The worst episodes of Selena + Chef
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
For her first-ever in-person lesson, Selena is joined by legendary chef Gordon Ramsay. But with butter-basted steak, pan-seared scallops, and more on an ambitious menu, will Selena be able to keep up with his rapid-fire instruction?
- 02
Food journalist, cookbook author, and YouTube personality Priya Krishna guides Selena through an easy and delicious “Indian-ish” lunch of Dahi toast with cilantro chutney, a veggie-filled Kachumber, and refreshing Shikanji.
- 03
Selena’s cooking journey comes full circle as her very first instructor Ludo Lefebvre returns to see just how much she’s grown as they grill up sole with burnt tomato and sorrel, plus a dessert of pineapple with spicy banana caramel sauce.
- 04
Artist, activist, and chef DeVonn Francis guides Selena through an elevated Jamaican meal of torched banana cake and banana leaf roasted snapper – but will her first kitchen injury and an attempt at opening a coconut derail the meal?
- 05
Emmy Award-winning television icon Rachael Ray helps Selena treat her Nana and Papa to a delicious date night meal of beer battered fish and elote salad, complete with a Michelada prepared by Rachael’s husband, John.
- 06
Social media cooking star Nick DiGiovanni challenges Selena to create homemade pesto pasta served inside an 80-pound cheese wheel – but only after she enlists Papa’s help getting it from the front door to her kitchen.
- 07
Prestigious New York chef Adrienne Cheatham immerses Selena in the world of French cooking with an ambitious brunch of poached salmon and grits, all topped with fresh hollandaise sauce.
- 08
Chef, TV host, and fast-food enthusiast Kristen Kish helps Selena elevate a childhood-inspired summertime spread of Mexican street corn, glazed carrots, cheesy chickpea fried broccoli, and a strawberry vuzu dessert.
- 09
Internet sensation and restaurant owner Matty Matheson – a big personality with an even bigger meal planned – walks Selena through Miami-style ribs and hello dolly bars for one of the most delicious (and musical) meals yet!
- 10
James Beard nominee, acclaimed pastry chef, and activist Paola Velez lives up to her impressive resume as she helps Selena create an indulgent, sweet, and savory menu featuring a chocolate cookie icebox cake and beef empanadas.
- 11
"Golden girl of wellness" Candice Kumai heats up Selena's kitchen with a health-forward spicy miso ramen recipe before Selena tries her best not to overheat the matcha chocolate chip cookies.
- 12
Selena makes her way around her brand-new kitchen as French chef Ludo Lefevbre helps her make a French omelet and cheese souffle. She's at her house, Ludo's at his - and they're going to see if they can make a meal together, apart.
- 13
With her signature feel-good cooking style, executive chef and cookbook author Antonia Lofaso helps Selena dive into her daunting first seafood tostada.
- 14
Southern California chef Nyesha Arrington guides Selena through cooking two delicious meals: pan-seared branzino with spiced tomato-coconut sauce (for humans) and homecooked doggy biscuits (for…doggies), allowing Selena to show off all her new skills before toasting her accomplishments with her iconic sous chefs, grandparents, and friends.
- 15
Michelin-starred chef Curtis Stone adds perfectly cooked steak sandwiches to Selena’s arsenal. And for dessert? Key lime pie parfaits!
- 16
Two-time James Beard Award-nominated chef and cookbook author Evan Funke hosts a masterclass in handmade pasta.
- 17
Two-time Michelin-starred chef, TV host, and author Graham Elliott puts his unique spin on a mouthwatering hamburger and deconstructed Caesar salad.
- 18
It’s time for a full-blown seafood soirée as fellow Texan Aarón Sánchez guides Selena through assembling a tower of sheer deliciousness, from crab ravigote to mango lobster ceviche. Oh, you fancy huh?!
- 19
Sparks fly in James Beard Award winner Kwame Onwuachi’s stress-free virtual kitchen as he introduces Selena to traditional Nigerian food – jollof rice, chicken in red stew, and fried plantains – for Sunday supper.
- 20
Selena teams up with the godfather of the modern food truck movement, Roy Choi, to make some dangerously delicious Korean BBQ breakfast tacos and Hawaiian malasadas. As Roy masterfully incorporates Selena’s suggestions into his recipes in real-time, a surprise guest pops in to cheer Chef Gomez on. Let’s just hope our girl doesn’t get distracted by the cute boy on her line.
- 21
The great Nancy Silverton helps Selena craft an ambitious vegetable buffet - but before Selena and her friends can dig into the stunning multi-color bounty, a series of hilarious technical difficulties brings Selena’s kitchen to its knees. Will dinner be served? TBD.
- 22
Culinary director and restaurateur Angelo Sosa enrolls Selena in two core classes: Guac 101 and Wok 101. As the duo go back to basics to chef up the perfect guacamole and Baja-style fried rice, Angelo shares a kitchen secret with his skeptical pupil: any three sweet, sour, and salty ingredients can create the perfect flavour profile, as long as the balance is just right.
- 23
Bay Area legend Tanya Holland connects Selena to her Southern roots with a mouthwatering soul food feast. With crispy, delicious buttermilk fried chicken and fresh-baked cheddar scallion biscuits on the menu, this is not a meal to be missed!
- 24
Daniel Holzman, the mastermind behind The Meatball Shop, puts Selena to work with one of the most ambitious (and delicious) meals she's cooked to date: mini chicken meatballs paired with gnocchi made from scratch. Can she pull off the daunting culinary feat, or will her journey end with her struggle to use the wine opener?
- 25
James Beard Award-winning author, chef, and humanitarian JJ Johnson leaves Selena’s household speechless with a flavor-packed seafood gumbo.
