By Stephen Ur –
In Episode 5 of Hell’s Kitchen: Battle of the States, the chefs’ next challenge pinned two chefs against one another, having them choose one protein and one ingredient each from different state.
In the final seconds, Massachusetts chef Jayden dropped his plate of Colordo lamb and Minnesota almonds before it could get to the pass, the plate smashing on the floor. He earned 0 points going against Nevada chef Ellie’s dish, which got one point for the red team.
Rhode Island chef Cara Marie couldn’t come through on a combination of Maine lobster and Washington apples, undercooking her apple and bourbon risotto.
With the women leading 5-4, Delaware chef Anaiya and New Hampshire chef Antonio went head-to-head on Alaskan salmon and Idaho potatoes. Chef Ramsay first said the point went to the blue team, which tied the score at five.
He then also gave the red team a point, something he’d done with several other head-to-head matchups in the challenge. The women won and their reward was riding on ATVs while the men created coconut curry paste that went with the salmon from scratch.
At dinner service, Hell’s Kitchen hosted not only a regular service, but also an eight-top bachelor party and VIPs from the UConn women’s basketball team – Paige Bueckers, now a member of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, in the blue kitchen and her head coach Geno Auriemma in the red kitchen.
Oregon chef Alexandra struggled on the appetizer station, burning her first flatbreads and having to re-fire her risotto after the first go had too much garlic. When it came to entrees, Cara Marie undercooked two halibut, but was able to bounce back quickly with a re-fire.
Louisiana chef Bradley sent up mashed potatoes and polenta that were too salty and lentils that were too bland. Both teams finished service, the dining room applauding them.
Ramsay, however, wasn’t satisfied with the blue team celebrating, saying it was their worst service since opening. They lost service and nominated Bradley and Iowa chef Anthony. The team also considered Jayden, who Ramsay asked to also step forward.
In the end, it was Bradley who was eliminated, ending his dream of winning the grand prize of becoming head chef at Foxwoods Casino and Resort in Mashantucket, CT.
Episode 6 will air Thursday, Oct. 30 on FOX. The episode will be available the next day, Halloween, on Hulu.