Page 41 of The TV Show Rival
Jess scoffed. “A piece of advice. Building a salad fortress on your plate won’t hold up against a real workout, you know.” She taunted Jamie’s food selection of eggs and veggies.
Jamie smirked. “Don’t worry, Jess, my team doesn’t need a fortress of greasy breakfast to conquer a challenge. We rely on inner strength and… digestion.”
“Yeah right. Seems like yesterday your ‘warriors’ were the ones lagging behind in the obstacle course.”
Jamie arched an eyebrow, piling some fresh fruit onto her plate with a flourish. “Funny, I seem to recall a certain drill sergeant getting winded on the climbing wall.”
The other team members were watching with wide eyes, clearly entertained by the exchange. Jess met Jamie’s gaze, a silent smirk playing on her lips. Maybe a little breakfast-time rivalry wasn’t such a bad thing. It kept the charade going, and more importantly, kept the anticipation for the day simmering.
The two coaches went through the motions of picking their food, an unspoken choreography playing out. Reach for the mangoes—Jess, then Jamie. Spoon some yogurt—Jamie, then a mirror image from Jess.
For a few awkward seconds, the charade continued, punctuated by stifled snickers from the other team members who were starting to notice the odd mirroring.
Finally, the tension became unbearable. Jess and Jamie stopped mid-reach, their hands hovering over the same bowl of granola.
They stared at each other, the weight of the room’s attention pressing down on them. Jess could practically feel the raised eyebrows and curious whispers. Her cheeks flushed a warm red, and she knew Jamie felt it too, the telltale pink dusting her high cheekbones.
With a forced cough, Jess broke eye contact. She moved on to the next dish, while Jamie found a seat at a table, stealing a glance as she ate.
The open-air kitchen buzzed with a nervous energy unlike anything the competitors had experienced before. Gone were the sprawling fields and polished gymnasiums of their usual training grounds.
Here, the air hung thick with the smoky aroma of roasting chilies and the earthy scent of fresh turmeric. Clay ovens, fueled by crackling logs, cast an orange glow across a chaotic symphony of mismatched wooden tables and battered metal bowls. This was the heart of a local village kitchen, their battleground for the day.
“Alright, troops! Welcome to the Nutritional Smackdown! Today, we’re ditching the push-ups and lunges in favor of whisks and spatulas. Buckle up, because this is where the real competition heats up!”
A collective murmur ran through the team. A cooking challenge? This was interesting.
Roger chuckled. “Today, we’re putting your knowledge of nutrition and resourcefulness to the test. But with a twist!” He paused dramatically, letting the suspense build. “You’ll be collaborating… and competing!”
“Here’s how it works. Each team will be presented with a basket overflowing with the finest local ingredients.”
He gestured towards a large wicker basket overflowing with vibrant ingredients—plump mangoes, glistening mahi-mahi filets, purple yams, a block of aged cheddar cheese, and lots more. It was a curious mix, guaranteed to spark creativity.
“You have to work together, negotiate, and strategize to divide the bounty. Remember, communication is key! Once you have your chosen ingredients, you’ll be on your own. Each team will create their own dish, showcasing your unique strengths and approaches to healthy eating.”
He paused for dramatic effect, then added, “Also, neutrality is paramount, Coaches. Today, you’re not Team Jess or Team Jamie. No sideline coaching, no preferential treatment. You’re here to guide both teams equally, offering your expertise and encouraging creativity.” He shot a pointed glance at the two rival coaches, Jess and Jamie, who both nodded curtly.
Roger grinned. “Excellent! Now, for the judging. Each dish will be evaluated on three criteria: taste, creativity in using the mystery ingredients, and overall nutritional value. The team that scores the highest in all three categories will be crowned the Nutritional Smackdown champions!”
A roar of approval erupted from the teams. Strategy, collaboration, competition—the challenge was on.
Boot Camp Brigade, a motley crew of weightlifters and endurance runners, seemed lost amidst the unfamiliar ingredients. They moved over the plump plantains, a mountain of fiery red chilies, and a basket overflowing with plump, juicy shrimp.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, fresh vegetables are key. They add vibrancy, flavor, and essential vitamins,” Jamie advised them.
Across the way, Zen Warriors, a group known for their flexibility and focus, hovered around the table like a flock of birds. They seemed drawn to the vibrant vegetables—bell peppers, crisp green beans, and a giant head of purple cabbage. A lighter approach, for sure.
“Hold on, maybe we can trade some of these onions for the chiles. You can still make a flavorful taste without overwhelming the dish,” Jess advised.
The teammate considered the suggestion, with a nod.
With the ingredients divided, the teams dispersed to their designated cooking stations. Each station boasted a traditional clay comal (griddle) heated over open flames, a large clay pot for stews, and a collection of wooden utensils. It was a far cry from the high-tech kitchens they were used to, but it held a certain rustic charm.
Jess and Jamie moved between the teams, offering neutral guidance.
Boot Camp Brigade, lost in a fiery debate over the merits of using coconut milk or achiote paste, turned to Jamie.
“Alright, listen up. Coconut milk will add a creamy sweetness, while achiote will give you a smoky depth. Think about what flavors you want to highlight in your dish.”