On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, M6 broadcast the third episode of season 16 of Top Chef, captivating audiences once again with its culinary challenges and dramatic twists. This season, the stakes are higher than ever, with the winner earning the opportunity to open an ephemeral restaurant and potentially receive a Michelin star, a first for the show.
The episode kicked off with a significant turn of events as Noé, a contestant from Stéphanie Le Quellec's brigade, announced his departure from the competition due to personal reasons. This unexpected exit required Le Quellec to select a replacement, leading to the introduction of Margaux into her brigade.
Under the watchful eye of Danish chef Rasmus Munk, known for his expertise in trompe-l'œil, the contestants were tasked with creating dishes that could seamlessly blend into a garden setting. This challenge tested their creativity and technical skills, as they aimed to impress not only Munk but also a special jury of children who would judge the visual appeal of their creations.
Margaux made a strong impression right from the start. Despite initial difficulties with her dish, which she initially titled "Pine Cone," she quickly adapted and transformed it into "Tas d'écorces". This last-minute change proved to be a winning move, as Munk praised her dish during the tasting, allowing Margaux to secure a spot cooking for the Michelin inspectors in the next round.
Meanwhile, the remaining contestants faced the elimination challenge, which involved reimagining two guilty pleasures into a single gastronomic dish. The judges for this round included former contestant Florent Ladeyn, along with guests Manu Payet and Aure Atika. Each chef had to bring their A-game to impress the discerning palate of the judges.
Among the contenders, Charlie prepared "La surtartiflette normande," while Charles presented his dish, "Sauce qui peut." Grégoire offered "Plus que de la culpabilité. Jamais deux sans trois," and Philippine wowed the judges with her "Petit déjeuner glacé." Ultimately, it was Philippine who triumphed in this challenge, showcasing her culinary prowess.
However, Grégoire's dish did not resonate with the judges, leading to a tense showdown between him and Kilian, who returned to the competition without a brigade following Noé's departure. In a blind tasting judged by culinary critic François-Régis Gaudry, Grégoire emerged victorious, leaving Kilian once again eliminated from the competition.
Kilian expressed his disappointment, stating, "I wasn't there for that. It's the first challenge where I took immense pleasure in giving my all, and once again, it didn't work out..." His sentiments echoed the emotional rollercoaster that contestants often experience in high-stakes culinary competitions.
The episode also featured a new twist with the return of "Les Brigades cachées," a parallel competition for eliminated contestants. This season, two hidden brigades were introduced, led by chefs Éric Fréchon and Fabien Ferré. Following Noé's exit, Ilane, who had originally finished fifteenth in the selection process, was called up to join the competition.
In the first challenge of "Les Brigades cachées," Ilane faced off against Kilian and Rémi in a task focused on crafting a "ravioli with a melting heart." Ilane's dish impressed the judges, allowing him to secure a place in Fabien Ferré's brigade. Kilian, who had just rejoined the competition, was also able to continue, but Rémi faced the unfortunate fate of being definitively eliminated from the show.
As the episode concluded, the tension remained palpable among the contestants, with only a few challenges left before the coveted title of Top Chef would be awarded. With the added pressure of the Michelin inspectors looming, each chef must navigate the demanding landscape of culinary excellence, creativity, and resilience.
In summary, the third episode of Top Chef season 16 not only showcased the contestants' culinary talents but also highlighted the emotional stakes involved in the competition. As they strive for greatness, the journey of each chef unfolds with unexpected challenges and opportunities, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
