Ep 5. Parking Lot Party

Supermarket Stakeout is a reality cooking competition show where four talented chefs compete against each other to create the best dishes utilizing only the ingredients they are able to acquire from unsuspecting shoppers in the parking lot of a local grocery store. The catch? The chefs must purchase the ingredients using only the cash provided to them by host Alex Guarnaschelli. With just 30 minutes on the clock, the chefs must work quickly to come up with innovative and delicious dishes in order to impress the judges and take home the $10,000 prize.

In the fifth episode of season 3, entitled "Parking Lot Party," the competition heats up as the chefs are challenged to create dishes inspired by classic picnic foods. With the sun shining and the air filled with the sounds of a live band, Chef Alex and the judges eagerly await to see what culinary creations the chefs will whip up.

The first round begins with chefs snatching up ingredients such as hot dog buns, hamburgers, and watermelon from unsuspecting shoppers, all while trying to make sure they stay within their budget. Once back at their cooking stations, the chefs get to work creating delicious appetizers out of their seemingly limited picnic fare. From a feta and tomato salad with zucchini crisps to a grilled watermelon and goat cheese skewer, the chefs' creativity is on full display.

As the judges sample each dish, they are blown away by the level of flavor and ingenuity present in each one. One chef even manages to impress the judges with a dish that features a surprising ingredient - pickled hot dogs.

In the second round, the chefs are tasked with creating entrees utilizing ingredients such as chicken, steak, and corn on the cob. With only 30 minutes on the clock, the chefs find themselves in a race against time to get their dishes plated and presented to the judges.

Despite the added pressure, the chefs continue to impress with their inventive creations. One chef creates a chicken and corn fritter stack that is both visually stunning and packed with flavor, while another chef wows the judges with a perfectly cooked flank steak served alongside a blue cheese and arugula salad.

But of course, there can only be one winner, and in the end, it all comes down to the judges' final decision. After much deliberation, the judges determine which chef will take home the $10,000 prize and the title of Supermarket Stakeout champion.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the competition, including interviews with the chefs as they work and dramatic shots of the judges' tense deliberations. With the show's signature format of high-stakes cooking challenges and entertaining personalities, Supermarket Stakeout season 3 episode 5 is a must-watch for fans of food and competition shows alike.