John Paul Abernathy - 86'd William "Billy" Barlow - 86'd Michael Duronslet - 86'd Katie Hagan-Whelchel Blair King - 86'd Sara Lawson - 86'd Matthew Leeper - 86'd Autumn Maddox - 86'd Yannick Marchand -86 Jennifer McDermott - 86'd Russell Moore - 86'd Katsuji Tanabe - 86'd

Matthew Leeper

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EPISODE FOUR
TASTE OF THE WEST COAST

Back to class! Our 10 surviving finalists visit the kitchens of the Art Institute of California, where they get a lesson in collaborative cooking. The budding chefs are paired up, given $40, and sent to L.A.'s historic Farmers Market to score some fresh ingredients. And when the cooking fires up, egos flare. …

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Episode 4 Journal



What did you think of today's challenge?

It was a fun challenge for the most part. Had a great teammate — we had good ideas and worked well together.

What did you prepare today?

Apple, celery, radish salad with an apple gastrique. Then an orange ponzu steak tartar; then a carpaccio; then a tournadoes pepitas, ancho encrusted, with a potato Anna, accompanied by pluots and a red wine-soy reduction, finished by a Thai-style sweet rice and mangoes.

How do you think you did? Is there anything you wish you'd done better?

We did great but I felt the tartar was lacking and wished my partner would have seen why I wanted the potatoes Anna on top.

What was the highlight of the day's events?

Getting to meet Chef Gadsby and talking to him.

Are there any lessons you took away from today?

Always voice your opinion, but be able to follow as well as lead.

What was the most constructive or interesting piece of feedback you heard from the judges?

They said some food needed salt, which I am sure it did, but I would rather under-salt than over-salt. Next time I will taste more of my products to ensure the proper taste.

How do you think you are doing in relation to your fellow competitors?

It feels like I am doing good — but any one bad day can send you home, so in truth it doesn't matter how I am doing compared to them.

Who do you think is faring the best and why?

Well I think I got lucky with a good partner. I feel J.P. is right on my heels.

What do you think your fellow competitors think of you?

I am sure some feel threatened now, since I have been singled out of two competitions. Hopefully it will drive them to do better.