Ep 16. San Franchopco

In Chopped season 29 episode 16, titled "San Franchopco," four chefs from the San Francisco Bay Area compete for the chance to win $10,000. The first round begins with the chefs presented with a seafood theme. They must create an appetizer using calamari, black garlic, fava beans and quinoa. The chefs have only 20 minutes to prepare their dishes, and the judges are looking for creativity and balance.

In the second round, the chefs are given 30 minutes to create an entree using a surprise ingredient from California's Central Valley: tri-tip steak. The chefs must also incorporate carob syrup, za'atar seasoning, and anise hyssop into their dishes. The judges are looking for well-seasoned dishes with perfectly-cooked tri-tip steaks.

For the dessert round, the remaining two chefs are given 30 minutes to create a dessert using purple tomatillos, cherimoya, graham crackers, and crème fraîche. The chefs must put together a unique and delicious dessert that showcases the flavors of these ingredients, as well as their own creativity and skills.

Throughout the episode, the chefs face numerous challenges, from unfamiliar ingredients to tough time constraints. The judges, including celebrity chef Martha Stewart, evaluate each dish on taste, presentation, and creativity, ultimately choosing a winner who will take home the $10,000 prize.

As is typical with Chopped, the chefs are encouraged to push the limits of their culinary skills, taking bold risks with their creations in order to win the prize. Along the way, they must adapt to various challenges and improvise solutions in order to create the most impressive dishes possible. The judges, meanwhile, provide insightful feedback and colorful commentary, making the episode engaging and entertaining for viewers. "San Franchopco" is yet another exciting episode of Chopped, highlighting both the creativity and the competitive spirit of talented chefs.