**Brooke Williamson Takes On New Role as Captain in Season 7 of BBQ Brawl**
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The popular culinary competition programme BBQ Brawl is set to return for its seventh season, featuring a significant change in the role of Brooke Williamson. Previously serving as a judge, Williamson will now take on the mantle of team captain, going head-to-head with renowned chefs Bobby Flay and Maneet Chauhan. The premiere episode is scheduled to air on Monday, May 11, at 9 p.m. on the Food Network.
Williamson’s shift in role has been highly anticipated, especially as she has been a part of the show since its early seasons. Flay, who is also her partner, expressed his support for Williamson’s new position, emphasising her desire to showcase her culinary skills rather than merely judging others. He noted that the couple has established a unique rule in their relationship: they “can’t judge each other”. Flay acknowledged the inherent competition that defines their dynamic, stating, “We can compete against each other in kind of friendly ways.”
The season will take place at the picturesque Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, where a total of 12 talented pitmasters will compete for the coveted title of “Master of ‘Cue.” Among the contestants are Dakari Akorede from Atlanta, Morgan Bolling from Boston, and Edith Mattiuzzo from Udine, Italy, each bringing their own regional flavours and cooking styles to the competition.
In the first episode, the format will have the winner of a challenge, which involves presenting their signature flavours in a bowl, selecting their team captain from the three leading participants. This twist, introduced in the previous season, has been positively received by Flay, who remarked on how it alters the competitive atmosphere, “It kind of got turned around on us for a second, which I actually liked,” he explained.
As she embarks on this new journey, Williamson will lead her team alongside two veteran chefs, Flay and Chauhan. Each of the captains is responsible for mentoring their selected pitmasters as they face various challenges to impress the judges. The panel includes returning judges Carson Kressley, Adrienne Cheatham, and season 3 champion Rashad Jones, who will decide which competitor is eliminated after each round.
The season is expected to culminate on July 6, with the three highest-performing pitmasters battling it out in a final showdown. They will face a gauntlet of challenging ingredients and time constraints, pushing their culinary skills and strategic thinking to the limit. Only one chef will emerge as the “Master of ‘Cue,” and this title will not only bring glory but also the chance to make their captain proud.
Flay shared insights into Williamson’s transition during an appearance at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival earlier this year. “Brooke has always wanted to be one of the mentors and cook on the show,” he noted, indicating that the opportunity arose following the couple’s new relationship status. This development has added an intriguing layer to the competitive landscape of BBQ Brawl, enhancing the stakes for both Williamson and Flay.
With the seventh season of BBQ Brawl fast approaching, fans of the show can look forward to thrilling culinary challenges, intense competition, and the unique dynamic brought by Williamson’s new role. BBQ Brawl, known for its engaging format and talented contestants, promises an exciting viewing experience this season.
Catch the premiere of BBQ Brawl on Food Network, and stay tuned for streaming options on HBO Max the following day. The stage is set for a riveting season, and with Williamson’s leadership, it will undoubtedly be one not to miss.