Top Chef Season 22: A Dramatic Episode of Line Cook for a Day
The highly anticipated new episode of Top Chef Season 22, titled “Line Cook for a Day,”premiered on April 10, 2025. In this episode, contestants had the unique opportunity to work at local restaurants, immersing themselves in various culinary traditions before tackling a challenging team event that involved catering for 150 guests. Under pressure, the chefs formed pairs to give their best in hopes of avoiding elimination.
Corwin and Kat’s Disappointing Exit
Despite their efforts, the duo of Corwin and Kat did not impress the judges with their Portuguese dish, which featured cod and shrimp bombas accompanied by saffron aioli, smoked roe, piri piri, and pickles. Unfortunately, it was the dish’s mushy texture, particularly with the cod fritters, that led to their downfall, culminating in their elimination from the competition.
Controversy and Fan Reactions
Corwin and Kat’s exit sparked a wave of reactions from fans online, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Many were taken aback by the judges’ decision, expressing disappointment and calling for a reconsideration of the elimination. Comments ranged from disbelief to frustration over the choices made by the judges, highlighting the execution issues faced by the contestants.
“Shocked by which pair of chefs from the bottom two that the judges chose to eliminate on this week’s #TopChef…”a fan wrote.
Other viewers also voiced their opinions, questioning the fairness of eliminating two chefs during a street food challenge. Notably, Corwin had already won two back-to-back competitions, and Kat had previously excelled in a quickfire challenge, which only intensified the debate surrounding the decision.
“How dumb to eliminate 2 Chefs on a street food competition! Corwin won 2 back to back competitions, Kat has won a quick fire challenge…”another fan commented.
Challenges in Ingredient Sourcing
Kat and Corwin’s journey took a challenging turn when they discovered that the grocery store lacked salt cod, a crucial component for their dish. Opting for regular cod instead, they faced the task of compensating for the texture by adjusting their recipe. Kat explained in a confessional how they baked their potatoes instead of boiling them to avoid excess moisture. Yet, despite their adjustments, the finished product failed to meet the judges’ standards.
Critics, including guest judge Sara Bradley, pointed out that the absence of salt cod resulted in “mushy” fritters that were difficult to enjoy fully. Tom Colicchio echoed this sentiment, noting that the problematic texture overshadowed the dish’s potential. In the end, the nitty-gritty flaws led to their unfortunate departure from the show.
What Lies Ahead for Top Chef Contestants
Corwin’s spirits remained high as he expressed his determination to return stronger, while Kat reflected positively on her journey throughout the competition. As Top Chef continues, fans can tune in to witness the evolving dynamics and culinary creativity unfolding in the kitchen.
Catch new episodes of Top Chef Season 22 every Thursday at 8 PM ET exclusively on Bravo.