^ (just watched the show last night) I have to agree. Once told that they would be cooking for "cowboys" someone should have been thinking of upscale though rustic food. Also, one of the contestants (now departed frenchie?) stated that they didn't modify their cooking for the client, they just let their food stand on its own. That's ridiculous. So is serving ceviche and most of the seafood dishes that were created. Who ever heard of a cowboy eating fish?

Given the $150 and cooking for 12? I’d have suggested:

Pork tenderloin w/ Whiskey pan sauce
Baby Anise and Wild Mushrooms
I liked the “baked” potatoes, but may have tried for a rice based starch.

Another interesting side I’ve had before was a Cesar Salad using smoked Romaine lettuce.

Heck, This is one of the only challenges I’ve ever felt like I might have had a shot at winning.

Looking forward to tonight’s show.