Ep 9. Fried Fish Escovitch

Throwdown with Bobby Flay season 6 episode 9 features a classic Caribbean dish called Fried Fish Escovitch. This episode takes place in Brooklyn, New York, where Bobby Flay challenges local chef, Nigel Spence, to a Throwdown. The two chefs will face off, creating their own versions of the dish, and the winner will be decided by a panel of judges.

Fried Fish Escovitch is a dish that is popular throughout the Caribbean. It features fried fish that is topped with a mixture of onions, bell peppers, vinegar, and spices. The dish is typically served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or sweet potato fries.

Nigel Spence is a Jamaican-born chef who owns a restaurant in Brooklyn called Ripe Kitchen and Bar. He specializes in Caribbean cuisine and is known for his unique twists on classic dishes. Bobby has a lot of respect for Nigel and knows that he is in for a tough competition.

Bobby and Nigel start the episode by discussing their backgrounds and their experiences with Fried Fish Escovitch. Nigel explains that the dish is a staple in his family and is a dish that they have been making for generations. Bobby, on the other hand, has never made the dish before but is excited to learn about it.

The chefs then head to the market to gather their ingredients. Bobby is surprised by the variety of fish that Nigel uses in his version of the dish. Nigel explains that he likes to use different types of fish to add depth of flavor to the dish. Bobby decides to stick with one type of fish, but he does experiment with different spices and seasonings.

Back in the kitchen, the chefs get to work. Nigel starts by preparing his escovitch sauce, which includes ingredients like onions, garlic, thyme, and vinegar. He then gets to work on frying his fish, which he has marinated in a mixture of spices and lime juice. Bobby, meanwhile, is busy working on his own version of the dish. He decides to use a combination of paprika, cumin, and coriander to season his fish, and he experiments with different ratios of vinegar and sugar for his escovitch sauce.

As the chefs work, the judges arrive. They are a mix of food critics, chefs, and food bloggers. They taste both dishes without knowing who made which one. The judges are impressed with both dishes, but they do notice some differences. Nigel's version of the dish is more traditional and has a slightly milder flavor, while Bobby's version has a bit more of a kick and is a bit sweeter.

After the judges have tasted both dishes, they deliberate and decide on a winner. Bobby and Nigel are both nervous as they wait for the verdict. In the end, the judges choose a winner, and the chef who made the best version of Fried Fish Escovitch is crowned the champion of the Throwdown.

This episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay is a great showcase of a classic Caribbean dish. Bobby and Nigel both bring their own unique twists to the dish, creating two very different but equally delicious versions. It's an episode that is sure to inspire viewers to try making Fried Fish Escovitch for themselves.