The Winner Had a Clear Advantage on THE FLOOR Season 3 Finale Recap!
April 23, 2025Too Many Egos in the Kitchen on YES, CHEF! Premiere Episode Review
They serve as both the show’s hosts and executive producers, Martha Stewart and Jose Andres. They also serve as the contestants’ judges by ruthlessly critiquing each chef’s dish. There is no sugar-coating here.
Pictured: (l-r) Martha Stewart, José Andrés — Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC
The egos and narcissistic personalities of the chef contestants are co-existing in front of the two show hosts who have come before them! It takes one to know one, is the only reason why “Yes, Chef!” would possibly put Martha Stewart and Jose Andres up for their hosting/judging roles.
From the same team who produce “Top Chef,” are putting a fresh spin on the cooking competition space in “Yes, Chef.” As stated in the premiere episode’s opening by Stewart, each chef has been nominated to be on the show by someone they know. These include employees, family members, and friends. The downside in this is a competition where every chef’s cards are shown!
They’re Exposed!
Before the show, Steward and Andres viewed each chef’s menus. They chose their top three favorites and made them the team captains. From there, these three chefs got to put together a team of four chefs each. This first challenge was called “Captain Control Freaks.” The captains had to create a new four course meal menu with their newly formed teams.
The show’s attempt is to morph these competitors into the best version of themselves. The ultimate goal is for them to reach their full potential, and whoever succeeds at this by winning challenge after challenge, will win the grand prize of $250,000 courtesy of sponsor “purely elizabeth” granola. That’s a lot of granola!
The hosts explained the rules, and just like most cooking shows, the losing teams would be up for an elimination cook-off.
Fuel Added to the Fire!
Just before the team captains finished planning their new menus, hosts/judges called them over to make an “executive decision.” These chefs had to decide to either proceed with their new menu, OR divert to their original menu. Katsuji was the only captain who opted to go back to his original menu. This put his team in a tailspin. Something that the other team captains chose to avoid. But, it was Petrina’s botched Lobster Gazpacho that lost it for the Green Team and mostly cold food that lost it for the Blue Team. Thus, the Red Team won this first challenge.
Weird Plot Twist:
Pictured: (l-r) Jake Lawler, Katsuji Tanabe, Lee Frank — Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC
Katsuji was hot to go up against Michelle because he felt he had something to prove after getting a mediocre review from the judges. Petrina wanted it to be her, for a chance to fight for her spot to stay. Plus, she had a feeling she’d be targeted to be sent home by the winning chef. She would be correct because Katsuji was already plotting to get rid of her should he win. Which he was pretty confident about. Oh, btw, Michelle had not chosen anyone to compete against yet!
On the bright side, Michelle got to choose which style of food to cook. On the downside, her competitor, whom she chose to be Katsuji in an attempt to “knock him out” of the competition, got to choose the set of ingredients they’d both have to use. That was Mexican to Michelle’s Greek!
Pictured: (l-r) José Andrés, Emily Brubaker, Michelle Francis, Christopher Morales, Ronny Miranda — Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC
The Kicker!
Katsuji immediately scooped up the only meat away from Michelle. Then, proceeded to NOT use it! This guy is a major antagonizer, and trust, is going to be entertaining to watch the rest of the season (or however long he can manage to keep dodging bullets) because he did win this challenge. Then, Katsuji proceeded to send Petrina home. She was really upset, blaming Michelle for this outcome for not giving her the opportunity to fight for her place to stay on the show.
“Yes, Chef!” airs Mondays at 10 pm ET/PT on NBC
