Top Chef
A reality competition show in which chefs compete against one another in culinary challenges and are a judged by a panel of food and wine experts, with one or more contestants eliminated each episode.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Cast:Tom Colicchio , Padma Lakshmi , Gail Simmons , Richard Blais , Casey Thompson , Emeril Lagasse , Dale Talde , Hugh Acheson , Brooke Williamson , Sheldon Simeon , Melissa King , Bryan Voltaggio , Shirley Chung , Gregory Gourdet , Antonia Lofaso , Michael Isabella , Carla Hall , Stephanie Cmar
S1.E1 ∙ Who Deserves to Be Here
In the premiere episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," the cast will be thrown straight into the demanding kitchen of famed San Francisco restaurant Fleur de Lys for the quickfire challenge where Guest judge Hubert Keller (famed chef and partner of Fleur de Lys) joins host Katie Lee Joel and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons to help to make the decision on who must "pack up their knives" first.
S1.E2 ∙ Food of Love
In the second episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," the kitchen heats up as the contestants are challenged to cook up sweet dishes that are both sexy and erotic, under the watchful eye of guest judges Elizabeth Falkner, owner of Citizen Cake, a celebrated patisserie and dessert hotspot in San Francisco, and Mistress S, who runs a fetish ball and knows a thing or two about eroticism.
S1.E3 ∙ Nasty Delights
Something smells fishy in this episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," as the cook's must dive into piles of slimy octopus and turn it into a tempting platter of seafood cuisine. Laurent Manrique of the famed San Francisco seafood restaurant Aqua will guest judge the challenge.
S1.E4 ∙ Food on the Fly
Gas stations and five-star cuisine are not typically paired together in the same sentence, but in this fourth episode of Bravo's "Top Chef" the contestants are challenged to create tempting dishes solely from ingredients available in a convenience store.
S1.E5 ∙ Blind Confusion
In the fifth episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," the chefs are blindfolded, fed rare ethnic cuisine, and then must identify the ingredients. They then hit the streets of San Francisco for the elimination challenge where each team must serve a variety of fusion dishes from handcarts and will be judged upon taste, creativity and customer satisfaction.
S1.E6 ∙ Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
A "Queer Eye" will be watching over the sixth episode of Bravo's "Top Chef" and it will come in the form of the culinary expert of The Fab Five, Ted Allen. Known for his food and entertaining expertise on Bravo's hit series Queer Eye, Allen will challenge the contestants to create a low cost appetizer using only the ingredients that he has pre-selected.
S1.E7 ∙ Restaurant Wars
In the seventh episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," contestants are asked to create a gourmet sandwich. The chefs will then move on to the elimination challenge, where they are put into teams and must come up with a new restaurant concept and put it into practice for one night only in an actual restaurant location.
S1.E8 ∙ Wedding Bell Blues
It's wedding bells for the competing chefs in the eighth episode of Bravo's "Top Chef." The chefs are put into two teams who must pitch their catering concept to a gay couple that intends to marry in a commitment ceremony, and the couple will choose the most convincing pitch.
S1.E9 ∙ Napa's Finest
Only three potential Top Chefs remain, and this episode's quickfire challenge will test their ability to get creative with junk food to make a tasty dish that could still be served to conscientious diners.
S1.E10 ∙ Reunion
It's a "dish" unlike any other on Bravo's "Top Chef: Watch What Happens Special." Bravo's pop culture pundit and programming executive Andy Cohen hosts a candid gathering of season three's chef ?testants and judges; host Padma Lakshmi, head-judge Tom Colicchio, judge Gail Simmons and culinary expert Ted Allen. Cohen will get viewers burning questions answered and dish over season three?s good, bad and overcooked. Viewers will also see exclusive clips that didn?t make the final cut. The winner of Bravo's "Fan Favorite" will also be announced during the reunion special.
S1.E11 ∙ Finale
The remaining two chefs will face-off for one final competition. In the end, only one chef will make it through the spectacular final competition to take the top culinary title.
S1.E12 ∙ Episode #1.12
The remaining two chefs will face-off for one final competition. In the end, only one chef will make it through the spectacular final competition to take the top culinary title. The winning chef will receive $100,000 in seed money to help encourage their culinary career, be featured in Food & Wine magazine, appear at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in June 2006, and most importantly, earn the prestigious title of "Top Chef." Their home will also be outfitted with a complete gourmet kitchen courtesy of Sears Kenmore. Lorraine Bracco of "The Sopranos" guest stars, helping to judge the final dishes.
S2.E1 ∙ Into the Fire
Bravo's hit culinary series "Top Chef" is back with 15 rising chefs, one red-hot Los Angeles kitchen and some of the restaurant industry's most renowned talent.
S2.E2 ∙ Eastern Promise
It's a global experience in the second episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," as the chefs get an early morning wake up call and head to the fish market for their quickfire challenge where they must prepare a scrumptious sushi meal.
S2.E3 ∙ Food for the People
It is time for the chefs to chill out and cool down as they make a tasty ice cream treat for the quickfire challenge in the third episode of Bravo's "Top Chef."
S2.E4 ∙ Less Is More
In the fourth episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," the challenges and the competition heats up as the chefs take on the difficult task of creating amuse bouche for the quickfire challenge. For the elimination challenge, the chefs visit a weight loss camp.
S2.E5 ∙ Social Service
Grab some antacid for this week's episode of "Top Chef." For their quickfire challenge, the chefs are presented with piles of revolting leftover animals parts -- including chicken feet, pigs blood and lamb hearts -- and asked to create delectable tasty dishes from the discarded ingredients.
S2.E6 ∙ Thanksgiving
On the sixth episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," the contestants prepare for Thanksgiving.
S2.E7 ∙ The Raw and the Cooked
The chefs take a leap back in time on this week's episode of Bravo's "Top Chef" as they must create an entrée without modern day technology. Guest judging the challenge is surfer turned chef, Rafael Lunetta.
S2.E8 ∙ Holiday Spirit
It's the holidays in the eighth episode of Bravo's "Top Chef" as the chefs must serve up a party appetizer and a complementing Baileys cocktail mix in their quickfire challenge.
S2.E9 ∙ Seven
This week on Bravo's "Top Chef," the chefs must put their creative minds to the test for the quickfire challenge and use one of the seven colors of the rainbow to create a color themed three-item dish that is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also appealing to the eye.
S2.E10 ∙ Unhappy Customers
In this week's episode of Bravo's "Top Chef," the chefs cook a late night snack with tight constraints. Guest judging is San Francisco restaurateur Mike Yakura.
S2.E11 ∙ Sense and Sensuality
Love is in the air on this week's episode of "Top Chef" as the cooks head to Santa Barbara.
S2.E12 ∙ Finale: Part 1
The final four chefs compete in a two-part finale shot in Hawaii.
S2.E13 ∙ Finale: Part 2
The final two chefs face-off in Hawaii for their final competition.
S3.E1 ∙ 4-Star All Stars
Eight former Top Chef contestants -- four from season one, another four from season two -- return for a team cook-off competition. Also, the season three contestants are introduced.
S3.E2 ∙ First Impressions
Guest judge Anthony Bourdain joins the show as 15 all-new contestants arrive in Miami and prepare for their very first challenge.
S3.E3 ∙ Sunny Delights
The 14 remaining chefs compete in a Quickfire Challenge where citrus is the key ingredient to victory. In the Elimination Challenge, the object is to make the best "upscale" dish for a champagne BBQ attended by Miami socialites.
S3.E4 ∙ Family Favorites
13 potential Top Chefs remain. For this episode's Quickfire Challenge, each contestant has 30 seconds to net as much shellfish as they can, then they have 30 minutes to prepare a dish. Chef Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar and Grill is the guest judge, and he alone picks the Quickfire winner. In the Elimination Challenge, the competing chefs must take a range of "family favorite dishes" -- pork chops and apple sauce, sloppy joes, etc. -- and convert them into healthier offerings. They cook for members of the Miami Elks Club Lodge.
S3.E5 ∙ Cooking by Numbers
The 12 remaining contestants cook alongside mixologist Jamie Walker, and then showcase their abilities for members of a Miami gastronomic society, as well as guest judge Barton G. Weiss of the restaurant Barton G.
S3.E6 ∙ Latin Lunch
11 chefs remain, and this week, the Quickfire Challenge puts their dessert-making skills to the test; in the Elimination Challenge, Telemundo's top stars help determine who will advance to the next round. DUO restaurant co-owner Maria Frumkin is the guest judge.
S3.E7 ∙ Watch What Happens
The drama is served hot on Bravo's "Top Chef: New York: Watch What Happens Reunion." Bravo executive Andy Cohen hosts a candid gathering of season one - three's chef'testants and judges - host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judges Gail Simmons and Toby Young. Cohen will answer viewers' burning questions and dish on season one - three's good, bad and overcooked.
S3.E8 ∙ Freezer Burn
The sixth installment of Bravo's "Top Chef 3 Miami" touches on the senses as the chefs compete for immunity and must identify ingredients by sight or taste.
S3.E9 ∙ Guilty Pleasures
A sweet tooth is mandatory in the latest "Top Chef 3 Miami" quickfire challenge, which involves toppings and ice cream.
S3.E10 ∙ Restaurant Wars
In the Quickfire Challenge, the 8 remaining contestants face-off to make the best burger for special guest Daniel Boulud. Then, the chefs pair off into 2 teams of 4 for the Elimination Challenge, "Restaurant Wars," where they have to design the physical space and the 4-course menus for their respective establishments.
S3.E11 ∙ Second Helping
This episode could also be called "Restaurant Wars: Part 2." After unsatisfactory results in the previous episode, the two teams are given a second chance to impress a dining room full of guests at their respective restaurants. The team who wins the Quickfire Challenge (in which the teams are pitted against one another in a contest of kitchen athleticism) is granted the services of guest sommelier Stephen Asprinio, a contestant from the first season of Top Chef. In the Elimination Challenge, the restaurants go head-to-head to see who will be sent home.
S3.E12 ∙ Chef Overboard
The remaining chefs must prove they have aisle style and get creative at the supermarket in the 10th episode of "Top Chef 3 Miami."
S3.E13 ∙ Snacks on a Plane
It was a competition from the get-go as the chefs were awoken to the grumbles of Padma's stomach. She was hungry, and the chefs had to make her breakfast using their Breville blenders. While there didn't really seem to be a bad dish in the bunch, Hung's steak and eggs and Grand Marnier shake was victorious. Padma then informed the chefs that they would be going on a trip. But what she didn't tell them was that the real challenge would occur on the plane itself parked at Newark Liberty International Airport. The chefs worked with the culinary crew at Continental Airlines to create dishes that could be served to their Business Class members, and would be tested by their own elite flight attendants. While Casey's dish inspired guest judge Anthony Bourdain's palate and earned her her second win in a row, CJ's never made it off the runway.
S3.E14 ∙ Manhattan Project
The remaining five chefs finally land in New York City. After taking in the sights and some street meat, they're off to their Quickfire at the famous Le Cirque, where they are greeted by renowned owner Sirio Maccioni. The chefs are treated to a special halibut dish, which they then have to re-create. Hung's dish is deemed closest to the original, while Sara is unable to complete the task -- the first of many problems. The chefs then head to Lee Anne's second home, The French Culinary Institute. There, Padma tells them that they will have to make a dish using chicken, potatoes, and onions for the culinary legends and professors of the FCI. Hung's chicken skin chip finally gets him a win and a trip to the finale in Aspen, as do Casey's, Dale's, and Brian's dishes. All Sara's poorly-executed Jamaican-inspired dish gets her is a one-way trip home.
S3.E15 ∙ Finale: Part 1
The four remaining chefs head to Aspen, Colorado for the semifinal and the decision of who the final two will be.
S3.E16 ∙ Finale: Part 2
And then there were two. Find out who can take the heat and who must relinquish the coveted title of Bravo's Top Chef in the final episode of Top Chef 3 Miami.
S3.E17 ∙ Reunion
It's a "dish" unlike any other on Bravo's Top Chef: Watch What Happens Special. Host Andy Cohen sits down with the cast and judges of season 3.
S4.E1 ∙ Anything You Can Cook I Can Cook Better
Quick fire challenge: Contestants must make their own twist on deep-dish pizza. Elimination challenge: The low scoring contestants face off over traditional dishes.
S4.E2 ∙ Zoo Food
Quick Fire Challenge: Create a dish using five ingredients from the Green City outdoor market. Elimination Challenge: Cater a party for 200 people at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
S4.E3 ∙ Block Party
Quick Fire Challenge: Make a fine dining experience out of a taco. Elimination challenge: Create dishes for a block party, using ingredients taken from homes in the neighborhood.
S4.E4 ∙ Film Food
Quick Fire Challenge: Make a vegetable plate using three techniques. Elimination challenge: Create a six course dinner for 12, in which each course is inspired by a favorite film.
S4.E5 ∙ The Elements
Quick Fire Challenge: Chef Ming Tsai tested competitors' abilities to distinguish between high-end and average ingredients in a blindfolded taste test. Elimination challenge: Create a first course for the Meals on Wheels Chicago Celebrity Chef Ball incorporating aspects of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.
S4.E6 ∙ Tailgating
Quick Fire challenge: Create a dish that goes well with beer. Elimination challenge: Create tailgating dishes for a Bears game.
S4.E7 ∙ Improv
This quick-fire is short and sweet. The chefs must create a dessert that will satisfy the sweet-tooth of renowned pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini.
S4.E8 ∙ Common Threads
When life gives the chefs lemons, they must make lemonade?using one ingredient and making it into a healthy meal ? with only a microwave.
S4.E9 ∙ Wedding Wars
Can the chefs cut it...with speed? It?s a culinary relay race in this week's quickfire challenge that requires expert shucking, chopping and whipping ? putting the chefs' knife skills to the ultimate test.
S4.E10 ∙ Serve and Protect
The chefs must bring sexy back ? to the salad. They are challenged to reinvent the salad by making it sexier and more modern in the quick fire challenge.
S4.E11 ∙ Restaurant Wars
If you can?t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. For the quick-fire challenge the chefs are forced to work the line at a busy, greasy spoon during breakfast rush, handling hundreds of orders.
S4.E12 ∙ High Steaks
The chefs are given a slab of meat they must clean and butcher in their quick-fire challenge. Then, itÂ's a blast from the past in the elimination challenge, and one chef is history.
S4.E13 ∙ Puerto Rico
The four remaining chefs travel to Puerto Rico to compete in the finale and for the final three spots.
S4.E14 ∙ Finale: Part II
The final three battle it out to cook the best meal of their lives and earn the prestigious title of Bravo's "Top Chef."
S4.E15 ∙ Reunion
Bravo's programming executive Andy Cohen hosts a candid gathering of season four's chef'testants and judges.
S5.E1 ∙ Melting Pot
Bravo's Emmy and James Beard Award-winning series "Top Chef" returns for its fifth season, bringing seventeen promising chefs to the big apple.
S5.E2 ∙ Show Your Craft
In the second episode of "Top Chef: New York," the chef'testants find themselves at Tom's flagship restaurant, Craft. They are challenged to cook and serve lunch to real customers - who may be their biggest critics yet.
S5.E3 ∙ Foo Fighters
The holiday season has arrived, and the chef'testants have a lot to be thankful for. And this year it's not just family these cooks must impress; but also six-time Grammy Award-winning rock band, Foo Fighters, as they join the band for a tour stop in Rochester, New York.
S5.E4 ∙ Today Show
The fourteen remaining chef'testants vie for a chance to display their skills on the nation's highest rated morning program, "Today." The winner of a super fast food demonstration challenge will get the booking, with the chance to display their unique culinary expertise on live network television.
S5.E5 ∙ Gail's Bridal Shower
In the fifth episode of "Top Chef: New York," host and judge, Padma Lakshmi solicits the help of the chefs in arranging a bridal shower for Top Chef judge Gail Simmons and her friends.
S5.E6 ∙ 12 Days of Christmas
On the eleventh day of Christmas, Bravo gave to me...eleven chefs a cookin'. In the spirit of the holidays, the chefs use their skills to give back to the community by catering a Christmas cocktail party hosted by special guest judge, actress and foodie Natasha Richardson, for AmFar, the foundation for AIDS research.
S5.E7 ∙ Focus Group
Cooking excellent food takes focus...and none is greater than the chef'testants on the seventh episode of Bravo's "Top Chef: New York." Their quickfire challenge demands they create a sweet treat without using any sugar and in the elimination round, the chefs must serve to an interesting crowd.
S5.E8 ∙ Down on the Farm
It's time for the big city chefs to head to the country. The remaining chef'testants must shop for the freshest of ingredients at Blue Hill Farm and then work with what they have to create a feast for the farm workers themselves.
S5.E9 ∙ Restaurant Wars
It's baaaaaaack! The always anticipated episode, Restaurant Wars - where the chef'testants must create every aspect of a restaurant in 24 hours - the heat is on.
S5.E10 ∙ Super Bowl Chef Showdown
It's time for the Super Bowl and nothing goes better with the all-American pastime than good food! The remaining chefs battle it out in a Super Bowl-themed cook-off against seven all-stars from previous seasons.
S5.E11 ∙ Le Bernardin
The chef'testants get the opportunity to cook in one of the best restaurants in the world, three star Michelin winner Le Bernadin. Their final product will be judged by renowned chef, Eric Ripert.
S5.E12 ∙ The Last Supper
It's time for the knife off. The final five chef'testants learn who will be cooking the last supper on "Top Chef: New York."
S5.E13 ∙ Finale Part 1
The remaining chefs take their skills outside New York City to compete in the final challenges that will determine who takes home the title of "Top Chef" .
S5.E14 ∙ Finale Part 2
The final chefs battle it out to cook the best meal of their lives and earn the prestigious title of Bravo's "Top Chef" in the final episode of "Top Chef: New York."
S5.E15 ∙ Watch What Happens Reunion
The drama is served hot on Bravo's "Top Chef: New York: Watch What Happens Reunion." Bravo executive Andy Cohen hosts a candid gathering of season five's chef'testants and judges - host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judges Gail Simmons and Toby Young. The winner of Bravo's "Fan Favorite" will also be announced.
S6.E1 ∙ Sin City Vice
Bravo's "Top Chef" returns for its sixth season with a delicious twist, taking the heated competition to Las Vegas. The 17 new chef'testants are in for a sweet surprise when they team up for their first challenge to create a dish based on their own signature vices. World-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck serves as guest judge.
S6.E2 ∙ Bachelor/ette Party
Wedding bells are a' ringing. In the second episode of "Top Chef: Las Vegas," the chef'testants will have to adapt swiftly to a city famous for its quickie marriages by catering to a poolside bachelor and bachelorette party.
S6.E3 ∙ Thunderbirds
It's time to load up 'em up and ship 'em out when the elimination challenge calls for feeding the famed Thunderbirds - the Air Force's most elite demonstration team. The chefs are given limited time and supplies to create a plentiful meal for the masses at Nellis Air Force Base. Mark Peel, owner of Campanile restaurant in Los Angeles, guest judges.
S6.E4 ∙ Vivre Las Vegas
The chefs must find that certain Je Ne Sais Quoi in Sin City. The contestants are put to the test when they must pair up to make the perfect French dish for some of France's culinary greats: "Chef of the Century," Joel Robuchon along with culinary superstars Daniel Boulud, Hubert Keller, Laurent Tourondel and Jean Joho join the competitors at Joel Robuchon for this French-tastic fine-dining challenge.
S6.E5 ∙ Camping
The chef'testants rough it ranch-style this week when the quickfire requires them to cook with cactus. For the elimination challenge, they must sleep under the stars at a camping site and plan a menu for some Las Vegas cowboys.
S6.E6 ∙ Penn & Teller
Are you watching closely? The chef'testants must roll up their culinary sleeves when they are asked to put on a show and deconstruct a classic dish for the masters of illusion, Penn and Teller.
S6.E7 ∙ Dinner Party
The chef'testants test their luck when they are asked to pull a slot machine to determine the guidelines for the quickfire challenge. For elimination, they must prepare a special dinner for Macy's Culinary Council members Tyler Florence, Tom Douglas, Nancy Silverton, Govind Armstrong, and Takashi Yagihashi.
S6.E8 ∙ Pigs & Pinot
In the eighth episode of "Top Chef: Las Vegas," the chefs arrive at guest judge Charlie Palmer's Aureole restaurant at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, where the wine supply is never-ending.
S6.E9 ∙ Restaurant Wars
It's baaaaaaaaack - Restaurant Wars - and this time it's Sin City style. This season, it's a little different - the chef'testants take over "Top Chef Masters" contestant Chef Rick Moonen's restaurant, Seafood. and the focus will be on food, service and front of house. Moonen serves as guest judge for this classic "Top Chef" challenge.
S6.E10 ∙ Meat Natalie
The editors of TV Guide magazine came up with a list of shows, which are used as inspiration for a TV Dinner quickfire challenge. The remaining chef''testants are then put to the test as they visit Tom Colicchio's restaurant, Craft Steak in Las Vegas to cook for Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Natalie Portman and friends.
S6.E11 ∙ Strip Around the World
It's hotel heaven for the six remaining chefs on "Top Chef: Las Vegas." The chef'testants must whip up the perfect breakfast in bed dish. Nigella Lawson serves as guest judge.
S6.E12 ∙ Culinary Olympics
The competition is heating up as this week's challenge is based on the Bocuse d'Or - one of the world's most prestigious cooking competitions founded by famed chef Paul Bocuse. His son, Jerome Bocuse, guest judges along with special guest, renowned American chef Thomas Keller.
S6.E13 ∙ Season Finale: Part 1
And then there were four - the remaining chef'testants head to Napa Valley to compete in the penultimate challenge that will determine who makes it to the final round and who will take home the title of "Top Chef."
S6.E14 ∙ Season Finale: Part 2
The final three chefs battle it out to cook the best meal of their lives and earn the prestigious title of Bravo's "Top Chef" in the final episode of "Top Chef: Las Vegas."
S7.E1 ∙ House of Chef-Presentatives
The 17 new chef'testants team up for their first elimination challenge in which they must create a dish that represents their own constituency, where they are from and what they represent. The chefs serve their dishes at the famous National Cherry Blossom festival in Washington D.C.
S7.E2 ∙ Outside the Lunch Box
The chef'testants support First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign to fight childhood obesity. The chefs must take over the cafeteria at the local middle school and create healthy, kid-friendly meals spending only $2.68 per child, which is the reimbursement rate schools receive for each child who is eligible for free lunch through the National School Lunch Program.
S7.E3 ∙ Capitol Grill
For the quickfire, the chefs must make a pie from scratch. For the elimination, the chefs prepare a classic picnic feast for Capitol Hill interns at Mount Vernon, the home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. While the chefs grill up some tasty dishes, the interns spread out their blankets and play croquet on the lawn.
S7.E4 ∙ Room Service
For the quickfire challenge, the chefs must create baby food for Padma's newborn. For the elimination, the chefs are tested on their level of hospitality service. Washington Hilton enlists the chefs to create a dish that fits their clients' needs, clients who demand round the clock accessibility to good food that is healthy, affordable and sophisticated. The chefs must create a breakfast, lunch and dinner dish for a select focus group. In order to execute three services, chefs are paired into 7 teams of 2. The team with the best service will be awarded with a Hilton vacation and a featured dish on the Hilton menu.
S7.E5 ∙ Farm Policy
The chef'testants get crabby this week when the quickfire requires them to cook with mounds of D.C.'s most famous ingredient, the blue crab. For the elimination challenge, they go to a Virginian farm to cook with fresh ingredients.
S7.E6 ∙ Cold War
The chefs battle it out in a culinary version of the Cold War. The chef'testants are divided into two groups and each team must create one cold entrée.
S7.E7 ∙ Palm Power Lunch
The chef'testants attempt to create culinary delights that can be speared with a toothpick and served at a Congressional party for the quickfire challenge. For elimination, they must prepare a power lunch at the city's elite Palm restaurant.
S7.E8 ∙ Foreign Affairs
The chefs must cook exotic Ethiopian cuisine for the quickfire, and for the elimination are tasked with creating a dish based on one of the foreign embassies in D.C. Chefs, ambassadors and dignitaries representing each country join in the judging.
S7.E9 ∙ Restaurant Wars
The chefs are blindfolded in a classic cooking relay race for the elimination. Then it's Restaurant Wars time! The chefs are divided into two teams: donkeys versus elephants. The diners will taste each menu and "vote" for the team they want to win.
S7.E10 ∙ Covert Cuisine
For the quickfire, the chefs must guess the ingredients inside a mystery box. For the elimination, the chefs must transform a well-known dish into something entirely new, cooking for none other than CIA Director Leon Panetta, who knows a thing or two about taking on a new identity. The chefs serve CIA Director Panetta and his closest allies in his private dining room inside the agency's closely guarded headquarters.
S7.E11 ∙ Making Concessions
The six remaining chefs take over two concession stands at Nationals Park in D.C., creating game snacks for the die-hard fans of the Washington Nationals major league baseball team. But ballparks aren't just serving hot dogs and peanuts any more, adding a variety of tasty and higher-end creations to the menu.
S7.E12 ∙ Gastro-nauts
The competition blasts off this week as an astronaut orbiting Earth blinks onto a large screen, instructing the chefs on this week's elimination challenge -- to come up with space food creations that do not taste like moon rocks. The winner will have their dish served in space.
S7.E15 ∙ Reunion Special
The drama is served piping hot on Bravo's "Top Chef: D.C. Reunion" as "Watch What Happens" host Andy Cohen chats up season seven's chef'testants along with host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judges Gail Simmons and Eric Ripert. The chef'testants will answer viewers' questions and dish on season seven's good, bad and overcooked.
S8.E1 ∙ History Never Repeats
Eighteen past contestants return to compete in New York City-based culinary heats. They are challenged to re-create the ill-fated dish that caused their elimination during their previous stint on the show.
S8.E2 ∙ Night at the Museum
Pop singer Joe Jonas enlists the gourmets to prepare a snack for children taking in a sleepover at New York's American Museum of Natural History. Later, prehistoric sustenance inspires breakfast items for the children, with Season 1 host Katie Lee Joel returning to guest judge.
S8.E3 ∙ New York's Finest
A mise-en-place relay race; chefs cook in four of New York's finest restaurants.
S8.E4 ∙ Advantage Chef
Chefs must create a holiday stuffing dish with no utensils; catering the U.S. Open launch party.
S8.E5 ∙ Dim Some Lose Some
In a series first, head judge Tom Colicchio enters the competition, challenging the chefs to beat his time in creating a dish. Then, the meal masters head to Chinatown to serve up dim sum for locals.
S8.E6 ∙ We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat
The remaining culinary all-stars hook and cook a fish dish for a summer's end beach party.
S8.E7 ∙ Restaurant Wars: One Night Only
The chefs get hooked into a fish-fillet contest at an elite seafood restaurant. In a unique Restaurant Wars test that follows, they must establish "one night only" eateries under the stars in New York City.
S8.E8 ∙ An Offer They Can't Refuse
Contestants are judged on presentation and plating; traditional three-course Italian meal.
S8.E9 ∙ Feeding Fallon
The chefs prepare fondue. Later, they cater late-night talker Jimmy Fallon's birthday party.
S8.E10 ∙ Lock Down
The chefs get in touch with their inner child with the help of Sesame Street stars Cookie Monster, Telly, and Elmo. For the Quickfire challenge, the chefs must make a cookie that pleases the gang. The chefs then take over a Target store in the middle of the night and for the Elimination challenge must make a dish with whatever they can find in the aisles.
S8.E11 ∙ For the Gulf
This week, the chefs must use a deep fryer to impress the queen of southern cooking, Paula Deen. Deen is then joined by John Besh as a guest judge in the Elimination Challenge where the chefs provide the seafood at a charity event benefiting the fisherman of the Gulf region.
S8.E12 ∙ Give Me Your Huddled Masses
The chef'testants are tasked with making something out of nothing on the open water for this week's Quickfire.The chefs then head to Ellis Island where they are surprised with their family tree and are tasked with creating a dish based on their heritage.
S8.E13 ∙ Fit for a King
The chefs set sail for the Bahamas, and each participates in a culinary duel against the person who was crowned the winner during their first stint on the show. Later, they create meals for Bahamian royalty, but it's a royal pain with limited cooking equipment.
S8.E14 ∙ Island Fever
In the Bahamas, the meal maestros cater a high-end lunch party for a yacht club's 80th anniversary and serve up Bahamian delicacies, including conch, which they themselves must catch in the ocean.
S8.E15 ∙ Last Supper
The still-standing chefs fashion a challenge for their fellow contestants in Season 8's final Quickfire. Then, they dish up a "last supper" for celebrity chefs Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck and Michelle Bernstein.
S8.E16 ∙ Finale
The final all-star food fighters try to seal the deal with an ideal meal.
S8.E17 ∙ Reunion Special
The drama is served extra spicy on Bravo's "Top Chef All-Stars Reunion Special." Bravo executive and "Watch What Happens: Live" host Andy Cohen talks to season eight's chef'testants and judges -- host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons. Cohen will answer viewers' questions and dish on season eight's good, bad and undercooked.
S9.E1 ∙ Everything's Bigger in Texas
29 chefs journey to the Lone Star state but only 16 will advance to the competition and earn a Top Chef coat. In the Season 9 premiere, the chefs are split into 3 groups and must excel in their challenge in order to move on to the competition.
S9.E2 ∙ The Heat is On
10 chefs try to earn a spot in the final 16 by choosing which of 10 initial ingredients they will use to create a dish. The remaining chefs "on the bubble" compete in a final cook-off to earn one of the remaining spots in the final 16.
S9.E3 ∙ Quinceanera
In the Quickfire, the chefs create a savory dish from rattlesnakes. In the elimination challenge, the chefs cater a Quincinera party, a coming of age celebration in the Mexican culture.
S9.E4 ∙ Red Hot Chili Cook Off
The chefs turn up the heat in the Quickfire to create a spicy, savory dish using hot peppers. In the elimination challenge, the chefs take over the food court at a rodeo for a chili cook off.
S9.E5 ∙ Don't Be Tardy for the Dinner Party
While traveling, the Chefs hit a Quickfire roadblock where they must create a dish with ingredients found in a standard survival kit. In the elimination challenge, the chefs cook a progressive dinner party for Dallas high society.
S9.E6 ∙ Higher Steaks
Contestants arrive at Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas for their Quickfire Challenge and are met by this week's guest judge, Chef Dean Fearing. For the Quickfire Challenge, contestants are given 90 minutes to create a new sauce based on one of the five "mother" sauces. For the elimination challenge, competitors head to Southfork ranch to cook a four course steak dinner for 200 guests at the annual Cattle Baron's Ball.
S9.E7 ∙ Game On
In this week's Quickfire, the chefs create a dish that complements well with tequila. Tequila pairs well with anything spicy, grilled, served with salsa accompaniments, or flavored with citrus. In a double elimination, the game is on as the cheftestants pair up and cook for a group of famous chefs sharing a common thread -- their love of hunting. Our chefs will be asked to form teams of two then each team will be assigned a famous chef and his/her favorite game. In a twist, it will be up to the chefs to decide which three teams are on the bottom and therefore helping to determine which one team will go home. Guest judge Tim Love joins Hugh Acheson, head judge Tom Colicchio, and host Padma Lakshmi.
S9.E8 ∙ Tribute Dinner
This week's Quickfire will reach out to its fans via twitter, as they follow instructions tweeted live and create a dish based on what they want the chefs to do. Whenever Tom sees an idea he likes, he will call it out in the room. No matter which direction the chefs thought they were taking their dish, they will have to switch it up based on the latest tweet. For the elimination challenge, the chefs have a chance to reflect and pay homage to the person who taught them how to cook by making a "tribute dish" in their honor. Legendary singer and cookbook author Patti Labelle guest judges, along with Emeril Lagasse, head judge Tom Colicchio, and host Padma Lakshmi.
S9.E9 ∙ BBQ Pit Wars
The chefs return to their suite after Judges' Table to find a note along with the entire box set of "The Modernist Cuisine" by Nathan Myhrvold. He will be the guest judge and the 6-volume set of books is their homework. For the Quickfire, the chefs must create something that's impressive and creative, but also tastes amazing. For the elimination challenge, the chefs split into teams and face off in an ultimate BBQ showdown. After all, what's more Texan than a good ol' fashioned BBQ? The fans will decide which team has the best BBQ. Guest judge Nathan Myhrvold joins Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S9.E10 ∙ Restaurant Wars
Restaurant Wars is back! Everything's bigger in Texas and in this Top Chef favorite, the chefs split into teams and must create a restaurant from the ground up -- from design to signage, logos to menus and everything in between. Judges Hugh Acheson and Emeril Lagasse join head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S9.E11 ∙ Fit for an Evil Queen
This week's Quickfire is all about awareness in the kitchen. The chefs will have 30 minutes to create a dish of their choosing, but this is no ordinary Quickfire. Once time begins, various ingredients will start to come into the kitchen via a train. For the elimination challenge, the chefs embody evil on the plate and serve a gothic feast fit for a Queen. This dish should demonstrate various cooking techniques, textures and flavors, but more importantly, the diners should visually see the "evil" components on the dish. Actress Charlize Theron, who plays the Evil Queen in the upcoming film "Snow White & The Huntsman", guest judges, along with Emeril Lagasse, head judge Tom Colicchio, and host Padma Lakshmi.
S9.E12 ∙ Block Party
In this week's Quickfire, the chefs work in teams of two and with 30 minutes, they must race against the clock and get through all their prep. With the remaining time, the chefs must then create a delicious dish with the already prepped ingredients. For the elimination challenge, the chefs head to a food drive/block party, where they will choose an opponent, create one dish that they will both make, and go head-to-head. One chef from each pair will be on top, and one will be on the bottom, and one chef from the bottom will go home. Cat Cora guest judges, along with Emeril Lagasse, head judge Tom Colicchio, and host Padma Lakshmi.
S9.E13 ∙ Bike, Borrow, & Steal
In this week's Quickfire, Pee-wee Herman stops by and the chefs are tasked to create his favorite breakfast dish -- pancakes! The Chefs are challenged to be as creative as possible when making their batter, toppings and presentation. In "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," Pee-wee learned a lot about searching the streets and asking for help. For the elimination challenge, the chefs are set loose in downtown San Antonio with a bike and $100, where they must find their ingredients and create a dish for Pee-wee's dinner party. Pee-wee Herman joins Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio, and host Padma Lakshmi at judges' table.
S9.E14 ∙ Mentors
In this week's Quickfire, the chefs must use their sense of touch, smell and taste to navigate through the pantry to gather ingredients for a dish while blindfolded. In a twist, the winning chef from the Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen companion series will re-enter the competition and join the remaining four chefs in the elimination challenge, where the chefs must create a delicious dish that will impress their mentors. Host Padma Lakshmi, along with Hugh Acheson, Gail Simmons and head judge Tom Colicchio will determine which final four chefs will advance to the finale.
S9.E15 ∙ Culinary Games
The final 4 chefs arrive in Whistler, British Columbia, for a Top Chef twist on the Olympic games. From cooking on the world's fastest gondola to a biathlon that requires marksman-like precision to get the best ingredients, the chefs will need to have the concentration of a true culinary Olympian to advance to the next round in Vancouver.
S9.E16 ∙ Fire and Ice
Asian Masters lend a hand in a tag-team-style quickfire. The final 3 chefs must create a dish and cocktail that fuses the concept of fire and ice into one cohesive dish, a culinary testament of their journey from blazing Texas heat to blistering Vancouver cold.
S9.E17 ∙ Finale
For the final challenge, each chef will take over a restaurant in Vancouver where they will have the chance to design a four-course meal for the judges and unbeknownst to them, friends and family.
S9.E18 ∙ Reunion
The drama is served extra hot on Bravo's "Top Chef: Texas Reunion Special." Andy Cohen talks to season nine's chef'testants and judges - host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judges Gail Simmons, Emeril Lagasse and Hugh Acheson. Cohen will answer viewers' questions and dish on the good, bad and overcooked.
S10.E1 ∙ The Ultimate Chef Test
"Top Chef" kicks off as 21 chefs from around the country enter the kitchens of our judges - Tom Colicchio, Emeril Lagasse, Hugh Acheson and the newest addition, Wolfgang Puck. Each judge tests their group of chef'testants in their own real-world challenge.
S10.E2 ∙ A Shock at the Space Needle
15 chefs make it to Seattle. As a surprising twist changes the course of the competition, one chef cranks up the heat her own way, and one turn of the Seattle Space Needle determines who will go home. Famed Seattle chef and restaurateur Tom Douglas joins Gail Simmons, Emeril Lagasse, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E3 ∙ Tom vs. Emeril: Turkeypocalypse
In this week's Quickfire, the chefs must make different varieties of dumplings from all over the world. In the Elimination Challenge, Tom and Emeril don their chef coats and take to the kitchen to lead teams in an epic Thanksgiving battle. Guest judge and Food & Wine Editor-in-Chief Dana Cowin joins Emeril Lagasse, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E4 ∙ 50s Food Flashback
Butchery is king as two giant slabs of beef on meat hooks await the chefs for this week's Quickfire. For the Elimination Challenge, the Chefs go back in time as they're tasked with re-creating an original 1950's menu from one of the best restaurants in the country. Emeril Lagasse and Hugh Acheson join head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E5 ∙ Pike Place Pickle
The Chefs team up and head to the "Soul of Seattle," world-famous Pike Place Market for an early morning Quickfire. The day doesn't end there, as Chefs will have to use their skill and imagination to highlight some of the rarest ingredients found at the market for their Elimination Challenge. Tom shocks the chefs with an unexpected Judges Table. Gail Simmons and Hugh Acheson join head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E6 ∙ Even the Famous Come Home
A twist in the Quickfire will test the chef'testants' ability to share as they cook up dishes based on their family lineage. For the Elimination Challenge, the chef'testants must cater a homecoming party for celebrities Anna Faris and Chris Pratt. Guest judge Rick Moonen joins Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E7 ∙ Foiled Again
In this Quickfire, the chef'testants struggle with an entire pantry wrapped in aluminum foil. Tempers flare and competitive juices boil in the Elimination Challenge when the chef'testants fight it out in head-to-head battles. Season 4 winner Stephanie Izard appears as guest judge, alongside Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E8 ∙ Jalapeno Business
In this week's Quickfire the chef'testants must harvest oysters and serve them up for Emeril Lagasse. In the Elimination Challenge the chef'testants cook for one of the hottest sports teams in Seattle. Emeril Lagasse and Hugh Acheson join head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E9 ∙ Past Suppers
Chef'testants demonstrate their knife skills in this week's Quickfire challenge. In the Elimination Challenge, tribute is paid to the most memorable moments in Top Chef history, and sabotage is afoot when two chefs cook to save their lives. Judge Wolfgang Puck returns and is joined by Wylie Dufresne, Jonathan Waxman, and Chris Cosentino, as well as head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E10 ∙ Battle Before the War
The pressure is on in this Quickfire as the cheftestants must impress Wolfgang Puck with one of his favorite ingredients. For Restaurant Wars, the chefs cook up new concepts for more than 200 people at the city's premier food event, Bite of Seattle. Legendary restaurateur Danny Meyer joins as guest judge alongside Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E11 ∙ Restaurant Wars
It's men versus women in this week's episode, as the chef'testants go into Restaurant Wars with the hopes of impressing world renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer. Emeril Lagasse and Gail Simmons join head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E12 ∙ Wolfgang Clucks
In this Quickfire, the chef'testants are tasked with impressing the master of sushi, Katsuya. For the Elimination Challenge, the chef'testants head to Tom's Seattle digs to cook for a table full of culinary superstars. David Chang, Michelle Bernstein, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo join judges Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi for a night to remember.
S10.E13 ∙ Chefs At Sea
The chef'testants set sail for Alaska. While aboard, they'll tackle a Quickfire of titanic proportions, elevating iceberg lettuce into a flavorful amuse bouche. For the Elimination Challenge, they must create a new spin on the cruise ship classic, Surf and Turf. Guest judge Curtis Stone joins Hugh Acheson, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E14 ∙ Kings of Alaska
As the chef'testants dock in Juneau, Alaska, they are quickly put to task in a Quickfire focused on the local million dollar export -- King Crab. Keeping to Alaska's culinary roots for the Elimination Challenge, the chef'testants must impress the judges as well as the locals with their take on salmon and sourdough. Guest judge Sean Brock joins Emeril Lagasse, Hugh Acheson, Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E15 ∙ Glacial Gourmand
The Chefs experience an adventure of a lifetime in this glacial Quickfire. For the Elimination Challenge, Emeril and award-winning chef, Roy Choi cook an emotional meal to set the tone for the chef'testants. In the end, only two will be victorious and move on to the final rounds in Los Angeles. Guest judge Roy Choi joins Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S10.E16 ∙ Finale: Part 1
The chefs return to Craft in Los Angeles for part 1 of the season finale. A Last Chance Kitchen winner is crowned and immediately joins the two remaining chefs as Tom gives them free rein of his kitchen to create their own menus for dinner service. The two chefs left standing will go head to head in next week's season finale to determine who will be Top Chef.
S10.E17 ∙ Finale: Part 2
For the epic season finale, each finalist will cook the best 5 dishes in their culinary arsenal live in front of a studio audience of their friends, families and all previous Top Chef winners. Only one will be crowned the 10th Top Chef...will it be Kristen or Brooke? Hugh Acheson, Emeril Lagasse and Gail Simmons join head judge Tom Colicchio and host Padma Lakshmi.
S11.E0 ∙ Padma's Picks - Food Truck War
Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi judges a cooking competition between two New Orleans food truck chefs, both vying for the lat spot on Top Chef New Orleans.
S11.E1 ∙ Soiree in the Swamp
Top Chef is back for season eleven...nineteen chefs will duke it out in New Orleans for the coveted title of "Top Chef." Their first challenge sends them to the Louisiana swamp where they must cook with one of three local delicacies: alligator, frog or turtle. The competition is hot and humid, as the judges work to send the first Chef home.
S11.E2 ∙ Rebuilding New Orleans
Gumbo is a dish that gets better over time. For their first Quickfire challenge, the chef'testants work overnight to perfect dishes for legendary Chef, Leah Chase. And for the elimination challenge, the chef'testants are tasked with creating and operating food trucks to feed Habitat for Humanity volunteers helping to rebuild New Orleans after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.
S11.E3 ∙ Commander's Palace
An elimination Quickfire challenge keeps the chef'testants on their toes this week as they make dishes with items on Dana Cowin's worst "Food Trends" list. For the Elimination challenge, the chef'testants are asked to replicate legacy dishes from the iconic Commander's Palace menu. Joining the judges are Commander's Palace current Chef and alumni: Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prodhomme, and Tory McPhail.
S11.E4 ∙ Captain Vietnam
The Vietnamese culture has a strong presence in New Orleans. Judge Emeril Lagasse and guest judge Eddie Huang give the chef'testants a crash course in these customs and task them with creating a multi-course Vietnamese meal.
S11.E5 ∙ Lea Michele's Halloween Bash
This week, the chef'testants face challenges full of chills and thrills. After tackling a Quickfire challenge where all of the ingredients and tools are wrapped in aluminum foil, the chefs must cater a Halloween party for singer/actress Lea Michele. Not only does the food have to be vegetarian, but it has to be spook-tacular!
S11.E6 ∙ Campfires, Cream Cheese and Countryside
New Orleans super-chef John Besh introduces the chef'testants to one of his favorite farms where they are tasked with making a dish out of a prized local crop - the creole tomato. For the Elimination Challenge, the farm to table theory continues as the chef'testants try to impress the upper-tiered chefs in John Besh's restaurant empire.
S11.E7 ∙ Jazz Hands
In this week's Quickfire challenge, famed musician Kermit Ruffins provides the tunes for a foodie version of musical chairs. And in the Elimination Challenge, Kermit hosts a jazzy pot luck for his musician friends, and the chef'testants must bring the food. Will it be harmonious or will it all go flat?
S11.E8 ∙ Piggin' Out
After a Quickfire challenge where the chef'testants are tasked with making their own hot sauce for legendary musician Dr. John, the focus turns to the pig, the whole pig and nothing but the pig, as the chefs butcher and cook up a 300 pound hog.
S11.E9 ∙ Restaurant Wars
It's baaack - the beloved "Restaurant Wars" challenge. The chef'testants face this classic challenge head on - creating pop-up restaurants to impress the renowned judges panel, which includes chef and restaurateur David Chang.
S11.E10 ∙ Like Mama Made
In this week's Quickfire challenge - can you smell the coffee? For the Elimination challenge, the chefs must make dishes that remind them of home. Actor Anthony Mackie joins the judges and Leah Chase for the heartfelt meal.
S11.E11 ∙ Giving It The College Try
In this week's Quickfire, popular musician Questlove judges various types of poultry drumsticks. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs head to LSU's campus to serve incoming students.
S11.E12 ∙ Mississippi Mud Bugs
Chef John Besh returns to judge the chef'testants versions of the New Orleans classic, etouffe. Next, the chef'testants are tasked with honoring the local bounty from the gulf by preparing dishes made with two different types of seafood along the shore of the Mississippi River.
S11.E13 ∙ Oui Si a Challenge
Culinary legend Jacques Pepin tests the chefs technique in a Quickfire based on one of his favorite dishes. For their Elimination Challenge, the French and Spanish are battling it out in the kitchen as the chef'testants make meals to represent both cultures.
S11.E14 ∙ Po' Boy Smackdown
Food Truck pioneer Roy Choi stops by to judge this week's Quickfire - a Nola staple - po' boys. And for the Elimination Challenge, Actor/ Director Jon Favreau stops by and asks the chef'testants to dig deep to put their own culinary visions on a plate.
S11.E15 ∙ Leaving New Orleans
It's down to the final four chef'testants and the last challenges in New Orleans push them to their limits. In the Quickfire, Tom and Gail present their own tests as the chefs battle for a new car. And to get to the finals, the chefs must demonstrate how New Orleans has impacted their food, with hopes of impressing the judges along with Top Chef Masters winner Douglas Keane, Grant Achatz and Andrew Carmellini.
S11.E16 ∙ Maui Wowie
Aloha!! The final chefs head to Hawaii for the big finale. In Maui, the Final 3 learn which chef from Last Chance Kitchen will be rejoining the competition. Their Quickfire features a Hawaiian staple...Spam. The pressure is on to create the best dishes with Hawaiian canoe crops since the double elimination will send only 2 chefs through to the finale.
S11.E17 ∙ Finale
After a long journey competing in 30 challenges from New Orleans to Maui, the final two chefs must execute the best service of their lives while opening pop-up restaurants to win the title and the bragging rights to be "Top Chef."
S12.E1 ∙ Sudden Death
The wicked-awesome supersized season premiere introduces the 16 chefs from across the country who will be battling it out in Boston. Richard Blais ("Top Chef All-Stars" winner) joins Tom, Padma and Gail at judges table. The chef'testants are immediately thrown into hot water with the series' first ever Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge where one chef is forced to cook for their life to stay in the competition. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must cook and serve a re-imagined version of the first dish they ever remember making, but will this trip down memory lane be a dream come true or a nightmare for the chefs? The challenge plays out at the first ever "Top Chef Food Festival" alongside some of Boston's most prominent culinary stars including Barbara Lynch, Ming Tsai, Lydia Shire, Jasper White, Todd English, Ken Oringer, Jamie Bissonnette, Kristen Kish and Tiffani Faison.
S12.E2 ∙ Boston's Bravest And Finest
The chefs must band together to cook for Boston's Fire and Police Departments.
S12.E3 ∙ The Curse Of The Bambino
The chefs are put to the test when they must serve a fine dining dish using ballpark snacks for guests at Fenway Park.
S12.E4 ∙ 12 Chefs Walk Into a Bar
Chefs get a surprise visit from "Norm," actor George Wendt, and are challenged to cook up the ultimate bar snack. Next the chefs compete to sell the most Italian menus to a restaurant full of diners, and one A-List celebrity throws the chefs for a loop.
S12.E5 ∙ It's War!
The competition heats up when the chefs cook in head-to-head battles in a Quickfire Challenge with guest judge Jamie Bissonnette. In another head-to-head competition, the chefs strategize the best dishes they can make on a lean military budget with Revolutionary War-themed battles that take place at the historic Watertown Arsenal.
S12.E6 ∙ The First Thanksgiving
Chefs cook a traditional Thanksgiving feast using only ingredients and cooking methods from the 1600's.
S12.E8 ∙ Clean Up in Aisle 21!
In a monumental mid-season twist, the eliminated chefs from this season are brought back with the potential of changing the competition completely. For the Elimination Challenge, the "Top Chef" kitchen opens its doors for the first time ever for the ultimate tasting party with "Top Chef" super fans.
S12.E9 ∙ Big Sausage
Chefs are challenged to create the biggest and tastiest sausage dishes they can concoct when New England Patriots football player Rob Gronkowski steps in as guest judge for the Quickfire Challenge. In the Elimination Challenge, the chefs' dishes must be inspired by a literary work from a famous New England author. Chef Tony Maws and Clarkson Potter Editor Francis Lam join the judges table.
S12.E10 ∙ For Julia & Jacques
For their Quickfire Challenge, the chefs get a flashback to their college days when they must prepare a ramen dish judged by "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen and his college roommate from Boston, Dave Ansel. For the Elimination Challenge, legendary chef Jacques Pepin challenges the chefs to create a dish inspired by the French cooking techniques of the legendary Julia Child.
S12.E11 ∙ Sous Your Daddy!
The chefs get thrown for a loop by a surprise visit from their family members that will serve as their sous chefs in their next Elimination Challenge. With an automatic ticket to the Top Chef finals on the line, the chefs' nearest and dearest must take orders quickly if they are to hold up their end of the meal.
S12.E12 ∙ The Final Battle of Bean Town
In honor of the last Quickfire challenge in Beantown, the chefs must cook an innovative bean dish for "Top Chef Masters" alum and acclaimed culinary innovator, Wylie Dufresne. Then, in a high stakes Elimination Challenge, the chefs push their boundaries to create their most innovative and unique dishes yet. They must create dishes that truly exemplify the future of cooking as the winner will take home $10,000 and a guaranteed spot in the Finals in Mexico. As the chefs push their culinary boundaries, one will be caught in the crossfire and be left to fight for redemption in "Last Chance Kitchen."
S12.E13 ∙ Getting Prickly in Mexico
The three finalists head to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico where they watch "Last Chance Kitchen" and learn which eliminated chef will rejoin the competition. The chefs' creativity is put to the test when they are challenged to create a dish inspired by a local artist's work. The chef that doesn't translate the artist's vision will have to say "adiós" to the title of Top Chef.
S12.E14 ∙ Holy Escamoly!
The remaining three chefs take a surprise visit to Purisima de Jalpa, the farm that supplies the top restaurants in the region. For their Quickfire Challenge, the chefs must create two dishes with chocolate: one sweet and one savory. For their last Elimination Challenge before the Finale, the chefs create a six-course progressive menu. Tensions flare when one chef gets the short end of the stick.
S12.E15 ∙ Mano a Mano
In the last part of the finale, the final two chefs must create the most outstanding four-course menu of their lives. Each chef takes a different menu approach, but they both face cooking missteps and nerves along the way.
S13.E1 ∙ Stop the Presses
A collection of the country's best Chefs converge in Los Angeles for the toughest season of Top Chef yet, where they will hit the road and compete in six cities across the Golden State. To get their feet wet, the Chefs face off in a fan favorite Quickfire challenge - the Mise En Place race. Then, under the glamour of the Hollywood sign, the Chefs must make dishes that stand out for a group of top food critics and reporters in order to survive the first elimination. Legendary chef Emeril Lagasse rounds out the judging panel alongside Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons.
S13.E2 ∙ Pop Up Pandemonium
To better introduce the Chefs to the city of Los Angeles, Padma challenges them to create and open four distinct pop-up restaurants reflecting the culture of the respective neighborhoods they land in. Tom, Padma, Gail and guest judge and Pop-Up King Ludo Lefebvre eat their way through Mexican, Persian, Korean and even Vegan cuisine to pick the best dish that celebrates LA's mosaic of cultures.
S13.E3 ∙ Spines and Vines
The "Top Chef" California Road Trip embarks to its first destination: Santa Barbara. Stopping at the Harbor, the Chefs pick up fresh sea urchin to use in their first Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge. For the Elimination Challenge, the Chefs go from friends to enemies when "surf and turf" becomes "surf versus turf" as they serve to a daunting table of celebrated chefs and judges.
S13.E4 ∙ It's a Dry Heat
The chefs four-wheel into their second destination of their California Road Trip -- Palm Springs. In the heart of the desert, world-renowned chef Jose Andres tasks the cheftestants to use solar powered stoves for one hot Quickfire. Then, the Chefs must avoid culinary sand traps when they cook on a world-famous golf course. Chefs John Besh and Mary Sue Milliken join Tom Collichio, Padma Lakshmi and Richard Blais on the course.
S13.E5 ∙ Big Gay Wedding
Supermodel Chrissy Teigen entices the Chefs to make their best Quickfire "date" dishes. And in a Top Chef first, the Chefs cater a wedding for twenty five gay couples in an Elimination Challenge.
S13.E6 ∙ Banannaise
The chefs continue their California road trip and head south to San Diego where they cook-up the best high-end fish taco for renowned Mexican Chef Javier Plascencia. Things get extra spicy when another Sudden Death Quickfire threatens to send one of the chefs packing. Then Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Richard Blais and Emeril Lagasse offer a toast with a twist to the remaining chefs with their own hand-crafted microbrews. For the Elimination Challenge at Blais' Juniper and Ivy, the chefs must serve up a mouthwatering dish to complement their ale.
S13.E7 ∙ Back in the Day
The Chefs arrive back in Los Angeles to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Top Chef. First they compete in a Quickfire limiting them to 10 ingredients they all must share. In the Elimination Challenge, the Chefs must transport themselves back in time and create a dish that tells the story of who they were 10 years ago. Top Chef alums Michael Voltaggio, Antonia Lofaso and Mei Lin Hua join Nancy Silv
S13.E8 ∙ Where's the Beef?
Instagram star Chef Jacques La Merde tasks the chefs with the ultimate plating challenge where they must create the most visually appealing food porn using only snack food. In an unprecedented twist, the winner of the Quickfire challenge was determined solely by the number of likes each dish received on Bravo's Instagram account. Then, Chef Neal Fraser tasks the chefs to cook for a black-tie bacchanal event called Beefsteak where the diners forgo silverware and eat with their hands. Colin Hanks, Max Silvestri, and Matt Selman are among the Hollywood elite who roll up their tuxedo sleeves and get down and dirty with the Top Chef judges as they decide who doesn't have the 'chops' to remain in the competition.
S13.E9 ∙ Restaurant Wars Pt. 1
The iconic Restaurant Wars is back and bigger than ever. For the first time in Top Chef history, the Chefs are opening their restaurants for both lunch and dinner services. No one is safe as each chef must run front of house or act as the executive chef in one of the services. The pressure is on as two services means twice the drama.
S13.E10 ∙ Restaurant Wars Pt. 2
After a busy day prepping and conducting a full lunch service, the Chefs must clean up and do it all over again for dinner. Never before have the Chefs taken on such a huge challenge, and the judges are looking at everything from concept and food, to service and consistency, so no one is safe in the most daunting Restaurant War to date.
S13.E11 ∙ Hammer Time
After landing in the Bay Area, the Chefs head to Oakland to channel their inner rapper as they prepare a dish for Oakland native MC Hammer. He will decide which funky fresh dishes are too legit to quit.
S13.E12 ∙ Wok This Way
The remaining chefs travel through San Francisco's legendary Chinatown and end up at World-Famous chef Martin Yan's M.Y. China to cook off using woks for a sizzling quickfire challenge. Then Umami Burger Restaurateur Adam Fleischman tasks the chefs to create their own Fast-Casual Restaurant Concept for hungry diners and investors.
S13.E13 ∙ Back Where It All Started
In San Francisco, the five remaining Chefs face the ultimate Sudden Death Quickfire cooking for Top Chef Master Traci Des Jardins.
S13.E14 ∙ Magic Hour
The three remaining chefs head to the finals in Las Vegas and are joined by the reigning champion of "Last Chance Kitchen" who returns to the competition to battle it out in a high stakes challenge of cards and cuisine. While the winner of the first challenge gets whisked to the finale, the other three move on to cook for the Master of Illusion, Sin City's headliner David Copperfield. The chefs must pull a winning dish out of their hats in order to secure the last spot in the finale.
S13.E15 ∙ Finale
It all comes down to this final faceoff. The last two Chefs must make the meal of their lives with help from their culinary mentors and fallen comrades to impress a room full of judges and important diners including Emeril Lagasse, Dominique Crenn, Jonathan Beno, Hubert Keller, Charlie Palmer, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the Chefs' families.
S14.E1 ∙ Something Old, Something New
Eight new chefs face off against eight returning chefs in Charleston, S.C.; the new chefs enter the kitchen first to cook as many dishes as possible in one hour using a whole chicken; the veterans square off to re-imagine shrimp and grits.
S14.E2 ∙ Southern Hospitality
The chefs join the judges for a traditional shrimp boil; the newcomers face off against the returning chefs to put a spin on a low-country family meal; after dining with chefs Carrie Morey and BJ Dennis, each team creates a family-style feast.
S14.E3 ∙ Choke Holds and Clammy Hands
Padma and guest judge Chris Cosentino divide the chefs into teams to compete in a mise en place race; the teams must go head to head and create a seven-course progressive meal in which each dish features the same ingredient: the radish.
S14.E4 ∙ The Feast of Seven Trash Fishes
Editor Nilou Motamed presents gift boxes to our chefs with unusual "items" for the elimination challenge themed from Feast of the Seven Fishes. They must use "trash fish" - the notoriously undesirable species. The chefs will serve Gail Simmons, Richard Blais, Hugh Acheson and Graham Elliot.
S14.E5 ∙ Smoke 'em If You Got 'em
The cheftestants are baffled to enter the kitchen to find it completely dark and empty. Their anxiety grows as the clock begins and the pantry doors open to reveal baking ingredients. With all signs pointing to a biscuit challenge, the chefs make a mad dash to create dishes. Chef John Currence arrives to choose the best biscuit. For the elimination challenge, barbecue master Rodney Scott tasks the chefs to work through the night to prepare a whole hog and three side dishes for 150 local BBQ lovers.
S14.E6 ∙ A Southern Legend
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, challenges the remaining chefs to make healthy vegetarian versions of traditional comfort foods. To make sure they get some physical activity in, they are only allowed to grab ingredients and tools from the pantry one at a time. Chef Alexander Smalls and author Toni Tipton-Martin ask the chefs to create dishes that pay homage to the matriarch of Southern cuisine. They will cook at Middleton Place, and serve a table of distinguished guests.
S14.E7 ∙ Booty
For their Quickfire Challenge, Padma and Chef Michael Cimarusti challenge the chefs to cook dishes using ingredients corresponding to the element of their zodiac sign. Since it's a surprise Sudden Death Quickfire, one chef will be eliminated immediately. Returning guest judge Graham Elliot splits the chefs into teams to throw a pirate-themed party. They'll have to race through the streets of Charleston to collect their ingredients. The chef with the worst dish on the losing team will be forced to walk the plank.
S14.E8 ∙ Restaurant Wars
It's the challenge the chefs have been waiting for all season - Restaurant Wars. The remaining chefs divide into two teams to design a restaurant. Chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara task the teams to take over the same restaurant space on separate nights, meaning one lucky team gets an extra day to refine their concept. When egos collide, tempers flare and anything can happen.
S14.E9 ∙ For the Kids
Blindfolded taste test challenge; followed by the chefs creating meals for a charity gala benefiting for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital.
S14.E10 ∙ Shrimp Boats and Hat Ladies
The competitors start their day boarding a boat with Tom Colicchio, who gives them a lesson in shrimpin'. Padma is waiting with a Sudden Death Quickfire where the chefs must create a dish that showcases their freshly caught shrimp. The losing chef is sent home on the spot, while the others are surprised by an unexpected guest judge for their elimination challenge. They are asked to prepare a brunch for the famed Charleston Hat Ladies. It won't be a traditional southern brunch as they must create breakfast and lunch hybrid dishes.
S14.E11 ∙ Adios Charleston, Hello James Beard
The final four chefs cook impromptu dishes while simultaneously instructing mystery partners how to create the exact same dish. When the judges compare dishes, the chefs are shocked to discover their secret partners are their visiting family members. For the final Elimination Challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating a dish that represents their Top Chef journey so far. The winner will not only land a spot in the upcoming finals, but will have their dish featured at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.
S14.E12 ∙ Cooking Away in Margaritaville
The finals in Guadalajara, Mexico. Three remaining chefs face off against the winner of Last Chance Kitchen.
S14.E13 ∙ Trial by Fire
On the Yucatan Peninsula the chefs cook a dish showcasing the local habanero. Later the chefs cook Maya food, they create a dish using only ancient Maya ingredients and tools.
S14.E14 ∙ Comida Final
The final two chefs face-off to serve the best meal of their lives and earn the coveted title of Top Chef. The finalists will cook an epic four-course progressive meal with the help of three sous chefs, comprised of two eliminated chefs and one from their restaurants back home. The pressure is on as only one chef can win. The chefs must impress a dining room filled with their families, returning judges Graham Elliot and Gail Simmons, and distinguished chefs Joachim Splichal, Jonathan Waxman, Martha Ortiz, Jonathan Sawyer, Daniel Boulud and Food & Wine's Nilou Motamed.
S15.E1 ∙ It'll Take More than Pot Luck
A diverse group of chefs enter the Top Chef kitchen in Denver and are immediately put to work, tasked with making a pot luck dish to introduce themselves to the judges and their fellow competitors. Then the cheftestants prepare their modern take on a meat and potatoes dish for a blow-out block party in Larimer Square with 200 diners and Denver's biggest culinary names, including Hosea Rosenberg, Troy Guard, Frank Bonanno and Gregory Gourdet. The chefs learn the importance of the phrase 'first impressions are everything.'
S15.E2 ∙ Smile and Say Mise
In one of Top Chef's signature Quickfires, the chefs battle against each other in a fierce Mise En Place relay. Then, acclaimed local Chef Alex Seidel invites the group to his farm to learn about his take on farm-to-table cuisine. There, they are tasked with creating a progressive meal incorporating a mystery ingredient from the farm into each dish. In this first team challenge, the sparks fly as the chefs get to know each other.
S15.E3 ∙ Keep On Truckin
In a Sudden Death Quickfire based on the iconic Denver omelet, one chef completely cracks under the pressure. Then, the cheftestants tap into their college palates as they make dishes in food trucks for students in Boulder.
S15.E4 ∙ Little Tools, Big Challenge
The chefs make upscale versions of kid menu classics. But there's a catch, they can only use child-sized cookware, utensils and mixers. Then, the chefs must present dishes based on their heritage for Immigrant food influencers.
S15.E5 ∙ This Is Not Glamping
Tom surprises the chefs with a twist that changes the game; the chefs are sent camping where they must make a 5-star meal outdoors and are met with an unexpected storm; chef Naomi Pomeroy joins the judges in the Colorado mountains.
S15.E6 ∙ Now That's a Lot of Schnitzel
Padma and Richard Blais challenge the chefs to transform the most laborious dishes from their own menus into dishes for home cooks; chef Keegan Gerhard tasks the chefs with creating German-inspired dishes.
S15.E7 ∙ Olympic Dreams
One of the chefs gets a special delivery; the chefs must create a breakfast dish using Nutella; Olympians Meryl Davis, Gus Kenworthy and John Daly inspire the chefs to focus on precision, speed and creativity in the Top Chef Olympics.
S15.E8 ∙ Restaurant Wars
The chefs must create two new restaurant concepts from design to dishes in a matter of days; culinary icons Bruce and Eric Bromberg join the judges to evaluate each restaurant's successes and failures.
S15.E9 ∙ Bronco Brouhaha
Cooking for Michelin-starred chef David Kinch adds pressure to a stressful Sudden Death Quickfire based on edible flowers; the chefs host the ultimate tailgate party at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the home of the Denver Broncos.
S15.E10 ∙ Red Rum and Then Some
The chefs put their scariest nightmares on a plate in dessert form during a Quickfire set at the iconic Stanley Hotel, the site that inspired Stephen King's "The Shining"; the chefs offer a dish to John Hickenlooper, governor of Colorado.
S15.E11 ∙ Cooking High
The chefs are reunited with the winner of Last Chance Kitchen and face Padma, Tom and chef Wylie Dufresne; the Quickfire challenge requires the chefs to prepare a dish incorporating the old saloon-slinging medicinal beverage, sarsaparilla.
S15.E12 ∙ Nut Allergy
The Voltaggio Brothers judge the Rocky Mountain Oyster Quickfire; the chefs encounter surprise visitors from home in an emotionally charged Elimination Challenge, where one chef is sent packing before the next leg of the finals in Aspen.
S15.E13 ∙ A Little Place Called Aspen
Before the chefs can prepare the catch of the day, they must first actually catch it; the only thing standing between the chefs and the Grand Finale are 200 plates for the chefs and food connoisseurs attending the Food and Wine Classic.
S15.E14 ∙ Finale
The final two chefs cook the meal of their lives in an effort to take home the ultimate title and prize; the chefs need to impress not only the judges but also culinary superstars Nancy Silverton, Jonathan Waxman and Curtis Duffy.
S16.E1 ∙ The Fastest 2 Minutes in Cooking
"Top Chef" Kentucky begins as fifteen of the country's finest chefs are off to the races at Churchill Downs for the ride of their lives.
S16.E2 ∙ Bourbon, Barrels and Burgoo
A very pregnant Gail Simmons asks the chefs to feed her cravings in a special Quickfire delivery. Then it's time to celebrate two iconic Kentucky mainstays: local cuisine and bourbon.
S16.E3 ∙ Naughty and Nice
It's holiday time for Top Chef, and Richard Blais and Brooke Williamson help spread the festive cheer by presenting a white elephant Quickfire challenge. Then, the Chefs receive an unexpected gift as Michelin starred super Chef Eric Ripert sits down with them to celebrate an elaborate traditional French Chrismas dinner. However, once the last bite is taken, Padma informs the Chefs that they're missing the final part of the tradition of Le Revillon de Noel... the presentation of 13 desserts. It's a midnight pastry free-for-all as the Chefs try to avoid being on the placed on the naughty list. Screen reader support enabled.
S16.E4 ∙ Surprise... It's Restaurant Wars
In a massive twist, Padma's favorite challenge Restaurant Wars comes early this year, but before the chefs gear up for battle, they must first duke it out in an amuse bouche-based Quickfire for Top Chef alum turned James Beard Award winning chefs: Karen Akunowicz and Nina Compton. Then, the gauntlet has been thrown and with twelve chefs remaining, three restaurants will be battling for victory. James Beard Award winning restaurateur Caroline Styne joins as the guest judge along with Nilou Motamed. And if this unexpected chaos isn't enough, Tom leaves the Chefs breathless with an announcement that will change the course of the competition.
S16.E5 ∙ Restaurant Wars: Part 2
The mayhem and drama continues of the biggest Restaurant Wars in the history of "Top Chef." Tom's announcement of a double elimination piles on even more pressure. "Top Chef" alum turned James Beard Award winning Chefs Karen Akunowicz and Nina Compton join the restaurant crawl along with Nilou Motamed and guest judge and James Beard Award winning restaurateur, Caroline Styne.
S16.E6 ∙ Roaring Munchies
The chefs walk in on an epic battle of Last Chance Kitchen and are drafted into the fight. Once Tom declares a winner, the chefs immediately begin a challenge making dishes based on Prohibition Era cocktails. Chef Ken Oringer joins Padma, Tom and Graham at a Roaring 20's party with Flappers and Dapper Dans.
S16.E7 ∙ Carne!
Lena Waithe surprises the chefs, by challenging them to make their best version of the trademark Kentucky dish, the Hot Brown. Then super-chef Nancy Silverton brings her internationally renowned friend, butcher Dario Cecchini to break down a whole cow for the chefs to utilize along with locally-sourced Kentucky ingredients.
S16.E8 ∙ Whatever Floats Your Boat
With more shoreline than Florida, Kentucky is a hotbed for houseboats. For this elimination challenge, the chefs are split into two teams and tasked with throwing raging party in Lake Cumberland. Mega-chef Emeril Lagasse joins Padma, Tom and Nilou along with Captains Sandy and Lee from Below Deck for some houseboat hysteria.
S16.E9 ∙ Music City USA
The chefs take a road trip to Nashville and cook on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for country music artist Hunter Hayes. Then, they have to dig deep to create a dish inspired by a vibrant music memory. Next, the chefs work on a plate for a full table of Nashville food.
S16.E10 ∙ Hoop Dreams
Top Chef alum Ed Lee drops by for a Quickfire that's part trivia, part culinary creativity; Coach John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats host a concession-stand cook-off in Rupp Arena; Food & Wine Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis joins the judges.
S16.E11 ∙ The Greatest
The chefs take a turn at fried chicken; chef Art Smith judges a secret herbs-and-spices blind taste test ahead of the Quickfire fry-off; after the finger-licking goodness, the chefs turn their attention to boxer Muhammad Ali, aka the Louisville Lip.
S16.E12 ∙ Kentucky Farewell
All season the chefs have been growing gardens at their Kentucky estate. Tom ambushes the sleeping chefs and challenges them to reap what they sowed and make a dish focused on their garden harvest. Then, for the last elimination challenge in Kentucky, the chefs head to Keeneland, a thoroughbred horse auction house, to bid on luxury ingredients for dishes to show gratitude to their culinary mentors. Chefs Bryan Voltaggio, Gavin Kaysen, JD Fratzke, Kim Alter, David Posey and Chris Coombs join the judges to see how far the Chefs have come and who deserves to go to Macau for the finals.
S16.E13 ∙ Holy Macau!
The final five chefs travel to the Macau in China. Chef Graham Elliot, who has a restaurant in Macau, introduces the chefs to a market full of fascinating ingredients and challenges. The chefs throw a party celebrating the Chinese New Year.
S16.E14 ∙ The Tao of Macau
The day has come when the final four chefs must cook with the world's smelliest fruit durian. This infamous fruit is a delicacy in Macau, but will Padma and guest judge, James Beard Award winner Abe Conlon be able to stomach their creations for the season's last Quickfire? Then, the chefs get a tutorial in the traditional cuisine of Macau, a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese flavors, and are joined by their family members from back home. For the elimination challenge, the chefs are tasked with blending their own heritage with Chinese flavors in order to impress their love ones and the judges, in order to earn their spot in the finale.
S16.E15 ∙ Finale
It's the final showdown; the three remaining chefs must create the best four-course meal of their lives; Tom reveals in a twist that only two chefs will get the chance to serve their full menu; only one chef will emerge victorious.
S17.E1 ∙ It's Like They Never Left!
Fifteen of the competition's fiercest challengers return to face-off in the toughest season yet. A mise-en-place challenge set at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles kicks off the battle, where the Chefs size each other up since last competing.
S17.E2 ∙ The Jonathan Gold Standard
This week the chefs honor the late, great Pulitzer-Prize winning food critic Jonathan Gold. Using Gold's last guide list, the chefs fan out all over Los Angeles to sample the unique taquerias, food trucks, mom-and-pop cafes, upscale eateries and ethnic cuisine only found in the City of Angels. Drawing inspiration from this one-in-a-lifetime culinary odyssey, the chefs create dishes to serve 200 of Jonathan Gold's friends, family, and restaurateurs that he loved at the iconic Union Station. Noted food writer and personal friend of Jonathan Gold, Ruth Reichl serves as guest judge alongside Padma, Tom and Gail.
S17.E3 ∙ Strokes of Genius
Comedic superstars Ali Wong and Randall Park swing by the Top Chef kitchen for a Quickfire Challenge tasking the chefs to make the wackiest fried rice they can. Then, the chefs head to the famed Getty Museum to seek inspiration from one of four historical art movements to create a masterpiece on their plate. Guest Judge Ludo Lefebvre joins Tom, Padma and Gail, as well as guest diners Chefs Ray Garcia, Sara Hymanson, Sarah Kramer and Craig Thornton.
S17.E4 ∙ You're So Fresh!
Kelly Clarkson drops into the Top Chef kitchen for a Quickfire based on her new movie, Trolls: World Tour, where the chefs are tasked with combining colorful ingredients from six different musical 'lands' to make one delicious dish. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs are split into two teams to create a cohesive, progressive vegetarian meal for Padma, Tom, Gail and James Beard nominated guest judge Jeremy Fox. The catch is they won't know what ingredients they'll be working with until the morning of the challenge when they shop exclusively at the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
S17.E5 ∙ Bring Your Loved One to Work
In the Quickfire, it's a true test of communication as the chefs play a game of telephone with their loved ones as they try to reproduce the dish their family member is currently eating at a nearby restaurant. Then, the chefs are tasked with creating a signature product that they will bottle, use on a dish and sell at a food festival. They may get help from their visiting loved ones, but for one chef, the help won't save them from being sent home. Celebrity Chef Nancy Silverton is the guest judge joining Tom, Padma and Gail.
S17.E6 ∙ Get Your Phil
Padma gets a real rise out of the chefs when she tasks them to make a Quickfire dish without any All-Purpose flour. Instead chefs must work with alternative flours from Blue Corn and Buckwheat to Coconut and Hazelnut. James Beard Award-Winning Chef Chris Bianco serves as the guest judge for the Quickfire Challenge. Then, the chefs are whisked off to the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall to meet legendary conductor Gustavo Dudamel who is about to celebrate the LA Philharmonic's 100th anniversary. The Maestro inspires the chefs to treat their flavor profiles like musical instruments, each providing a counterbalance to the other. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs serve Dudamel and members of the LA Philharmonic at award-winning Otium restaurant along with Padma, Tom, Gail and Guest Judge, Bocuse d'Or finalist Timothy Hollingsworth.
S17.E7 ∙ Pitch Perfect
The chefs are challenged to a taco throwdown for the taco king, actor and restaurateur Danny Trejo. For the Quickfire, the only sharp tool they can use is a machete, in honor of one of Danny's signature characters. Then, Padma informs the chefs that the only way to make it to Restaurant Wars is to survive this week's qualifying challenge. The cheftestants have to dig deep to create and pitch a restaurant concept complete with a couple of dishes to the judges -Padma, Tom and Gail, along with "Top Chef" Chicago Winner Stephanie Izard and James Beard Award winning Restaurateur Kevin Boehm. The top two concepts will be the restaurants built for the signature Restaurant Wars challenge, while the chef with the judges' least favorite concept will be eliminated.
S17.E8 ∙ Restaurant Wars
It's Restaurant Wars and this season Padma takes all the limitations off the table as the chefs can make as much food as they want and shop wherever they choose. The two winning chefs from last week's concept challenge are given 48 hours to pick their teams and make the restaurants they pitched come to life.
S17.E9 ∙ Cabin Fever
The chefs head to the mountains, a few hours outside of Los Angeles to go to Summer Camp where they are challenged to an outdoor grilling Quickfire for Padma and "Top Chef" Kentucky winner Kelsey Barnard Clark. Before the sun rises, the chefs get to work on an upscale brunch buffet for 200 moms vacationing at the camp using a very limited stock pantry. It'll take more than s'mores and a round of kumbayas to impress the moms, the judges Tom, Padma and Gail, and guest judge "Top Chef" Charleston Winner Brooke Williamson.
S17.E10 ∙ Colossal Coliseum Kaiseki
With only six chefs remaining, the challenges get even more difficult, when pastry super-chef Sherry Yard awaits the All Stars for a dreaded dessert Quickfire, made even more impossible when chefs must endure a blindfolded taste test to pick their ingredients. Then Michelin-starred Chefs/Restaurateurs Niki and Carole Lidi-Nakayama demonstrate a traditional Japanese Kaiseki meal, the ultimate in simplicity, restraint and precision. The chefs must make this formidable dinner for not just these Kaiseki masters, but in celebration of the Tokyo games with Olympic medalists Diana Taurasi, Rai Benjamin, Nastia Liukin, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Christian Coleman, Kerri Walsh Jennings and NBC Olympic Primetime Host Mike Tirico. The gold medal meal takes place at the iconic Los Angeles Coliseum with Padma, Tom, Nilou Motamed and Niki and Carole Lidi-Nakayama at the judges table.
S17.E11 ∙ Michael's Santa Monica
Tom makes his final decision from Last Chance Kitchen on who should return to the competition. Then the chefs take off in a Quickfire with Padma and Jonathan Waxman making a two-course Business-Class dish for an airline. For their final challenge in Los Angeles before jetting off to Italy for the finale, the chefs go to Michael's Santa Monica, where they meet Chef and Restaurateur Michael McCarty, the legendary pioneer of California Cuisine. With only five chefs moving onto the finals, the chefs will have to reimagine one of Michael's iconic dishes from across the years and serve it to a table of celebrated alumni of Michael's kitchen, including Roy Yamaguchi, Jonathan Waxman, Sang Yoon, Mark Peel and Brooke Williamson.
S17.E12 ∙ Lucca
In a Top Chef first, the final five travel to one of the top culinary destinations in the world - Italy. First the chefs must make an apertivo for 30 locals from the town of Lucca that pairs perfectly with a Peroni beer. Then, they have the experience of a chef's lifetime, hunting the elusive white truffle which they must use in a dish for a Tuscan food festival. There's no room for error, as the chefs are making dishes for not just Tom, Padma and Gail but avant-garde Italian Chef Cristiano Tomei, Truffle expert Cristiano Savini and a host of locals.
S17.E13 ∙ Parma
In the penultimate episode in the All Stars competition, the chefs are treated to a culinary dream trip to Parma, the legendary home of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham. After getting a behind the scenes tour of some traditional multi-generational factories of these exclusive products, the chefs must feature these ingredients in two courses and serve their dishes to a table of 16 Michelin stars. Pasta master, Chef Evan Funke, sits in as the guest judge along with Tom, Padma, Gail and a bevy of celebrated Italian super-star chefs. One chef is eliminated as only the top three will move on to the finale.
S17.E14 ∙ Finito!
In an epic Italian showdown, the final three All Stars cook the meal of their lives in an effort to take home the ultimate title and prize. To win, all they'll need to impress not only the judges - Tom, Padma, Gail and Nilou Motamed, but also culinary superstars Mauro Colagreco, Clare Smyth, Marcus Samuelsson, Janice Wong, Tony Mantuano, Eighth Generation Italian Butcher Dario Cecchini and Food and Wine magazine's Hunter Lewis. It's a fight to the bitter end, but only one will be have their second chance to finally be crowned Top Chef.
S18.E1 ∙ First Impressions
"Top Chef" is back with 15 of the country's best chefs ready to compete in Portland, Oregon. For their first Quickfire Challenge, the cheftestants are immediately thrown into teams and tasked with combining their favorite ingredients together in one cohesive dish for Padma and Portland local Gregory Gourdet. For their Elimination Challenge, the chefs will try not to "quack" under pressure as they're asked to create a dish featuring one of Portland's iconic local birds. Their dishes will be served in a blind tasting for the judges and the new dining panel of "Top Chef" all-star winners, finalists and favorites. Season 17 winner Melissa King joins Padma, Tom and Gail at the judges' table to help decide who will be the first chef to pack their knives and go.
S18.E2 ∙ Trouble Brewing
The Chefs are in for a rude awakening when they enter the kitchen to find Padma and seven hungry all-star chefs - Amar Santana, Melissa King, Kwame Onwuachi, Dale Talde, Gregory Gourdet, Carrie Baird and Richard Blais. In this Quickfire the chefs will have just 30 minutes to serve eight plates of breakfast. And if that didn't get them buzzing, for their Elimination Challenge, they'll have to create dishes based on two popular Portland brews - Beer or Coffee. Tom shows up with a twist, leaving the chefs to rethink their dishes hours before service. Amar Santana and Dale Talde join Padma, Tom and Gail at judges' table.
S18.E3 ∙ Pan African Portland
The pressure is laid on the chefs in the Quickfire Challenge as they are tasked to make a layered dessert. Carrie Baird joins Padma to pick the winner, who will get their dish turned into a Talenti gelato to be sold nationwide. Gregory Gourdet and Kwame Onwuachi take the chefs on a tour of restaurants in Portland that feature food from the African diaspora. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must make dishes inspired by their tour for the judging and dining panel, as well as the restaurant's owners.
S18.E4 ∙ Thrown for a Loop
For the Quickfire Challenge, the chefs must create a dish featuring Campbell's Soup for Padma and guest judge Dale Talde. Then, the cheftestants get thrown for a loop when they find out they won't be shopping for their Elimination Challenge, because they'll be picking their fruit right off of the trees in the heart of Oregon's Fruit Loop and making a savory fruit dish without any vegetables. Melissa King and Carrie Baird join Padma, Tom and Gail at judges' table.
S18.E5 ∙ Meet You at the Drive-in
Amar Santana joins Padma for this week's Quickfire Challenge honoring Mother's Day and one of Portland's nicknames "City of Roses." The chefs are tasked to create a dish featuring roses or rose products inspired by the mother figure in their lives. Then, the chefs will go head-to-head at the first-ever Top Chef Drive-In where each team must create dishes based on popular movie genres. Not only will they have to impress the judges' table with Richard Blais, but they will also need to win over the diners who will help decide who wins each round.
S18.E6 ∙ Stumptown U.S.A.
The chefs are transported into a magical kitchen forest with their prep tables gone and replaced by stumps for this week's Quickfire Challenge where they must make a dish featuring Tom's favorite ingredient - mushrooms. Then in the Elimination Challenge, the cheftestants will be paired up to create a surf and turf dish featuring local fish and game for members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla. But first they'll get to learn and taste some of the initial foods of the area. With a double elimination on the line, Dale Talde joins the judges' table.
S18.E7 ∙ Feeding the Frontlines
The winner of the first part of Last Chance Kitchen rejoins the competition just in time for their "second chance" Quickfire Challenge where the Chefs are tasked with redoing a past failed dish for guest judge Melissa King. Then in an emotional Elimination Challenge Chef José Andrés calls in to recruit the chefs to join World Central Kitchen, his nonprofit organization that provides meals for victims of natural disasters, tasking the chefs with delivering over 500 meals to frontline workers at 3 local hospitals in Portland. Kwame Onwuachi will serve as the All-Star guest judge this week.
S18.E8 ∙ Restaurant Wars
With the top eight chefs remaining, it's time for the perennial favorite - Restaurant Wars. This year, the chefs are split into teams and tasked with creating a Chef's Table restaurant concept where they will serve a seven course high-end tasting menu to the judges and All-Star panel. Gregory Gourdet and Kristen Kish join Padma, Tom and Gail at the judges' table.
S18.E9 ∙ Portland-ia
For this week's Quickfire Challenge, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein from the hit comedy series "Portlandia" task the chefs with creating a dish using hipster ingredients using only old vintage appliances and equipment. For their Elimination Challenge, the chefs must develop and create a recipe fit for the home cook, and are surprised when unexpected guests show up to test their recipes. All-Star alumni and cookbook authors Dale Talde and Richard Blais join the judges' table to help decide which chef must pack their knives.
S18.E10 ∙ Tournament of Tofu
Tom, Gail and Richard Blais join Padma for the Quickfire Challenge where the chefs must go head-to-head to satisfy the judges' cravings with a dish featuring Chipotle's 53 real ingredients. Then, Ed Lee enters the Top Chef kitchen and tells the chefs they will be competing tournament style for the Elimination Challenge. The chefs duke it out at the Portland Japanese Gardens, where they must create dishes featuring various textures of tofu. In this multi-round battle, the chefs will go head-to-head to earn their spots in the competition, and the losing chef will be eliminated on the spot.
S18.E11 ∙ Blind Ambitions
This week's Quickfire Challenge takes inspiration from "Top Chef" France's infamous Black Box challenge. In teams of two, the chefs each take a turn entering the box where they blindly taste a dish created by guest judge Gabriel Rucker and then must try to recreate it. During a night off, the chefs are surprised by guest judges Kristen Kish and Brooke Williamson arrive with care packages from their families. However, in true "Top Chef" fashion, there's a twist and they must use the ingredients from their care packages to make their dish for the Elimination Challenge.
S18.E12 ∙ The Cheesier the Better
As the final four chefs near the end of their journey in Portland, Padma is joined by Vitaly Paley and Gregory Gourdet to introduce an old school Quickfire Challenge paying homage to the Oregon Trail. For the Elimination Challenge, legendary chef and special guest Massimo Bottura tasks the chefs to pull inspiration from his famous parmigiano reggiano dish and create delectable dishes utilizing cheddar five different ways. To gain inspiration, the chefs embark on a tour of the Tillamook Creamery. Dale Talde and Ed Lee serve as this week's guest judges and help determine which three chefs move forward.
S18.E13 ∙ Shellfishly Delicious
The remaining chefs get an early wake-up call from Padma to go meet guest judge Brooke Williamson and dig for clams for their Quickfire Challenge. In the Elimination Challenge, the chefs honor the area where James Beard spent his summers, creating both a hot dish and a cold dish with one of his favorite ingredients, Dungeness Crab. Kwame Onwuachi and Nina Compton serve as guest judges this week to help determine which chefs will move on to the finale.
S18.E14 ∙ The Next Top Chef Is...
After 13 grueling weeks of competition, the chefs must create the best four-course meal of their lives for their final challenge at Willamette Valley Vineyards. They'll serve it to an esteemed table including Padma, Tom and Gail, this season's All-Star dining panel, and a few additional noteworthy guests including Tiffany Derry, Peter Cho and Naomi Pomeroy. Former winners Melissa King and Richard Blais join the judges one last time to deliberate and crown the next Top Chef.
S19.E1 ∙ Primal Instincts
Fifteen of the country's best chefs arrive in Houston, Texas, ready to fight for the title of "Top Chef." The opening Quickfire proves to be the toughest first challenge to date when the chefs must team up to create a cohesive dish that showcases each of their styles, but cannot speak to each other during the cook. The stakes only get higher for the Elimination Challenge as the chefs must perfectly cook primal cuts of beef for a table of distinguished Houston chefs including, Robert Del Grande of The Annie Café as well as Top Chef alums Dawn Burrell and Kristen Kish.
S19.E2 ∙ Friday Night Bites
The chefs are challenged in the Quickfire to put their own spin on the Tex-Mex classic queso, judged by local legend Chef Irma Galvan. For the Elimination Challenge, the competition heads to the field of a high school football stadium. Working in two teams of seven coached by all-star alumni Sam Talbot and Dawn Burrell, they'll create seven carb-loaded dishes that will be served in a head-to-head battle. The team that scores a touchdown first wins. Tom, Padma and Gail will be joined by award winning Chef Chris Shepherd and Top Chef Charleston winner Brooke Williamson at the judges' table.
S19.E3 ∙ Noodles and Rice and Everything Nice
For their first individual challenge of the season, the chefs are surprised in the kitchen by "Top Chef" Miami winner Hung Huynh and challenged to make an Asian-inspired dish. Nothing, however, on "Top Chef" is that simple. Along with Hung, the judges and renowned chef Kiran Verma, they'll be serving 100 guests at "Top Chef's" first Asian Night Market.
S19.E4 ∙ Doppelgangers
The chefs are joined by local chef Chris Williams in the Quickfire Challenge. He tasks the chefs to put their own twist on a biscuit dish in honor of his great grandmother, Lucille B. Smith. Then in the Elimination Challenge, the chefs find themselves pushed out of their comfort zones by chef Wylie Dufresne when they're tasked to work in teams of two to create two dishes that look exactly the same, but taste completely different. The pressure is on because this is a double elimination.
S19.E5 ∙ Don't Mess with BBQ
The chefs meet Brooke Williamson at Houston's J-Bar-M where she tasks them with putting their own spin on a brisket dish for some of the best BBQ pitmasters in Houston as well as their guest judge, pitmaster Greg Gatlin. With the entire day to smoke their briskets, there are some twists along the way.
S19.E6 ∙ Texas Trailblaze-hers
All-stars Nini Nguyen and Kelsey Barnard-Clark present the chefs with a Talenti twist for this Quickfire Challenge. Working in pairs, they must create salty-sweet desserts that will inspire a new flavor of Talenti gelato. In the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must draw inspiration from the lives of some of Texas's most influential women in order to impress a table of trailblazers, including Cecille Richards, Suzette Quintanill and Sheryl Swoopes as well as guest judges Christine Ha and Tiffany Derry.
S19.E7 ∙ Swallow the Competition
The chefs expand their horizons in a master class on Nigerian flavors guided by local chef Ope Amosu, and all-star Kwame Onwuachi. They'll have to pay close attention because for this Quickfire challenge they must create a stew that perfectly pairs with traditional Nigerian swallows. Then, "Top Chef Colorado" winner (and part-time paleontologist) Joe Flamm challenges the chefs to dig deep and dominate the competition. They'll work in teams of three to create a progressive menu of jurassic proportions to serve the judges, as well as a special guest from the upcoming film "Jurassic World Dominion."
S19.E8 ∙ Restaurant Wars
In the most anticipated challenge of the season, the chefs are put to the ultimate test. Not only will they have to build restaurants from the ground up, but the Chefs' Table is back. If that wasn't enough pressure, "Top Chef's" signature challenge levels up yet again, requiring the chefs to satisfy their VIP counter and a dining room full of guests watching their every move in an open kitchen. Guest judges Tiffany Derry and Hunter Lewis join Padma, Tom and Gail on the battlefield.
S19.E9 ∙ Freedmen's Town
As the chefs return to the Top Chef Kitchen they are greeted by a rainbow of produce and all-star Nyesha Arrington, who asks them to create a monochromatic plant-based dish for their Quickfire Challenge. Then, for the Elimination Challenge, the chefs will be tasked with creating dishes that speak to their souls for a block party fundraiser. To gain inspiration they'll visit historic Freedmen's Town where they'll meet with Zion Escobar from the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy. The chef's will have to bare their souls in the historic Bethel Church to feed 120 diners as well as guest judges Dawn Burrell and Kwame Onwuachi, who know a thing or two about cooking from the heart.
S19.E10 ∙ Dinner in Zero Gravity
The chefs get an early start as they head to the Houston farmers market to meet Padma and Quickfire guest judge Claudette Zepeda. For this Quickfire Challenge, the chefs have to put their own fresh take on fajitas, a Houston classic. The best fajita dish will win $10,000 courtesy of Chipotle. Next, the competition reaches new heights in the Elimination Challenge as the chefs voyage to the Houston Space Center to meet up with Melissa King and a few experts in space cuisine. If they want to blast off to victory, they'll have to create a stellar new menu item that they would crave if they were on a multi-year mission to Mars that meets both NASA and guest judge Marcus Samuelson's culinary standards.
S19.E11 ∙ Family Vacation
It's time to hit the beach. The Chefs head to the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston Texas, but they won't have any time to relax. Chef Shota Nakajima is here to present them with their next Quickfire Challenge: using the freshest gulf shellfish to create a seafood tower with one hot and one cold dish. Then, for the Elimination Challenge, Padma announces that along with alumni Sheldon Simeon and Adrienne Cheatham, the chefs will be feeding a family of special VIPs, who are expecting them to cater to some very specific tastes.
S19.E12 ∙ We're on a Boat
After saying goodbye to their loved ones and another fellow competitor, the chefs receive an ominous gift from Tom, who tells them to get up early and meet him at the docks. They'll have to find their sea legs quickly because for their Elimination Challenge each chef must create two fresh fish dishes to hook their guest judges Stephanie Izard and Daniel Boulud. The catch? They'll be fishing for all of their protein themselves.
S19.E13 ∙ Cactus Makes Perfect
The final four chefs are headed to Tucson. For their last Quickfire Challenge, they'll make the trip to El Charro, the oldest family-run Mexican restaurant in the country, where legendary chef Carlotta Flores challenges them to create a dish featuring her Carne Seca. In the final Elimination Challenge, alum and Tucson local Maria Mazon wants the chefs to embrace the desert lifestyle and create two dishes--one sweet and one savory--using the classic Sonoran ingredients: cactus and chiltepin. With an impressive assortment of locals and "Top Chef Seattle" winner Kristen Kish joining the judges table, the heat is on.
S19.E14 ∙ The Final Plate
The finalists prepare themselves for the most important cook of their lives. They'll have to leave it all on the plate in order to wow Padma, Tom, Gail, and guest judges Stephanie Izard and Eric Ripert along with special guest diners Gregory Gourdet, Edward Lee, Janos Wilder, Bricia Lopez, Hunter Lewis and Alexander Smalls. Once they're reunited with their sous chefs, the top three immediately get to work on executing a four-course progressive menu worthy of $250,000 and the title of Top Chef.
S20.E1 ∙ London Calling
To celebrate the milestone 20th season, Top Chef returns for an epic international showdown with World All-Stars in London. Sixteen of the greatest competitors, including winners and finalists, representing 11 different Top Chef iterations around the globe face off in the fiercest showdown the culinary series has seen. For their first Quickfire Challenge, the chefs pair up and combine ingredients to cook a dish featuring U.K. seafood. Then, in the first Elimination Challenge, the chefs must create vegetable-forward dishes where protein serves as the accompaniment. Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons return as judges, and joining them as the first guest judge of the season is legendary Michelin-star chef Angela Hartnett.
S20.E2 ∙ Rice, Rice Baby
In the second Quickfire, the chefs are challenged to make an amuse-bouche that must fit on a Ritz Cracker. With a display of unexpected ingredients, the chefs must quickly find a way to incorporate three different items all onto one cracker. Two-star Michelin chef Santiago Lastra serves as guest judge. The competition heats up, and the chefs head to Alexandra Palace, where they must create dishes featuring rice for 100 guests. Cooking rice on Top Chef is risky business, and cheftestants from all around the globe must rise to the occasion to cook with this simple ingredient and showcase their culinary skills, diverse roots and international influence. Joining Padma, Tom and Gail for this challenge is Lorna Maseko, host of Top Chef South Africa.
S20.E3 ∙ Cheeky Pints and Pub Bites
In lieu of a Quickfire, Tom and Gail surprise the chefs with an old-fashioned pub crawl around Central London. Pints are consumed and food is devoured until the judges reveal the Elimination Challenge. In teams of two, the chefs are tasked with recreating and elevating a classic pub dish. And to top the pressure, two chefs will pack their knives. Guest judges Brett Graham and James Cochran join Padma, Tom and Gail as well as a room full of guest diners.
S20.E4 ∙ Spurred Lines
Master chocolatier Paul A. Young joins Padma to judge the Quickfire Challenge. They task the chefs with creating a beloved English classic: the biscuit. The chefs head to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a football-themed team challenge. They must impress guest judges Aquiles Chávez and Tottenham's own Ledley King in up to three rounds of fast-paced challenges featuring favorite English ingredients. The teams that succeed are safe, while the rest are relegated and must compete again. In the final round, the three chefs from the losing team will battle it out. Who will be safe, and who will be kicked to the sidelines?
S20.E5 ∙ Holiday Vacation
In this week's extra-sweet Quickfire, the chefs are tasked with creating a celebratory dish featuring honey and mead in order to win over Padma and guest judge Adam Handling. Then, the chefs escape the city and head to the Kent countryside. The cheftestants create a festive family meal featuring their favorite holiday dishes for judges Padma, Tom and Gail, along with Top Chef Mexico judge Martha Ortiz.
S20.E6 ∙ Top Chef Is No Picnic
The chefs are shocked when they discover this week's Quickfire Challenge is the midseason finale of Last Chance Kitchen. They enjoy afternoon tea as they help Padma and Tom decide on who should return to the competition. The chefs take a trip to Highclere Castle for the Elimination Challenge, where they must work together to create and serve an elevated picnic basket. Will the teams be able to produce high-end picnics that can impress Padma, Tom, Gail and guest judge and notable pastry consultant Graham Hornigold? Who will be asked to pack their picnic basket and go?
S20.E7 ∙ Hands Off
The chefs are in for a surprise when they walk into the Top Chef kitchen and see Gaggan Anand, praised as one of the world's best chefs, as their guest judge. For the Quickfire Challenge, they must take a page from Gaggan's playful menu and create a dish inspired by an emoji. For the Elimination Challenge, they're tasked with taking inspiration from one of Gaggan's famous dishes and creating a plate with a message that's visually stunning and can be eaten without utensils.
S20.E8 ∙ Street Food Fight
Guest judge Judy Joo surprises the chefs by challenging them to create delicious street food-inspired dishes. For the fastest Elimination Challenge in series history, the chefs must get inspiration from the new Fast X movie for the largest and fastest mise en place race. Top Chef Canada judge David Zilber sits in as the guest judge along with Padma, Tom and Gail.
S20.E9 ∙ Restaurant Wars
It's Restaurant Wars, and this season, the perennial favorite is back with a twist. The chefs split into two teams of four and are tasked with creating a restaurant concept and tasting menu. To add to the pressure, they must debut their restaurants at three Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth, and the judges will have a full view of the kitchen. Unbeknown to the chefs, Jimi Famurewa, the Chief Restaurant Critic for the Evening Standard, is seated in the dining room and later joins Padma, Tom and Gail at the judges' table.
S20.E10 ∙ Thali Time
There's nothing like preserved fish in the morning, which is exactly what the chefs have to cook with for this week's Quickfire Challenge. The chefs enjoy a night off as famed chef Asma Khan treats the cheftestants and Padma to an Indian thali dinner. For the Elimination Challenge, they must use six different flavor profiles to create their own Thali platter to impress a panel of chefs from India and judges Padma, Tom and Gail.
S20.E11 ∙ Battle of the Wellingtons
Coming into the final stretch before the finale. It's full steam ahead as the remaining six chefs are tasked with creating a steamed dish for their Quickfire Challenge. In one of the hardest Elimination Challenges yet, the chefs are put in teams of two and must create not one, not two, but three different Wellingtons to serve 20 diners, along with Padma, Tom and Gail. The two chefs from the losing team will pack their knives.
S20.E12 ∙ Goodbye, London!
As the journey in London comes to a wrap, the final four chefs welcome back the winner of Last Chance Kitchen. For this week's Quickfire, the chefs are joined by guest judge Sam Bompas, who challenges them to create a dish featuring jellies and molds. For their final Elimination Challenge in England, they're tasked with creating trompe-l'oeil dishes, where the plates must literally fool the eye and taste like something completely different than what they look like. Who will make it to the finals in Paris, and who will bid adieu?
S20.E13 ∙ Champions in Paris
The final 4 with the addition of the winner of Last Chance Kitchen do jels with molds for their final quickfire. The main elimination challenge has the chefs make interesting dished that look like other things and taste terrific as well. One chef is eliminated as 4 are going to Paris for the finale to pick The World Top Chef!
S20.E14 ∙ Fin
The finalists are on top of the world as they've made it to the finale in Paris. The final three will have the opportunity to cook the meal of their lives for Padma, Tom and Gail, along with a table of culinary luminaries. The guests include Marcus Samuelsson, May Chow, Daniela Soto-Innes, Clare Smyth, Simon Rogan, Ángel León, Food and Wine magazine's Hunter Lewis, Michelin Guide's International Director Gwendal Poullennec and "Top Chef France" Judge Hélène Darroze. The chefs lay it all on the table in their final challenge, but only one will take home the ultimate title of "Top Chef" World All-Star.
S21.E1 ∙ Episode #21.1
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