Ep 1. Waltz Up a Win

Waltz Up a Win is the first episode of the sixteenth season of the popular cooking competition show, Beat Bobby Flay. In this episode, two talented chefs from different parts of the country go head to head in a bid to take on the big man himself, celebrity chef Bobby Flay.

The first chef on the show is chef Wei-Sen Liang from New York City. Chef Liang specializes in Szechuan cuisine and is known for his bold and flavorful dishes that are not for the faint of heart. He has trained in some of the best kitchens in the city and has worked with acclaimed chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Chef Liang is confident that he can hold his own against Bobby Flay and is excited to take on the challenge.

His challenger is Chef Ken Gabrielson from Palm Springs, California. Chef Gabrielson is also no stranger to the culinary world and has been working in the industry for over 25 years. He is the owner and head chef of his own restaurant and is known for his classic American dishes with a modern twist. Chef Gabrielson is excited to go up against Bobby Flay, a chef he has long admired, and is eager to show off his skills in the kitchen.

The competition begins with the chefs being given 20 minutes to prepare their signature dish. Chef Liang opts to make a spicy Szechuan-style pork dish while Chef Gabrielson prepares a grilled skirt steak with a chimichurri sauce. Bobby Flay tastes both dishes and declares that they are both delicious, but ultimately chooses Chef Liang's dish as the winner of the round.

The second round of the competition is where things really start to heat up. Both chefs are given 45 minutes to prepare a dish using a mystery ingredient that is only revealed to them when the clock starts ticking. The mystery ingredient for this round is revealed to be kumquats, a small citrus fruit that is often used in desserts.

Chef Liang decides to make a dish of kumquat-glazed chicken thighs with a kumquat salsa. He uses the tartness of the kumquats to cut through the rich flavors of the chicken and creates a dish that is both flavorful and complex. Chef Gabrielson, on the other hand, decides to make a kumquat and ginger glazed pork chop with a kumquat and avocado salsa. He uses the sweetness of the kumquats to balance out the spiciness of the ginger and creates a dish that is both beautiful and tasty.

After tasting both dishes, Bobby Flay declares that they are both excellent, but ultimately chooses Chef Gabrielson's dish as the winner of the round. This means that the competition is now tied at one win apiece, and it all comes down to the final round.

For the third and final round of the competition, the chefs are given 60 minutes to prepare a dish that showcases their personal style of cooking. They are allowed to use any ingredients that they choose, but they must create a dish that is both visually stunning and packed with flavor.

Chef Liang decides to make a dish of pan-seared trout with a miso glaze and a cucumber and avocado salad. He uses the delicate texture of the trout to showcase his skill with seafood, while the miso adds a depth of flavor that is both rich and umami. Chef Gabrielson, on the other hand, decides to make a dish of roasted rack of lamb with a rosemary and garlic crust and a side of roasted vegetables. He uses the bold flavors of the lamb to showcase his classic American cooking style, while the roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness and crunch.

After tasting both dishes, Bobby Flay declares that they are both excellent, but ultimately chooses Chef Liang's dish as the winner of the round. This means that Chef Liang has beaten Bobby Flay and is the winner of the competition.

Overall, Waltz Up a Win is an exciting and high-stakes episode of Beat Bobby Flay that showcases the talents of two talented chefs. With stunning visuals, complex flavors, and a healthy dose of competition, this episode is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.