Ep 1. London Calling

Around the World in 80 Plates season 1 episode 1 "London Calling" is a culinary adventure through the bustling city of London. The show follows twelve chefs from different backgrounds and with different cooking styles as they compete in various challenges to win $150,000 and the title of "Around the World in 80 Plates" champion.

The episode starts with the contestants arriving in London and meeting host Cat Cora and British food critic Tom Parker Bowles. The chefs are split into two teams, Red and Black, and immediately thrust into their first challenge. They must create a dish using only ingredients found in the iconic Borough Market, a hub of fresh produce, meats, and artisanal food products.

The two teams race through the market, gathering ingredients and strategizing on what dishes to create. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on as the chefs rush to finish their culinary masterpieces before time runs out.

After the time is up, the chefs present their dishes to Tom and Cat, who judge them based on taste, creativity, and presentation. The winning team gets to choose their partner for the next challenge and also gets a head start on the next leg of the competition.

The second challenge takes place in the heart of London's financial district, where the chefs must cook for a group of demanding investment bankers. They have to create canapés that are not only delicious but also visually impressive and on-brand with the bank's image.

As the chefs prepare the canapés, tensions rise between some of the contestants. The pressure to create the perfect dish and impress the bankers takes a toll on everyone, and mistakes are made.

The bankers taste and judge the canapés, and the losing team faces elimination. The chefs must then face off in a head-to-head cook-off, where they must create a dish using an ingredient chosen by the judges. The winner stays in the competition, while the loser goes home.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the diverse food scene of London, with visits to local restaurants and markets. The show also highlights the cultural differences and unique cooking styles of the participating chefs, from a Louisiana Creole chef to a Japanese chef specializing in French cuisine.

Overall, "London Calling" is a thrilling and entertaining premiere episode that sets the tone for the rest of the series. The challenges are exciting and unpredictable, and the stakes are high for the chefs as they compete for the ultimate prize. With stunning visuals of the city and mouth-watering dishes that will leave viewers hungry for more, "Around the World in 80 Plates" is a must-watch for any foodie and travel enthusiast.