Judson Allen, Food Network Star Season 8 Finalist

Judson Allen

Judson, 30, a self-taught and restaurant-trained chef, recently changed his life and eating habits and lost more than 100 pounds. His Chicago catering company is focused on healthy food and nutrition counseling. Inspired by his grandfather, Judson also loves to cook with Creole flavors.

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Ep. 5 Reaction: Judson's Exit 03:32

Casting: Judson Allen 03:28

Bio: Judson Allen 02:15

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Team Alton: Down to Three

Judson Allen, a Chicago caterer with New Orleans roots, was the second finalist to say goodbye to Team Alton. He was eliminated in Episode 5.

Judson's Star Journal

During his run on Star, Judson filled pages of his journal with notes, prep lists and illustrations of the dishes he presented. The judges were almost always fans of his food.

Restaurant: Impossible

In the first challenge of the season, each team had 24 hours to create a restaurant from scratch, Restaurant: Impossible-style. Judson joined some of his new teammates from Team Alton to shop for ingredients at Restaurant Depot.

Do South

Since Alton and all of his finalists shared ties to the South, a Southern theme for their restaurant was a no-brainer. This worked perfectly for Judson, who loves to cook with the Louisiana Creole flavors he learned from his grandfather.

New Orleans Inspiration

The Do South kitchen was hectic, but Judson stayed focused on his shrimp and andouille etouffee. He decided to jazz up his presentation to the judges with some Mardi Gras beads.

Southern Comfort

The judges loved Judson's dish — sketched here on the left page of his journal — and his warm welcome. "I want to be a guest at any party he throws," said Bob Tuschman. On the opposite page, Judson sketched a plating idea for Martie's deviled eggs.

Teamwork

With his own dish under control, Judson was happy to help Martie plate her deviled eggs with three toppings. She was racing down to the wire and thanks to his assistance, her dish also made it out to the judges.

Dish Brainstorm

In between challenges, Judson listed out some of his go-to dishes and sauces. He hoped having these in his back pocket would help in future challenges.

In a Pickle

In Episode 2, Judson found himself outside his comfort zone. On Team Alton's food tour of New York's Lower East Side, he was assigned to create a dish inspired by the Pickle Guys: "I'm just not feeling it," he said.

What Goes With Pickles?

Judson sketched a diagram of different ingredients and flavors that would work well with pickles. "Pickles don't inspire me, but I have to embrace them because I have to win this challenge," he said. He decided to make two different slaws, which the judges found uninspired.

On the Bottom

Judson's pickle presentation landed him in the bottom. He faced Kara in a Producers' Challenge in which they each had to make a memorable potato dish and present it to camera. With Alton's help, Judson prevailed in the pitch room.

Chopped Dessert

Safe from elimination, Judson geared up for the next challenge: a Chopped dessert round. "Not only do I not cook desserts, but they bring up bad memories of being overweight," he said. Before opening his basket to find Hershey's kisses, pancetta, kumquats and graham crackers, he quickly jotted down some ideas of dessert elements he might create.

Success on the Chopping Block

Although Scott Conant said that Judson's chocolate-infused cornbread and pancetta cake was undercooked, Team Alton as a whole did well.

Fashionable Food

In Episode 4, Judson lifted his silver dome to find a bland dish in need of a makeover: seafood Alfredo. In his journal, he brainstormed ideas for how he would transform it for Fashion Week.

On the Runway

Judson's presentation was doomed the moment he said "great cuisine plus exquisite fashion equals love." The judges needed more authenticity: "His words are hollow and he loses me," Susie said.

Seafood Alfredo 2.0

Judson's made-over seafood Alfredo wasn't the main problem for him this week, although it got mixed reviews. "Too many crunchy things in one bowl," said Giada. His ingredient list reveals that the dish might have had too much going on.

Finished Dish

Though confident in his "fashionable" dish, pictured here, Judson knew his presentation didn't measure up: "I feel like I'm on the bottom again this week. In my mind, I'm going home." Fortunately for him, Team Alton won the challenge and Judson was safe.

Spooked for Halloween

In Episode 5, Star alum Guy Fieri challenged the finalists to host live specials and gave Team Alton a Halloween theme. Judson decided to embrace his new healthy POV and weight-loss journey with a vegetarian chili.

Back to the Pitch Room

Judson faced the pitch room for a second time after an unsuccessful Halloween special, but this time he went in with his entire team. One of them would have to leave Team Alton. "This isn't any easier for me than it is for you," said their mentor.

Goodbye, Team

Bob and Susie saw potential in Judson, but ultimately decided that he was the weakest link on Team Alton and it was his time to go. "I'm proud of where you come from and where you're going," Alton told his fallen finalist.