Food Network’s BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Chauhan V. Lofaso delivered another elimination in Episode 6’s intense “Chuck Wagon War” challenge. Contestants were forced to cook solely over open fires, depriving them of any contemporary comforts. Old West-style campfire sets took the place of conventional barbecues and smokers, putting each chef’s versatility to the test.
The judges weren’t impressed with Aarthi Sampath’s duck leg confit with braised beans. So, she was sent home as the most recent contender from Team Antonia Lofaso. The elimination followed a demanding five-hour task in which teams prepared substantial cowboy meals using just cast iron cookware and campfires. No electrical equipment was permitted, removing access to blenders, mixers, and food processors.
This episode of BBQ Brawl featured two distinct challenges that pushed competitors beyond their comfort zones. An initial breakfast advantage round gave teams thirty minutes to craft morning meals over open flames using eggs as the primary ingredient. Then, teams had to cook large cowboy-style feasts to feed hungry ranch laborers as the major task.
In BBQ Brawl, teams of barbecue experts from throughout America are coached by celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan, and Antonia Lofaso. The goal of the tournament is to identify the ultimate “Master of ’Cue.” Participants are put through increasingly challenging tasks that require both technical proficiency and original thought.
What exactly happened during these BBQ Brawl challenges?
Teams faced their first hurdle with a thirty-minute breakfast challenge over campfires. Contestants had to showcase their skills using eggs as the main component while working without any electrical assistance. The time constraint added pressure as chefs adapted to unfamiliar cooking conditions.
Kyle Bryner from Team Maneet Chauhan emerged victorious with his Cowboy Shakshuka. His interpretation of the traditional Middle Eastern dish impressed judges with its combination of tomatoes, harissa, eggs, and olive oil. The win gave Team Chauhan a crucial advantage heading into the main challenge on BBQ Brawl.
The other teams struggled to match Bryner’s execution and flavor profile. Cooking over open flames without modern equipment proved challenging for contestants accustomed to controlled environments. The advantage proved significant in the longer main challenge that followed.
The five-hour main challenge transported contestants to the Old West era. Teams had to create filling cowboy feasts using only campfires and cast iron equipment. The extended cooking time tested endurance and planning skills alongside culinary technique.
Team Maneet Chauhan dominated with their “Southern Cowboy Feast.” Kyle Bryner contributed cowboy steak and potatoes, while Maneet Chauhan prepared a corn, bean, and squash salad. Greg Gatlin completed the winning menu with grilled duck and andouille sausage gumbo.
Team Antonia Lofaso struggled with their “Hearty Chuckwagon Feast.” Thyron Matthews prepared chuckwagon spare ribs with coleslaw, though judges found the slaw lacking complexity. Additional dishes included cornbread with honey drizzle and oxtail gravy with tri-tip.
Aarthi Sampath’s duck leg confit with braised beans sealed her fate. The dish failed to meet the judges’ expectations for flavor and execution in the challenging cooking environment. Her elimination reduced Team Antonia Lofaso to just two remaining members.
The BBQ Brawl judges praised other contestants for their adaptation to primitive cooking conditions. Working without electricity forced chefs to rely on fundamental skills and creativity. Some rose to the occasion, while others, like Sampath, couldn’t overcome the obstacles.
Team Bobby Flay avoided the bottom despite not winning either challenge. Rosalie Bradford Pareja, Orchid Paulmeier, and Brad Leighninger all survived to continue competing. Their consistent performance kept them safe from elimination consideration.
What’s up next on BBQ Brawl?
Eight contestants remain in the competition across three teams. Team Bobby Flay maintains three members, while Teams Chauhan and Lofaso each have two remaining competitors. The uneven team sizes will likely impact future challenge dynamics.
“To Meat… or Not to Meat,” the seventh episode, will air on Sunday. In the next episode, there will be a baking advantage challenge and a team competition with a vegetarian theme. Contestants must produce mouthwatering meals that don’t have meat as the main ingredient to demonstrate their variety.
The removal of Aarthi Sampath underlines how crucial it is to adjust to unforeseen difficulties in competitive cookery. BBQ Brawl continues testing contestants’ fundamental skills by removing modern conveniences. As the competition narrows, remaining chefs must demonstrate versatility beyond traditional barbecue techniques to earn the Master of ’Cue title.
BBQ Brawl airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.