In the first round four competitors try to make octopus and huckleberry into dishes that will make them stand out as Chopped Champ material. Then in a high-energy second round, champagne corks and hammers go flying. After two finalists create desserts with a Peruvian drink and a Mexican cheese, one walks away with all the dinero while the other gets nada.
Guy Fieri is circling the globe starting in Salt Lake City where a Vietnamese sandwich shop has exploded with six -- count 'em -- SIX locations around town. In San Antonio, Texas, a Greek chef is whippin' up real-deal Mexican for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Finally, a haus in Glendale, Arizona, that hasn't missed a beat in their quest for true German flavor.
We head south of the border for Bobby's Mexican themed brunch with his version of Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo and a spicy Tomato-Red Chile Sauce. He serves his Ranch Style Eggs over Fresh Corn Tortillas with Spicy Home Fries on the side. And to wash it all down he makes a Bloody Mary-Margarita inspired cocktail he aptly calls, a Sangrita!
Guy Fieri drives in for a taste of what the locals love: In New Orleans, a family restaurant serving specials named after neighborhood streets; In Pittsburgh, a strip mall joint making Polish Haluski and Italian Polenta they call fried mush; And in Albuquerque, N.M., a local dive serving authentic New Mexican cooking, from sopaipilla with shredded pork to burritos with chicharrones.
Guy Fieri tracks down great tastes from all over the world including a Phoenix mom-and-pop joint with a mix of Mexican, Chinese and Caribbean food; a classic diner outside Atlanta with a menu full of homemade Greek specialties; and a tiny Kansas City, Mo., place with the globe-trotting chef who brings back recipes from Asia to Central America.
In San Diego, Michael Symon chows down on fish tacos with housemade blue corn tortillas and a meaty Mexican pizza. In Denver, a local Colorado lamb patty is a remake of a traditional Hawaiian hangover cure, the Loco Moco. Finally, a pulled pork and brisket sandwich and a barbecue rib-meat chimichanga are to die for in Little Rock, Ark.
Cauliflower is the veggie of the moment and the undisputed star of this Chopped battle. In the first round, the chefs must use the ubiquitous carb substitute in their dishes along with a funky Mexican delicacy. Kung Pao cauliflower is featured in the entree round, and the judges decide whether the remaining chefs' halo-halo cauliflower desserts are so-so or so good.
The four competing chefs have a lot to sort out in the appetizer round when they're challenged to create plates with a Korean dish made with intestines and a super spicy condiment. The three remaining competitors attempt to make successful quail entrees, and a shaker of Australian seasoning and a jar of Mexican caramel are two of the surprises in the dessert basket.
Molly Yeh is having a hockey party for the love of the food! She makes Mexican-inspired favorites for everyone to indulge, including meaty Al Pastor Taco Salad with Spicy Salsa Verde Ranch, sweet but smoky Charred Corn 7-Layer Dip and Cheese-Crusted Fajita Veggie Quesadillas. For dessert, Sparkly Strawberry Churros add a bit of extra fun to the sports.
Guy Fieri invites four well-traveled chefs to Flavortown Market to share some of the great food that Guy has tried firsthand in his travels. With appearances from Indian, Chinese, Mexican and French cuisine, Guy's goal to go global is fully realized. After three rounds of deliciously diverse dishes, one international chef will claim victory and shop the market for up to $20,000.