Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen Season 2 Episode 5 Bart vs. CJ

In the fifth episode of Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen season 2, two former contestants go head-to-head in a high-stakes cooking battle. Bart and CJ both competed on previous seasons of the popular cooking competition series, but were ultimately eliminated before making it to the finale. Now they have a chance to compete for a shot at redemption and a chance to win the grand prize.

The episode begins with the two chefs arriving at the Top Chef kitchen, where they are greeted by host Tom Colicchio. He explains that they will be competing in a series of challenges, with each round eliminating one chef until only the winner remains. With only a few episodes left in the season, the pressure is on for Bart and CJ to impress the judges and stay in the game.

For their first challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating a dish using only five ingredients. They have just 20 minutes to plan and execute their dishes, which must be both creative and tasty. Bart opts for a simple grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and a balsamic glaze, while CJ goes for a more complex dish featuring seared tuna, avocado, and a spicy aioli. The judges taste both dishes and declare CJ the winner, earning him immunity for the next round.

Next up, the chefs are challenged to create a dish using a mystery ingredient that is revealed at the last minute. They are given a brief glimpse of the ingredient before being sent back to their stations to start cooking. Bart and CJ both struggle with the mystery ingredient, which turns out to be a particularly difficult cut of meat. Bart opts for a traditional braised beef with vegetables, while CJ goes for a more experimental dish featuring a deconstructed beef tartare. The judges declare Bart the winner, sending CJ to the elimination round.

Finally, Bart and CJ face off in the final round, where they are given an hour to create a three-course meal that showcases their skills and creativity. This is the most important round, as the winner will not only earn a spot in the next episode but also gain an advantage in the competition going forward.

Bart goes for a classic menu featuring a fresh salad, grilled salmon with a herb sauce, and a chocolate tart for dessert. CJ takes a more experimental approach, featuring a beet and goat cheese salad, confit duck with a cherry glaze, and a blueberry sorbet for dessert. The judges taste both dishes and comment on the creativity and execution of each course.

In the end, one chef emerges as the clear winner, while the other is sent home disappointed. The tension is high as the judges deliberate and ultimately announce their decision. The winner is revealed to the contestants and they shake hands before leaving the kitchen to continue on their culinary journey.

This episode of Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen season 2 is packed with action and drama, as two skilled chefs battle it out for a chance at redemption. With creative challenges and tense moments, viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats throughout the episode.