Welcome to the Next Level

**Welcome to the Next Level** is the 1st episode of the first season of Next Level Chef. It was aired on January 2, 2022, on FOX. In that episode, 15 contestants from different culinary backgrounds compete for the 1st time and present their dishes to the 3 judges with the hopes of being drafted into one of their teams.

## Challenge

The Top 15 are seen entering the judging area for the 1st time in the competition. Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, & Richard Blais all introduce themselves to the Top 15 and explain how the competition works; along with announcing the prize of $250,000 and a 1 year mentorship with all 3 judges. The Top 15 are then tasked for their 1st challenge to cook a signature dish of their own liking as a way to make a 1st impression on the judges.

As the Challenge begins, The 1st group of 5 contestants; consisting of Pyet, Mariah, Ae, Zach, & Jonathan select a key card to determine which floor they would have to cook on. It is then revealed that they have to cook on the middle floor to which everyone is seemingly content with. The next group consisting of Reuel, Angie, Courtney, Royce, & Gary were assigned to the basement, much to latter's disappointment. Meanwhile, the Final Group consisting of Kenny, Trisha, Amber, Devonnie, & Sergio were assigned the Top Floor much to everyone's excitement.

Gordon then decides to head to the basement, whilst Nyesha & Richard head straight to the Top and Middle Floors respectively all with the intent to supervise the Top 15 during the progression of the challenge. The platform then drops to the top floor, allowing for Kenny, Trisha, Amber, Devonnie, & Sergio 30 seconds to grab their ingredients. Afterwards, the platform descends to the middle floor, allowing another 30 seconds for Pyet, Mariah, Ae, Zach, & Jonathan to grab their ingredients. The platform would then descend once again down to the basement, leaving another 30 seconds for Reuel, Angie, Courtney, Royce, & Gary to select from whatever is left. After the platform ascends back to the top, the contestants are given 45 minutes to cook their signature dishes

Not long into the challenge, Royce realizes that he made one crucial mistake: he forgot to grab a protein. Gordon then strongly suggests that he improvises by making the best vegetarian dish he's ever made with whatever he has picked. With 30 minutes Remaining at the Top Floor, Devonnie accidentally cuts herself; much to her disappointment. After a medic gets called, Nyesha then reminds Devonnie the importance of always staying focused and to not get distracted. With 14-20 Minutes left at the Middle Floor, Ae realizes that she accidentally overcooked her Arborio rice; though she later improvises by making a curry as a way to hide the flaw from the judges. During the Last 2-12 Minutes, Nyesha expresses concern over the fact that Sergio is using a Tong to help cook his Salmon as opposed to a Spatula, with the former seemingly ignoring her advice. As the platform descends, everyone is given 15 seconds to place their dishes on the platform much

## Judging

With the challenge over, the Judges proceed with critiquing each of the dishes in the following order:

* The Top Floor-Kenny's Pan Seared Duck Breast with Gastrique was criticized for being sweet and having very few ingredients. Devonnie's Pan Seared Seabass was cooked beautifully; despite not having the proper sear on the skin. Amber's Oven roasted Filet Mignon Steak was criticized for being overcooked. Sergio's Pan seared Salmon was criticized for having it skin to dark; with Richard even pointing out how the puree is seemingly used as a deflection to hide the fact that there was no seasoning whatsoever. Trisha's Pan seared Scallops were initially questioned for being minimalist but were later praised for being delicious and for having a great sear.
* The Middle Floor- Pyet's Chorizo with Corn Puree was criticized for being overcook; Inspite of Nyesha's praise for the corn puree balancing out what would have been an otherwise dry dish. Zach's Oven Roasted Trout with Zucchini Brown Butter Puree was considered bold to be served in its entirety as opposed to filet style. Mariah's Skirt Steak with Farro, Brussel Sprouts and Spinach Chimichurri was unanimously praised for being spot on. Jonathan's Pork Steak was also praised for having the right cook and rub respectively. Ae's Shrimp in Rice owl with turmeric Curry was criticized for the rice being overcooked; Inspite of Richard's Praise for the Curry making up for the mishap.
* The Basement-Reuel's Potted Meat with Celery Root and Large Kale leaves was unanimously praised for how good it tasted even to the point of being presented as a discount high end Venison dish. Courtney's Chicken Tenders was cooked decently despite the oversaturation of Rosemary Cream sauce with the Cucumbers. Royce's Cauliflower Steak was praised for being presented nicely and for the puree standing out. Angie's Lamb Loin was praised for having the nice cook and sear respectively. Gary's Veal Cutlets with a Cheese Sauce and Schnitzel was praised for the nice presentation despite only having 3 ingredients.

## Drafting Process

In The End, the following selections were made:

* Reuel, Trisha, Royce, Devonnie, & Kenny were selected to join Team Ramsay
* Pyet, Angie, Zach, Amber, & Sergio were selected to join Team Arrington
* Mariah, Ae, Jonathan (Despite a last minute attempt from Gordon to snatch him away from Richard), Gary, & Courtney were selected to join Team Blais

## Trivia

* **Drafting Process:** This is so far the only instance where the contestants were drafted by the judges at the very start of the competition based on the signature dishes that they created; whereas in the Following Season, the contestants were already drafted before the start of the competition.
* **Backstory Segments:** In this Episode, Reuel, Courtney, Ae, & Jonathan each had their backstory segments showcased.