Beat Bobby Flay Season 20 Episode 3 A Tropical Punch

In the latest episode of Beat Bobby Flay, titled A Tropical Punch, two of the best chefs from around the country go head-to-head to earn the coveted chance to take down celebrity chef Bobby Flay. This week's contestants come from opposite coasts of the US, each bringing their own unique flavor to the kitchen.

First up is Hawaii native Chef Thomas Simplot. With his focus on locally sourced ingredients, Chef Simplot has become renowned for his fresh, authentic Hawaiian cuisine. He faces off against Chef Matt Bolus, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. Bolus has made a name for himself in the Southern culinary scene, blending traditional Southern flavors with modern techniques to create unforgettable dishes.

The episode begins with the signature dish challenge, where each chef has just 20 minutes to create a dish that showcases their culinary style and talents. Chef Simplot decides to put a Hawaiian twist on the classic French dish, coq au vin, using pineapple and other local island ingredients to create a sweet and savory flavor. Chef Bolus, on the other hand, takes a Southern staple – fried chicken – and elevates it with a crispy cornmeal crust and a tangy pepper jelly.

After presenting their dishes to the judges, including Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and comedian/food lover Judah Friedlander, each judge places his or her vote for their preferred dish. While both chefs impressed with their innovative takes on traditional dishes, only one can reign supreme.

Next up is the main challenge – creating a dish that will "beat Bobby Flay." The contestants are given 45 minutes to prepare a meal based on a secret ingredient selected by Bobby himself. This week's secret ingredient is rum, and the chefs must use it in a creative way that will wow the judges and ultimately, beat Bobby.

Chef Simplot decides to create a dish that pays homage to his Hawaiian roots, using rum to marinate a fresh fish fillet that he pairs with rice and a tropical fruit salsa. Meanwhile, Chef Bolus takes a more daring approach, creating a rum-infused risotto with seared shrimp and grilled pineapple.

As the clock ticks down, both chefs are scrambling to perfect their dishes. When time is up, they present their plates to the judges, who are impressed with the creativity and execution of each dish. But, as always, there can only be one winner – the chef who will go on to face Bobby Flay in the final round.

In the final round, the winning chef has just one hour to create a dish that will beat Bobby Flay's own creation. The pressure is on, as Bobby is known for his innovative and daring culinary creations. But the winning chef is up to the challenge, crafting a dish that combines the secret ingredient, rum, with their own unique flavor profile.

Will Bobby be beat, or will he once again prove he's the king of the kitchen? Tune in to A Tropical Punch to find out.