Tonight's episode announces the start of the quarter-finals.
Four candidates are still in the running, more determined than ever to win: Charlie from Paul Pairet's brigade, Grégoire from Éric Frechon's, Ilane from Fabien Ferré's brigade, and Quentin, accompanied by Glenn Viel.
Tonight, they will compete in three challenges. At the end of each challenge, one contestant will qualify directly for the semi-final. They will be judged by several renowned chefs: Alexandre Mazzia, Arnaud Lallement, and Arnaud Donckele.
First challenge: the burnt center of the plate
The theme, chosen by chef Alexandre Mazzia, is: "a burnt element at the heart of the plate". A particularly complex challenge, as mastering the burnt effect requires great technique and a perfect balance of flavors.
- Charlie offers a burnt orange cabbage dish called "Chou'range" .
- Grégoire works with cod and artichoke in a dish called "Black on Black" .
- Ilane pays homage to her native land with a dish inspired by the soils cracked by fires: "Scorched Sea and Earth" .
- Quentin dares to create an iodized alliance around oyster and black lemon: "Iodized black lemon" .
The four candidates deliver dishes that respect the theme and are daring, surprising Chef Mazzia. After tasting, Charlie is propelled to the semi-finals.
Second test: the sauce
Two renowned chefs, boasting a combined nine Michelin stars, are judging this competition: Arnaud Lallement and Arnaud Donckele. The challenge? To create an original sauce, a true test of skill against these two master sauce makers.
- Grégoire initially considered a 100% plant-based sauce, but his brigade leader, Éric Frechon, doubted this approach. He ultimately opted for a surf and turf sauce.
- Ilane chose a sauce inspired by bouillabaisse, as a tribute to her region.
- Quentin takes a bold risk with a dish structured around four sauces to be assembled, together forming a complex meat jus.
The two Michelin-starred chefs were blown away by the technical skill and creativity of the dishes. After a difficult deliberation, Quentin won the challenge thanks to his "layered sauce".
Third challenge: Elevating French toast
For the final semi-final spot, the jury consists of Stéphanie Le Quellec and Philippe Etchebest. The contestants must reinvent French toast, a dessert that appears simple but requires a technical skill to elevate.
- Grégoire, feeling very inspired, chose to revisit a recipe from his childhood: a citrus-flavored French toast.
- Ilane, not entirely comfortable with this dessert, suggests a pastry-style French toast in three textures, just as he would have liked to eat it.
In the end, it was Grégoire's dish that most impressed the chefs. Ilane therefore left the competition just before the semi-finals.
