Top Chef

An American reality competition show in which chefs compete against each other in culinary challenges and are judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notables from the food and wine industry with one or more contestants eliminated in each episode.

Type: tv

Season: 1

Episode: 1

Duration: 0h 42m

Release: 2006

Rating: 6.5

Season 1 - Top Chef
2006-03-08
"In the first episode of the series we meet the 12 contestants. For the quickfire challenge they are tested in Fleur de Lys (a San Fransisco restaurant). For the elimination challenge each chef must make their specialty."
2006-03-15
"For this episode the contestants have to impress Elizabeth Falkner the owner of Citizen Cake. For the elimination challenge the turn up the heat with a \"Sexy Dessert\" contest for a fetish party for Mistress S."
2006-03-22
"For the quickfire challenge the contestants have to cook with octopus. For the elimination round the contestants are put into two teams: Red and Blue. They have to cook monk fish specialties for the kids at the Boys and Girls Club of America."
2006-03-29
"For the quickfire challenge the contestants are brought to a convenience store to buy ingredients for their dish. For the elimination round the contestants must create a delicious entree that can be reheated in a microwave for women at a local Junior League."
2006-04-05
"For the quickfire challenge, the contestants are brought into an isolated room with many random exotic foods. They have to guess what they are with a blindfold on. For the elimination challenge the contestants are put into pairs and have to make fusion dishes with Latin and one other type of cuisine."
2006-04-12
"For the quickfire challenge the contestants are put under some serious money restraints. They have to choose from ingredients that are put in front of them that are priced by the pound and can only spend up to three dollars, but all the food on the Top Chef pantry was free."
2006-04-19
"For the quickfire challenge the contestants must make a gourmet sandwich. The winner doesn't get immunity but a sandwich on chef Tom Colicchio's menu at his new sandwich restaurant. For the Elimination Challenge the contestants are put into teams and have to basically create a restaurant and menu. The restaurants would be set up in two different rooms in the same building, both visible from the entrance. The menus will be displayed in the waiting area so the customers can choose which restaurant they want to eat at, then rate their dining experience."
2006-04-26
"Teams compete for the chance to cater a commitment ceremony."
2006-05-03
"The four remaining contestants cook for some of Napa Valley's most respected chefs."
2006-05-10
"Contestants reminisce about the competition."
2006-05-14
""
2006-05-24
"The final two contestants compete in the last elimination round to see who will become Top Chef."
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Season 2 - Top Chef
2006-10-18
"Fifteen new contestants are introduced for Top Chef's second season in Los Angeles by new host Padma Lakshmi.\n\nGuest Judge: Harold Dieterle.\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using the Flamb\u00e9 Technique. Elimination Challenge: Create a Dish Using all Five Mystery Box Ingredients."
2006-10-25
"An Asian culinary theme runs through this episode's challenges. First the contestants put their own twists on sushi, then they work as teams to participate in a charity event.\n\nGuest Judge: Hiroshi Shima \u2013 QuickFire Challenge.\n\nGuest Judge: Ming Tsai \u2013 Elimination Challenge \n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Sushi Dish in 30 Minutes.\n\nElimination Challenge: Work as Two Teams to Create One Hot and One Cold Dish Using Flavors from Korea and Vietnam."
2006-11-01
"The 13 remaining contestants are asked to make food for everyday people: beach goers and firemen.\n\nGuest Judge: Stephen Bulgarelli.\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create an Original Ice Cream Flavor.\n\nT.G.I. Friday's Elimination Challenge: Create a Dish Updating a Childhood Classic."
2006-11-08
"Attention to detail will be rated during this round. The chefs are asked to create a tidbit from not so tidbit-y choices, and then must serve a meal to kids at a fitness camp.\n\nGuest Judge: Suzanne Goin\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create an Amuse-Bouche. Elimination Challenge: Create a Meal That Does not Exceed 500 Calories."
2006-11-15
"This round is all about leftovers and the chefs\u2019 ability to be creative with difficult ingredients. They must make fine cuisine from truly disgusting fare, and then create a multi-course affair from only a restaurant\u2019s refrigerated remains of the night before.\n\nGuest Judge: Michelle Bernstein\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish using \"Offal\" the Leftover Parts of Animals.\n\nElimination Challenge: Create a Luncheon for Sixty Using the Leftovers from the Social Menu."
2006-11-22
"Taking the traditional and turning it on its ear is tonight's theme. The chefs are asked to make canned food pretty, and then a smaller group must make a \"cutting edge\" Thanksgiving dinner.\n\nGuest Judge: Anthony Bourdain\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Tasty Dish Using at Least Three Canned Ingredients. Elimination Challenge: Create a Thanksgiving Meal with a Twist."
2006-12-06
"This round's theme is all about working with limitations. The contestants must create a dish that is not cooked, and then adapt when they're asked to plan a dish without knowing the kitchen equipment available to them.\n\nGuest Judge: Raphael Lunetta\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create an Entree Using Only Raw Food Without any Cooking.\n\nElimination Challenge: Create a Gourmet Breakfast for Mystery Athletes."
2006-12-13
"It's all a party when the contestants are asked to put their skills to work on both hors d'oeuvres and spirits. This round focuses on entertaining as the chefs are first asked to create an original drink accompanied by a small snack, then they must change gears and cater a holiday event.\n\nGuest Judge: Kristin Woodward \u2013 QuickFire Challenge Guest Judge: Lee Hefter \u2013 Elimination Challenge\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create an Original Bailey's Holiday Cocktail.\n\nElimination Challenge: Cater a Hollywood Holiday Party."
2007-01-03
"Tonight's theme focuses on the chefs' creativity in using food as an expression of art. They first must create a dish using one color \u2013 a hard task for the color-blind chef, then the contestants are \"given\" their inspiration for a theme to a star-studded dinner. \n\nGuest Judge: Ted Allen QuickFire & Elimination \n\nGuest Judge: Roberto Ivan Elimination \n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using One Color. \n\nElimination Challenge: Create a Seven Course Dinner Inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins."
2007-01-10
"This round's theme deals with vision and execution, challenging the chefs' to create original ideas that can also be achieved. First up is snack food limited by three condiments, then on to this season's version of \"Restaurant Wars\".\n\nGuest Judge: Mike Yakura\n\nKraft QuickFire Challenge: Create a Gourmet Snack Dish.\n\nElimination Challenge: Create a Restaurant Concept & Menu, then Execute It with Your Team."
2007-01-17
"The sensuality of food runs through this round's challenges as the five remaining chefs are asked to determine what they want the diner to experience and then create a dish that carries this through. First up is everything chocolate, then they must prepare a meal for couples who are all celebrating anniversaries.\n\nGuest Judge: Eric Ripert\n\nNestl\u00e9 Chocolatier QuickFire Challenge: Create a Sweet or Savory Dish using Nestl\u00e9 Chocolatier.\n\nElimination Challenge: Create a Romantic Dinner with Paired Wines."
2007-01-24
"Location, location, location! The remaining chefs travel to Hawaii for this round, and must use food native to the island for a luau that ends with naming the final contestants.\n\nGuest Judge: Alan Wong\n\nQuickFire Challenge: There is none in this round.\n\nElimination Challenge: Prepare a Birthday Luau, Reformulating Traditional Luau Fare into each Chef's Own Style.\n\nRound Twelve."
2007-01-31
"The final two contestants battle for the title of \"Top Chef.\"\n\nGuest Judge: Hubert Keller\n\nFinal Challenge: Cook the Best Five Course Meal Each Chef has Ever Prepared in his Life."
Season 3 - Top Chef
2007-06-13
"Getting to know each other is the theme for this first round. The new crop of fifteen chefs arrives in Miami, and then they are given two challenges \u2013 one with leftovers \u2013 to introduce themselves and their cooking to their fellow contestants and the judges.\n\nGuest Judge: Anthony Bourdain.\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create an Amuse-Bouche in 10 Minutes\n\nElimination Challenge: Create a Surf & Turf Dish Using Exotic Ingredients"
2007-06-20
"Tonight's theme is sunshine, and first the contestants must use a product of that sunshine, citrus. Then they are asked to demonstrate their catering skills at an event which requires sunshine, a gourmet BBQ party.\n\nGuest Chef: Norman Van Aken\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using Florida Citrus\n\nKingsford Elimination Challenge: Create an Upscale BBQ Dish"
2007-06-27
"This week the remaining chefs must first catch fresh seafood, and then put a fresh twist on American dinner staples for members of the Miami Elks Club.\n\nGuest Judge: Alfred Portale\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Catch & Cook Shellfish\n\nElimination Challenge: Update Classic Dishes into Modern Lower Cholesterol Meals"
2007-07-11
"The contestants mix it up with Bombay Sapphire mixologist Jamie Walker, and then ply their trade at a gastronomic society. Barton G. Weiss of Miami's Barton G. the Restaurant serves as guest judge."
2007-07-18
"Timing is the theme for this round as the 11 remaining chefs are asked to be creative with a time-saving pastry and then serve lunch to clients on a tight schedule.\n\nGuest Judge: Maria Frumkin\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using a Frozen Pie Crust.\n\nElimination Challenge: Cater a Latin Lunch for the Cast & Crew of Telemundo's Dame Chocolate."
2007-07-25
"In a special episode, Bravo's Andy Cohen sits down with past and current contestants to explore their experiences in the competition"
2007-08-01
"The chef's taste buds are put to the test, and then they must \"cook\" for a frozen challenge. Rocco DiSpirito acts as guest judge."
2007-08-08
"This round's theme is guilty pleasures. First the chefs must work with Summer's guilty institution, ice cream, and then they move on to Miami's night life, but there's a surprise in store for them. \n\nGuest Judge: Govind Armstrong \n\nQuickFire Challenge: Coldstone Creamery Mix-in Challenge (Create Original Mix-ins for Their Sweet Cream Flavor). \n\nElimination Challenge: Create Late Night Bar food in a Mobile Kitchen."
2007-08-15
"The chefs are told that they must create the perfect burger. Then, they must create a new restaurant concept, including a great menu. Chef Daniel Boulud is the guest judge."
2007-08-22
"Chef Geoffrey Zakarian guest judges a relay race challenge. The chefs get another try at \"Restaurant Wars,\" continued from last episode."
2007-09-05
"Chef Michael Schwartz helps to judge challenges that involve a cruise ship buffet and creativity in a grocery store."
2007-09-12
"Jimmy Canora guests on an episode that takes to the skies when the chefs take on the dreaded plane cuisine."
2007-09-19
"Sirio Maccione guest judges a QuickFire where the chefs must recreate one of his dishes, then they must impress four more chefs, including Andre Soltner, in elimination."
2007-09-26
"The remaining chefs make the move to Aspen, Colorado for the semifinal and the decision of who the final two will be."
2007-10-03
"The Top Chef is chosen."
Season 4 - Top Chef
2008-03-12
"The 16 new contestants face their first QuickFire and Elimination rounds using themes from Chicago's regional cuisine."
2008-03-19
"A farmers' market takes prominence in this week's QuickFire, and an exotic location is the setting for the Elimination round as the remaining chefs cook for guest judge Wylie Dufresne."
2008-03-26
"The contestants mix it up with Rick Bayless while creating a fiesta for a community."
2008-04-02
"The remaining chefs demonstrate their aptitude with knives, and then help Richard Roeper throw a film-themed dinner. Daniel Boulud guest judges."
2008-04-09
"The dreaded taste test is back, and even before the chefs recover from it they must cater a charity event. Ming Tsai Guest Judges this week."
2008-04-16
"Simple pleasures is the theme for tonight's round as the chefs must create a dish that complements beer, and then throw a tailgate extravaganza for fans of the local team.\n\nGuest Judge: Paul Kahan \u2013 Elimination Challenge\n\nGuest Judge: Koren Grieveson \u2013 QuickFire Challenge\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish that Pairs Perfectly with Beer\n\nElimination Challenge: Cater a Tailgating Party for Chicago Bears Fans"
2008-04-23
"The chefs begin with a sugary challenge, and then move to the historic Second City Theatre where their improvisational skills will be tested by masters of the art \u2013 one of the resident troupes. Johnny Iuzzini from Jean Georges restaurant guest judges."
2008-04-30
"The microwaves are back, and this time the contestants are to make a healthy meal using a single main ingredient. Chef Art Smith, owner of Table 52 in Chicago performs guest judge duties."
2008-05-07
"The remaining chefs' knife skills are challenged again, followed by a wedding reception challenge which might bring the blades out for an entirely different purpose."
2008-05-14
"Salad, one of the least respected dishes by chefs, takes center stage tonight as the contestants are challenged to reformulate it, then they continue with the healthy kick by trimming calories and all things bad from a classic entr\u00e9e."
2008-05-21
"It's all about service tonight as the chefs work the line during a breakfast rush at a diner, and then create their own restaurants from scratch. Washington, D.C. Chef and restaurant owner Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s guest judges.\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Work a Short Order Egg Station\n\nElimination Challenge: Restaurant Wars\n\nGuest Head Judge: Anthony Bourdain"
2008-05-28
"The remaining chefs' butcher skills are tested, and then they must use the cut of meat they made. Guest judge Rick Tramonto, a Chicago chef and restaurant entrepreneur."
2008-06-04
"There are four chefs and only three spots for the final round, and the contestants know it as they travel to Puerto Rico for the next two challenges.\n\nGuest Judge - Wilo Benet\n\nQuickFire Challenge: Make Two Frituras featuring Plantains\n\nElimination Challenge: Use a Whole Pig to create Dishes for a Governor's Mansion Event"
2008-06-11
"The finalists cook \"the most important meal of their lives\" for the judges to determine which will be crowned Top Chef.\n\nGuest Judges\/Sous Chefs: April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig Dan Barber of Blue Hill and Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin Restaurant\n\nSpecial Guest Judges: Alfredo Ayala and Tim Zagat\n\nFinal Challenge: Create a traditional four course tasting menu"
2008-06-18
"Season four cast and judges gather to reminisce and learn the winner of the fan favorite contest."
Season 5 - Top Chef
2008-11-12
"One chef is eliminated in a three-round quickfire involving apples. The remaining chefs create dishes representing the ethnic cuisines of several New York neighborhoods."
2008-11-19
"After re-inventing the hot dog for the quickfire challenge, the chefs cook and serve lunch at Tom's flagship restaurant, Craft."
2008-11-26
"For the quickfire, the chefs recreate dishes from the Top Chef cookbook. In the elimination challenge, they cook Thanksgiving dinner for the Foo Fighters at the band's tour stop in Syracuse, N.Y."
2008-12-03
"After creating a breakfast amuse-bouche for the quickfire, the contestants compete in a live food demonstration challenge in order to earn a booking on \"Today.\""
2008-12-10
"For the quickfire, chefs must identify ingredients in a dish. For the elimination challenge, the contestants cater a bridal shower for judge Gail Simmons."
2008-12-17
"Domestic guru Martha Stewart oversees the quick fire challenge in this holiday-themed edition. Then, actress Natasha Richardson is the guest judge when the cooks cater a Christmas cocktail party in which the proceeds go to the AIDS research."
2009-01-07
"The chefs must create a sweet dish without using sugar (guest judge: chef and restaurateur Jean-Christophe Novelli). In the elimination challenge, chefs prepare a family-style meal for blind judging."
2009-01-14
"Contestants shop for fresh ingredients at a farm and then create a dinner for the farm workers."
2009-01-21
"Two teams have 24 hours to design and open competing restaurants."
2009-01-28
"A Super Bowl cook-off against seven all-stars from previous seasons."
2009-02-04
"After a three-round fish filleting tournament, the contestants cook at Le Bernadin where their final product will be judged by chef Eric Ripert."
2009-02-11
"Wylie Dufresne judges a quickfire challenge of egg dishes. For the elimination challenge, the five remaining chefs each cook a \"last supper\" dish requested by a culinary superstar."
2009-02-18
"The season finale finds the chefs traveling from New York to New Orleans. While in the \"Big Easy\" they will be challenged to kick it up a notch when celebrity judge\/chef Emeril Lagasse stops by to appraise their culinary skills."
2009-02-25
"Set in New Orleans, season 5 ends as the winning chef is revealed."
2009-03-04
"Andy Cohen hosts a candid gathering of season five's chefs and judges."
Season 6 - Top Chef
2009-08-19
"17 fresh chefs infiltrate sin city to take on culinary challenges in the season six premier."
2009-08-26
"The male chefs and the female chefs compete in a battle of the sexes in catering a poolside bachelor and bachelorette party."
2009-09-02
"The chefs will be creating meals for the US Air Force Thunderbirds, the most renowned aircraft demonstration squadron."
2009-09-09
"The contestants pair up to create the perfect French dish for acclaimed chefs Jo\u00ebl Robuchon, Daniel Boulud, Hubert Keller, Laurent Tourondel and Jean Joho."
2009-09-16
"The contestants cook with cactus, sleep under the stars, and prepare a menu for Las Vegas cowboys; chef Tim Love serves as a guest judge."
2009-09-23
"The contestants deconstruct a classic dish for magicians Penn & Teller. Chef Michelle Bernstein serves as a guest judge."
2009-10-07
"A slot machine determines the guidelines for the quick-fire challenge; the contestants prepare a special dinner for members of the Macy's Culinary Council."
2009-10-14
"The chefs head to guest judge Charlie Palmer's Aureole restaurant to host a ``Pig and Pinot'' event."
2009-10-21
"Chef Rick Moonen's restaurant is taken over by the contestants and then he serves as their guest judge."
2009-10-28
"The chefs head to Las Vegas to visit \"Craft Steak\" and cook for actress Natalie Portman and friends."
2009-11-04
"Past chefs recount their favorite moments from the series."
2009-11-11
"The chefs must make the perfect breakfast in bed dish. Nigella Lawson serves as guest judge."
2009-11-18
"A challenge based on the Bocuse d'Or. Guest judges include Jerome Bocuse and Thomas Keller."
2009-12-02
"The final four chefs compete in Napa Valley to determine who will be the final three."
2009-12-09
"The final three chefs attempt to earn the title of 'Top Chef.'"
2009-12-16
"Chefs and judges reminisce about the season and answer viewer questions."
Season 7 - Top Chef
2010-06-16
"The season will include 17 contestants, as in prior seasons. Eric Ripert will replace Toby Young on Top Chef's judging panel.\n\nThe new chefs introduce themselves by cooking a dish that best represents their home districts while layering in their own signatures."
2010-06-23
"The chefs are asked to do their part to help end childhood obesity and support First Lady Michelle Obama's \"Let's Move!\" national initiative by serving a healthy lunch at a local middle school. Guest Judge: White House chef Sam Kass"
2010-06-30
"The dreaded desserts take up the Quickfire where the chefs must make a pie from scratch, and then it's off to Capitol Hill where they are tasked with creating a perfect grilled picnic for the interns there"
2010-07-07
"Padma's baby is hungry, so tonight's Quickfire requires the contestants to create food to tempt Krishna's budding palate. Next, they are paired together for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the in-room dining kitchen."
2010-07-14
"Fresh is best tonight as the chefs gather crabs for the Quickfire, and then travel to a Virginia farm where its bounty will supply the ingredients for dinner."
2010-07-21
"The chefs are divided into teams to concoct entr\u00e9es in a form best served cold."
2010-07-28
"The contestants prepare lunch for the movers and shakers at one of the city's most famous restaurants."
2010-08-04
"The chefs test their version of Ethiopian cuisine with Top Chef Masters' Marcus Samuelsson, and then must create a dish inspired by one of the foreign embassies there in the district."
2010-08-11
"The most anticipated and, arguably, the hardest challenge of the competition returns as the remaining chefs divide into two teams to conceive and debut their restaurants."
2010-08-18
"The chefs are asked to take common recipes and create their own completely original redesigned dish."
2010-08-25
"The contestants take on America's favorite pastime when they take over the concession stands at the Washington Nationals' home, Nationals Park."
2010-09-01
"The chefs are tasked with adding flavor to the food American astronauts eat. The final taste test will take place off-planet."
2010-09-08
"The competition moves to Singapore as the chefs are winnowed down to the final three."
2010-09-15
"The remaining three chefs attempt to cook the best meal of each of their lives hoping to be named Top Chef."
2010-09-22
"The cast and chefs gather together with, you guessed it, Andy Cohen to review the season and maybe dish a little nonsense with the host."
Season 8 - Top Chef
2010-12-01
"Bravo's Top Chef congregates a dream team of 18 past cheftestants who nearly won the title to return to see if they have what it takes. The 2010 Primetime Emmy Award-winning Top Chef returns to New York City for Season 8 with host Padma Lakshmi and head judge chef Tom Colicchio, alongside judges Gail Simmons and new this season, best-selling author and chef, Anthony Bourdain."
2010-12-08
"Joe Jonas challenges chefs to create a snack for children; breakfasts inspired by a dinosaur's diet."
2010-12-15
"A mise-en-place relay race; chefs cook in four of New York's finest restaurants."
2010-12-22
"The chefs unexpectedly find themselves without even their knives when they are asked to make stuffing. Next up is catering an event at the U.S. Open."
2011-01-05
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2011-01-12
"Contestants are taken on a fishing expedition."
2011-01-19
"Fish fillet contest; chefs must open ``one night only'' restaurants in New York City."
2011-02-02
"Designer Isaac Mizrahi judges. Contestants are judged on presentation and plating; traditional three-course Italian meal."
2011-02-09
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2011-02-16
"It\u2019s a Sesame Street kind of day when the chefs find themselves cooking to please Muppet palates. Next they are tasked with making a dish at a Target store."
2011-02-23
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2011-03-02
"The chefs need to make something out of nothing; the contestants head to Ellis Island, where they must make a dish based on their heritage."
2011-03-09
"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."
2011-03-16
"The contestants cater a yacht club's anniversary party, but only after they have gone conch fishing."
2011-03-23
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2011-03-30
"The remaining two chefs have no time to digest what just happened as their final challenge is immediately announced.\n\nThe 2 finalists choose their sous-chefs... blindfolded!"
2011-04-06
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Season 9 - Top Chef
2011-11-02
"29 chefs gather at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, to compete for 16 slots in the 9th season of Top Chef. Tonight they are divided into three groups and must master their challenge to move forward. Some will know their fate immediately and receive a chef coat or be sent home. Others will be on the \"bubble\" and must compete and be judged again before they know their fates. Yes, it's bigger in Texas, but it's also hotter and harder, too.\n\nGroup 1 Qualifying Challenge: Prepare a Dish Using One Cut of a Pig Group 2 Qualifying Challenge: Prepare a Dish Using the Same Ingredient"
2011-11-09
"Night two of heats for the coveted contestant spots starts with 10 competitors, 10 ingredients, and only five chef coats left. Once again, those who excel in the challenge get a coat immediately, and those who bomb are sent home. The remaining hopefuls on the \"bubble\" participate in a cook-off for the last coats against last week's four still waiting for their second chance. Also, tonight the first chefs are awarded an opportunity to get back into the race when they are sent to the sister series Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen."
2011-11-16
"The chefs are asked to create a dish using rattlesnakes. Later they cater a girl's quincea\u00f1era celebration."
2011-11-23
"The contestants provide food for the local rodeo and its audience."
30 Nov 2011
"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."
2011-12-07
"The contestants prepare steak for some of Texas' most discerning palates, at least beef-wise, the attendees of the Cattle Baron's Ball."
2011-12-14
"The contestants must cook for an all-star table of chefs whose avocation is hunting."
2011-12-21
"The chefs must adapt quickly when their cooking mashes up with social networking and they begin receiving dish notes via Twitter. Later, they will each be able to pay homage to an influential teacher when they are asked to create dishes in the teachers' honor."
2012-01-04
"The chefs combine learning with cooking tonight when they use Nathan Myhrvold's Modernist Cuisine to influence their Quickfire dishes. Next, they team up for a barbecue cook-off where the diners determine the winning team."
2012-01-11
"The still-standing chefs sharpen their knives for the time-honored fan-favorite \"Restaurant Wars\" test. The all-encompassing culinary challenge tasks them to create an eatery, from its signage and logos to its menus and meals. The chefs prepare their dishes as quick as they can but the servers are having problems understanding where they need to go."
2012-01-18
"The Quickfire is on the move, except it's the ingredients that are moving\u2014by train. Next, the chefs must access the darkness inside of them when they are asked to create \"evil\" on a plate."
2012-01-25
"The chefs race against time to finish prep work for a meal. Later, they serve up cuisine at a food-drive block party. Guest judge: Cat Cora."
2012-02-01
"In this week\u2019s Quickfire, Pee-wee Herman stops by and the chefs are tasked to create his favorite breakfast dish \u2013 pancakes! But this isn\u2019t any old pancake. The Chefs are challenged to be as creative as possible when making their batter, toppings and presentation. In \"Pee-wee\u2019s Big Adventure,\u201d 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\u2019s dinner party. Pee-wee Herman joins Gail Simmons, head judge Tom Colicchio, and host Padma Lakshmi at judges\u2019 table."
2012-02-08
"In this week\u2019s 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 Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen 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."
2012-02-15
"The final 4 chefs arrive in Whistler, British Columbia, for a Top Chef twist on the Olympic games. From cooking on the world\u2019s 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."
2012-02-22
"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."
2012-02-29
"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."
2012-03-07
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Season 10 - Top Chef
2012-11-07
"Twenty-one contestants compete for fifteen spots in real-world challenges administered by the judges."
2012-11-14
"The fifteen chefs who remain after last week's qualifying challenge must think on their feet and at a high elevation when a twist complicates their challenge."
2012-11-21
"The chefs choose international dumpling recipes for the Quickfire, and then team up with either Tom or Emeril in a Thanksgiving challenge."
2012-11-28
"First the chefs must demonstrate their knife skills, and then they board a time machine, metaphorically at least, so they can design menus from the 1950s."
2012-12-05
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2012-12-19
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2013-01-02
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2013-01-16
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2013-01-23
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2013-01-30
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2013-02-06
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2013-02-13
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2013-02-20
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2013-02-27
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Season 11 - Top Chef
2013-10-16
"An elimination quickfire challenge; replicating legacy dishes in the elimination challenge."
2013-10-23
"The chefs get a crash course in Vietnamese culture."
2013-10-30
"Tools and ingredients are wrapped in aluminum foil; the chefs cater a Halloween party for singer\/actress Lea Michele, and the food must be spooky and vegetarian."
2013-11-06
"The creole tomato; the contestants try to impress up-scale chefs."
2013-11-13
"A food version of musical chairs; the chefs cater a jazzy event."
2013-11-20
"The contestants make their own hot sauce; the chefs butcher and cook a 300-pound pig."
2013-12-04
"The contestants create pop-up restaurants to impress the judges."
2013-12-11
"The chefs must make dishes that remind them of home; Actor Anthony Mackie joins the judges."
2013-12-18
"Questlove judges various types of poultry drumsticks; the chefs head to LSU's campus to serve incoming students."
2014-01-01
"The contestants create their own versions of etouffe; seafood dishes."
2014-01-08
"Chef Jacques Pepin tests the contestants; the contestants create French and Spanish dishes."
2014-01-15
"Po' boys in the Quickfire; the contestants put their own culinary visions on a plate."
2014-01-22
"The chefs battle for a new car in the Quickfire; the chefs must show how New Orleans has impacted their food."
2014-01-29
"Top Chef returns to Hawaii for the final rounds. Tonight, the remaining chefs must deal with Spam in the Quickfire."
2014-02-05
"The two remaining chefs open pop-up restaurants for the final challenge."
Season 12 - Top Chef
2014-10-15
"The wicked-awesome supersized season premiere introduces the 16 chefs from across the country who will be battling it out in Boston. Richard Blais (\u201cTop Chef All-Stars\u201d winner) joins Tom, Padma and Gail at judges table. The chef\u2019testants are immediately thrown into hot water with the series\u2019 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 \u201cTop Chef Food Festival\u201d alongside some of Boston\u2019s most prominent culinary stars including Barbara Lynch, Ming Tsai, Lydia Shire, Jasper White, Todd English, Ken Oringer, Jamie Bissonnette, Kristen Kish and Tiffani Faison."
2014-10-22
"The chefs create a surf-and-turf dish for guest judge Todd English; teams prepare dishes to be served up to Boston police and firemen and judged by guest chef Dante de Magistris."
2014-10-29
"In a nod to the Boston Tea Party, the contestants must use tea to enhance their dishes for guest judge Ming Tsai; Fenway Park hosts a competition in which the chefs must use ballpark snacks to create fine-dining dishes."
2014-11-05
"The chefs must create the ultimate bar snack for guest judge George Wendt (\"Cheers\"); the chefs must work in teams to write a create a 3-course Italian menu; actress Emmy Rossum (\"Shameless\") ruffles the chefs with her gluten-free diet."
2014-11-12
"In a head-to-head challenge, the chefs cook for guest judge Jamie Bissonnette; the chefs make dishes on a lean military budget at the historic Watertown Arsenal."
2014-11-19
"The chefs trek through a bog to gather cranberries; the chefs cook a Thanksgiving feast using only ingredients and cooking methods found in the 1600s; descendants of the Mayflower colonists and Wampanoag tribe join the judges at the table."
2014-12-03
"The chefs are split into two teams and challenged to open their own pop-up restaurants, which includes creating menus, coming up with the decor and training the wait staff; acclaimed restaurateur Barbara Lynch serves as guest judge."
2014-12-10
"The chefs must cook chowder for chef Jasper White; eliminated chefs return; for the Elimination Challenge, the kitchen opens its doors for the first time ever for a tasting party with \"Top Chef\" super fans."
2014-12-17
"The chefs are challenged to concoct a tasty sausage dish for NFL player Rob Gronkowski; the chefs create dishes inspired by famous New England authors, such as Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe and Emily Dickinson."
2015-01-07
"The chefs flash back to their college days when they must prepare a ramen noodle dish judged by Andy Cohen and his college roommate, Dave Ansel; chef Jacques Pepin challenges the chefs to create a dish inspired by Julia Child's cooking techniques."
2015-01-14
"The chefs are thrown for a loop when their family members join them to serve as their sous chefs in an Elimination Challenge, putting their tickets to the finals on the line."
2015-01-21
"In honor of their last quick-fire challenge in \"Beantown,\" the chefs must prepare an innovative bean dish; the chefs compete for a spot in the finals by creating dishes that exemplify the future of cooking."
2015-01-28
"In the first of the three-part finale, the three finalists head to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico where they are greeted by head judge Tom Colicchio who invites them to watch the final cook-off of Last Chance Kitchen and learn which eliminated chef will rejoin the competition. Award-winning Mexican chef Enrique Olvera introduces the Quickfire Challenge where the chefs must create a dish highlighting the Mexican ingredient xoconostle, a special type of prickly pear. San Miguel de Allende is a mecca for artists all over the world, and the chefs' creativity is put to the test when they are challenged to create a unique dish inspired by a local artist\u2019s work for the Elimination Challenge. Cooking at the famed Instituto Allende, the chefs will have four hours to prepare dishes for an event while their artists complete a new work of art that will be on display. The chef that doesn't translate the artist\u2019s vision will have to say \"adi\u00f3s\" to the title of Top Chef."
2015-02-04
"The chefs have to make two dishes with chocolate with one being sweet and the other savory."
2015-02-11
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Season 13 - Top Chef
2015-12-02
"A collection of the country's best Chefs converge in Los Angeles 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. Then, 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."
2015-12-10
"In Santa Barbara, Calif., the chefs pick up fresh sea urchin to use in their first sudden-death, quick-fire challenge; in the elimination challenge, the chefs serve up surf and turf to a table of celebrated chefs and judges."
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2016-01-07
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2016-03-17
"The top chef is crowned in the Season 13 finale. Before that, the final two culinarians must prepare the meal of their lives for their mentors and fallen colleagues. Appearing: Emeril Lagasse; Dominique Crenn; Jonathan Benno; Hubert Keller; Charlie Palmer; and Jean-Georges Vongerichten."
Season 14 - Top Chef
2016-12-08
"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."
2016-12-15
"The chefs divide into teams to compete in a \"mise en place\" race. The foodies must also create a seven-course progressive meal featuring the humble radish in front of \"Top Chef\" superfans. The guest judges are Chris Cosentino and Richard Blais."
2016-12-22
"The chefs must create dishes using an odd mix of ingredients and tools found inside gift boxes. Later, they prepare a traditional Italian-American seafood-filled dinner, but they're forced to use a notoriously undesirable fish species. Appearing: editor Nilou Motamed and foodie Mike Lata."
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2017-02-23
"The three remaining chefs head to the Yucatan Peninsula where Chef Roberto Mu\u00f1oz Zurita challenges them to make a dish showcasing the flavor, complexity and heat of the legendary local habanero using ingredients from the local market. Culinary legend Jeremiah Tower gives the chefs a lesson on traditional Mayan cooking, before challenging them to create a dish using only ancient Maya ingredients and tools. The chefs will cook in an ancient cenote, or sinkhole, for a table of judges including local chefs Roberto Solis, Guillermo Beristain and Carlo Cardenas. The two chefs with the best dishes will move on to compete in the finale."
2017-03-02
"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."
Season 15 - Top Chef
2017-12-07
"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.'"
2017-12-14
"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."
2017-12-21
"In a Sudden Death Quickfire based on the iconic Denver omelet, the intensity in the kitchen is egg-ceptional as one chef completely cracks under the pressure in one of the most gut wrenching eliminations in Top Chef history as judged by Padma, Tom and Chef Lachlan Patterson. Then, the cheftestants tap into their college palates as they make dishes in food trucks for students in Boulder. Internet sensation, Logan Paul helps wrangle the diners and Chef Hosea Rosenberg joins the judges for indulgent, hangover inspired food."
2018-01-18
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2018-01-25
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2018-02-01
"Cooking for Michelin-starred chef David Kinch adds pressure to an already 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."
2018-02-08
"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, the governor of Colorado."
2018-02-15
"In breathtaking Telluride, the Chefs embark on the first leg of the finals. As they walk down the quaint Main Street they are quickly reunited with the winner of Last Chance Kitchen, and the new group of five face Padma, Tom, and Chef Wylie Dufresne. For the Quickfire challenge, they are tasked to make a dish incorporating the old saloon slinging medicinal beverage, sarsaparilla. Then the chefs cook at Alpino Vino, a fine dining restaurant at the highest elevation in North America, where they prepare a dish that must include a baking element. And no chef knows the difficulty of cooking in high altitude locations like Michelin-star recipient Chef Paul Liebrandt who has cooked in the Swiss Alps."
2018-02-22
"The Voltaggio brothers reunite on the show for the first time since competing against each other. Their first task is judging the Rocky Mountain Oyster Quickfire. Then, they reunite the chefs with surprise visitors from home in an emotionally charged Elimination Challenge, where one chef will pack their knives before the next leg of the finals in Aspen."
2018-03-01
"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 & Wine Classic."
2018-03-08
"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."
Season 16 - Top Chef
2018-12-06
"In Kentucky, 15 chefs are off to the races at Churchill Downs for the the ride of their lives; the chefs must make a dish that will appeal to a crowd of 200 at a Kentucky Derby party; Churchill Downs' own chef David Danielson serves as guest judge."
2018-12-13
"A pregnant Gail Simmons asks the chefs to feed her cravings; the chefs head to Makers Mark, the oldest U.S. distillery, to put their spins on a meal full of Kentucky classics, including burgoo, Benedictine, mutton, hoe cakes, and dumplings."
2018-12-20
"Richard Blais and Brooke Williamson present a Quickfire challenge; chef Eric Ripert sits down with the chefs to enjoy a traditional French Christmas dinner; Padma tells the chefs they're missing the final part of the tradition of Le Revillon de Noel."
2018-12-27
"The Restaurant Wars challenge comes early this year; first, the chefs duke it out in an amuse bouche-based Quickfire; with 12 chefs remaining, three restaurants battle for victory; Tom makes an announcement that leaves the chefs breathless."
2019-01-03
"The Restaurant Wars causes drama and mayhem; Tom announces a double elimination piling on even more pressure; chefs Karen Akunowicz and Nina Compton join the restaurant crawl along with Nilou Motamed and guest judge Caroline Styne."
2019-01-10
"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 begin a challenge making dishes based on Prohibition Era cocktails; chef Ken Oringer joins for a Roaring Twenties party."
2019-01-17
"Actress Lena Waithe challenges the chefs to make a trademark Kentucky dish known as the Hot Brown; chef Nancy Silverton and butcher Dario Cecchini break down a whole cow for the chefs to utilize along with locally-sourced ingredients."
2019-01-24
"For an elimination challenge, the chefs are split into teams and tasked with throwing houseboat parties on Lake Cumberland; chef Emeril Lagasse joins Padma, Tom and Nilou, along with Capts. Sandy and Lee from \"Below Deck\" for houseboat hysteria."
2019-01-31
"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 and some music personalities, including Caleb Followill, model Lily Aldridge, and Chef Jonathan Waxman."
2019-02-07
"\"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."
2019-02-14
"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."
2019-02-21
"Tom ambushes sleeping chefs and challenges them to make a dish using ingredients harvested from their gardens; for the last elimination challenge, the chefs bid on luxury ingredients at a thoroughbred horse auction house."
2019-02-28
"The final five chefs travel to the Chinese territory of Macau; 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."
2019-03-07
"The final four chefs must cook with the smelly durian fruit; the chefs get a tutorial on the traditional cuisine of Macau; for the elimination challenge, the chefs are tasked with blending their own heritage with Chinese flavors."
2019-03-14
"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."
Season 17 - Top Chef
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Season 18 - Top Chef
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Season 19 - Top Chef
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Season 20 - Top Chef
09 Mar 2023
"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 i..."
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11 May 2023
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01 Jun 2023
"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 a..."
08 Jun 2023
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Season 21 - Top Chef
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