Host Tyler Florence leads seven teams to Franklin to compete along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, and one truck is protected by immunity after last week's big win. A whiskey-inspired taste challenge tasks teams with creating a three-item mini food flight, sparking competitive tensions. Truck troubles, execution issues, and mounting stress threaten several teams' chances of survival before Tyler reveals razor-thin sales margins and sends the bottom teams into a whiskey-focused redemption battle with guest judge Aarti Sequeira.
The tables are turned as Alex Guarnaschelli asks fan favorite judges Eric Greenspan, Antonia Lofaso and Aarti Sequeira to step away from the judges' table and cook their way to a spot in the Judges Takeover Tournament finale. It's time to take a trip, and the first stakeout starts in Chinatown. Then, they must create a plate that transports judges Rocco DiSpirito and Lesley Suter to the tropics before Alex challenges the chefs to turn the parking lot into a Parisian patisserie.
Five of the finest cookie makers around push the envelope when Eddie Jackson calls on them to craft creative Christmas cards out of cookies. Deciding which ones get "returned to sender" are judges Ree Drummond, Gesine Prado and Aarti Sequeira. Then the bakers reach for new heights by building beautiful Christmas tree toppers out of cookies and incorporating classic toppings like mini marshmallows and maraschino cherries. When the luster dust settles, one cookie maker stands alone at the top of the heap with the $10,000 grand prize.
Guy Fieri's looking for a clambake without leaving the ranch. Aarti Sequeira whips up some Hushpuppies with an Indian twist and then sweetens up the party with juniper-infused Blueberry Cobbler. Rocco DiSpirito gets creative with his Clam Chowder Jalapeno Poppers and brings it on home with a Southampton Clambake in a Can. Ming Tsai gets the party started with his Lemongrass Shandy before offering up some Honey Gingered Corn en Papillote. Jonathan Waxman prepares his Seafood al Cartoccio and a simple yet luxurious Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant Casserole with a Pistachio Pesto.
They've seen every episode and know every twist, and now three of GGG's biggest superfans get to play their favorite Flavortown games! Luckily, their favorite GGG judges -- Beau MacMillan, Damaris Phillips and Aarti Sequeira -- are on hand to mentor them as they attempt to shop for a dynamite diner dish using kiddie carts. Then, these GGG aficionados must stretch their dollars to the limit to make their best seafood dinner on a budget. The last superfan standing gets to shop their favorite store, Flavortown Market, for up to $20,000!
Guy Fieri wants a little of everything. Chef Adam Sobel pours White Peach and Purple Basil Bellini and treats Guy to his Tokyo-Style Hashbrowns and some Strawberry Coconut Crème Brûlée French Toast. Chef Mei Lin makes Guy flip for Fried Mochi Dumplings with Pork and Dried Radish before opening his palate with Okonomiyaki. Chef Aarti Sequeira has Guy try savory Tomato Chaat Pie and rolls up some Rice and Coconut Crêpes with Mango Cardamom Stuffing. Chef Joe Sasto is betting on ‘Nduja Baked Clams Casino and crossing over cuisines with "Chicago Beef" Birria Tacos.
Guy Fieri is waking up to a ton of brunch with a crunch. Chef Aarti Sequeira starts the day off right with her take on a French 75 cocktail before she busts out an "Everything Bagel" Samosa Bar buffet and a hearty, crunchy Peanut Fried Steak with Yogurt Turmeric Gravy. Chef Justin Warner leans towards lunch with his Shrimp Corn Dogs with Boili and a perfectly Crispy Skin Salmon with Yuzu Hollandaise. Chef Jonathan Waxman prepares his crispy, delicious Pork Milanese with Watermelon Radish Salad and then shares a new brunch favorite, Dungeness Crab Tacos.
Guy Fieri's laying down a challenge to see who can layer on the flavor. Aarti Sequeira starts off with a classic Indian Bombay Frankie and then rolls out some Lahmajun, or Armenian pizza. Rocco DiSpirito's layering the booze with his Dubliner and then goes old-school with a new take on his Ten-Layer Lasagna Bolognese. Ming Tsai is making some Kimchee Beef Scallion Pancakes with Watercress Slaw and then sweetening things up with his Coconut Cream and Chocolate Rice Cake Parfait. Jonathan Waxman wows the crowd with his tasty Timballo and tantalizing Tartiflette.