It's the finale! Five cooks went into the competition The Taste Season 3 Episode 7, but only one came out a winner.

So, who earned the title of the best undiscovered cook in America?

One thing is for sure, the finale was made to be a very special event. The judges even dressed for the occasion, and the contestants' families were there to watch the whole thing. That has to be a heck of a lot of pressure for the contestants, but it definitely adds to the excitement. Oh, and the other contestants were there too, but some of them didn't exactly look thrilled to be there.

Boy were these guys put through the ringer. The first round was no longer a team competition since there were only five contestants left, which meant every man for himself. The challenge? "Saints and sinners." What a way to talk about food. This is a cooking competition that understands how to appeal to our senses, and saving a challenge that inspires the cooks to use things like Kobe beef and foie gras makes it all the more enticing.

I'm gonna make a sauce that is just so freaking obscene, that we will go to hell. Anthony Permalink: I'm gonna make a sauce that is just so freaking obscene, that we will go to hell.

Permalink: I'm gonna make a sauce that is just so freaking obscene, that we will go to hell.

Of course, not all of the ingredients were rare ones. Benjamin made a fried chicken sandwich with candied bacon. Um, yes please!

The first cook to leave the finale was our final home cook and final female, Jen Royle. She fought like hell and added something special to the competition this season. In addition to her cursing and regularly injuring herself, she just had a strong spirit.

I would have loved to see a home cook win it all, especially since that is something that draws the audience into this competition. But there was never any doubt the best cook would win, because the show is all about the taste of the food (hence the title).

The nature of the final challenges also eliminated the drama, leaving the focus on the cooking competition. Of course, that didn't necessarily mean everyone was friendly during the competition. Tristen blatantly ignored Gabe, who seemed to hope they could still be teammates in the second round. Tristen wasn't having any of that, though. Like I said, it was every man for himself, but at least no one was asked to throw their teammates under the bus.

At the end of the second round, another cook was sent home. To me, it was a no brainer that Eric was eliminated, since he was now the only cook with red stars. Gabe, on the other hand, officially set a record for the apron with the most bling.

By the way, what the heck happened to Gabe's sour cherries? Inquiring minds want to know.

The suspense in choosing the winner was very intense. I'm glad that even this choice was a blind one, and the judges had no idea who they chose as their winner.

Well, sour cherries or no sour cherries, our resident heartthrob is the one who came out on top. Congratulations to Gabe Kennedy, who not only won the money, but also his own cooking series on ABC.com.

What did you think of the finale, and do you think the right cook won the competition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sad that Season 3 has ended? Here's the good news -- you can re-watch the competition when you watch The Taste online any time via TV Fanatic!

Finale Review Editor Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 4.7 / 5.0

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5 User Rating: 4.3 / 5.0

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Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 ( 6 Votes) 4.7 / 5.0

Ashley Bissette Sumerel was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in September 2017. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.