Ep 5. Smoke 'em If You Got 'em

In Top Chef season 14 episode 5, titled "Smoke 'em If You Got 'em," the remaining contestants are tasked with creating dishes using smoke. The Quickfire challenge requires each chef to cook a dish infused with smoke in only 30 minutes. The chefs must impress guest judge Ludo Lefebvre, a renowned French chef known for his love of bold and intense flavors.

The contestants use a variety of smoking methods, including wood chips, charcoal, and a smoking gun, to infuse their dishes with flavor. Some chefs opt for traditional smoking techniques, while others experiment with unconventional ingredients like hickory-smoked tea and smoked raspberry puree.

During the Quickfire challenge, tensions run high as the chefs struggle to balance the flavors of the smoke with their chosen ingredients. Some dishes fall flat, while others are praised for their creative use of smoke.

For the Elimination challenge, the chefs are split into two teams and tasked with creating a five-course meal for a group of barbecue enthusiasts. The teams must design their own smokers and cook their dishes outdoors, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the challenge.

The chefs work tirelessly to create unique and flavorful dishes, incorporating a range of proteins and vegetables. Some dishes are met with rave reviews, while others fall short of the barbecue aficionados' expectations.

Judge Tom Colicchio is impressed with the creativity and skill displayed by the chefs in their use of smoke. However, not all dishes are successful, and one chef is ultimately sent home.

"Smoke 'em If You Got 'em" is a thrilling episode of Top Chef that showcases the talents of each contestant. The challenge of cooking with smoke adds a unique and exciting element to the competition, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.