Even the Judges’ Fights Are Content

From the quarterfinals onward, judging was hell.

It hadn't been easy before, either, but at least then there had been moments when one side clearly collapsed.

Some lacked the fundamentals, misunderstood the ingredients, had their teamwork fall apart, or were consumed by their own stubbornness.

But the quarterfinals were different.

Everyone who had made it this far was a chef with a reason to have survived.

Even after receiving ingredients chosen by their opponent, they didn't immediately fall apart.

Instead, they seized the unfamiliar ingredients, clenched their teeth, and embraced them in their own way.

Some turned their opponent's trap into an expression of their own individuality, while others endured even after their weaknesses were struck and produced a well-finished plate.

It was like that from the very first matchup.

Marco received dried beans and salted meat...