BEAT THE CHEF: MYSTERY BOX COOKING CHALLENGE!! | Sorted Food

[@DakovaL]

James with the middle-schooler/quarantine hair

[@SortedFood]

He’s looking forward to the barbers opening up again 😂

[@smolminz9588]

@@SortedFood He is rocking it though

[@tiacho2893]

Opposite of Samson, James holds his ginger in his beard.

[@johannahbagaoisan9872]

it looked like a wig for one second

[@talonsblade1758]

@@SortedFood Just do what I did and get clippers with different length attachments and cut your own hair.

[@magsimags]

regardless of who won the actual battle, mike should be given his badge. he deserves it especially cause he wasn't afraid to use a ton of the szechuan buds

[@Franchize-zo1ef]

He definitely deserves the badge! Especially with their reactions and comments it sounded like he incorporated the ingredient really well

[@amorty456]

Absolutely! Poor Mike 😂

[@sammulhall]

I agree completely. He still successfully used an unusual (and somewhat unpleasant) ingredient in a dish that both chefs said was delicious.

[@DanielleElizza]

Agree!!

[@Taluien]

Definitely deserves it, showed that he understood the unusual ingredient, why it worked and how it made the dish better. The skill is demonstrably there, Ebbers just had the slightly better day, I'd say.

[@barryk32]

James is back. Its a bit mental how you can genuinely worry about someone you dont actually know and have never even met. Whatever you've been dealing with I hope you've come out of the other side.

[@Haywooooooo-pt5sf]

I was thinking the same, is he alright? I hope he’s doing really well now. The sorted group deserves to be happy, those absolutely delightful lads

[@danorjestad4605]

I was actually afraid he was fired or something, considering the new intro, him not being mentioned or shown and the food team all of a sudden being an thing. I was really happy to hear him being a judge. Real glad to see he's still in Sorted!

[@eyecandyrayce]

I was actually coming to the comments to say the same. I was worried that I hadn't him at all lately.

[@CircleThinker]

I very much assume he just doesn't live in the same area of the rest of the guys - here in the UK we've not been able to travel anywhere (ie outside of the city you live in/your home) since between October and December.

[@matthewjackson5128]

@@CircleThinker They mentioned before that he had to deal with some family stuff

[@mikeyt1918]

Ben: "Damn, there's a badge up for grabs and Mike could really use a win..." Also Ben: "BRB GONNA GO CREATE SOME MICHELIN STAR TYPE SHIT"

[@jenat82]

Yeah, Ben bought his A-game. It's amazing to watch chefs like this. I've had chef friends and the whole process of picking things in the shop for them to create with, to them doing it in your kitchen is such a treat. They just "think" food in a way i can never do. 😆

[@myname-mz3lo]

i work in michelin starred places and that wasnt it . it was good but michelin starred would have been waaaay more effort and thought and science etc . ben is good comparted to normals but as a chef hes not fine dining at all . still good though

[@poro9084]

@@myname-mz3lo it was meant to be a joke...

[@helios4810]

@@myname-mz3lo ok boomer

[@myname-mz3lo]

@@helios4810 not a boomer but ok lol.

[@fionaclaphamhoward5876]

The badge shouldn't hinge on a win - Mike achieved the task, that's enough! #badgeformike #justiceformike

[@VixeyTeh]

Yeah, they could have given him the badge as a consolation prize. He did in fact complete the task required to earn it.

[@tomasflatharta]

It is chef skills, not beat the chef skills, he used the unusual ingredient and kept the interesting taste of it.

[@christopheralthouse6378]

I agree. Mike really put his skills to the test on this one, honestly. Sure, Ebbers created two VERY impressive dishes but he's also a professional chef, it's almost second nature for him to just pull these sorts of dishes out of nowhere. Mike doesn't have all of these skills yet...none of the normies do yet, it takes YEARS to get to Ebbers-like cooking skills. However, Mike's one tart incorporated the ingredient BEAUTIFULLY, perhaps even better than Ebbers did in his main course! That wasn't right y'all, even with the advance planning time the deck was still stacked against Mike. I rarely disagree with these decisions but Mike was done wrong here, simply put.

[@maryjoyspohrer256]

That's a valid point. He did use the 'Unusual Ingredient' really well...2 ways. I totally agree, badgeformike.

[@LednacekZ]

unfair, the badge is supposed to be for excellent use of unusual ingredient, not for beating a chef. Should James deem it a great use, the badge should have been awarded.

[@Tempcore_]

When the badges got introduced i was under the impression they were independent of winning battles. I think Ben won the challenge but Mike still deserves a badge... Then again he worked with the food team to create his dish so we don't know how much of the credit goes to him. But in reality all we really noticed was James' hair

[@morayoadedapo2457]

SAMEEE all I saw was glorious messy curls

[@uweschroeder]

I just wanted to say that. He definitely earned the weird ingredient batch. Of course we don't know how much Mike contributed to the recipe, but we don't really know whether Ben had the hogwash oyster idea on his own and how much of that chefy result was really improvised (I doubt it was, you'd prepare for these kind of things)

[@psibiza]

You should award the badge regardless of who won. The badge says "use of an unusual ingredient" (in a great way), not "win a battle and use an unusual ingredient"

[@grugparty]

When James said he liked "the cheffy swirl" I mentally high fived Mike

[@myname-mz3lo]

IT LOOKED SO NICE I WANTED TOP LICK THAT PLATE HAHA

[@Eliza-xd5ck]

Mike is a golden retriever. James is a Highland cow

[@sshishegar]

Half the comments: JAMES the other half: Mike should get a badge!

[@dajaarne5652]

I was worried about James and came here to post about how Mike should get the badge anyways LOL

[@jenat82]

Of course i want Mike to get a point. However, what Ben came up with i thought was amazing. And deserving of a point.

[@dexteritymaster]

I'm the first half :)

[@Aurirang]

@@jenat82 Bens dish(es) looked utterly sublime and then there was Mike with his tart. Ben definitely didn't hold back and went full HAM there. Maybe it's just me, but the tart could have done with some decoration like a leaf of peppermint or maybe some of the Rhubarbs as a side, maybe some whipped cream as well. Just like that it looked kinda.. lonely.

[@jma9904]

Both based

[@thecatlimitdoesnotexist]

Even though Mike didn’t win, he should have still gotten the badge. He got absolutely robbed! Based on the brief/requirements of receiving the badge he did exactly as they asked. He 1) created “a dish that compliments the flavours of the Szechuan bud and 2) demonstrated an understanding of why it works in the dish”. That man did his research and executed a beautiful and tasty dish. JUSTICE FOR MIKE!!

[@mariatamburro]

I TOTALLY agree. He definitely achieved the reuqirements.

[@mariatamburro]

JUSTIC FOR MIKE!!

[@auntlynnie]

JUSTICE FOR MIKE!

[@hah3456]

Downvote video for this nonsense! They actually were very deceiving and lied about how it would be awarded AND that the advantage was only to level the play8ng field! It was neither! DOWNVOTE THEM SO THEY UNDERSTAND

[@muppetarms8406]

It was never stated the James had to win to get the badge

[@Shelsight]

Aw - how did you not give Mike a badge?! He knew the original source of the buds was from two continents with differing ways to incorporate it, how they were palate cleansers, could amplify certain flavours but also how they could complement - plus how to build their flavour rather than just whack it all in for the buzz. He genuinely deserves that badge.

[@runawayfaeIX]

Mike did *actual* research and Ben literally said he hadn't thought about how to use them outside of cocktails... Even though the buds were recently used in the poker face challenge! The man deserves that badge 🥺

[@MegSong24]

@@runawayfaeIX I vote Mike deserves the badge! He did use hte ingredient and brilliantly!

[@VixeyTeh]

Yeah, poor Mike. He did do well... ...but Ben used it as a finishing salt and tasted and adjusted that salt to hit hard enough. Ben just chefed it hard. Well done Ben.

[@arothmanmusic]

Mike should still get a Pun Badge for “Joosjsh Michael”

[@laraanne9477]

Could you please explain the pun? I don't get it

[@DraconaiMac]

There should be an "entertainer" badge.

[@J.L.Media.]

@@DraconaiMac The entertainer badge would be good if they were competing to see you is the best waiter, not chef lol Unless he’s a teppenyaki chef 🤔

[@robertbuth]

@@laraanne9477 I'm sure you've heard of his song "Careless Whisper"

[@ishouldbeasleepnow]

Everytime Mike loses my heart breaks a little bit 💔

[@tinkerbinker1]

Poor Mike. His advantage became a disadvantage, and he didn't even get the badge. He really demonstrated an understanding of why he was using the bud and how it would accent the flavors. He deserved the badge and, personally, I think he deserved this win. Ben, you did great, but Mike really strove to challenge himself!

[@Turttle002]

YES!! 100% and I really don't think it was fair to take the appetizer into account. Ben why do you always have to be extra?

[@dianemartel5205]

I totally agree!

[@josht3534]

@@Turttle002 I mean if he made it, its fair to judge it?

[@hah3456]

Downvote video for this nonsense! They actually were very deceiving and lied about how it would be awarded AND that the advantage was only to level the play8ng field! It was neither! DOWNVOTE THEM SO THEY UNDERSTAND

[@LiamShaer7]

@@hah3456 It's really not that serious...

[@regenorakel]

I feel bad for Mike. He always seems to put so much thought into what he does and it so rarely gets rewarded, while Jamie and Barry wing most of everything and snag badge after badge.

[@zzskyninjazz1821]

Well Mike didn’t do all the work here. The food team helped him make this dish

[@regenorakel]

@@zzskyninjazz1821 I see your point, however, I wasn't referring only to this video/dish, but more to the others before. I just happened to comment on this video specifically. And the food team always helps the "normals" with dishes.

[@rosabrettell2374]

This might be a slightly odd thing to comment on, but it's so lovely and really appreciated that Sorted videos are uploaded with closed captions already in place!! It means I get to enjoy them straight away rather than waiting for them to be captioned.

[@SortedFood]

It takes us a while... But we try to always make sure they are there. Glad they are appreciated!

[@skylarkblue1]

@@SortedFood +1 to the appreciation! One of the few channels now I watch who has this level of care for their subtitles

[@matthewtimothy]

Mike got a badge for this performance. The badge is MY HEART. Mike won that badge fair and square.

[@swiftythegathering]

I love it when Ben is like “oh, yeah, I forgot to mention I planned an entire other part to this without telling you”. When he had the wine with the lasagna in the budget challenge, that was peak as well!

[@Btipton1]

Currie is back! What ever the guys gone through, I’m sure most of us are glad he’s back!☺️☺️

[@alisgray]

we may have to hunt and roast those who aren't appreciating him.

[@audinow23]

I feel like Mike still deserves the badge!!! He didn't shy away from the unusual ingredient and put like a crap ton of it in the dish while making the dish taste good too (according to James lol).

[@rosejustice]

James is back?!?!? You have made my Sunday!!!!

[@SortedFood]

He has started to attend some filming days again so you should start to see him more :)

[@reshmiprasad11]

We've missed him!!

[@rowter]

@@SortedFood Hes had a hair transplant?

[@moonbook12]

@@SortedFood yess

[@mariovanderwal1695]

what was the reason he stopped?

[@patmos68]

I'm glad James is back, we've missed him. I think Mike should have gotten the badge.

[@peaches305]

I think James should have judged blind. Better chance of being fair.

[@BlueCanary7]

Maybe, but there is zero chance James wouldn't have known which was which. Ben went full-chef on this one! Mike did great, but that win was well-deserved :)

[@camilleaguinaldo3198]

"Ben, you can continue to be a chef and a human." Well, James is definitely back 🤣

[@SortedFood]

The sass never left!

[@Chunkosaurus]

I had the same thought James is back baby

[@KiharuKitty]

Mike was cheated! The badge was for using the buds well and he did so.

[@KillinTime2792]

he also discussed the recipe with their food team, giving someone the unusual ingredient badge because they followed a recipe they were given would be unfair to the 2 other people who have to find their own unusual ingredient on their own.

[@lucasmaas]

+

[@Alessandro---]

And Mike isn’t a professional. Completely unfair. I’m appealing the verdict.

[@Adi-as]

I think because Ben made an additional dish that works edged him over for the win

[@mokko759]

Ebbers made a whole meal and appetizer completely on the fly using a mystery ingredient he has no real experience with. Mike followed a recipe he and the food team developed for a single food item. Ebbers used the buds in a variety of ways on a variety of items. Again, Mike only had the singular item. Execution matters. Ebbers had a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Mike had a tart on a plate with a smear of sauce. Pretty but not really impressive. Overall, Ebbers did a better job of showcasing the various ways the buds could be used. Even with all the various handicaps given to Mike to level the playing field, a Normal simply cannot compare to a professional chef's palette, experience, ingenuity and adaptability. It's not impossible to beat them but you might have better odds getting struck by lightning. Especially if the judge is another chef.

[@lookitsm.e]

I feel Mike should have won for two reasons. 1: By your reactions, Mike had more buzz in his dish, which was the point of the challenge. 2: What is the point of letting him know the ingredients, if you'll penalize him for it.

[@bcraven1978]

Yes, Exactly. Its not an advantage. The judge gave him a disadvantage. Poor form.

[@berlyn3014]

Completely agree. That's not an advantage, it turned into a disadvantage.

[@MrSmokinDragon]

It is quite embarrassing to hear the constant whinging from the Mike-fanbois.

[@lookitsm.e]

@@MrSmokinDragon I was just pointing out that the "advantage" wasn't useful

[@lookitsm.e]

I'm not a mike fan, more of a Jamie guy anrway

[@Trogmodyte]

The great thing about Mike is that he just keeps putting himself out there. I've lost track of how many battles and challenges recently where he's made something that makes me go "What?!" and the end result, while maybe not being as good as on paper, is always way better than I was expecting and would have any chance making myself. And the fact it's so out there makes it a win in my book

[@sweetdulce1604]

Mike is amazing at creating dishes, he should get some recognition for that! He deserved that badge

[@namjartaevh1957]

did James join the Beatles or is he just going to the same barber as Mike?

[@SortedFood]

😂 brilliant.

[@dreamcatcher7595]

Either way I wanna hold his haaaaand, I wanna hold his hand. All hail the return of the grumpy ginger! Although bad puppy for not giving Mike his badge - he did awesome.

[@Shelsight]

Thought the same - a terrific 60s Beatles mop top look... To be honest he could have a 70s punk mohawk or an 80s mullet - we’re all just so glad he’s back... :)

[@Shema1deer]

Quality comment right here.

[@jessykak2399]

I'm a little disappointed.. I feel like Mike did a really, really good job! And was given the advantage to try and boost him up but because of the advantage he was judged more harshly and thus lost? Poor Mike! Definitely feel like he should of at least gotten the badge, he used the ingredient perfectly!!

[@lishia1691]

Yeah, I agree. He still should have gotten the badge.

[@notthatcreativewithnames]

That's my thought, too. Earning a badge and beating the chef should be two separate things, and I believe Mr Huttlestone deserves a badge.

[@svn5994]

If you have an advantage of knowing what you're doing before you even start the challenge you deserve to be judged harder. You had time to think and research. Ben won fair and square.

[@svn5994]

@@notthatcreativewithnames The title is literally called beat the chef.

[@dorapinisetti3337]

@@svn5994 then it wont be much of an advantage?? even if he knew the ingredient, the other guy is a goddamn chef, a gr8 one infact , the diff wont be like between a normal nd a michlen dish....

[@viveladecadence]

Whether Ben or Mike won the challenge is open for discussion, and since Ben's dish(es) looked spectacular and convinced James, I'm perfectly alright with him winning the challenge. Still, winning the challenge surely cannot be related to earning the badge for use of an unusual ingredient? Mike at least deserved that one.

[@mariatamburro]

JUSTICE FOR MIKE

[@itmekilian6471]

How can you level the playing field and then judge someone more harshly, that completely undermines the advantage of a level playing field since Ben already has a double advantage of being a chef!

[@xSintex]

It really doesn't. Knowledge of ingredient (and research with the food team as he did) far outweighs being judged harsher. If you think he would've performed the same without a recipe that he was following (in case you didn't know, he was) , he would have had no chance in hell.

[@jenat82]

This is about the love of food creativity more than fucking badges. Mike followed the recipe created by the food team and didn't fuck it up. That's great for Mike. Ben however brought his A-game. Can't you just enjoy watching the beauty of a chef creating amazing food on the spot? It's an impressive thing to watch. I'm not sure you appreciate it enough.

[@randomnobody660]

I don't think he meant judging harsher than he did ben. I think it's clear from the context he is judging harsher than he would otherwise judge a normal.

[@TammyD123]

I’m going to go out on a limb and say Mike cares about the “fucking badges”. In my opinion , it was unfair to take Mike’s prior knowledge and prep work into consideration when judging. It’s like giving a kid a head start in a race, then docking their time when they win. It’s a shame some people in these comments can’t let others have their opinions without hopping on their high horse just because they don’t agree. You can care about the badges and still appreciate the creativity from Ben.

[@modusoperandiunknown]

I thought it would be a blind taste test to determine the winner. Or at the very least they shouldn't have told James that Mike had help.

[@Nachtelfin0des0Todes]

JAMES IS BACK! I missed him so much, the crew is back together!

[@gentlelikefire8392]

mike is actually a good cook and his recipe battles are always like pretty impressive but idk why he doesn't trust himself enough ;-;

[@SortedFood]

He needs a bit of a confidence boost!

[@elvernaranjo1773]

Losing against Ben wasn't it tho lol

[@WTWhiteKnight]

@@SortedFood maybe pick his food then!!!!

[@ivo5972]

@@SortedFood hard to get that boost if he is constantly robbed of his wins :) #TEAMIKE

[@michi6486]

@@ivo5972 To be fair Ben really outdid himself this time and with the huge handicap he had mike should´ve knocked it out of the park but it seems he didn´t so it was a fair result.

[@canelavanillaice]

I forgot Ben was a legit chef until this episode. Holy smokes was I impressed with his on the spot thinking! My mouth was salivating when he plated!

[@ktee6370]

Do the chefs actually work in restaurants or is this show the main thing that they do?

[@xSintex]

@@ktee6370 Why would they work in a full time + overtime position in a restaurant and then come home to do another full time job? You are a chef when you have proven your ability with food through education and background, you don't need to be currently working in a restaurant to be one.

[@Aaackermann]

@@xSintex I think he just wanted to know what their work time looks like. No need to get cocky.

[@zuzusuperfly8363]

@@ktee6370 Ben was a working chef at one point, we know that for sure. He did cook for the Queen that one time.

[@Rhaegarion]

@@ktee6370 This is the main thing they do, aside from on camera work they are running ther apps and writing recipe books. Iirc they have both worked in an assortment of kitchens as part of their earlier career.

[@lonsunocook]

James will be judging, yep I am probably rewatching this episode... Actually I rewatch most of the episodes twice James just hasn't been seen for a while. LoL

[@lonsunocook]

@Dr. Kellogg only twice today, I think I have watched all the pass it along vids probably 7 times each lol

[@Navvye]

@@lonsunocook same lol

[@anakin6450]

Nice to see James back with the boys

[@Greendogblue]

I think Ben did deserve the win but it is sad that Mike didn't get the badge despite having used the ingredient excellently Also I'm really happy that James is back. There was such a void left while he was gone

[@Trethar512]

I mean, 'Zhuzh Michael' should get a badge straight away.

[@SuperAwsomNinjaSquad]

“To level the playing field, Mike knows what’s in the box” “I’m judging you more harshly because you knew what was in the box.” Poor Mike...

[@LTDLetsPlays]

quite a pointless advantage isnt it?

[@samjones0528]

we should protest this. Ben should give up the badge

[@hah3456]

Downvote video for this nonsense! They actually were very deceiving and lied about how it would be awarded AND that the advantage was only to level the play8ng field! It was neither! DOWNVOTE THEM SO THEY UNDERSTAND

[@TheCanipaEffect]

@@hah3456 Hey... don't do this. It's all for fun.

[@notme222]

Level fields aren't what they used to be.

I think Mike still deserves the badge, even if he didn't win.

[@jesmiscellaneous8938]

I totally agree! Who would ever thought that szechuan peppercorns would do well in a sweet dessert???

[@exaltx9406]

then what's the point of the challenge if you're just gonna hand over badges like it's nothing?

[@ryanbell6672]

@@exaltx9406 because he earned the badge using the ingredient...

[@zzskyninjazz1821]

@@ryanbell6672 I’m more up in the air for Mike because yes, he created the dish.... but the food team helped him before the challenge started

[@josephandashlynmcfatridge4966]

One hundred percent!!!

[@Erdnussbuttertoast]

i totally agree that ben should've won, but also: Mike still should've gotten the badge!

[@spacehuhn19]

Agree!

[@indiragajah]

AGREE

[@1JaLena1]

I was just thinking the same. Couldn‘t he have gotten the badge without winning? He put a lot of thought in it

[@zzskyninjazz1821]

@@1JaLena1 also the food team

[@SamuriLemonX18]

Ben's dish was one of the most impressive I've ever seen on this channel

[@kbvidoes14]

I loved the little chef's note when Mike was making the ganache. I think that should be made a more regular thing. Sometimes I wonder about stuff that's done and having the chef's note pop up would help.

[@jamesodwyer4181]

I reckon Mike deserves the badge regardless. That was an excellent idea for using the ingredient in a dessert. Great episode

[@ricorori]

JAMES!!! Also while I understand why Ben won, I still think Mike deserves that badge.

[@Husbear1992]

Love how Mike was denied the badge for losing even though the badge was stated to be for how he uses it and if he understands it, which he did. They didnt say he had to WIN to get it just use and understand the ingredient, which he did so more than Ben.

[@TazChowmein]

AGREED!

[@Suesomething-l5i]

I really missed James. So glad he’s back. Was always my fave. I love his thoughtfulness.

[@Kayworx]

I actually gasped out loud when they said James was judging at the end. James!

[@jedplum]

I think Mike should have been given the badge considering how difficult the decision was

[@teufox842]

To be fair though...he had the food team develop him a recipe...its not like he himself came up with that dish...i think its a fair decision (obviously a gut judgement because neither of us tasted it)

[@nick2401]

Ebbers deserved the win, but Mike needs badges... He mad a great dish with an unusual ingridient!

[@yoonmikim5663]

Chefy flavor-wise, though, Ben's ideas of flavor imaginings is better...

[@tacs]

If he developed the recipe himself, like they said in the video... then he should get his badge.

[@teufox842]

@@tacs He didnt develop the recipe himself...and they said so in the video. They said the food team developed a recipe with Mike.

[@JM_Karting02]

The editing game seems to have been upped lately, someone needs a raise!

[@poprocksncoke527]

They said the szechuan buds are like chewing on a bumblebee. So the rest of the video I'm just over here like dang 5 bees in that...10 bees in that...

[@DomenBremecXCVI]

I felt sorry for Mike and was like: "Oh honey..."

[@asma71428]

You crack me up😂😂😂

[@1485Becks]

Glad James is Baaaaaaack!! Legit one of my favorite bits about sorted was his savage adorable self. Yay!!! You guys are so loved! Xx

[@complicateditis]

I want to give James a huge hug for whatever he's been going through recently, and Mike a huge hug for recently never being able to catch a break, and I can't hug either of them, and I shouldn't hug either of them because I don't know them but I feel so sad for them both!

[@AG_92]

They are all really good friends doing what they love for a living. I'm sure they are fine, and don't take this seriously coming from friends who are like family.

[@erinhowett3630]

RAISE A GLASS FOR THE GRUMPY GINGER 🍾🍾🍾🍾

[@SortedFood]

Whoop whoop!

[@candacefangirl5448]

🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂

[@yuki_eerhs4591]

Maybe there will be more of him, raise a glass for the grumpy ginger.

[@Husbear1992]

not going to lie, I read that and added "Early in the mornin" to the end of that since it sounds like it belongs in the drunken sailor song

[@auntlynnie]

🍹

[@seanthebluesheep]

I just want to ruffle James' hair so much now he's back

[@SortedFood]

He's got those cave man locks going on!

[@seanthebluesheep]

@@SortedFood a lot of us do to be fair.

[@hah3456]

@@SortedFood That’s why he didn’t pick Mike....he looks like a caveman and Mike is hot

[@janeendurr819]

Ben: comment below who should have won. Community: james is back amd look at his hair. Mike did such a good job though

[@mrdelirious8706]

The real winner was us, because we got James back!

[@Targemq8]

I love how quickly Mike fell in love with his own recipe, he seemed genuinely excited.

[@belaayya5094]

Hoping James is okay -- he seems to have lost some weight and isn't as bubbly as he was. I hope things have settled with the family. We 💗 you, James!

[@anna-lisalysell5077]

Happy to see James back! Hope this means all is well for him and his family. Obviously, we don't need details but I hope he knows we have all been sending our best wishes during this time. ❤️ Stay safe guys and thanks for the great content during this past year!

[@littleolbear]

The return of the angry Ginger! Also long hair James is kind of a vibe

[@SortedFood]

Half surfer, half cave man 😂

[@justathought...7271]

Can't help thinking that he looks as though he's been to Antarctica for a few months 😂

[@kohlinoor]

@@justathought...7271 To be fair, quarantine/lockdown is a lot like hibernation for some people, if not most.

[@slushpuppie86]

Do you remember the movie Jumanji when Robin Williams is freed from the game? I’m getting those kinda vibes 😂 he’s so adorable thou with his fluffy hair!

[@uclo9073]

Anyone else like "behind the scenes"? When they come in for work, the test team, them fighting over? who gets to bring home the leftovers...

[@elizabethashley42]

I would love that. We get a little of it through the Instagram lives, which is awesome.

[@rachaelnarimalla]

Yes!!

[@eemmalarssonn]

Firstly, welcome back James ❤️ Secondly, I just want to give Mike a hug. I am just speculating here, but it seems he doesn’t give himself enough credit a lot of the time. He is very talented with food, and he does do a great job. It’s okay to be proud of yourself! I would love to have the dishes that he makes in battles and such. Sorry for any typos or grammar errors, English is not my first language.

[@theampski3794]

Give him the badge. Welcome back, James. I hope everything is resolved to your satisfaction.

[@taheera8849]

Aw, poor Mike :( Would love to see more of this format, where the chefs are surprised and the normals have some time to plan. I think that really levels the playing field!

[@SortedFood]

What mystery ingredient would you like to see next time?

[@luciamiola8970]

@@SortedFood century eggs 😮😵

[@gaborboth3602]

@@SortedFood It's in a similar vein to this, but what about umeboshi, taming that intense sour taste?

[@SongofNiemah]

Yeah I totally agree. I was a bit worried about Mike when they said he was competing against Ben after so many losses!

[@taheera8849]

@@SortedFood maybe something like fennel or cilantro, where's there many parts (seeds, bulb, fronds) to an ingredient and they have to celebrate all of it.

[@luke_s221]

*Sees James is back* (in Michael Scott voice) Okay it's happening! Everybody stay calm! Stay f***ing calm!

[@nandinibhatnagar24]

Omg!! Yes 😂😂😂

[@CharlieVarley-rs1ju]

When Mike said 'its really good' and looked into the camera with them defeated eyes it made me feel so bad for him😭 But when he told Jamie and Baz to F off I laughed so hard😂

[@erikrosenberg6786]

The comedy in this episode was just great! Mike should get a comdey badge. Ben is an amazing chef, and I'm really glad to see James again. Thanks for this one!

[@mymusicpaws]

I'm suprised he didn't make a cocktail to go with his multi-course flexing session.

[@SennaAugustus]

Could have been a great mojito I think.

[@CircleThinker]

Definitely should give him the badge anyway, but I think the win was justified. Also he needs a pun badge cos 'Jus Michael' was beautiful *chefs kiss*

[@brownguy903]

"The whole ganache based activity has been a bit of a trial" the man truly has the gift of gab

[@suppersdinner119]

Isnt Gift of Gab a rapper?

[@CyberKirby]

James looks like he's gone through an entire character arc offscreen.

[@KriLL325783]

Yeah he seems to have lost a lot of weight?, I'm glad he's back.

[@JaaaackP]

@@KriLL325783 Jesus Christ delete your comment, what an insanely disrespectful and ignorant thing to say!! EDITED TO ADD: The original comment was disgusting and needless, it has since been edited to protect himself.

[@saira9632]

HAHA YEAH he looked good tho

[@tattyuk75]

@@KriLL325783 If you don’t feel good speculating on someone’s health, here’s an idea...don’t! It is absolutely none of our business why James was away but we can all be glad he’s back ❤️

[@lambsauce8662]

@@KriLL325783 What are you on about mate?? There's an entire pandemic happening and he was away dealing with family stuff amidst that. Two reasons for someone to look a a bit different but he looks fine. Such a sh*tty comment. Also nothing is open they are under lockdown again.

[@brendano316]

Me @ 1.41 JAAAAAAAAMES! YEEEEEES! So glad you're back and, as others have said, hope you're coming through your private stuff.

[@Shearper2]

glad to see James is back. was getting a bit worried that we hadn't seen him on the show for a bit.

[@TheDiplomancer]

I agree with a lot of the commenters that Mike still should have gotten the point. The fact that he knew what was coming was just to put him on a more even playing field!

[@claudiualexandrutanase8874]

Finally, the moment we've been waiting on for months!

[@FR-nu1bw]

James is back!!

[@SortedFood]

He's back 🥳

[@cynthiasmith9336]

@@SortedFood I hope he feels all the love he’s getting in the comments. So happy he’s back!

[@karincope3019]

Mike’s face in the beginning, he makes himself his worst enemy , you have great talent in the kitchen Mike .

[@lizay365]

THIS

[@KayKayshaw]

Yesss!!! Go Mikee 🎊

[@morningmoon215]

I would love a season of blind chef judging. Not sure if you've done that yet. As I'm new from Australia to your channel. And have been binge watching daily. But I love everything you do. I am a single Mum of 4. And have been brought up to cook since I was a kid. By my Nanna and Mum who were both cook's. I also was engaged to a Croatian chef in my 20s. So food is my jam. Budget, yummy, food for everyone. Even fussy eaters. With no waste and awesome leftovers for school lunches, after school delights or work lunches. And of course the midnight raid of the fridge. I think about these thing's everyday. Love all of you guy's! You are all phenomenally good!! ❤

[@nervodyne]

I infinitely adore Ben's mind/process, because I enjoy the science behind cooking as much as the creativity, myself. That said, Mike should have won this. He did so well! I was so proud! Considering Mike is usually more on the sidelines than I'd like, the amount of cooking growth he's had is amazing, and he seems to really do well with deserts. I demand more Mike deserts! And more Mike in general!😂

[@matteopoddighe551]

Ben is an incredibly good chef and this was a close call, good job Mike good job Indeed

[@bouncing_dancer]

I also agree with the verdict but Mike should have gotten the badge, great job Mike, you're awesome cook!

[@Guyviroth]

I'm so happy to see James back. I was getting really worried about him and I'm glad to see him after so long. I hope he's doing well.

[@J.L.Media.]

Where’s the food pun badge at? Give Mike 10 of them. Outstanding wit.

[@VelvetTeacake]

Mike definitely should have got that badge. He worked hard and made an amazing dish filled with the spice.

[@CircleTheSkies]

Eh, I think Mike should've gotten the badge even without the win. It looked like he had a solid dish that really built together around the ingredient.

[@carlangelo653]

As much as I commend him, and wanted him to win. He knew in advance what the ingredient was, and had time to plan. And In a challenge like this, that's more than enough of a handicap to level the playing field. A loss is a loss.

[@dorapinisetti3337]

@@carlangelo653 so lets take an example, consider yourself to not know bout pizza, nd u r said to make a pizza... no matter if u got the recipe to it, it definitely wont be perfect... nd he had to go against a gr8 chef. if he given an advantage and that advantage comes with a disadvantage, then what's the point of calling it an ADVANTAGE

[@carrieullrich5059]

Knowing and planning in advance was the advantage... And seriously, Bens made them all melt when eating it, and Mikes was very good, but didn't make anyone melt... So he can do a great job, make a very good dish and still not beat the chef. Never having tried that flower, its hard to say which I would prefer it with.

[@carlangelo653]

@@dorapinisetti3337 He was free to choose what to make wasn't he? It's an advantage.

[@sridevipinisetti5857]

@@carlangelo653 free to choose a dish from szeshwan peppers??? can u do it??? take like even a week, wil u get it perfect on the first go??

[@Trumpetblast92]

Y’all should do a kitchen hygiene/safety badge, but not let the normals know that you’re judging them on it!

[@poharhanni]

yaaaassssss

[@klairehumanoid]

yessss!

[@aaronmontgomery2055]

Perfect

[@Silencedlemon]

As a professional I second this!!!

[@paulgilligan1535]

Great idea! I'm sure there must be a lot of safety and hygiene considerations that professional chefs have drummed into them, that us normals never consider.

[@sewingbug]

Love how the comments are all about James return!

[@SortedFood]

He’s feeling the love!

[@ketanchachad]

Ditto

[@Walboro]

James! 👏🏻 that’s the wholesome ginger content I’ve come for. Glad he’s back, even if it’s only a one time cameo.

[@jackbowman608]

So good to see James back, just sat smiling the whole time he was on screen

[@somefreshbread]

Big hugs to James being back on camera! Missed that guy.

[@jengomez3165]

dude Ben killed it considering he'd never cooked with the bud before! and I love when battle dishes sync up to make an appetizer, main and a dessert!

[@Shelsight]

But damn, it was so good seeing James back. And not just seeing him back, but hearing his sub-conscious, quietly spoken catchphrase, “I’m excited for this, I’m really excited to taste this...” The guys have all been great but I’ve just missed his blend of quiet creativity, generosity and honesty when he judges things. None of us really knows him except onscreen but he just seems (as you all do) one of the nicest blokes you could ever meet. Welcome back, James.

[@PJWindley0904]

Welcome back James! You were missed! I think with the ingredients that they both had to use Ben did good with improvising on the fly, as well as Mike made something that I would never thought goes together. Good Job!

[@vivien8877]

Both deserve to win, they were amazing dishes. Ben can win the challenge and Mike can win the badge for the unusual ingredient. Great challenge guys!

[@amjohnson86]

Battle Setup: "to makes this fair Mike knows what's in the box ahead of time." James' Judgement to Mike: "I am judging you more harshly because you knew ingredients ahead of time." Poor Mike never gets a break.

[@NaraShikamaru21]

(I haven't finished the episode yet) Mike has won the most beat the chef competitions though. He beat Ben with Potatoes and James with food pairings. Jamie won the steak battle and Barry won the licorice battle. He loses to other normals and beats chefs. Keep your head up Mike!

[@janani1826]

I hope they see this comment You make a good point!

[@ConConReeves]

JAMES IS BACK!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy!

[@kathyerickson9402]

Glad to have the full (on camera) team back together. Everything together looked like a very delicious meal!

[@GCOSBenbow]

As much as I hate to say it, because I really do like Mike, the dish from Ben looked incredible. The fact he basically bollocksed his way through that as well was insane. Major props to both of you. Also super happy to see James again!