986 --> 00:22:17,727 How many more do you think you need, Chef? 611 00:22:17,945 --> 00:22:19,512 - Uh... - Just gimme a quick count. 612 00:22:19,729 --> 00:22:21,688 He's right. I should have my station set up. 613 00:22:21,905 --> 00:22:23,864 I would never let that fly in one of my restaurants. 614 00:22:24,081 --> 00:22:26,170 Like, same size as the peppers. You can go a little bit bigger. 615 00:22:26,345 --> 00:22:27,476 Well, too late. If he wasn't my brother, 616 00:22:27,694 --> 00:22:28,956 and this was another cook, 617 00:22:29,173 --> 00:22:30,349 they'd be on their own. 618 00:22:30,566 --> 00:22:32,438 - Minute and 30! - Where's the phone again? 619 00:22:32,655 --> 00:22:34,701 The phone will be at the host stand. They're gonna run back 620 00:22:34,918 --> 00:22:36,442 - all our to-go orders. - Yes, Chef! 621 00:22:36,659 --> 00:22:37,921 Are we finished with your mise en place, 622 00:22:38,139 --> 00:22:39,358 - or what? - Yeah, we're there. Thank you. 623 00:22:39,575 --> 00:22:41,577 Steady, calm. Let's show them a good time. 624 00:22:41,795 --> 00:22:43,057 Good luck. Good luck. 625 00:22:43,274 --> 00:22:44,580 Thank you. You too. 626 00:22:44,798 --> 00:22:45,625 [timer beeps] 627 00:22:45,842 --> 00:22:47,801 - Ho!! - Hey-ho! 628 00:22:48,018 --> 00:22:49,237 Let's do it! Let's do it! 629 00:22:49,411 --> 00:22:51,195 - We are open!! - We're open! We're open! 630 00:22:56,157 --> 00:22:58,681 Hello. Welcome to Carolina Queen. 631 00:23:00,204 --> 00:23:02,076 Welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome. 632 00:23:02,293 --> 00:23:03,643 Welcome to Tierra Reina. 633 00:23:03,860 --> 00:23:06,167 - It looks so great in here. - Thank you so much. 634 00:23:06,385 --> 00:23:07,907 We're celebrating the South. 635 00:23:07,908 --> 00:23:09,388 A lot of our personalities shine throughout the dishes. 636 00:23:09,605 --> 00:23:11,390 We also have a nice, little welcome drink 637 00:23:11,607 --> 00:23:13,043 - for you guys as well. - Oh, very cool. 638 00:23:13,261 --> 00:23:16,438 I am so deep in my element. I'm made for this. 639 00:23:16,656 --> 00:23:18,527 Honestly, it's a really good team energy. 640 00:23:18,745 --> 00:23:21,704 Anything y'all need from us, just let me know. 641 00:23:22,226 --> 00:23:23,575 Who's taking to-go calls? 642 00:23:23,576 --> 00:23:26,753 I'm taking the to-go calls. It's on the expo. 643 00:23:26,970 --> 00:23:29,016 Okay. This is exactly the doneness I wanted. 644 00:23:30,887 --> 00:23:32,106 Simon! Yes! 645 00:23:32,323 --> 00:23:34,761 - All right! Let's do this! - Order in! 646 00:23:34,978 --> 00:23:39,243 So, let's fire. Aguachile, tostada, one of each, please. 647 00:23:39,418 --> 00:23:40,200 Yes, Chef. 648 00:23:40,201 --> 00:23:42,116 Welcome to Tierra Reina. 649 00:23:42,333 --> 00:23:43,683 Have you all dined with us before? 650 00:23:43,900 --> 00:23:45,075 No, it's our first time. 651 00:23:45,293 --> 00:23:46,947 It's our first time here, too. [laughs] 652 00:23:47,164 --> 00:23:49,993 The dining room is looking good, dog. The joke is landing. 653 00:23:50,211 --> 00:23:51,995 I think we're in a good spot, ladies and gentlemen. 654 00:23:52,213 --> 00:23:53,736 Nice! 655 00:23:55,085 --> 00:23:59,525 [dramatic music] 656 00:23:59,742 --> 00:24:01,570 - Hi! - Look at you. 657 00:24:01,788 --> 00:24:03,703 - You look lovely. - Thank you. I try. 658 00:24:03,920 --> 00:24:06,357 - Do you guys want to follow me? - Thank you. 659 00:24:06,532 --> 00:24:08,316 I'm checking out the decor. 660 00:24:08,490 --> 00:24:10,361 - Yeah, pretty. - It is pretty in here. 661 00:24:10,536 --> 00:24:11,449 It's sort of soft 662 00:24:11,450 --> 00:24:12,232 - and feminine. - Yeah. 663 00:24:12,233 --> 00:24:13,843 The name Carolina Queen 664 00:24:14,061 --> 00:24:16,716 is really to pay an homage to the city. 665 00:24:16,933 --> 00:24:18,500 And to start you guys off, 666 00:24:18,718 --> 00:24:22,373 we have a fizzy sweet tea made with turmeric and some yuzu. 667 00:24:22,548 --> 00:24:23,722 - Smells great. - Beautiful. 668 00:24:23,723 --> 00:24:25,072 - Thank you, Duyen. - You're welcome. 669 00:24:25,289 --> 00:24:26,900 Cheers. Thank you both so much for being with us. 670 00:24:27,117 --> 00:24:29,032 - Thank you for having us. - It's such a delight. 671 00:24:29,250 --> 00:24:30,685 - Duyen, how's it going? - Team Charlotte, 672 00:24:30,686 --> 00:24:32,688 judges are here. I'd welcomed them to the table. 673 00:24:32,906 --> 00:24:34,298 That's where we're at. 674 00:24:34,473 --> 00:24:36,126 Order in judges. Five puff, five crab. 675 00:24:36,344 --> 00:24:37,562 Five and five. 676 00:24:37,563 --> 00:24:38,868 So, Michael, you're opening a restaurant 677 00:24:39,086 --> 00:24:40,435 - here in Charlotte? - I am. 678 00:24:40,609 --> 00:24:42,742 How long is it going to take you by the time 679 00:24:42,959 --> 00:24:44,352 - you open your doors? - Ten months. 680 00:24:44,526 --> 00:24:45,700 - Yeah. - Yeah. 681 00:24:45,701 --> 00:24:47,094 - It's not 36 hours. - Not 36 hours. 682 00:24:47,311 --> 00:24:48,703 Okay. [judges laughs] 683 00:24:48,704 --> 00:24:50,924 We're gonna get the thick, crispy, juicy ones. 684 00:24:51,141 --> 00:24:52,926 Sauce is ready. 685 00:24:53,143 --> 00:24:54,101 You add three tomatoes per. 686 00:24:54,318 --> 00:24:55,754 Hands squeezed for judges. 687 00:24:55,755 --> 00:24:57,887 And then one judge will get every plate of puff. 688 00:24:58,105 --> 00:24:59,933 The menu feels very Carolina. 689 00:25:00,150 --> 00:25:03,676 - It does. - Oh, here we go. 690 00:25:03,893 --> 00:25:05,808 - Hello. Hi. Welcome in. - Hello, Sherry. 691 00:25:06,026 --> 00:25:08,115 - How are you? - Thank you so much. 692 00:25:08,332 --> 00:25:10,160 As one of our first course options, 693 00:25:10,378 --> 00:25:14,164 we have a she-crab cake with a she-crab bisque. 694 00:25:14,382 --> 00:25:16,210 I removed the aioli from the crab cake. 695 00:25:16,427 --> 00:25:17,515 I replaced it with coconut milk 696 00:25:17,516 --> 00:25:19,387 to make it a little bit Brazilian. 697 00:25:19,561 --> 00:25:21,215 - I'll let you take the floor. - Thank you. 698 00:25:21,432 --> 00:25:24,610 Also, for the starter, is a cheese puff. 699 00:25:24,827 --> 00:25:27,830 The batter has been folded with country ham, 700 00:25:28,048 --> 00:25:29,963 and then in the center is a sauce mornay. 701 00:25:30,180 --> 00:25:32,182 - Thank you. - Thank you. 702 00:25:32,792 --> 00:25:35,446 Anthony, fire, judge's table for me. 703 00:25:35,621 --> 00:25:37,274 Nine belly, nine rice. 704 00:25:37,492 --> 00:25:38,362 Nine. 705 00:25:39,276 --> 00:25:40,974 I really love Sherry's dish. 706 00:25:41,191 --> 00:25:44,455 Those pickles lended that nice sweet tang to it. 707 00:25:44,630 --> 00:25:46,762 I love the coconut milk that lightened it, 708 00:25:46,980 --> 00:25:48,547 and it spoke to her background, 709 00:25:48,764 --> 00:25:50,766 - and it had a good bit of heat. - Yeah. 710 00:25:50,984 --> 00:25:53,203 The flavors are very good. They're bright. Everything pops. 711 00:25:54,901 --> 00:25:56,119 Okay, three crab. 712 00:25:56,337 --> 00:25:58,034 What do you think of Duyen's first bites? 713 00:25:58,252 --> 00:26:00,167 The flavor's great. The liquid cheese 714 00:26:00,384 --> 00:26:02,386 in the center, I actually like a lot. 715 00:26:02,561 --> 00:26:03,779 - I made a mess. - She loves it. 716 00:26:03,997 --> 00:26:05,694 The sign of a good meal, Gail. 717 00:26:05,912 --> 00:26:07,914 The flavor's great. The pimento cheese, the country ham. 718 00:26:08,131 --> 00:26:09,568 - Good start. - Great start. 719 00:26:09,785 --> 00:26:11,570 I always like to look at the front of house people 720 00:26:11,744 --> 00:26:14,050 - when they're not at our table. - So, I made the cheese puffs. 721 00:26:14,268 --> 00:26:15,399 - Oh. - Yeah. 722 00:26:15,574 --> 00:26:17,010 A lot of times they just do it for us and 723 00:26:17,227 --> 00:26:18,838 - that's it. - She's going to every one? 724 00:26:19,055 --> 00:26:20,187 Every single table. She's doing a great job. 725 00:26:20,404 --> 00:26:22,537 [phone ringing] 726 00:26:24,191 --> 00:26:26,106 - Anthony! - Yeah? 727 00:26:26,323 --> 00:26:28,543 - We got a call. - Heard! 728 00:26:28,717 --> 00:26:29,849 - Anthony! - I'm coming back, Sherry. 729 00:26:30,066 --> 00:26:31,851 - One minute. - Come on! 730 00:26:32,068 --> 00:26:33,592 I don't have a food runner, what you talking about? 731 00:26:33,766 --> 00:26:35,550 - Oh, you're talking about this. - You got a phone call. 732 00:26:35,724 --> 00:26:36,638 Hello, thank you for calling Carolina Queen. 733 00:26:36,856 --> 00:26:38,465 Yes, what would you like? 734 00:26:38,466 --> 00:26:41,164 Guys, order in. Fire one more pork belly, one more rice, 735 00:26:41,382 --> 00:26:44,820 four-four. Guys, order in, three more crab and a puff. 736 00:26:45,038 --> 00:26:46,605 We're firing tables four or five at a time. 737 00:26:46,822 --> 00:26:48,824 Laurence, fire judges. And at the same time, 738 00:26:49,042 --> 00:26:51,131 we need to give the judges our full attention. 739 00:26:51,348 --> 00:26:54,308 Hey Laurence, I'm dragging on the two puffs for 16 and 12. 740 00:26:54,525 --> 00:26:55,439 We have to knock out these tickets. 741 00:26:55,614 --> 00:26:56,658 Order in. 742 00:26:56,876 --> 00:26:58,529 Pleasure to have you all. 743 00:26:58,704 --> 00:26:59,661 I'll be around if you need anything. 744 00:26:59,879 --> 00:27:01,097 Thank you all very much. 745 00:27:01,315 --> 00:27:02,577 First seating tickets are in. 746 00:27:02,751 --> 00:27:04,360 - All right. - Beautiful, chef. Beautiful. 747 00:27:04,361 --> 00:27:06,233 Service starts. Sieger looks like he's done this before. 748 00:27:06,450 --> 00:27:07,799 Tostada, please. 749 00:27:07,800 --> 00:27:10,280 I don't feel any lag in the kitchen on my end. 750 00:27:10,498 --> 00:27:12,369 - I feel pretty good. - If Oscar's not in the kitchen, 751 00:27:12,587 --> 00:27:14,284 that means we're doing something right. 752 00:27:14,502 --> 00:27:16,504 Ba-dum-bump. 753 00:27:16,809 --> 00:27:18,637 [indistinct chatter] 754 00:27:20,116 --> 00:27:22,205 Rice for the judges ready to go. Ready? 755 00:27:22,423 --> 00:27:24,425 Laurence, are you ready for pork for judges? 756 00:27:24,643 --> 00:27:26,035 Five plates all day, right? 757 00:27:26,253 --> 00:27:28,124 Five pork for judges all day, buddy. 758 00:27:28,342 --> 00:27:30,039 - Cover, right? - Yep. 759 00:27:30,431 --> 00:27:32,128 Hands, please. We're going to judges. 760 00:27:32,346 --> 00:27:33,652 Four plates, but I'll come back. 761 00:27:33,869 --> 00:27:35,001 Yep. 762 00:27:35,218 --> 00:27:36,916 Hello, everyone. 763 00:27:37,133 --> 00:27:38,526 - Hello, Anthony. - How are we doing today? 764 00:27:38,700 --> 00:27:40,310 - Nice to see you. - Nice to see you. 765 00:27:40,528 --> 00:27:42,835 - Thank you so much. - Yes, my pleasure. 766 00:27:43,052 --> 00:27:45,272 So, up in front, you have red rice. 767 00:27:45,489 --> 00:27:48,492 There's smoked oysters, a little bit of pickled okra, 768 00:27:48,667 --> 00:27:50,146 and a bearnaise, which is on top of your rice. 769 00:27:50,364 --> 00:27:51,494 I'm gonna let Laurence explain his. 770 00:27:51,495 --> 00:27:52,932 I'm gonna get back in the kitchen. 771 00:27:53,149 --> 00:27:55,021 Today I made for y'all a pork belly. 772 00:27:55,238 --> 00:27:56,762 We have three sides: collard greens, 773 00:27:56,979 --> 00:28:00,809 a fried scallion cornbread and just some pickles. 774 00:28:01,114 --> 00:28:03,725 - Amazing. Thank you, Laurence. - Thank you very much. 775 00:28:04,770 --> 00:28:05,945 Very hard to cut the skin. 776 00:28:06,162 --> 00:28:07,511 - I think we just pick it up. - Yeah. 777 00:28:07,686 --> 00:28:08,861 Do what you got to do. 778 00:28:09,078 --> 00:28:10,906 I don't mind the skin. It's just okay. 779 00:28:11,124 --> 00:28:13,735 You know, the skin was crispy, although it's chewy. 780 00:28:13,953 --> 00:28:15,955 Flavor-wise, the pork belly's nicely cooked. 781 00:28:16,172 --> 00:28:17,651 The greens are really tasty. 782 00:28:17,652 --> 00:28:20,176 I didn't feel like it was a risk taker of a dish, 783 00:28:20,394 --> 00:28:22,265 but I thought it was well executed. 784 00:28:25,268 --> 00:28:26,705 Maybe I should have sliced the pork. 785 00:28:26,922 --> 00:28:28,619 I saw them kind of struggling a little bit. 786 00:28:28,794 --> 00:28:30,447 How's your rice texture on Anthony's? 787 00:28:30,665 --> 00:28:31,621 It's okay. 788 00:28:31,622 --> 00:28:32,754 It's not supposed to be mushy. 789 00:28:32,972 --> 00:28:33,973 No, it's over. 790 00:28:34,669 --> 00:28:35,714 I just... 791 00:28:35,931 --> 00:28:37,672 I'm having a hard time getting over 792 00:28:37,846 --> 00:28:41,328 the texture of the combination of a little too much sauce 793 00:28:41,545 --> 00:28:42,895 and a little too much okra. 794 00:28:43,112 --> 00:28:44,723 Okra and the bearnaise together. 795 00:28:44,897 --> 00:28:46,725 - Yes, that's what I'm saying. - It's doing something. 796 00:28:47,377 --> 00:28:48,857 I don't know if it's supposed to be like that. 797 00:28:49,075 --> 00:28:50,597 I don't think so. 798 00:28:50,598 --> 00:28:52,992 After those rice, we're gonna start selling dessert. 799 00:28:53,949 --> 00:28:55,646 Fire tostada, aguachile. 800 00:28:55,821 --> 00:28:58,040 Order in one of each, please. 801 00:29:01,914 --> 00:29:03,349 Chef, you got some food back. 802 00:29:03,350 --> 00:29:05,918 Sweet. Can you just put those right here for me? 803 00:29:06,135 --> 00:29:07,876 The worst fear in any chef's eyes 804 00:29:08,094 --> 00:29:09,965 is when you see food coming back to the kitchen. 805 00:29:10,183 --> 00:29:11,401 Sieger, I need your attention. 806 00:29:11,619 --> 00:29:13,882 42's food got sent to 57. 807 00:29:14,448 --> 00:29:15,622 I need 42. 808 00:29:15,623 --> 00:29:16,624 Yeah, I'm gonna go touch those tables, 809 00:29:16,798 --> 00:29:18,146 make sure they're all all right. 810 00:29:18,147 --> 00:29:19,888 These servers, it's their first day on the job, 811 00:29:20,106 --> 00:29:21,411 and they're righting wrong tables. 812 00:29:21,629 --> 00:29:23,109 I need to pump the brakes. 813 00:29:23,326 --> 00:29:24,806 No, it's three Veracruz, though. 814 00:29:25,024 --> 00:29:26,068 Yeah. 815 00:29:27,548 --> 00:29:28,636 It's full. 816 00:29:28,810 --> 00:29:29,898 It feels very calm. 817 00:29:30,116 --> 00:29:31,770 There's no stress or chaos. 818 00:29:31,944 --> 00:29:33,336 Laurence, when's puff coming? 819 00:29:33,554 --> 00:29:34,642 Yep, it's coming, it's coming. 820 00:29:34,816 --> 00:29:36,296 90 seconds. 821 00:29:36,731 --> 00:29:37,950 There's not a lot of tables 822 00:29:38,167 --> 00:29:39,386 with food on it right now, though. 823 00:29:39,603 --> 00:29:41,214 They're on dessert. They're eating. 824 00:29:41,431 --> 00:29:43,346 No, they're waiting for mains still, these ones here. 825 00:29:43,564 --> 00:29:45,348 Laurence, fire judges, buddy! 826 00:29:45,566 --> 00:29:46,740 Five baklava. 827 00:29:46,741 --> 00:29:48,133 Hey, you guys, just letting you know, 828 00:29:48,134 --> 00:29:50,266 the entrees need to just go out a little bit more, 829 00:29:50,484 --> 00:29:51,789 because there's a lot of empty tables. 830 00:29:51,790 --> 00:29:53,182 - We know, Duyen, we got this. - Thank you. 831 00:29:53,400 --> 00:29:54,488 [phone rings] 832 00:29:54,705 --> 00:29:56,011 Is this the first time this rang? 833 00:29:56,229 --> 00:29:57,316 No, second time. 834 00:29:57,317 --> 00:29:59,449 Three, four, five. Fire, five pork. 835 00:29:59,667 --> 00:30:01,887 Hello? How can I help you? 836 00:30:02,104 --> 00:30:03,452 Hey, guys, order in. 837 00:30:03,453 --> 00:30:05,760 Give me one second. Let me just grab the pen. 838 00:30:06,848 --> 00:30:08,415 Three crab cakes and a puff. 839 00:30:17,337 --> 00:30:18,467 [phone rings] 840 00:30:18,468 --> 00:30:20,383 Three, four, five. Fire five pork. 841 00:30:20,601 --> 00:30:23,822 Hello? Carolina Queen. What can I get you? 842 00:30:24,039 --> 00:30:25,824 And you're saying two crab cakes? 843 00:30:27,303 --> 00:30:29,088 Another to-go order just came in. 844 00:30:29,305 --> 00:30:32,091 Taking the to-go orders. It's breaking the flow a bit. 845 00:30:32,831 --> 00:30:34,920 We just got to push really hard and just catch up. 846 00:30:35,137 --> 00:30:36,965 Thanks again. Thank you all. 847 00:30:37,183 --> 00:30:38,184 Thank you. 848 00:30:38,401 --> 00:30:39,838 Judges' desserts are coming up. 849 00:30:40,012 --> 00:30:41,535 [tense music] 850 00:30:41,752 --> 00:30:42,797 How's everything feeling back there? 851 00:30:42,971 --> 00:30:45,582 Things are a little pushed back, 852 00:30:45,800 --> 00:30:47,584 but, you know, everyone's still very happy. 853 00:30:47,802 --> 00:30:49,412 We're just making sure we're taking care of you guys, 854 00:30:49,630 --> 00:30:50,413 like right now. 855 00:30:50,631 --> 00:30:51,588 [laughing] 856 00:30:51,806 --> 00:30:53,677 - Right on cue. - Right on cue. 857 00:30:53,939 --> 00:30:54,940 Thank you so much. 858 00:30:55,157 --> 00:30:56,811 - Hello again. - Hello. 859 00:30:56,985 --> 00:30:58,552 We have two different desserts. 860 00:30:58,769 --> 00:31:01,163 On the big chalice, you have PB&J. 861 00:31:01,381 --> 00:31:02,948 Peanut butter panna cotta 862 00:31:03,165 --> 00:31:05,864 with Cheerwine and compressed fruits. 863 00:31:06,081 --> 00:31:07,996 And then I'll let Laurence talk about the pies. 864 00:31:08,214 --> 00:31:11,695 Yeah. So today, we did an ode to pie culture in the South. 865 00:31:11,870 --> 00:31:13,828 So, this is a pecan baklava 866 00:31:14,002 --> 00:31:15,786 with a sweet potato crème anglaise. 867 00:31:15,961 --> 00:31:18,006 - Thank you all. Appreciate it. - Thanks, Laurence. 868 00:31:18,224 --> 00:31:20,356 - Thank you. - I like Sherry's dessert. 869 00:31:20,574 --> 00:31:22,619 I love the peanut butter, I love the texture. 870 00:31:22,837 --> 00:31:24,186 It's almost eating like, frosting, 871 00:31:24,404 --> 00:31:26,319 which I mean that in a very complimentary way. 872 00:31:26,536 --> 00:31:27,754 - Yeah. - Of course you do. 873 00:31:27,755 --> 00:31:29,670 This feels like fifth grade cafeteria, 874 00:31:29,888 --> 00:31:31,149 but like, in a good way. 875 00:31:31,150 --> 00:31:32,368 It reminds me of something from childhood. 876 00:31:33,195 --> 00:31:34,501 Laurence's dessert? 877 00:31:34,718 --> 00:31:36,895 Flavors are there. The idea's there. 878 00:31:37,112 --> 00:31:38,244 Just a little execution. 879 00:31:38,461 --> 00:31:39,679 A layer of sweet potato 880 00:31:39,680 --> 00:31:41,203 in with the pecan would have been good. 881 00:31:41,421 --> 00:31:44,554 I just want to put it in my handbag and take it home. 882 00:31:44,772 --> 00:31:47,296 For where they are first night, I think it's very successful. 883 00:31:47,514 --> 00:31:49,385 You think of hospitality when you think of the South, 884 00:31:49,603 --> 00:31:51,126 and I think the hospitality here has been great. 885 00:31:51,431 --> 00:31:52,606 - Good meal. - It's a good meal. 886 00:31:52,823 --> 00:31:54,173 - Good service. - Agreed. 887 00:31:54,477 --> 00:31:56,088 We do have to get to another reservation. 888 00:31:56,305 --> 00:31:57,916 - Let's go. - It's just right over there. 889 00:31:58,133 --> 00:31:59,569 Perfect. Who's driving? 890 00:31:59,787 --> 00:32:01,571 - Thank you, Duyen. - Bye, thank you so much. 891 00:32:01,789 --> 00:32:02,833 Thank you. 892 00:32:03,922 --> 00:32:05,184 [phone rings] 893 00:32:05,401 --> 00:32:06,794 Hello. Thank you for calling Tierra Reina. 894 00:32:06,968 --> 00:32:07,838 How can I help you? 895 00:32:08,013 --> 00:32:09,884 Hands, please! 896 00:32:10,058 --> 00:32:13,322 Forty-one, tostada. 897 00:32:13,540 --> 00:32:14,802 Goddamnit. 898 00:32:14,976 --> 00:32:16,238 What happened? Something happen? 899 00:32:16,456 --> 00:32:17,412 I don't have position numbers 900 00:32:17,413 --> 00:32:19,198 so I can't sell the food. 901 00:32:19,415 --> 00:32:22,070 We're just losing time having to correct table numbers, 902 00:32:22,288 --> 00:32:23,419 correct seat numbers. 903 00:32:23,637 --> 00:32:25,421 - Oh, my God. - What? 904 00:32:26,205 --> 00:32:27,075 This, it's fifty-one. 905 00:32:28,947 --> 00:32:30,338 Oh, God, all right. 906 00:32:30,339 --> 00:32:32,994 The brothers are pushing out food really quickly. 907 00:32:33,212 --> 00:32:35,431 The focus is getting the tickets right. 908 00:32:36,215 --> 00:32:39,435 No, no. So, just like, the item, and then seat number. 909 00:32:39,653 --> 00:32:40,959 You know what I mean? 910 00:32:41,176 --> 00:32:42,264 [tense music] 911 00:32:43,352 --> 00:32:44,614 - To-go, heard. - Yeah. 912 00:32:44,832 --> 00:32:46,965 And now we have to-go orders just like, 913 00:32:47,182 --> 00:32:48,967 compounding stress over stress over stress. 914 00:32:49,184 --> 00:32:50,751 Oh, my God. 915 00:32:51,186 --> 00:32:53,362 Sieger... we got the second seating coming in, 916 00:32:53,580 --> 00:32:55,103 so judges should be coming in, in a little bit, guys. 917 00:32:55,321 --> 00:32:56,496 - Beautiful. - Gracias. 918 00:32:56,713 --> 00:32:58,192 Let's tighten it all up. 919 00:32:58,193 --> 00:33:00,935 There's one critical point in a restaurant's night, 920 00:33:01,109 --> 00:33:02,283 it's called "the turn." 921 00:33:02,284 --> 00:33:03,851 You have to get the first tables out 922 00:33:04,025 --> 00:33:06,462 and get ready for the next wave of customers that come in. 923 00:33:06,680 --> 00:33:08,290 Any time a server comes up and they don't know 924 00:33:08,508 --> 00:33:09,638 what the table number is, 925 00:33:09,639 --> 00:33:10,858 or they ran it to the wrong table, 926 00:33:11,032 --> 00:33:12,555 or they're firing the wrong food, 927 00:33:12,773 --> 00:33:14,340 it creates this monkey wrench in service. 928 00:33:14,557 --> 00:33:16,298 Thank you. I apologize about that. 929 00:33:16,516 --> 00:33:17,864 I'm glad you all got your entrees. 930 00:33:17,865 --> 00:33:19,345 I'll come in and check on you in a little bit. 931 00:33:19,562 --> 00:33:20,650 The dining room fills up 932 00:33:20,868 --> 00:33:23,523 and it is always cause for chaos. 933 00:33:23,740 --> 00:33:25,307 We have a reservation for five. 934 00:33:25,525 --> 00:33:27,005 I think it's under the name Kish. 935 00:33:27,222 --> 00:33:29,485 - Thank you so much. - Yeah, absolutely. 936 00:33:29,703 --> 00:33:31,444 - Thank you, sir. - Absolutely. 937 00:33:31,661 --> 00:33:33,141 Definitely a different vibe. 938 00:33:33,359 --> 00:33:34,621 - Vibrant! - Vibrant, yeah. 939 00:33:34,838 --> 00:33:36,056 It's a nice color. 940 00:33:36,057 --> 00:33:37,667 I like the contrast of the terra cotta 941 00:33:37,885 --> 00:33:38,886 with the bright green. 942 00:33:39,060 --> 00:33:40,539 - Oh, look at you! - Hello. 943 00:33:40,540 --> 00:33:42,585 - You clean up well. - Thank you. I appreciate it. 944 00:33:42,803 --> 00:33:44,892 Welcome everyone, to Tierra Reina. 945 00:33:45,066 --> 00:33:47,242 My name is Oscar Diaz. I'm the GM for today. 946 00:33:47,460 --> 00:33:48,896 I think I was chosen because of my good looks 947 00:33:49,070 --> 00:33:50,289 and my killer style. 948 00:33:50,506 --> 00:33:51,899 Just kidding. Just kidding. 949 00:33:52,073 --> 00:33:53,422 So, a little bit about Tierra Reina, 950 00:33:53,640 --> 00:33:56,338 we chose to take some humble Mexican dishes 951 00:33:56,556 --> 00:33:58,732 and we wanted to give a nod to the South at the same time. 952 00:33:58,949 --> 00:34:00,255 And then just sprinkle in our personality. 953 00:34:00,473 --> 00:34:01,690 - Very good. - By the way, 954 00:34:01,691 --> 00:34:03,128 is this y'all's first time visiting us? 955 00:34:03,345 --> 00:34:05,652 - Yes. - Ah, corny jokes. 956 00:34:05,869 --> 00:34:08,089 That was for you, Chef. Thank y'all. 957 00:34:08,307 --> 00:34:10,700 - Thank you, Oscar. - He loves you. 958 00:34:11,266 --> 00:34:12,615 All right, guys, the judges are here. 959 00:34:12,833 --> 00:34:14,748 Let's catch up. Let's keep the energy high. 960 00:34:14,965 --> 00:34:17,664 - Hell, yeah. Let's do it. - Got it? Yes, Chef! Let's go! 961 00:34:17,881 --> 00:34:19,057 [whistling] 962 00:34:19,231 --> 00:34:20,232 I don't see people moving 963 00:34:20,449 --> 00:34:22,016 and I see a lot of people waiting. 964 00:34:22,190 --> 00:34:23,451 'Cause you look around, there's no empty seats. 965 00:34:23,452 --> 00:34:24,671 Yeah, they're gonna be there for a while. 966 00:34:24,888 --> 00:34:26,847 And there's no food on tables either. 967 00:34:27,065 --> 00:34:28,587 Jammed up. Second turn's tough. 968 00:34:28,588 --> 00:34:31,504 The appetizers are great, but it seemed like after that, 969 00:34:31,721 --> 00:34:33,767 it's just been taking so long to come around. 970 00:34:33,984 --> 00:34:35,421 - Ooh, takeout! - Takeout. 971 00:34:35,638 --> 00:34:37,075 - That looks good. - Comin' through. 972 00:34:37,292 --> 00:34:39,729 - I'm so sorry. - Oh, my gosh. Perfect. 973 00:34:39,947 --> 00:34:41,296 We're gonna knock out entrees and then judges? 974 00:34:41,514 --> 00:34:43,124 Gentlemen, yeah, we gotta push. 975 00:34:43,342 --> 00:34:44,908 We have a lot of people at the door. 976 00:34:45,083 --> 00:34:46,257 They're definitely noticing that. 977 00:34:46,258 --> 00:34:47,737 We gotta get some people seated, y'all. 978 00:34:47,955 --> 00:34:49,086 - Yes, Chef. - You guys go. 979 00:34:49,087 --> 00:34:50,610 Do you think there's backup happening 980 00:34:50,827 --> 00:34:52,264 over at Carolina Queen? 981 00:34:52,612 --> 00:34:53,569 I don't know. I'll walk over there 982 00:34:53,787 --> 00:34:54,831 to take a look real quick. 983 00:34:55,049 --> 00:34:56,964 [tense music] 984 00:34:57,138 --> 00:34:58,357 - Here you go. - Thank you so much. 985 00:34:58,574 --> 00:34:59,401 Thank you guys. 986 00:35:05,538 --> 00:35:06,713 Hello, yeah, it's me. Hey. 987 00:35:06,930 --> 00:35:08,193 How long have you guys been waiting? 988 00:35:08,410 --> 00:35:09,803 - Five minutes. - Oh, okay. That's not bad. 989 00:35:10,020 --> 00:35:11,109 How long have you guys been waiting? 990 00:35:12,284 --> 00:35:14,329 Okay... okay. 991 00:35:14,634 --> 00:35:15,678 And they got you drinks? 992 00:35:17,202 --> 00:35:18,855 Have fun. 993 00:35:19,508 --> 00:35:21,249 You guys enjoy. Have a great night. 994 00:35:21,467 --> 00:35:22,511 - Thank you. - Thanks. 995 00:35:22,729 --> 00:35:24,774 [intriguing music] 996 00:35:26,602 --> 00:35:27,994 How did that go? 997 00:35:27,995 --> 00:35:29,475 Two tables that were waiting about five minutes 998 00:35:29,692 --> 00:35:31,303 and the other four top that was waiting about 15. 999 00:35:31,520 --> 00:35:32,781 But they all had drinks. 1000 00:35:32,782 --> 00:35:34,741 So, it's been 30 minutes since we sat down. 1001 00:35:34,958 --> 00:35:36,089 - Really? - Really? 1002 00:35:36,090 --> 00:35:38,397 Yeah. Time flies with great company. 1003 00:35:38,614 --> 00:35:40,877 [chattering] 1004 00:35:41,182 --> 00:35:45,055 Hi. We got a to-go order. We never got the pecan. 1005 00:35:45,230 --> 00:35:46,448 We also didn't have any silverware. 1006 00:35:46,666 --> 00:35:48,711 Okay, I can tell them, yeah. 1007 00:35:49,190 --> 00:35:52,062 Oh, my God. We're looking for a order. 1008 00:35:52,237 --> 00:35:54,064 Uh... 1009 00:35:54,239 --> 00:35:55,370 that's not great. 1010 00:35:57,894 --> 00:36:00,549 It's so small, but details like that 1011 00:36:00,767 --> 00:36:03,596 will make the difference of winning and losing. 1012 00:36:03,813 --> 00:36:05,946 Can I get a pecan pie to go? They're-- 1013 00:36:06,164 --> 00:36:08,209 - Huh? - Pecan pie to go. On the fly. 1014 00:36:08,427 --> 00:36:09,906 Uh, heard. 1015 00:36:11,169 --> 00:36:12,735 - Oscar! - Yes! 1016 00:36:13,083 --> 00:36:14,301 Where's our food? 1017 00:36:14,302 --> 00:36:15,782 I will bring that out for you right now. 1018 00:36:15,999 --> 00:36:17,218 Oh, boy. 1019 00:36:17,436 --> 00:36:19,046 Sieger, let's get the chefs' table. 1020 00:36:19,220 --> 00:36:21,527 - Yep, plating right now. - Perfect. 1021 00:36:21,744 --> 00:36:23,311 Between solving out what's going on 1022 00:36:23,529 --> 00:36:25,574 in the front of the restaurant, going back to the kitchen, 1023 00:36:25,792 --> 00:36:27,620 getting tables flipped, I'm just not thinking about 1024 00:36:27,837 --> 00:36:29,055 how much time has gone on. 1025 00:36:29,056 --> 00:36:30,666 It's been 40 minutes since we sat down. 1026 00:36:30,884 --> 00:36:32,407 - This is ridiculous. - Yeah. 1027 00:36:32,625 --> 00:36:34,061 Ah, here it is. 1028 00:36:34,235 --> 00:36:35,497 Oh, thank you. 1029 00:36:35,715 --> 00:36:37,020 - Thank you so much. - Thank you. 1030 00:36:37,195 --> 00:36:39,022 - So, we'll start with the tostada by Sieger. 1031 00:36:39,197 --> 00:36:42,548 He really wanted to represent Carolina Ruby sweet potato. 1032 00:36:42,765 --> 00:36:45,725 Then he did a little crema and a salsa negra. 1033 00:36:45,942 --> 00:36:48,206 For our second option, we have an aguachile. 1034 00:36:48,380 --> 00:36:50,208 Jonathan chose North Carolina Snapper, 1035 00:36:50,425 --> 00:36:53,211 and then he made his aguachile with some grapes, apples. 1036 00:36:53,385 --> 00:36:54,864 There's a little plantain chip on top. 1037 00:36:55,082 --> 00:36:57,084 All right, cool. Enjoy, y'all. 1038 00:36:57,476 --> 00:36:59,304 I actually really enjoyed Sieger's dish. 1039 00:36:59,521 --> 00:37:02,872 I loved the sweet potato and the chili crunch. 1040 00:37:03,090 --> 00:37:05,223 I personally want just a little bit more of like, 1041 00:37:05,440 --> 00:37:07,616 a sauce or something, to bring it all together. 1042 00:37:07,834 --> 00:37:09,009 I don't like the presentation. 1043 00:37:09,227 --> 00:37:10,967 It just felt really messy. 1044 00:37:11,185 --> 00:37:13,056 I feel like it needed one more ingredient to smear. 1045 00:37:13,231 --> 00:37:15,885 Maybe a bean, or something, to smear on the chip. 1046 00:37:16,103 --> 00:37:17,844 Jonathan's aguachile was a really refreshing way 1047 00:37:18,061 --> 00:37:19,585 to start the dinner. 1048 00:37:19,802 --> 00:37:21,674 And I liked the little plantain as the vehicle. 1049 00:37:21,891 --> 00:37:24,416 Extremely well balanced. All around, really good. 1050 00:37:24,720 --> 00:37:27,157 - Worth the 40 minute wait? - Meh. 1051 00:37:28,681 --> 00:37:31,249 The plantain has gotten very soggy. 1052 00:37:31,423 --> 00:37:33,468 - Mm-hmm. - So, it's not a crisp bite. 1053 00:37:33,686 --> 00:37:37,429 This container spilled the juice all over the place. 1054 00:37:37,646 --> 00:37:40,214 Probably not the best takeout dish. 1055 00:37:41,041 --> 00:37:43,043 Excuse me, do you know how long on that to-go order? 1056 00:37:43,261 --> 00:37:44,261 Uh, let me go check. 1057 00:37:44,262 --> 00:37:45,611 - I'll be right back. - Thanks. 1058 00:37:45,828 --> 00:37:47,003 Hey, Sherry, Anthony, when you guys took out 1059 00:37:47,221 --> 00:37:49,832 to-go containers, did you see utensils? 1060 00:37:50,050 --> 00:37:53,488 Yeah, there was some on that back table over there. 1061 00:37:53,793 --> 00:37:55,838 Okay. I've never worked in a restaurant 1062 00:37:56,056 --> 00:37:58,493 that had takeout, but it's just another obstacle. 1063 00:37:58,711 --> 00:38:01,496 And now, it looks like everything is under control. 1064 00:38:01,714 --> 00:38:04,673 - I have you right here. - Utensils. There you go. 1065 00:38:04,891 --> 00:38:06,458 - Thank you. - Yep. 1066 00:38:07,546 --> 00:38:09,635 - We comin' up with judges' table? I got your hands here. 1067 00:38:09,852 --> 00:38:11,289 First course landed with the judges. 1068 00:38:11,506 --> 00:38:12,986 We're down to our last two reservations. 1069 00:38:13,203 --> 00:38:14,596 We're catching up. It's the fourth quarter. 1070 00:38:14,814 --> 00:38:16,510 This is when we shine, all right? 1071 00:38:16,511 --> 00:38:19,732 Once we got tickets figured out, we started moving plates faster. 1072 00:38:19,949 --> 00:38:21,472 One, two, three. 1073 00:38:21,473 --> 00:38:23,301 Every time I'm walking by, I'm telling every server, 1074 00:38:23,475 --> 00:38:24,693 "Are you guys dragging any ticket?" 1075 00:38:24,911 --> 00:38:26,173 We gotta push this one! 1076 00:38:26,347 --> 00:38:28,306 Because we don't want to be behind again. 1077 00:38:28,523 --> 00:38:30,046 All right, guys, let's start pushing please. 1078 00:38:30,264 --> 00:38:31,744 And skedaddle. 1079 00:38:31,961 --> 00:38:33,746 We need to move on everything else now. 1080 00:38:33,963 --> 00:38:35,313 - Here's some action. - Yes. 1081 00:38:35,487 --> 00:38:38,054 - Thank you. - Thank you so much. 1082 00:38:38,272 --> 00:38:39,926 For our second course, Jonathan's dish, 1083 00:38:40,143 --> 00:38:42,363 it's a cod pescado a la Veracruzana, 1084 00:38:42,581 --> 00:38:45,279 and then he stewed tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, 1085 00:38:45,453 --> 00:38:46,672 and some capers. 1086 00:38:46,889 --> 00:38:48,978 Second option is actually my dish, 1087 00:38:49,196 --> 00:38:50,632 tongue and cheek barbacoa, 1088 00:38:50,850 --> 00:38:53,069 and then a duality of salsas because... 1089 00:38:53,287 --> 00:38:54,636 I feel growing up Mexican American, 1090 00:38:54,854 --> 00:38:55,985 it's like, you're never Mexican enough, 1091 00:38:56,203 --> 00:38:57,509 you're never American enough. 1092 00:38:57,726 --> 00:38:59,119 I'm just curious who's doing your pickup? 1093 00:38:59,337 --> 00:39:00,467 Brandon is doing my pickup. 1094 00:39:00,468 --> 00:39:01,513 Brandon helped a lot with this dish. 1095 00:39:01,730 --> 00:39:03,253 - Thank you. - Thank you very much. 1096 00:39:03,428 --> 00:39:07,823 Jonathan's cod was very flaky. I liked the briny tomato. 1097 00:39:08,041 --> 00:39:10,391 It's a good dish. The fish is cooked beautifully. 1098 00:39:10,609 --> 00:39:13,002 - The sauce is really good. - Yeah. 1099 00:39:13,220 --> 00:39:15,527 Oscar's dish, I would come back to this restaurant for, 1100 00:39:15,744 --> 00:39:17,224 over and over again. 1101 00:39:17,398 --> 00:39:18,965 - Worth the wait? - Definitely. 1102 00:39:19,182 --> 00:39:21,533 The barbacoa is so tender. 1103 00:39:21,750 --> 00:39:24,274 Oscar's dish is sophisticated in ways that I don't think 1104 00:39:24,449 --> 00:39:26,146 I've seen in any of his dishes so far. 1105 00:39:26,364 --> 00:39:28,017 Oscar home-runned on this one for me. 1106 00:39:28,235 --> 00:39:30,063 - I have no complaints. - No complaints either. 1107 00:39:30,280 --> 00:39:32,282 We're right back on track. You guys feeling good? 1108 00:39:32,457 --> 00:39:34,154 You're not even sweating. I'm sweating more than you. 1109 00:39:34,372 --> 00:39:35,938 Wow, this is a plot twist. 1110 00:39:36,156 --> 00:39:38,245 These entrees just edge out the other team. 1111 00:39:38,419 --> 00:39:40,943 Looking ahead, if this does turn out to be better, 1112 00:39:41,161 --> 00:39:42,554 I don't know what we do with the other side. 1113 00:39:42,771 --> 00:39:44,643 - Duyen's service was fantastic. - Yeah. 1114 00:39:44,860 --> 00:39:46,601 The worst dish was Anthony's, but he's got immunity. 1115 00:39:46,819 --> 00:39:47,689 Oh, boy. 1116 00:39:56,394 --> 00:39:57,917 You want to plate the rice pudding 1117 00:39:58,134 --> 00:39:59,440 - for the judges please? - Yes, Chef. 1118 00:39:59,658 --> 00:40:00,876 Let's go. Let's go, J. 1119 00:40:01,094 --> 00:40:02,399 - Got you, bro. - Yeah. 1120 00:40:02,400 --> 00:40:04,184 I'm gonna send you five people, ten hands. 1121 00:40:04,402 --> 00:40:06,491 All right, we got five and five. 1122 00:40:06,708 --> 00:40:08,144 Thank you so much. In five. 1123 00:40:08,362 --> 00:40:10,059 All right, Judges' desserts are out! 1124 00:40:10,277 --> 00:40:11,409 Wow, that was fast. Thank you. 1125 00:40:11,583 --> 00:40:12,931 Thank you. 1126 00:40:12,932 --> 00:40:16,631 First, we have Sieger's dessert, the "Crémeuxso". 1127 00:40:16,849 --> 00:40:18,546 So, he took some of the chilis that are in mole 1128 00:40:18,764 --> 00:40:19,982 and mixed it into the crémeux. 1129 00:40:20,200 --> 00:40:21,984 And he also made a crema Catalana. 1130 00:40:22,202 --> 00:40:24,247 In order to add something Southern, 1131 00:40:24,422 --> 00:40:26,032 he chose to make a benne cracker. 1132 00:40:26,249 --> 00:40:28,208 For the next dessert, this is Brandon's. 1133 00:40:28,643 --> 00:40:30,515 He's like, "I want to make a rice pudding, 1134 00:40:30,732 --> 00:40:33,387 but my brother and I never liked the raisins in it." 1135 00:40:33,561 --> 00:40:36,912 So, he chose to make a Cheerwine cherry jelly, 1136 00:40:37,130 --> 00:40:39,175 which we thought we was a good nod to the South. 1137 00:40:39,393 --> 00:40:41,569 - All right, y'all. Thank you. - Thank you. 1138 00:40:42,091 --> 00:40:45,617 Sieger's dessert... I find that the crémeux itself is grainy-- 1139 00:40:45,834 --> 00:40:47,357 The benne's too thick, actually, too. 1140 00:40:47,532 --> 00:40:49,534 I mean, flavor-wise, it's okay. 1141 00:40:49,751 --> 00:40:51,536 - It's just not a dessert. - I thought it was inventive. 1142 00:40:51,753 --> 00:40:53,625 I thought the whole mole piece was good. 1143 00:40:53,842 --> 00:40:56,628 Thought the presentation was a bit lacking. 1144 00:40:56,845 --> 00:40:58,368 There's no elegance to the plating. 1145 00:40:58,543 --> 00:41:01,459 Like, it held up pretty well for the third course. 1146 00:41:01,676 --> 00:41:03,025 Looks beautiful. 1147 00:41:03,243 --> 00:41:06,376 This one was slightly more on the savory side. 1148 00:41:07,421 --> 00:41:08,814 Brandon's rice pudding, 1149 00:41:09,031 --> 00:41:12,295 I'm getting a lot of inconsistently cooked rice. 1150 00:41:12,470 --> 00:41:14,036 There's like, clumps of uncooked rice. 1151 00:41:14,254 --> 00:41:15,342 Mm-hmm. 1152 00:41:15,516 --> 00:41:16,778 You can't do anything to fix that. 1153 00:41:16,996 --> 00:41:18,388 You have to just start over. 1154 00:41:18,563 --> 00:41:20,869 The little pops of cherry flavor were nice. 1155 00:41:21,087 --> 00:41:22,523 I kept on digging into the bottom, 1156 00:41:22,741 --> 00:41:24,089 thinking there'd be some prize. 1157 00:41:24,090 --> 00:41:25,352 - Yeah, is there a prize? - Or some something, 1158 00:41:25,526 --> 00:41:26,614 and it's like, "Oh." 1159 00:41:26,832 --> 00:41:28,486 This is a big letdown. 1160 00:41:28,703 --> 00:41:30,923 You want to try it? I just think the rice is not cooked. 1161 00:41:31,140 --> 00:41:33,142 Maybe it's just me. 1162 00:41:33,534 --> 00:41:34,840 It's not cooked. I like the flavors, though. 1163 00:41:35,057 --> 00:41:36,754 - I like the cinnamon. - Mm-hmm. 1164 00:41:36,755 --> 00:41:38,713 We also have the takeout orders, which we're going to find out 1165 00:41:38,931 --> 00:41:40,672 what the guests thought about their food. 1166 00:41:40,889 --> 00:41:42,543 That could come into play here. 1167 00:41:43,936 --> 00:41:45,938 The comment cards. Yeah, we each get to do one. 1168 00:41:46,155 --> 00:41:47,809 We should be honest. 1169 00:41:48,027 --> 00:41:49,681 I think everything was good. 1170 00:41:49,898 --> 00:41:53,598 The sweet rubies pecan from Carolina Queen. 1171 00:41:53,815 --> 00:41:56,209 Best carryout that I've had in a very long time. 1172 00:41:56,426 --> 00:41:57,950 [chuckling] 1173 00:41:58,559 --> 00:42:00,648 All right, guys, we just got our last ticket. 1174 00:42:00,866 --> 00:42:02,955 Last ticket's in, guys! We're almost done, bud. 1175 00:42:03,172 --> 00:42:05,784 Crema is one, arroz is two. 1176 00:42:06,001 --> 00:42:07,742 Hands, please! Food runners. 1177 00:42:07,960 --> 00:42:09,527 Grab the baklava, guys. Whew! 1178 00:42:09,744 --> 00:42:10,571 What a day. What a day. 1179 00:42:10,789 --> 00:42:11,659 Thank you. 1180 00:42:11,877 --> 00:42:13,400 Our baklava for you, sir. 1181 00:42:13,574 --> 00:42:16,446 [tense music swells] 1182 00:42:17,752 --> 00:42:19,232 - Bring it all in. - Bring it all in. 1183 00:42:19,449 --> 00:42:20,886 - There we go. There we go. There we go. 1184 00:42:21,103 --> 00:42:22,540 The food was received very well. 1185 00:42:22,714 --> 00:42:24,149 The pace for the judges was good? 1186 00:42:24,150 --> 00:42:25,412 They did ask at first, like, "Where's our food?" 1187 00:42:25,586 --> 00:42:27,153 But we had only been like, five minutes. 1188 00:42:27,370 --> 00:42:28,981 But it was fine. We nailed the judges' table. 1189 00:42:29,198 --> 00:42:31,592 Do you think overall this was a successful Restaurant Wars? 1190 00:42:31,810 --> 00:42:33,245 Oh, yeah. Yeah. 1191 00:42:33,246 --> 00:42:36,684 Better than many, many years of Restaurant Wars. 1192 00:42:36,902 --> 00:42:39,078 Both concepts were well done. 1193 00:42:39,295 --> 00:42:40,295 Yes. 1194 00:42:40,296 --> 00:42:41,559 Shall we head to Judges' Table? 1195 00:42:41,733 --> 00:42:42,864 - Sure. - Let's do it. 1196 00:42:43,082 --> 00:42:44,300 Restaurant Wars in the books! 1197 00:42:44,518 --> 00:42:45,737 [all cheering] 1198 00:42:45,954 --> 00:42:47,303 Uh, Dwayne. 1199 00:42:47,521 --> 00:42:49,784 Dwayne came out today! 1200 00:42:50,437 --> 00:42:52,613 [tense music] 1201 00:42:58,967 --> 00:43:02,231 In case you maybe just blacked out the last 48 hours, 1202 00:43:02,449 --> 00:43:04,233 you just went through Restaurant Wars. 1203 00:43:05,583 --> 00:43:07,235 How'd they do, Tom? 1204 00:43:07,236 --> 00:43:10,979 We had very clear concepts, food that was mostly delicious. 1205 00:43:11,414 --> 00:43:13,547 This was tough. You both did a really great job. 1206 00:43:14,809 --> 00:43:16,463 How was the takeout service? 1207 00:43:16,637 --> 00:43:17,899 Takeout service was fun. 1208 00:43:18,117 --> 00:43:19,379 Um, I'm just gonna use that word. 1209 00:43:19,597 --> 00:43:21,207 I don't know if I believe that. 1210 00:43:21,424 --> 00:43:22,948 - Define "fun." - Yeah, exactly. Yeah. 1211 00:43:23,165 --> 00:43:25,864 Were you aware that there were missing items 1212 00:43:26,081 --> 00:43:27,300 in some of the to-go orders? 1213 00:43:27,605 --> 00:43:29,607 Yeah, I think there were like, two orders 1214 00:43:29,781 --> 00:43:30,956 that they were missing something, 1215 00:43:31,173 --> 00:43:32,261 and then we just got it right away. 1216 00:43:32,479 --> 00:43:33,915 Yeah, and gave it to them. 1217 00:43:34,133 --> 00:43:35,525 And how about for you? 1218 00:43:35,700 --> 00:43:37,397 I didn't hear anything about missed items. 1219 00:43:37,615 --> 00:43:39,617 One note on the takeout, from the guests, 1220 00:43:39,791 --> 00:43:42,010 is that the aguachile was a little bit messy. 1221 00:43:42,228 --> 00:43:43,838 - Hmm. - Plantain got soggy. 1222 00:43:44,056 --> 00:43:45,447 Yeah. 1223 00:43:45,448 --> 00:43:47,799 And that the rice pudding was noted as being... 1224 00:43:48,016 --> 00:43:49,801 not wonderful. 1225 00:43:50,018 --> 00:43:52,978 Tierra Reina, did you know the amount of time 1226 00:43:53,195 --> 00:43:54,718 that we were sitting at the table 1227 00:43:54,719 --> 00:43:57,896 before we got our first course and then second courses? 1228 00:43:58,113 --> 00:43:59,462 Our whole thing was like, five to seven, 1229 00:43:59,637 --> 00:44:01,160 with ten being the max mark. 1230 00:44:01,377 --> 00:44:03,379 - You know it was 40 minutes? - 40 minutes? 1231 00:44:03,597 --> 00:44:05,860 40 minutes until the first course came out. 1232 00:44:06,731 --> 00:44:08,646 Brandon and Jonathan, you look very surprised 1233 00:44:08,863 --> 00:44:10,038 - that it took that long. - Yeah. 1234 00:44:10,256 --> 00:44:11,518 - Same. 1235 00:44:11,779 --> 00:44:13,346 For the first course, Sieger, 1236 00:44:13,563 --> 00:44:15,653 the tostada, it was a tasty bite, 1237 00:44:15,827 --> 00:44:17,218 but wish it had more sauce, 1238 00:44:17,219 --> 00:44:20,005 or something to like, really tie it together. 1239 00:44:20,222 --> 00:44:22,050 I would agree that it was a little dry, 1240 00:44:22,268 --> 00:44:25,314 but concept-wise, I thought it set a great tone for the meal. 1241 00:44:25,532 --> 00:44:27,142 Oh, thank you. 1242 00:44:27,577 --> 00:44:30,189 Jonathan, definitely not the first aguachile 1243 00:44:30,406 --> 00:44:33,105 we've seen around here, but you nailed it. 1244 00:44:33,322 --> 00:44:35,281 The knife work in there, whoever helped you, 1245 00:44:35,498 --> 00:44:37,283 or if you did it yourself, doesn't matter. Thank you. 1246 00:44:37,500 --> 00:44:40,286 Brandon, it was perfect. 1247 00:44:40,503 --> 00:44:42,288 The snapper was delicious. 1248 00:44:42,505 --> 00:44:44,072 Thank you. Appreciate that. 1249 00:44:44,290 --> 00:44:46,118 Oscar, the barbacoa... 1250 00:44:46,335 --> 00:44:49,382 this is a dish, like, no notes. None. 1251 00:44:49,599 --> 00:44:51,471 It was done with such refinement. 1252 00:44:51,689 --> 00:44:53,995 The meat and the beans together were unctuous. 1253 00:44:54,213 --> 00:44:57,042 And the respective sauces gave real dynamism. I loved it. 1254 00:44:57,259 --> 00:44:59,392 - Thank you. - Flavors were just spot on. 1255 00:44:59,609 --> 00:45:00,828 Cooking was perfect. 1256 00:45:01,046 --> 00:45:02,003 Really should be proud of this one. 1257 00:45:02,221 --> 00:45:04,005 Thank you. 1258 00:45:04,353 --> 00:45:05,833 Brandon, the rice pudding, 1259 00:45:06,051 --> 00:45:07,879 was there any point where you thought 1260 00:45:08,096 --> 00:45:10,142 these little Cheerwine gels on top, 1261 00:45:10,359 --> 00:45:12,535 you're gonna polish those off in the first three bites? 1262 00:45:12,710 --> 00:45:15,408 Our nanny used to put the raisins on top 1263 00:45:15,625 --> 00:45:17,148 because we could pick them off. 1264 00:45:17,149 --> 00:45:19,412 And so, for me, it was intentional to put five pieces. 1265 00:45:19,629 --> 00:45:21,675 You know, there just wasn't enough in each bite 1266 00:45:21,849 --> 00:45:23,721 to really get it in contrast 1267 00:45:23,895 --> 00:45:26,158 to the rich flavor of the rice pudding. 1268 00:45:26,375 --> 00:45:28,682 - Got it. - The rice didn't feel... 1269 00:45:28,856 --> 00:45:30,030 perfectly cooked. 1270 00:45:30,031 --> 00:45:31,859 Yeah, because I definitely got lumps. 1271 00:45:32,077 --> 00:45:33,381 I did stir it quite a bit, 1272 00:45:33,382 --> 00:45:35,210 so I could see how some pieces were broken. 1273 00:45:36,037 --> 00:45:38,910 Sieger, for your dessert, why did you plate it like that? 1274 00:45:39,127 --> 00:45:40,781 I wanted to like... when you would scoop, 1275 00:45:40,999 --> 00:45:42,478 you could scoop through, you'd get texture. 1276 00:45:42,696 --> 00:45:44,218 You get the chocolate. 1277 00:45:44,219 --> 00:45:47,048 For me, where it fell a little short was the plating. 1278 00:45:47,396 --> 00:45:48,920 The flavors were good? 1279 00:45:49,137 --> 00:45:51,096 Two or three day down the road, as you keep tasting it, 1280 00:45:51,313 --> 00:45:53,751 - I could see it getting there. - Heard. 1281 00:45:54,012 --> 00:45:55,448 Carolina Queen. 1282 00:45:55,665 --> 00:45:58,059 - Duyen, the cheese puffs. - Yeah. 1283 00:45:58,277 --> 00:46:00,018 I actually really enjoyed the flavors. 1284 00:46:00,235 --> 00:46:01,845 Yeah, I thought they were delicious. 1285 00:46:01,846 --> 00:46:04,109 They were perfectly formed. I loved the pop of mustard. 1286 00:46:04,326 --> 00:46:06,198 I also just wanted to comment real quickly 1287 00:46:06,415 --> 00:46:07,851 on your front of house work. 1288 00:46:07,852 --> 00:46:09,375 I thought the greeting was just really wonderful. 1289 00:46:09,592 --> 00:46:11,551 You talked about the restaurant and left it at that. 1290 00:46:11,769 --> 00:46:12,682 It was a really nice touch. 1291 00:46:12,857 --> 00:46:13,987 Thank you. 1292 00:46:13,988 --> 00:46:15,860 Actually, both of you really felt 1293 00:46:16,077 --> 00:46:17,557 like you were the owners of your restaurant. 1294 00:46:17,775 --> 00:46:19,777 You walked in, you knew it was yours. 1295 00:46:20,473 --> 00:46:22,257 Sherry, your beautiful crab cake, 1296 00:46:22,475 --> 00:46:25,565 I loved the way you substituted coconut milk for aioli. 1297 00:46:25,783 --> 00:46:27,306 That brought a lovely freshness to it. 1298 00:46:27,523 --> 00:46:28,394 I thought what really made the dish 1299 00:46:28,611 --> 00:46:30,003 was the little relish on top 1300 00:46:30,004 --> 00:46:31,963 because it gave a pop of acidity that it needed. 1301 00:46:32,180 --> 00:46:33,616 Also just happen to love crab, so it was delicious. 1302 00:46:33,791 --> 00:46:35,183 Thank you. 1303 00:46:35,401 --> 00:46:37,664 Anthony, I thought the rice was unevenly cooked. 1304 00:46:37,838 --> 00:46:39,927 - That said, it was tasty. - Okay. 1305 00:46:40,145 --> 00:46:43,409 But there was so much goo, 1306 00:46:43,626 --> 00:46:45,324 like a mozzarella stick pull. 1307 00:46:45,541 --> 00:46:47,021 Okay. 1308 00:46:47,239 --> 00:46:48,980 So, it really took away from the red rice of the dish. 1309 00:46:49,197 --> 00:46:50,416 Okay. 1310 00:46:50,851 --> 00:46:53,723 Laurence, my skin was a little tough, 1311 00:46:53,898 --> 00:46:56,509 but the pork belly was cooked really well. 1312 00:46:56,726 --> 00:46:58,076 Sauce was great. Had a lot of flavor. 1313 00:46:58,293 --> 00:46:59,772 I could see it on the menu. 1314 00:46:59,773 --> 00:47:01,906 Yeah, Laurence, I thought this was a classic dish 1315 00:47:02,123 --> 00:47:04,517 done really well. It was really tasty. 1316 00:47:04,734 --> 00:47:07,041 Laurence, baklava, clearly, I thought it was good, 1317 00:47:07,259 --> 00:47:08,521 but it would have been nice to have 1318 00:47:08,738 --> 00:47:10,653 another piece of sweet potato in that mix 1319 00:47:10,828 --> 00:47:13,395 because the foam didn't really eat sweet potato. 1320 00:47:13,613 --> 00:47:15,441 That said, it was good to eat. 1321 00:47:16,268 --> 00:47:19,488 It's a very fine line between the winner and the loser. 1322 00:47:19,706 --> 00:47:21,360 It could go any which way. 1323 00:47:21,577 --> 00:47:22,970 We have a very big choice to make. 1324 00:47:23,188 --> 00:47:24,711 So, go rest your knees 1325 00:47:24,885 --> 00:47:26,321 and we'll call you back in a little bit. 1326 00:47:26,539 --> 00:47:27,845 - Thank you so much. - Thank you. 1327 00:47:28,497 --> 00:47:29,803 Good job y'all. 1328 00:47:29,977 --> 00:47:31,283 I don't even know how to walk right now. 1329 00:47:31,500 --> 00:47:32,284 Good job, guys. 1330 00:47:42,816 --> 00:47:44,296 I mean, this is really tough. 1331 00:47:44,513 --> 00:47:45,906 - Yeah. - The teams, for me, 1332 00:47:46,124 --> 00:47:47,865 got the same kind of scores for the first courses. 1333 00:47:48,039 --> 00:47:49,256 Yes. 1334 00:47:49,257 --> 00:47:50,475 But Tierra Reina's entrees were better. 1335 00:47:50,476 --> 00:47:52,043 I think we all agree on that one. Right? 1336 00:47:52,260 --> 00:47:55,046 We had this crescendo with the barbacoa, 1337 00:47:55,263 --> 00:47:56,830 and then this crashing disappointment 1338 00:47:57,004 --> 00:47:58,701 - with the desserts. - Yeah. 1339 00:47:58,876 --> 00:48:00,486 But in the takeout orders, 1340 00:48:00,703 --> 00:48:03,576 Carolina Queen missed a few items within orders. 1341 00:48:03,793 --> 00:48:05,839 How much do we factor that into the game? 1342 00:48:06,013 --> 00:48:08,233 I think the orders were correct on Tierra Reina. 1343 00:48:08,450 --> 00:48:09,930 The dishes didn't land. 1344 00:48:10,148 --> 00:48:12,237 - The aguachile came soggy. - Soggy, right. 1345 00:48:12,454 --> 00:48:15,109 So, although the order got to them, it wasn't great. 1346 00:48:15,327 --> 00:48:16,241 Shoutout to Duyen. 1347 00:48:16,458 --> 00:48:17,806 Yeah! 1348 00:48:17,807 --> 00:48:19,505 The front of house callout, that was great. 1349 00:48:19,722 --> 00:48:20,853 I had a lot of fun. 1350 00:48:20,854 --> 00:48:22,638 Duyen's service was just impeccable. 1351 00:48:22,856 --> 00:48:24,162 The restaurant felt a little more inviting. 1352 00:48:24,379 --> 00:48:27,339 Duyen's service felt like it was her restaurant 1353 00:48:27,556 --> 00:48:28,775 for the past ten years. 1354 00:48:28,949 --> 00:48:30,429 - Oscar's service wasn't bad. - No. 1355 00:48:30,646 --> 00:48:31,909 The fact that we sat there for 40 minutes. 1356 00:48:32,083 --> 00:48:32,997 They weren't aware of it. 1357 00:48:33,214 --> 00:48:34,346 - That's on Oscar. - Yes. 1358 00:48:34,563 --> 00:48:36,042 There's this bond that's happening, 1359 00:48:36,043 --> 00:48:38,611 so it sucks to know that someone's gonna be gone. 1360 00:48:38,828 --> 00:48:41,527 You know, it sucks to feel like you're gonna be the one. 1361 00:48:42,963 --> 00:48:44,747 Anthony's lucky he has immunity 1362 00:48:44,922 --> 00:48:47,489 because I don't understand this red rice and bearnaise sauce. 1363 00:48:47,707 --> 00:48:49,143 Like, scratching my head on that one. 1364 00:48:49,361 --> 00:48:51,102 It didn't hang together at all. 1365 00:48:51,319 --> 00:48:53,713 If we don't win, you have immunity. 1366 00:48:53,931 --> 00:48:55,497 You crushed it. Sherry's got the best dish. 1367 00:48:55,715 --> 00:48:56,933 You know what I mean? 1368 00:48:56,934 --> 00:48:58,109 Is an "okay" dish gonna send me home? 1369 00:48:58,326 --> 00:48:59,806 And then you have Laurence's pork dish, 1370 00:48:59,980 --> 00:49:01,939 which felt uninspired, and safe, 1371 00:49:02,113 --> 00:49:03,244 and quite frankly, boring. 1372 00:49:03,462 --> 00:49:05,594 It could go both ways, man. You know? 1373 00:49:05,812 --> 00:49:06,943 Yeah. I think so, for sure. 1374 00:49:06,944 --> 00:49:08,510 So, if Tierra Reina's on the bottom, 1375 00:49:08,728 --> 00:49:10,207 who's going home? 1376 00:49:10,208 --> 00:49:12,558 I could tell you who's not, and that would be Oscar, 1377 00:49:12,775 --> 00:49:15,039 because his barbacoa dish was so good. 1378 00:49:15,256 --> 00:49:16,953 And I gotta say, Jonathan, 1379 00:49:16,954 --> 00:49:19,478 his aguachile and his cod dish, they were fine. They were good. 1380 00:49:19,695 --> 00:49:20,870 - Aguachile was very good. - Yep. 1381 00:49:21,045 --> 00:49:22,393 So, that leaves... 1382 00:49:22,394 --> 00:49:24,178 - Brandon and Sieger. - Sieger and Brandon. 1383 00:49:24,396 --> 00:49:28,095 Why would the chef take an app and a dessert, 1384 00:49:28,313 --> 00:49:30,489 and then the line cook just take a dessert? 1385 00:49:30,706 --> 00:49:33,013 That is exactly the question, Chef. 1386 00:49:33,535 --> 00:49:34,841 I really enjoyed the rice pudding. 1387 00:49:35,015 --> 00:49:36,669 I tried to make sure everything was dialed in, 1388 00:49:36,886 --> 00:49:38,453 but obviously, it's kinda hard when you're cooking that amount. 1389 00:49:38,671 --> 00:49:40,455 Brandon made huge technical mistakes. 1390 00:49:40,673 --> 00:49:42,022 The rice was uncooked. 1391 00:49:42,240 --> 00:49:43,719 And he seemed pleased in retrospect. 1392 00:49:43,937 --> 00:49:45,156 He's like, "Yeah, I'm gonna stand by my dish." 1393 00:49:45,373 --> 00:49:46,853 One dish, and that's gonna be it. 1394 00:49:47,027 --> 00:49:48,246 How many hours did they have to cook? 1395 00:49:48,463 --> 00:49:50,988 You think that making Cheerwine whatever, 1396 00:49:51,162 --> 00:49:52,337 it was gonna elevate that dish? 1397 00:49:52,554 --> 00:49:53,991 Brandon did also help with prep. 1398 00:49:54,208 --> 00:49:55,731 He helped with a lot of things. 1399 00:49:55,949 --> 00:49:57,472 - But that is on him. - Yeah. 1400 00:49:57,690 --> 00:49:59,605 Brandon's strategy was off. 1401 00:50:00,040 --> 00:50:02,477 I feel like after every Judges' Table conversation, 1402 00:50:02,695 --> 00:50:05,176 I'm feeling very... uneasy. 1403 00:50:05,393 --> 00:50:08,918 Sieger, his dishes were both, sort of mediocre. 1404 00:50:09,093 --> 00:50:11,399 My problem is with Sieger being the chef, 1405 00:50:11,617 --> 00:50:13,532 he should have actually been a little more involved. 1406 00:50:13,749 --> 00:50:15,838 I would look at Brandon and go, you have pastry experience, 1407 00:50:16,013 --> 00:50:17,710 - you're taking both desserts. - Right! 1408 00:50:17,927 --> 00:50:19,494 For me, Carolina Queen, 1409 00:50:19,712 --> 00:50:21,321 in a lot of ways, was more successful. 1410 00:50:21,322 --> 00:50:24,499 I don't agree. I just think that there are equal flaws. 1411 00:50:24,934 --> 00:50:26,893 I mean, this is a tough decision. 1412 00:50:27,067 --> 00:50:28,547 It could be anybody at this point. 1413 00:50:28,764 --> 00:50:29,678 Yeah. 1414 00:50:29,896 --> 00:50:31,071 This was a close one. 1415 00:50:31,289 --> 00:50:32,246 Let's get the chefs out here. 1416 00:50:32,464 --> 00:50:35,554 [tense music] 1417 00:50:38,644 --> 00:50:40,863 Chefs, this was really quite close 1418 00:50:41,038 --> 00:50:44,171 and a really tough choice to make. 1419 00:50:44,563 --> 00:50:47,087 But ultimately, we did have one winner. 1420 00:50:47,305 --> 00:50:49,524 Our favorite team tonight is... 1421 00:50:51,396 --> 00:50:53,093 [music swells] 1422 00:50:56,183 --> 00:50:57,880 ...Carolina Queen. Congratulations. 1423 00:50:58,055 --> 00:51:00,231 - Thank you. - Oh, my God. 1424 00:51:00,448 --> 00:51:03,364 I was so scared. I was so scared. 1425 00:51:04,061 --> 00:51:06,324 We did tell you that this prize was epic, 1426 00:51:06,541 --> 00:51:09,588 and you have each just won an exclusive vacation 1427 00:51:09,805 --> 00:51:12,634 for you and a guest to Universal Orlando Resorts' 1428 00:51:12,852 --> 00:51:14,984 - four amazing theme parks. - Okay! 1429 00:51:15,159 --> 00:51:18,292 Including the all-new Universal Epic Universe. 1430 00:51:19,902 --> 00:51:21,600 And a one-of-a-kind meet-and-greet 1431 00:51:21,817 --> 00:51:23,341 with the Universal Orlando culinary team. 1432 00:51:23,558 --> 00:51:25,169 [chuckling] 1433 00:51:25,386 --> 00:51:26,908 Clare and Michael, 1434 00:51:26,909 --> 00:51:29,086 you have the honor of announcing our individual winner. 1435 00:51:29,260 --> 00:51:31,000 The winning chef today 1436 00:51:31,175 --> 00:51:32,872 is someone whose contribution 1437 00:51:33,090 --> 00:51:36,180 really underpinned the success of the winning concept. 1438 00:51:36,397 --> 00:51:37,703 And the winning chef is... 1439 00:51:41,881 --> 00:51:43,274 ...Duyen. 1440 00:51:43,491 --> 00:51:44,317 Duyen! 1441 00:51:44,318 --> 00:51:46,190 [laughing and cheering] 1442 00:51:50,411 --> 00:51:54,807 First win and it's friggin' Restaurant Wars. 1443 00:51:55,024 --> 00:51:56,374 Ah, that feels so good. 1444 00:51:56,591 --> 00:51:58,767 Dwyane all up in this bitch! 1445 00:51:58,985 --> 00:52:01,683 Duyen, from start to finish, you just set the tone. 1446 00:52:01,901 --> 00:52:03,729 It actually felt like a restaurant. 1447 00:52:03,946 --> 00:52:04,904 I think you did a fantastic job. 1448 00:52:05,122 --> 00:52:06,340 Thank you so much. 1449 00:52:06,558 --> 00:52:07,950 Unfortunately, you don't get immunity. 1450 00:52:08,125 --> 00:52:09,474 I don't get immunity? 1451 00:52:09,691 --> 00:52:11,519 - No, it's over. It's all over. - Dang it! 1452 00:52:11,737 --> 00:52:14,392 - You get bragging rights. - I'll keep that. Thank you. 1453 00:52:14,914 --> 00:52:16,436 Unfortunately, Tierra Reina, 1454 00:52:16,437 --> 00:52:18,787 you are our least favorite restaurant of the evening 1455 00:52:19,005 --> 00:52:21,050 and one of you will be eliminated. 1456 00:52:21,442 --> 00:52:23,183 Your restaurant, I think you did a really good job. 1457 00:52:23,401 --> 00:52:25,664 There was just one or two things that just fell flat, 1458 00:52:25,881 --> 00:52:27,144 and one chef in particular just... 1459 00:52:27,361 --> 00:52:29,146 didn't really pull their weight. 1460 00:52:30,799 --> 00:52:32,192 [tense music swells] 1461 00:52:33,889 --> 00:52:36,414 Brandon, please pack your knives and go. 1462 00:52:37,893 --> 00:52:39,808 Brandon, you're standing on one dish 1463 00:52:40,026 --> 00:52:42,898 and it was probably the weakest dish. 1464 00:52:43,116 --> 00:52:44,813 Should have known to do a little bit more. 1465 00:52:46,902 --> 00:52:49,731 You had a bad day today, but it's not over just yet. 1466 00:52:49,949 --> 00:52:51,429 [intriguing music] 1467 00:52:51,646 --> 00:52:53,344 You're heading to the finale of Last Chance Kitchen, 1468 00:52:53,561 --> 00:52:55,041 that's happening right now. - Oh, okay. 1469 00:52:55,215 --> 00:52:56,651 Oh, [bleep]. 1470 00:52:56,869 --> 00:52:58,740 So, you have an opportunity to return 1471 00:52:58,958 --> 00:53:00,873 back to the competition, very soon. 1472 00:53:01,090 --> 00:53:02,395 I'm gonna put the chef's coat on 1473 00:53:02,396 --> 00:53:04,137 and we're gonna walk into Last Chance Kitchen. 1474 00:53:04,311 --> 00:53:06,661 It sucks. You know, I have a strong pastry background 1475 00:53:06,879 --> 00:53:08,489 and I should have went with my gut 1476 00:53:08,707 --> 00:53:10,317 over trying to be a good team player. 1477 00:53:10,535 --> 00:53:11,883 Good luck. 1478 00:53:11,884 --> 00:53:13,712 But I have a chance in Last Chance Kitchen. 1479 00:53:13,929 --> 00:53:15,627 I'm gonna come in there on fire. 1480 00:53:15,844 --> 00:53:16,889 I'm gonna crush it. Don't worry. 1481 00:53:17,106 --> 00:53:18,324 Mm-hmm. Later, bro. 1482 00:53:18,325 --> 00:53:19,848 This is all nice, but if he gets back in, 1483 00:53:20,066 --> 00:53:21,937 his job is to come in here and beat all of you, so. 1484 00:53:22,155 --> 00:53:23,287 Yeah, seriously. 1485 00:53:23,504 --> 00:53:24,462 Good luck to you, Brandon. 1486 00:53:24,679 --> 00:53:26,594 - Thank you. - Thank you. 1487 00:53:29,684 --> 00:53:32,252 Right now, Restaurant Wars sends Brandon 1488 00:53:32,470 --> 00:53:33,601 straight to the Last Chance Kitchen finale. 1489 00:53:33,819 --> 00:53:35,385 [gasping and huffing] 1490 00:53:35,386 --> 00:53:37,562 One final battle decides who returns to the competition. 1491 00:53:37,779 --> 00:53:39,128 It's all or nothing! 1492 00:53:39,303 --> 00:53:43,220 Watch now on Peacock or on BravoTV.com. 1493 00:53:44,177 --> 00:53:45,787 Next time, on Top Chef... 1494 00:53:46,832 --> 00:53:48,703 - Hi, guys. - Oh! 1495 00:53:48,921 --> 00:53:52,185 We're gonna hit the road to head to Greenville, South Carolina. 1496 00:53:52,359 --> 00:53:54,579 In honor of that, we want the ultimate dinner party. 1497 00:53:54,796 --> 00:53:56,581 - Yeah! - Holy crap! 1498 00:53:56,798 --> 00:53:59,236 You're gonna have $1,200 to shop. 1499 00:53:59,671 --> 00:54:01,106 That does have to cover both 1500 00:54:01,107 --> 00:54:03,805 Quickfire and Elimination dishes for all of you. 1501 00:54:04,023 --> 00:54:05,371 $12.99, okay. 1502 00:54:05,372 --> 00:54:08,027 Four lobster tails, 'cause I'm on a budget. 1503 00:54:08,245 --> 00:54:09,811 - Gin o'clock! - Cheers! 1504 00:54:10,029 --> 00:54:11,073 To South Carolina. 1505 00:54:11,248 --> 00:54:12,814 - Oh wow. - This looks amazing. 1506 00:54:13,032 --> 00:54:14,773 I loved this dish. 1507 00:54:14,990 --> 00:54:16,340 It was not my favorite. 1508 00:54:16,557 --> 00:54:17,819 Uh, it's all I could do.