The Paula Watch - Episode 8

A chef's ability to taste is as important as a pilot's ability to fly, so it was especially interesting to see the blindfolded contestants' reactions to the mystery ingredient tasting. Sounds easy, but taste is as much trained as it is natural. We tend to use all our senses when we taste. Without the benefit of sight, texture, or sound it is easy to miss the obvious, and even confuse lobster with mushrooms. Try it sometime. Taste something while blindfolded, you'll be surprised at how dependent your sense of taste is on the other senses.

Paula's palate pushed her team over the edge, winning the challenge again for the Red Team. This time, the winners' spoils included a TV Guide cover photo shoot while being served by the Blue Team. When it got to service, things started out pretty rocky for Paula with a salty risotto. A quick recovery though, and the replacement risotto was perfect. Way to go Paula, all that time spent with Dean Max on the 3030 Ocean line has obviously paid off with the ability to bounce back from a temporary setback!

Teamwork is essential in any kitchen, but so is passion and positive intent. Ramsay's message this week was to focus the contestants as a team and perform as an individual. Great kitchens are always a result of the mix of teamwork and individuality, and Ramsay knows this well. Watching the 2 Blue Team, outnumbered by 2,  outcook the Red Team was proof positive that capability is a result of organization and teamwork, not numbers of people or cooks. Sometimes, less is more.

What's on YOUR plate today? On mine, it's Paula's risotto.