Ep 3. Guilty Pleasures

In the third episode of The Taste season 2, titled "Guilty Pleasures," the contestants are asked to create dishes that represent their guilty food pleasures. The premise of the show is that each contestant is a chef or cook who is judged solely on their cooking, and not on their appearance, reputation, or credentials. The judges are Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludo Lefebvre, and Marcus Samuelsson, who each taste a single spoonful of each dish blindly, without knowing who cooked it or what's in it.

The episode begins with each contestant explaining their guilty pleasure food, whether it be macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, or chocolate cake. The chefs then go to the kitchen to create a dish that represents that guilty pleasure, but also showcases their own unique style and technique. Some chefs choose to elevate their guilty pleasure food to something more refined, while others stay true to the comfort food roots.

As the contestants cook, tensions rise in the kitchen as they start to feel the pressure of the competition. There are a few mishaps, such as a burnt dish or a miscommunication with a teammate, but overall the chefs manage to create some impressive dishes.

When it's time for judging, the judges are impressed with the creativity and execution of the dishes. There are some clear winners and losers, but the judges struggle to narrow down the contestants to just a few winners. As always, the judges deliberate and discuss the merits of each dish before ultimately making their decisions.

One of the standout dishes of the episode is a deconstructed lasagna created by a contestant who is clearly a pasta expert. Another impressive dish is a gourmet version of a bacon cheeseburger, complete with sous vide burger patty and homemade ketchup. However, not all the dishes are successful, and there are a few disappointing plates that fall short of the judges' expectations.

Overall, the "Guilty Pleasures" episode of The Taste season 2 showcases the creativity and skill of the contestants, as well as the tough decisions the judges must make. The show continues to be a thrilling competition for food lovers and cooking enthusiasts, as well as an opportunity for up-and-coming chefs to showcase their talent on a national stage.