Ep 9. Falafel

Throwdown with Bobby Flay is a popular American cooking reality show. Hosted by Bobby Flay, the show follows Flay as he takes on top chefs to test his culinary skills. In season 5 episode 9, titled "Falafel," Flay faces off against two experts in Middle Eastern cuisine to create the best falafel sandwich.

The episode begins with Flay traveling to Washington D.C., where he meets the first challenger, Ahmad Ashkar, the owner of Falafel Inc. Ashkar, who was born in Palestine, learned the art of making falafel from his grandmother, and his falafel sandwich has been named "the best in D.C." by The Washington Post. Flay watches and learns as Ashkar expertly makes his signature falafel sandwich, with chickpeas, garlic, parsley, and other aromatic ingredients, served on a warm pita bread with tahini and a variety of colorful vegetables.

Next, Flay heads to New York City to meet the second challenger, Einat Admony, the owner of Taïm, a popular falafel joint in New York. Admony was born in Israel and grew up eating falafel on the streets of Tel Aviv. She owns several restaurants in New York City, and her falafel has received numerous accolades, including being named the "best falafel in New York" by The Village Voice. Admony creates a homemade falafel patty made with green chickpeas, cilantro, and other spices, which she serves on a warm pita bread, with tahini, pickled red cabbage, and other mouthwatering toppings.

Then, Flay heads back to his studio kitchen in New York City, where he recreates both of the challenger's falafel sandwiches, while putting his own spin on them. Flay uses his culinary skills and experience to come up with innovative and unique twists for each falafel sandwich. For Ashkar's sandwich, Flay adds roasted eggplant and pickled onions to give it a subtle smoky and tangy flavor. For Admony's sandwich, Flay adds avocado, fresh radish, and Sriracha sauce, giving it a spicy kick and a creamy texture.

The stage is set for the final showdown, as Flay invites the two challengers to go head-to-head with their own unique falafel sandwiches. The judges, a panel of food critics and experts, taste and evaluate each sandwich, taking into account the flavor, texture, presentation, and overall execution. Flay's sandwich is also judged, and the winner is declared based on the judges' scores.

The tension is high as the judges deliberate and announce the winner of the falafel throwdown. The final result is a surprise, as Flay fails to win the challenge, but the judges declare it a tie, naming both Ashkar and Admony as winners of the throwdown. Flay takes the loss gracefully and congratulates both challengers for their skill and mastery of the falafel sandwich.

The episode ends with Flay reflecting on the falafel throwdown and expressing his admiration for both Ashkar and Admony's incredible culinary talents. The audience is left with a newfound appreciation for this beloved Middle Eastern street food, and inspired to try making their own falafel sandwich at home.