Ep 3. Cutthroat Food Star

The Next Food Network Star is back for its tenth season and the competition is fiercer than ever! In episode three, "Cutthroat Food Star," the remaining contestants are pushed to their limits as they are challenged to create dishes on the fly, using only the ingredients provided and a few essential tools.

The episode kicks off with a quickfire challenge that forces the contestants to think on their feet. They are each given a box of mystery ingredients and are tasked with creating a dish that highlights the ingredients while also demonstrating their own personal culinary style. With only 30 minutes on the clock, the contestants work feverishly to come up with a winning dish that will impress the judges.

After the quickfire challenge, the contestants are surprised with the news that they will be having a special guest judge for the main challenge: Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. The contestants are thrilled but also nervous since Zakarian is known for his high standards and discerning palate.

For the main challenge, the contestants are divided into teams of three and are given the task of creating a dish that is both delicious and visually stunning. The catch? The teams only have three hours to prep, cook, and plate their dishes, and they must do it all while facing a series of cutthroat sabotages from their fellow competitors.

In each round, the teams take turns sabotaging each other with challenges like having to cook with one hand tied behind their back, having to use cooking utensils that are way too big or small for the task at hand, or having to wear a blindfold while prepping the ingredients. The sabotage rounds are not easy, but the teams persevere and show impressive teamwork and creativity in the face of adversity.

Once the sabotages are over, it's time for the judges to taste the dishes. The top team is awarded immunity from elimination and the bottom team faces the chopping block. The judges carefully critique each dish, looking for both taste and presentation, and ultimately decide who will be going home.

As the competition heats up and the pressure mounts, the contestants must rely on their culinary skills, creativity, and teamwork to stay in the game. Who will rise to the top and become the next Food Network Star? Tune in to find out!