Ep 5. Texas Sized Operation

In this episode of Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell, titled "Texas Sized Operation," Anne travels to Houston to help transform a new restaurant called Hearsay on the Green. The restaurant is looking for a new executive chef who can handle the pressure of the fast-paced Houston culinary scene while also putting their own unique spin on classic Texas dishes.

At the beginning of the episode, Anne meets with the restaurant's owner, who explains that they are looking for a chef who can develop a menu that is both approachable and innovative, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The owner also explains that Houston has a highly competitive restaurant scene, and the winning chef will need to be able to stand out in a crowded field.

Anne gathers her selection committee, which includes the restaurant owner, a local food blogger, and a former Top Chef contestant, to review the resumes and sample dishes submitted by the finalists. The committee is looking for chefs who can deliver a high-quality, cohesive menu while also bringing their own unique flavor and personality to the table.

The first chef to arrive is Chef Adam, who impresses the committee with his creative use of ingredients and his passion for using local, sustainable produce. Chef Adam presents a dish of grilled octopus with chorizo and cannellini beans, which the committee agrees is a standout dish.

Next up is Chef Molly, who has a background in barbecue and Southern comfort food. Chef Molly presents a dish of pulled pork sliders with a spicy coleslaw, which the committee agrees is delicious but lacks the creative twist they are looking for.

Finally, Chef Michael arrives and immediately gives off a confident, smug vibe that rubs the committee the wrong way. Chef Michael presents a dish of Texas beef brisket with a tomato and corn salsa, which the committee agrees is tasty but lacks the wow factor they are looking for.

With the initial tasting complete, Anne and the committee decide to send Chef Molly and Chef Michael home, leaving Chef Adam as the sole finalist. However, in a twist, Anne decides to hold a second tasting with Chef Adam to see if he can elevate his game even further.

For the second round of tastings, Chef Adam presents a dish of pan-seared red snapper with a bacon and corn succotash, which the committee agrees is even better than his initial dish. Impressed with his creativity and skill in the kitchen, Anne and the committee decide to offer Chef Adam the job as executive chef at Hearsay on the Green.

The episode concludes with Anne giving Chef Adam some advice on how to navigate the highly competitive Houston market and encouraging him to put his own unique spin on classic Texas dishes. With the restaurant's menu in good hands, Hearsay on the Green is poised to become a new hotspot in the Houston dining scene.