Ep 6. Cold War

In Top Chef season 7 episode 6, titled "Cold War," the chefs face off in a challenge that requires them to create dishes inspired by the flavors and ingredients of the Russian cuisine. The chefs, divided into teams, are greeted by host Padma Lakshmi and guest judge, chef Paul Bartolotta, who brief them on the details of the challenge.

The teams are given a list of ingredients that are typically used in Russian cuisine, such as beets, caviar, sour cream, dill, and salmon, and are told to create a three-course meal that showcases these ingredients. The chefs are excited, but also feel the pressure, as Russian cuisine is not something they are all familiar with.

Before the cooking begins, the chefs are taken on a tour of a local Russian market, where they learn about the different ingredients and pick up some inspiration for their dishes. They are then given three hours to cook, with the help of some Russian-speaking assistants, and must deliver their dishes to the judges' table on time.

The judges taste each dish and critique them based on the traditional Russian flavors, creativity, and execution. The chefs are nervous, as Russian cuisine is known for being complex and nuanced, but some manage to impress the judges with their unique takes on classic dishes.

The highlight of the challenge, however, comes in the form of a special guest who arrives midway through the cooking process. It's none other than Iron Chef Morimoto, who surprises the chefs with a few tips and tricks on how to elevate their dishes to a whole new level. The chefs are in awe and take his advice to heart as they continue cooking.

At the end of the challenge, the judges deliberate and come to a decision on which team executed the best three-course meal. The winner is announced, and the losing team faces a nail-biting elimination challenge, where they must create a dish using a mystery ingredient.

Overall, Top Chef season 7 episode 6 is an exciting and challenging episode that tests the chefs' knowledge of unfamiliar cuisines and ingredients. The addition of Iron Chef Morimoto brings an extra level of excitement to the episode, making it a must-watch for any fan of the show.