Yes, Chef!, NBC's newest culinary competition show separates itself from the other cooking series on multiple grounds. However, the main element that makes it so unique is that the contest allows the competing chefs to evolve as individuals and leave the kitchen as a better version of themselves. Each contestant aims to grow above their limitations by reworking themselves.
However, it is easier said than done. The intensity of the competition keeps the chefs diverted, preventing them from focusing on self-transformation. They clash and pick fights more frequently than anticipated, defeating the purpose of the series. Their true colors surface, disappointing judges Martha Stewart and José Andrés.
However, there are moments on Yes, Chef!, when everything seems possible — moments that are pockets of hope, making viewers envision a change in the behavioral patterns of the chefs with a temper. In episode five of Yes, Chef!, Chef Christopher "Chris" Morales went head-to-head against Chef Peter Richardson in a cook-off, tasked with preparing a perfect egg dish in 30 minutes.
With the clock burdening the chefs, the pressure eventually got to Peter, who struggled to open a caviar tin. His frustration grew with each second. However, Chris emerged and helped him by opening the caviar tin. I absolutely loved the gesture, as it precisely highlighted the purpose of the show.
To me, Chris seemed like a person who was willing to grow, eager to change for the better. Even in the face of elimination, he went out of his way to help his opponent — something I am certain he would not have done a few episodes back.
Yes, Chef! star Chris Morales defined the objective of the show by being the bigger person
Yes, Chef! alum Chris Morales is an Executive Chef at Gregory's Steakhouse in Cocoa Beach, Florida. He specializes in fresh fish, steaks, and fresh pasta. The contestant has worked in some of the most high-end kitchens across the country, although he never attended culinary school.
His efforts even landed him on the Los Angeles Times Best Young Chef Under 30 list. With such a background, one would expect him to be understanding and composed.
However, he was quite the contrary. His sous chef, Zach, nominated him to be part of Yes, Chef!, noting that he was domineering and had a militant style of functioning in the kitchen.
Consequently, he hoped Chris would return a changed man. At first, it all seemed hopeless. However, his demeanor in episode 5 of Yes, Chef! raised my expectations of him. The moment he extended a helping hand to his opponent, I knew that the contest had positively impacted him.
Chris had not only transformed into a better version of himself but also learned to be the bigger person. I am certain any other chef would have used Peter's struggles to their advantage and focused on outperforming him.
However, Chris felt otherwise. Instead of letting Peter fall prey to an unlucky mishap, he helped him open the tin so that he could defeat Peter skill-wise.
While speaking to the Yes, Chef! cameras, explaining why he helped Peter, Chris said:
"These caviar tins, they're a pain in the a** to open up. And I know I'm battling this guy so I don't go home, but I'm a very different chef today than I was a couple of years ago, a couple of weeks ago, hopefully, even better than yesterday."
Chris's camaraderie surprised José, who claimed the chef was more "selfish" at the start of the contest. It perfectly illustrates how much Chris had grown.
In my opinion, he had evolved into this person who could confidently state that winning was not always the final goal — there was always something better, something more noble that mattered more.
I was glad the Yes Chef! star could recognize his flaws and his change in behavior without feeling like he was making a mistake by being helpful. It proved that his development was pure and genuine.
I truly believe it was his karma that paid off, saving him from getting eliminated. He had prepared egg pasta ravioli with quail egg, brown butter sauce, and truffles. Peter, on the other hand, served deviled eggs with mayonnaise, dijon mustard, paprika, and caviar.
Both preparations lacked in many ways, however, it was Peter's "messy and very salty" eggs that cost him his position in the show.
I genuinely hope the other contestants on Yes, Chef! follow Chris's path and embark on a journey of self-improvement. That is the only way they can leave the contest as true winners.
Yes, Chef! episodes are available to stream on Peacock.