It's sort of like playing basketball with childhood friends - you know where everyone is, and what their next move is going to be. I had used a lot of the ingredients before, but in different ways. I think battling against the clock. Using the crab in all the dishes was just something that had to be done. Actually they are sort of one in the same.
Customers are critics and judges as well.
Yes, I think the competition was very high-spirited and very healthy. I have great respect for him. As a follow up, when I cook, being very familiar with my kitchen is important for me to be in my element. I had some time before the competition began to get to know my environment. Well, I think I would have had fewer fans there.