The latest episode of "Hell's Kitchen" started off with a bang. At the beginning of the episode, we learned who the two finalists will be. Once Dana was eliminated, the stage was set for Justin and Christina to battle it out for a job at Gordon Ramsay's new steakhouse in Las Vegas. This episode served as the first half of the finale, so no winner was declared. However, it was a solid episode that proved how good the show can be even when Gordon doesn't yell. Here is a recap of the latest episode of "Hell's Kitchen."
Bound for Vegas
After Dana is sent packing, Gordon tells the two remaining cooks to start working on their menus. After a brief champagne toast, Justin and Christina get to work on creating four entrees, four appetizers, and three desserts. They wake up prepared for another long day but are surprised to get a call from Gordon. After inviting them to his office, Gordon tells them that they are heading to Vegas for a day of pampering. With that, the two finalists board a private jet and are on their way. Of course, the pampering doesn't last as long as they might have hoped.The challenge
After meeting with their sous chefs poolside, Justin and Christina get dressed up to enjoy a Penn & Teller show. They are surprised to see Gordon play a part in one of the magic tricks, but that is only part of the surprise. The big shock comes when the stage is actually there for their final challenge. Each cook must prepare a salad, seafood appetizer, seafood dish, and two steak dishes. It's a battle of Justin's creativity against Christina's comfort zone, and it will be up to five elite judges to decide their fate. After Justin wins the first two dishes, Christina draws even. The final judge is none other than Wolfgang Puck, who is there to judge the filet course. It's a close call, but he declares Christina the winner.Picking the teams
Before heading back home, the finalists are greeted by the eight chefs who will comprise their teams. As the challenge winner, Christina has the first pick, and she goes with her pal Dana. Justin picks Barbie based on her ability to cook meat. Things get interesting after that, as Christina adds Patrick and Kimmie while Justin chooses Brian and Royce. The remaining picks are Robyn and Clemenza. Deciding that Robyn's drama is better than Clemenza's sloppiness, Christina chooses her. The final teams are set, but there isn't a lot of harmony. Some of Christina's teammates think her menu is too complicated, while Justin is struggling to get through to a bitter Clemenza. That should set up a pretty interesting season finale.
