On the menu this week: a "one-of-a-kind culinary adventure," according to Giada, who, along with Alton, tells the finalists that each will experience one such famed meal firsthand before returning to put their own spins on an unforgettable dining experience. "Take it all in, because it's going to play a big role in the next part of the challenge," Alton explains.
A Gilded Sundae
"This is live Vegas on a plate," Nicole says when presented with a $1,000 sundae at Serendipity 3. This extravagant treat "really gives more of an experience to the eating itself," Nicole explains.
Noodle Works
"It really brought a personal touch," Luca says of the chef at Beijing Noodle House No. 9, who is hand-pulling noodles. "Almost like an extension of your dining room." He notes that it's "something to keep in mind," as he prepares for the rest of this week's challenge.
From Bottom to Top
Because luck is ever-changing in Las Vegas, Alton explains that last week's bottom performers, Sarah and Emma, will have the advantage today of selecting the teammates they want to work with in preparing "something equally memorable" for the Selection Committee.
Team Sarah
Team Sarah's competitors have Italy, Texas and the coast as culinary points of view, so they decide on an "around the world" theme for their restaurant, as Nicole notes. She says, "We all have a chance to shine in this."
Thailand Meets New Jersey
Nicole's Thai-style frog's legs are "really good," according to guest judge Penn Jillette, but her presentation is disjointed and leaves much to be desired. "I love the story about her husband being a firefighter," Susie says, "but then she went Thai on me."
Nervous Energy
Walking in to present his dish of duck and risotto, Luca's hands are shaking so badly that the plates are rattling, but despite his nervousness, he delivers a calm presentation. "I'm thinking back home about my grandma," Luca explains of his tactic to keep his cool under pressure.
Meaty Delivery
"I did feel like she took us to Texas this time," says Giada of Sarah, who offers a strong showing of her challenge ingredient, Wagyu beef. The Selection Committee is wowed by her over-the-top meal of rib eye, potatoes and creamed corn, as Bob notes, "I actually can't stop eating it long enough to talk about it."
Team Emma
Following Emma's suggestion of pursuing a "garden of the gods" theme, Lenny and Loreal prepare a feast inspired by the natural elements. In addition to their food offerings, they're also serving beverage pairings, which Emma explains: "Part of our challenge was to have a 360-degree experience and showmanship. This is an opportunity to really make this special."
Problems with Pork
Emma's not familiar with her ingredient of Mangalitsa pork, and that's apparent to the judges. "What this says to me," Alton notes, "is this was made by a cook who didn't understand the prime ingredient." Perhaps more problematic, however, is her presentation, which she dooms during a story of a barn fire. Alton tells her: "You are friendly. You are likable. And then, you burned some piglets in a barn."
Not Himself
The often-energetic Lenny seems out of place in his performance, Giada notes. And Penn agrees, "Maybe too few people [in the audience] for the amount of personality." His food, too, isn't wow-worthy, as Susie notes of Lenny's uni-cauliflower dish: "There's just way too much going on here for me."
Dumbfounded
"In theory it was going to work, but it pretty much just weirded everybody out," Loreal admits after she sprinkles rose petals on the Committee's table ahead of her team's dessert. Her individual offering of langoustines and her presentation of the plate prove to be misses as well, according to Bob, who says: "I didn't know where her personality went."
Big Apple Bound
Safe from elimination this week having outcooked Team Emma, Sarah, Nicole and Luca learn that they're heading to the third and final location of the competition: New York City.
Emma's Exit
Emma, Loreal and Lenny all face potential elimination this week, but ultimately Emma's sent home after Susie admits Emma's "not that memorable." Looking back on her eight-week journey in the contest, Emma reflects, "I really think that this experience is a steppingstone towards a lot of great things."
