Hell’s Kitchen Recap: Almost Black Jacket Time

Grab a big ole bag of ice and make sure your palate is up to snuff for another episode of “Hell’s Kitchen.”

For the first time in Hell’s Kitchen, Ramsay had a blind touch test where the chefs had to identify an ingredient by touch. That turned out to be a ruse for the real challenge: The ever popular blind taste test.

Since Blue had three people, they had to choose someone to go twice. Zach volunteered. The best part of the blind taste test is to see what the chef’s mistake the ingredient for. Some highlights were Mary mistaking turkey for egg yolk, Anthony mistaking broccoli for potato and prune for liquorish. To say the least, Anthony got zero right.

As expected, it came down to a tie. Once again, the Red won the challenge. It’s starting to get to the point where these challenges are scripted.

While the Red were off having lunch at “Nobu” in Malibu and horseback riding, the Blue spent the day putting stuff away because it was delivery day. The worst of the punishment came when the ice shipment came and Anthony signed off on it without seeing how much ice was for the restaurant. They packed away so much ice that the freezer was full. Sous Chef James called them out on it. All Anthony did was look at the invoice, say “ahh, yes. *Blank* load of ice” and signed. All they needed was 15 25 pound bags and 20 50 pound bags.

That next morning Ramsay told the chefs that he wanted to see how far the chefs have come along. So, for the first time, he came up with an individual challenge where each chef made whatever they wanted. Whoever had the best dish got immunity from the next elimination.

Ja’Nel stated with a pan seared duck breast that got her in the winner’s chair. Susan tried again to wow Ramsay with a rack of lamb just like in episode one. Just like last time, her lamb was raw. Jon then dethroned Ja’Nel with his mahi mahi. It came down to Cyndi to dethrone Jon with a pan seared halibut and the audience was greeted with the “To Be Continued” screen that has become a staple this season.

It’s almost black jacket time, and it is becoming even more evident who will get one.

Zach has bounced back this episode somewhat, which makes him a front runner. Also, Jon is showing he can cook like a pro while Anthony and Mary are showing they need to go. It looks like the finale will be between Jon and Cyndi.