Top Vegan | Episode 5: 4th & State - Putting It All On The Line

[@topvegan]

The final episode will premiere on May 21st at the same time as our live event! If you live near Columbus, grab a ticket and join us!

[@Veegan4theanimals]

I love it I can’t wait to meet this place, I live in Lima oh.

[@vantinamanley4709]

Darn, hoping it was Columbus, GA

[@Veegan4theanimals]

@@vantinamanley4709 it’s in Ohio

[@seagreenm]

someone get this guy in touch with JUST egg

[@janagoodwin7146]

@@Veegan4theanimals if you come in, ask for Mama, you’re getting a free dessert!❤️

[@aka_Tatjana]

I am so glad the KZbin algorythm made me stumble over this show. I absolutely love it. The ingredients are accessible and affordable, I love how calmly and empathetically Chad leads the show and the contestants are all very lovely and humble. I hope for many more seasons to come in the future :)

[@evandelegeane7596]

Stumbled upon this series and am addicted!! I found myself tearful when the chefs are let go!!!

[@jonturbett87]

Same! Found it yesterday and now I’m over here tearing up 😂

[@kevinflegler1455]

Same Here…addicted!

[@synchrogrl18]

Me too!

[@evandelegeane7596]

@@jonturbett87 It really hits me when Chad gets teary. His restaurant looks SOOO GOOD!!

[@8000sils]

Me too! I got emotional when Christian and Nowel left. 😮

[@ep_11]

I like how Chad doesn't bigtime any of his chefs. He's humble and doesnt act like he's above anyone , even though he has to coach and deliver a critique every week, but everyone looks to be treated like an equal. Definitely not that way with other cooking shows

[@sergioweinberg]

I think vegans in general tend to be very empathetic. Compassion and humility are the foundation of this philosophy.

[@jessica_swan]

Agreed. Such great energy in this show

[@Ostvchannel]

As someone who went to culinary school I wish there was more of this style training and cooking so that you really know what to expect out in the world. This is the side of a chef we do not get to often see on tv. For that I appreciate the show for demonstrating. As a viewer it’s difficult to see our favorites struggle any time. But i think it further cements the purpose of this competition. And that is to find a full-rounded next “Top Vegan Chef.” Not a celebrity chef, not a tv chef, but a chef that can handle the industry. Although this is not my favorite episode. I think the competition really sets it’s self apart with this episode. And I can appreciate that. No matter who goes home they have demonstrated their skills and we do not doubt their strengths and abilities. So great job and good luck to all! ❤

[@4everfaithfulun2Him]

Ya'll didn't have to make me CRY LIKE THIS today! 😪 This is really the best youtube series in a long time.

[@aureliere]

OMG I'm so happy that the YT algorithm recommended this. I've been bingeing all the episodes. Got me so invested in the show and its participants. Please let there be a second season

[@ipsilonia]

nowel did an amazing job! her calm energy matched chad’s over-the-top, hectic energy (no one else in the kitchen was stressed like he was). i also find nowel’s story SO inspiring. she truly experienced the healing powers of veganism. her crepe cake from the last ep was gorgeous!!!

[@gladitsnotme]

I agree, she didn't want to mess anything up so she asked a lot of questions. That's one personality style, and totally valid. Her calmness was nice I thought.

[@sarahdee374]

Just remembered why I never wanted to work in a restaurant! I had a stomach ache just watching this. I could NEVER do this. All the contender chefs did great, and I wish wonderful things for all.

[@Babu-kr3cr]

I think it depends on who you have working there and the head chef. You can be as relaxed or hectic as you want.

[@kennethmaese4622]

I, like everyone else am addicted to this series. These four women did an absolutely amazing job. Sorry to see Noel go, she will be missed. Super excited for the finale.

[@hoorayitsjackie6166]

Found the spoiler everyone! Here it is! Only 2 hours after the episode too! Great job Kenneth!

[@jbles-lc1js]

Thanks for the spoiler. Guess I should know better. FFS...

[@kennethmaese4622]

Maybe don’t read the comments before you watch the episode ya bunch of whiners

[@1auntievenom]

Spoiler alert. 😅

[@sarahdarnell]

🙈🙉

[@asmrdreamland200]

Nowel is awesome!! We all wish her the best ! And she will do absolute great things ! And she will change lives!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@monkboy]

I think I may just have to make a trip across several states to eat at 4th & state. every single thing looked delicious. this episode was emotional and heart-warming and inspiring at the same time. I loved it. -peace.

[@janagoodwin7146]

If you make the trip, dessert is on me! Ask for Mama and I will set you up!❤️

[@veraweatherly]

It is so worth it. The food is CRAZY good. The vrunchwrap, Tofurky melt, and pizzas are unbelievable.

[@jorhodes]

For all those disappointed, this is not just a vegan cooking show. The prize money will be investing in a business idea where the contestants will be under that kind of pressure. It was a great episode. The fact that they are all crying shows how compassionate and in touch with each other they are. However, someone had to go, just like only one of them will win in the end. That’s a competition 🎉🌱💚😋🧑🏻‍🍳

[@sonicxCJblocks]

As long as I've been on this Earth I have saw fake tears so many times that look real.

[@prizzle]

So proud of Chef Nowel definitely a top chef, so inspired by her story as well❤❤

[@laurabatton]

I have had the pleasure of eating at 4th & State a few times when visiting family. It is fantastic!

[@johnathonmayo1968]

I legit loved every single cook. Which is hard to get in these competition shows. I hope for a season 2!

[@johnbarrie447]

I went through a culinary program and loved it, thought I'd found my calling. Then I got a taste of actual restaurant work and realized that it's just not for me. My wife and kids are happy that I'm a wildly overtrained home cook, and I'm happy not having to hustle when playing with my food.

[@_.martina.__]

I miss living in Cbus! The food @ 4th&State is so divine! I’ll be back! Hi Azure & Marley! 😂 Nowel’s story was so touching, she is such an angel! Anyone else bawling at the end?😂😭💚🍀 Great show!!!!

[@annb2586]

Nowel's 🥦 earrings are adorable. 😊

[@wbc101]

Does Chad sleep in that beanie? 😉 Really enjoying this series so far.

[@kimmiejean4476]

Loved this episode 😍 It’s a great way to see how chefs adapt in a kitchen. Can’t WAIT for the finale 🥳

[@JAHmetRAY]

I’ve binged watched all the episodes and I can’t wait for season 2. I do feel like this episode was not really fair, the group could’ve been more prepared by getting a thorough tour the night before so they able to be comfortable in the space. Also a chance to study the recipes, having to instruct a person where every thing in the kitchen is, is not really efficient.

[@theSarin]

The compassion and honesty in this series is fantastic. I hope to see a season 2, and ideally more shows ran this way in general. Thank you so much for this experience.

[@mspiperp]

Me watching this as I'm ordering on Postmates 😂😂😂 The queso is definitely FIRE! The Just Egg clip is EPIC! #Sponsorship lol Seeing the clips on the family and friends was very touching 🥺 but Chef Nowel really brought the tears out of me. She is so inspiring (really sweet in person BTW) and I know she will do amazing at whatever she goes on to do in life. ❤

[@evandelegeane7596]

I wish I could find Just Egg in that carton. SO cool.

[@injunsun]

Dear @Top Vegan, My late husband and I used to watch Top Chef, and we called it our "food porn," when we were so hungry, but neither of us felt up to cooking, dealing with various health issues. We used to learn from them, as our home was lacto-ovo at the time, and we cooked together as one of the best things we had in common. Losing him, in spite of issues that came up between us (due to his declining mental health before he died) hurt more than anything else, ever. Living with undetectable HIV for a quarter century, artificial hips for over 20 years now, I was recently diagnosed with clots in my legs and lungs, a fatty liver, and calcified coronary arteries, at age 54. I went from over 29 years as lacto-ovo (officially Aug, 1989) to Vegan (officially Oct 2018), not realising, other things can keep happening. So, I decided to watch your show. Man. You have gifted me with both genuine nostalgia (literally, "our pain") for missing my late husband, but also, you have allowed me to keep learning, because going Vegan means you HAVE to know how to cook. I supplement with D3 and K2. The latter, unfortunately, I got a Vegan version of MK-4, whereas MK-7 is the better form, for heart and bone health. But aside from inspiration, I didn't expect to care, to cry over your contestants. In the Food Network show, some were personable, others were just competitive assholes. The only thing tying them together was that they knew how to cook whatever. Here, there is more. The other thing tying these people together is a genuine love for animals, for human health, for our environment. YOU have elevated this kind of show. THEY brought your vision to life, and together, y'all have gifted our world with something that will have been under-appreciated. I have already saved the show episodes under its own title in my saved videos on my YT channel, and when it is done, I will boost it to my approx 1500 FB friends and family, because that's how I do it. I don't post slaughterhouse videos, nor constantly explain how dangerous and ugly meat consumption is. No. I share beautiful food I have cooked, or videos of amazing chefs and cooks, proving Vegan food can be both healthy AND delicious, while explaining how various Vegan ingredients can help with health, as well as how we use fewer resources, cause less pollution, and I then just ask my friends to join me, to join us, even if it is for but one meal, once in a while. I praise each and every one of them who proudly tells me of their forays into our world. I have influenced my family, many of whom are at least lacto-ovo for decades now. At least one FB friend beat me to going Vegan, and he helped me go there. Your show will help me help others, including helping animals, etc.. While (I always thought) I would love to be a contestant, I wonder if I would just crap myself! LOL! We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Thank you for your strengths, for bringing this to us. You elevated eight amazing people, as well as uplifting the idea of what our new Food Culture can become, when so many are stuck thinking, "It is what it is; nothing we can do about it." I wish could visit your restaurant, but with my sister gone, her daughter taken by her father, and mom having had strokes, needing to move to East Michigan to be near my brother and my sister's son, me living in Knoxville, TN, I would need to drive a couple hours more to get to Columbus. My current (also Omni) husband would be so impressed by what you do; I wish I could show him. BTW, I found out yesterday, my leg clots are entirely gone. My breathing is easier. Next up, my stress test, so I can have my left hip revised. I never give up. I am still here, wanting to live to see the cure for HIV. My yard is a NWF-Certified Wildlife Habitat, visible from space (Sunnheim Arbor Frithyard). Together, we matter. We make life have meaning. Thanks for helping me.

[@erinaa9486]

I cry when the chefs cry about leaving at the end it's so sad 😢😢😢

[@tat.fl0cker]

In tears over here 😭🥹❤y'all are all beautiful

[@jessicameyer8565]

Really great and Nowel is such a lovely person

[@natashaporwal2481]

this is show is so so good!! Chad is so well spoken and sweet and empathetic.

[@jennifernguyen5716]

It was really interesting to see how the cooks fared in a stressful restaurant environment, but I think it would have been more in line with the series if they were to each create a dish that could have been on the menu at the diner. Clients could order the dish among the actual menu and the cooks could be judged on working in the diner as well as execution and taste of the dish they created.

[@ruthrehak4995]

Good idea for season 2

[@dianecouchman3520]

Looking forward to the finale, so emotional when a contestant leaves. I agree, the working state of a real kitchen is so much more than a one dish pressure. Loving the series.

[@eddiegreene7334]

I love this show! I hope they do season after season! Breath of fresh air….go vegan.

[@cocomcb]

My intro to this show was a suggested video of episode 1 yesterday and I was hooked! I watched episodes 1-4 last night and was so excited to see that episode 5 was uploaded today. I love cooking shows, so as a vegan, I immediately loved this show. I especially love how the host encourages the contestants to be kind and show love to each other and it seems like they have developed friendships in the short amount of time that they've been on the show together. As many have already commented, it was very disappointing to see a chef eliminated in this episode not because of her cooking, but due to being inexperienced fulfilling orders in a restaurant kitchen.

[@sabrenar1675]

I just found this show and I’m very excited. I was ready to binge then saw there were only 5 episodes so far. Hope we get several seasons!!

[@137mango]

This is the best thing to happen on KZbin, for vegans, EVER!! This is AMAZING.

[@janiceshanks7923]

Love Chef Nowel, can't wait to see her story, bring her back season 2 ♥️🤗

[@BeYounique...Maryanne]

This wonderful show came up in my KZbin feed and I absolutely love it! I'm a vegan who loves to cook, but nowhere near as great as any of these contestants. What really makes the show is how positive, supportive, and professional they all are. It's beautiful to see a reality show that is inspiring, rather than all about drama! I'll be sad when it ends, but I hope there will be another season. Thank you! 💕

[@mmirandaaaax]

Chad you were very calm and professional in the kitchen! Kudos

[@thisandthat8686]

This was a trial by fire job interview for a sous chef. I don’t think it’s right judging them all on a challenge with so many variables. They may have been given the same job title for 45 minutes, but the environment and requirements were different for each of them.

[@kreativetreatst.v.4234]

I agree... this was definitely an unfair competition. The 2 that had the most experience should have gone first and see how they handled the pressure before others calmed it down some.

[@cocomcb]

Agreed. I thought it was a cooking competition and don't think it was right to eliminate someone who has no experience working in a restaurant environment.

[@ViewerEm]

i mean shanleigh was in top 2 and was a home cook

[@kreativetreatst.v.4234]

@Megan K They stated they both (the top 2) had back of the house experience.

[@shanleighbrown7514]

@@kreativetreatst.v.4234 Think you misheard! No restaurant experience whatsoever here 😊

[@isadorafrediano1514]

Such a cool thing when it's the top 4 of a show and you love all of the contestants. No matter who wins, I'll be glad!

[@kellywitty9553]

It's interesting that most of the customers seemed like first timers. I also wonder if the first two contestants had a fuller house than the last two. Sadly, another contestant who has prepared some of the best dishes has been eliminated. I feel very vested in this amazing show. It's fast paced, not a lot of ridiculous drama, and amazing contestants!

[@marzenadziuk174]

This show makes me hungry every time I watch it 😂❤❤❤

[@tanyag1160]

Love this show. My son lives in Columbus, we will definitely visit this restaurant on my next visit. All of the chef's have been amazing.

[@evandelegeane7596]

LUCKY! That food looked SOOO GOOD!

[@jean6453]

Nowel, everyone should hear your story ! You are terrific !

[@alandrathreefeathers9191]

Six minutes in and feeling so stressed watching the pressure!!

[@AddictedTo2]

I binge watched this series in the last couple days and now can't wait to join the live finale! Great show, it's so nice to see kindness and heart-warming feelings on a cooking show. Please have a Season 2 Chad :)

[@oliviaefthimiou8856]

I fricken LOVE this show. Stumbled on it by chance - makes me so happy to be a part of a growing beautiful plant based/vegan community around the world. Seeing how much these lovely humble everyday people care about the planet and the world is simply gorgeous xox

[@purecitrine5321]

This looks so much fun….I really wish i was there cooking on the line🥰

[@misterincreds5341]

I AM SO ENJOYING THESE. WHAT AN AWESOME IDEA. GREAT JOB TO ALL THE CHEFS.

[@johnstirzaker6832]

Top Vegan is a must-watch show for anyone who loves food and wants to learn more about vegan cuisine. The contestants are talented, creative and passionate about their craft. They showcase a variety of dishes from different cuisines and cultures, all made with plant-based ingredients. The challenges are fun, exciting and sometimes surprising. The judges are fair, supportive and knowledgeable. The show is well-produced, entertaining and educational. It will make you hungry, inspired and curious about vegan cooking. Top Vegan is a show that celebrates the diversity, beauty and deliciousness of vegan food!

[@susanneradlmayr2124]

In the beginning of this episode I was like waaait a minute.....this is the place we had lunch at when visiting Columbus for a daytrip two years ago!! And the food was absolutely delicious! :) I am really enjoying this show, hopefully more seasons are to come! Greetings from Austria :)

[@kelliroberts]

Love 4th and State! Been there many times. So excited for the finale.

[@johnmarywordlaw2319]

I have enjoyed every episode and hope you continue to make more! Great people and great food. Great job!

[@jorhodes]

This episode made me very, very hungry! That good though! 😋😋😋 Great job by all the contestants. I’m really looking forward to the final, and if I lived anywhere near Ohio, I would be there in person 🧑🏻‍🍳🌱😋😘

[@1auntievenom]

As someone who has worked in restaurants many years, i dont understanf how you could throw someone on the line and expect the to produce without so much as a tour. Loving the show though.

[@Psaltrymom]

Oh Nowel - your story hasn't ended with this episode - it's just beginning!!! You have SUCH a beautiful testimony! You are amazing, and I know you will go far!

[@vincetheveganprince]

Dang this episode was really a tough one! That ticket build up ain't no joke! I had a small experience of that pressure from a small biz at the farmers market. Everyone did well but some adapted more. Great job everyone! Can't wait for the finale. Let's go vegans!

[@libertadvalerio870]

Great episode! It was interesting to see how all the chefs did in a high pace environment. 7

[@suzzannestoll3821]

I can't wait to come to Columbus in August.... I so want to go to 4th & State for dinner

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

This has been a great series. I definitely subscribed!

[@barrettchambers]

Love this series! Thank you for making it.

[@TomMaynard--TCM--]

I must have gotten something in my eye near the end: My vision blurred a bit. Don't you DARE make me cry in the finale!

[@misterkiller89]

So excited!!!!

[@fleaberstheweabers8319]

Fantastic food but incredible staff 😍😍😍😍

[@wendyanndarling]

Duuuude this show is so emotional! I didnt see this coming:D

[@aleksandrasivolob]

Great job chefs! Very moving episode.

[@rayangolkar7930]

Im not vegan but I like watching this since a lot of the dishes looks delicious

[@injunsun]

Anytime we Vegans can help you see our food can be amazing, anytime you want to try even just one dish, you are not just enjoying food, you are helping animals, and our world; I welcome you as a friend in this. Being Vegan isn't about being nasty to people who aren't. It is about reducing suffering, and all the benefits to everyone that come along with that. Thank you for watching with an open mind, and for any time you choose a vegetarian or Vegan option.

[@BeYounique...Maryanne]

@@injunsun I'm vegan and I agree 100 percent! I'm never nasty to those who aren't vegan, but I do applaud them for each vegan meal they try.

[@magalissantiago2817]

I am so happy to see the awesome food, DANG! love everyone

[@TonyHaawko]

What a great show! I hope more people gonna see it 💚🌿

[@sidviscus]

Noel should not be sad! She gave me smiles through this show, and smiles are important to health too.

[@botanicalchef]

This episode reminds me of 'The Bear' (vegan style) 😏Congratulations to all the chefs!!! You each stepped up to the challenge 🎉🎉🎉

[@tobynsaunders]

I like the show for the [VEGAN] creativity. The restaurant-food assembly line challenge wasn't interesting to me in light of that. Keep up the good work though! I look forward to the next episode!

[@fruity_hannanas5412]

I wish that all of them could win 💚

[@lexyny]

Such a good episode, the change of pace was definitely interesting! Loving this show so much!

[@katmuls]

So glad I came across this series!

[@brianholmes6392]

I don’t understand why there’s some hate on this episode. It’s relatable to being a good chef. chefs serve ppl food and this happens to be at a very successful fast paced vegan restaurant.

[@thisandthat8686]

I think people are bothered because it wasn’t executed as well as it could have been. If all of the contestants had been asked to execute a dish in a set amount of time with a specific quality, that would be data reasonable to judge with. This test was poorly executed because the environment and requirements were different for each contestant. Working the first part of that shift would be far more demanding, due to the rush, and the dynamic of being the final person on after waiting for two hours is also entirely different.

[@VirginiaFeuRosa]

Really cool! So thankful for this vegan cooking reality show! I just wanted to leave a suggestion reagarding teaching us cooking skills and about ingredients during the episodes. It's a really healthy and friendly competition, I loved that the participants created a bond and just wanted everyone to do their best! It's a lovely vibe! Congratulation and thanks! Can hardly wait for the last episode tomorrow!

[@ellafarricielli1591]

Beautiful Chef Nowel will be back 💚

[@Rpgvegan87]

I wish the best for Nowel and her future. I understand why some individual may be unhappy about this episode. But you have to understand, speed is vital for a resturant. Fifty minutes for waiting time is not good for the customer and the reputation of the store. Anyway, I await the final episode to see who will be crown Top Vegan. Best luck to these three beautiful chef.

[@bettycarmella1127]

Awww🥺 I loved Noelle💔

[@KM-783]

This was a great idea for a challenge. Love this

[@DieMelli]

This is such a great show, can't wait for the finale!

[@rachelb1449]

I want to see Noel do something big! Her story is inspiring ❤

[@rhemamayfield9926]

I love this so much! please keep it up, I love cooking competitions shows, but as a vegan I was definitely wanting one that I related to more so thank you!

[@rainedyani8505]

I love how emotional everyone is - and esp Chad when he has to let someone go. 😞 And bless Nowell! Sweet soul indeed… 😭❤️ Her personal health story is testament to the healing power of PLANTS. 💚 I also want to say that this challenge really helped me appreciate what goes on behind the scenes in the kitchen! And finally, it is SO exciting to see how busy and popular this Plant Based restaurant is!! Thank you for creating it, Chef Chad!! 🙏 Vegan for the animals; vegan for the WIN!! 🌱💪✌️💚

[@ViewerEm]

best episode so far. felt like we got the biggest sense of our contestants personalities

[@gruschls]

Love this show ❤❤❤

[@jessica_swan]

Great job, ladies! 🎉 that was a tough challenge

[@kara8695]

Cant wait for the next show

[@thatgirlinokc3975]

This was a curve ball of an episode. Unfortunately it was just a bad idea. I fast forwarded to the end to see who left. I don't need to see people being upset in a restaurant

[@maddieadams75]

Interesting segment. I’m a very good Vegan cook, yet I know nothing about restaurants work. I’m impressed with all. Unfortunately someone always has to leave. And people are not happy. It’s a competition. Being a vegan for over 45+ yrs, I love this channel. Back in the day a vegan restaurant was extremely rare. Best Vegan restaurants I’ve ever eaten are in Las Vegas. Would love to try this food. Yum

[@elipregerson9065]

For the first time ever I wish I was in Columbus Ohio

[@sagarshah6616]

The food at the diner looks so good! Will surely visit one day!

[@taroakita]

Hairnets?

[@AllenSchubert]

I'm still catching up on these episodes. I was a bit reluctant to watch at first because I've gotten tired of so many cooking / competition / reality shows ... but you had the "V" word in there, so why not give it a try? ... I kinda figured it would be kinda routine genre stuff, but I liked how there weren't enough supplies (food items / appliances) and the competitors had to work together somewhat (hey, it's vegan, not a cut-throat competition!). And then this episode, where they take turns working in a "live" restaurant! (I also recalled times when I worked in restaurants and seeing tickets backed up! ... I felt it, anyway!) ... I hope you can do more seasons! And maybe have a little more of the competitor's bios featured? ... Anyway, I gotta watch the next episode!

[@EricSmith-lf6cz]

Really enjoying the concept of the series, but I don't think this episode was a fair test of ability for the contestants. Although some were able to perform at a reasonable level, the expediter is a very specific skill that is not a good judge of overall ability. I am looking forward to the format that the next series might bring - and hopefully some lessons learned not repeating this test.

[@davidshelten3151]

Nice Vegan show! I just thought this last episode was not fair. Everybody knows how hard it is to be inside a professional kitchen having someone competing inside one is not a great way to say if they are good. They never had experience before. Maybe you should ask them to create a small plate for 30 guests. Each one of them make a tapa plate and give to the guests. At the end the guests can vote which one was the best? A much better way to make a competition on a amateur show and much more fair to them.

[@cheetahpath]

Set up!! Throw them in the worst situation and then eliminate them?? That's a set up!!

[@jhor729]

I'm glad he cried when she left. That was nice

[@marymontoya3839]

The show is great and I'm really enjoying it. I just wish the dramatic music in the background wasn't so loud or maybe just not have it at all. It's distracting.