Top Chef: Charleston

Last updated
Top Chef: Charleston
Season 14
Top Chef Season 14 cover.jpg
Hosted by Padma Lakshmi
Judges Tom Colicchio
Gail Simmons
Graham Elliot
No. of contestants16
Winner Brooke Williamson
Runner-up Shirley Chung
Location Charleston, South Carolina
Finals venue Mexico
Fan FavoriteSheldon Simeon
No. of episodes14
Release
Original network Bravo
Original releaseDecember 1, 2016 (2016-12-01) –
March 2, 2017 (2017-03-02)
Season chronology
← Previous
California
Next →
Colorado
List of episodes

Top Chef: Charleston is the fourteenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef . The season was announced by Bravo on October 13, 2016, which premiered on December 1, 2016, and concluded on March 2, 2017. [1] Filming initially took place in Charleston, South Carolina, beginning in May 2016, [2] while the season's final episodes were filmed in areas across Mexico, including Guadalajara and the Yucatán Peninsula. [3] Top Chef: Charleston featured eight new contestants competing against eight returning contestants from previous seasons. [4] MasterChef and Top Chef Masters alumnus Graham Elliot debuted as a recurring judge, alongside returning judges Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons. [4] In the season finale, Top Chef: Seattle runner-up Brooke Williamson was declared the winner over Top Chef: New Orleans finalist Shirley Chung. [5] Top Chef: Seattle finalist Sheldon Simeon was voted Fan Favorite, his second Fan Favorite win. [5]

Contents

Contestants

Top Chef: Charleston featured a cast of 16 chefs, consisting of half rookies and half veterans. [1] [6]

New contestants

Name [1] HometownCurrent Residence [lower-alpha 1]
Silvia Barban Castronno, Varese, Italy Brooklyn, New York
Emily Hahn Lynchburg, Virginia Charleston, South Carolina
Jamie Lynch Rochester, New York Charlotte, North Carolina
Annie Pettry Asheville, North Carolina Louisville, Kentucky
Sylva Senat Port-au-Prince, Haiti Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BJ Smith South Bend, Indiana Portland, Oregon
Jim Smith Troy, Alabama Montgomery, Alabama
Gerald Sombright St. Louis, Missouri Marco Island, Florida

Jim Smith returned for Top Chef: Kentucky , competing in the Last Chance Kitchen. [7] Jamie Lynch returned for Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. [8]

Returning contestants

Name [6] HometownCurrent Residence [lower-alpha 1] Season
Amanda Baumgarten Los Angeles, California Chicago, Illinois Season 7
Shirley Chung Beijing, China Irvine, California Season 11
Sheldon Simeon Hilo, Hawaii Maui, Hawaii Season 10
Sam Talbot Charlotte, North Carolina Brooklyn, New York Season 2
Katsuji Tanabe Mexico City, Mexico Los Angeles, California Season 12
John Tesar New York, New York Dallas, Texas Season 10
Casey Thompson Cedar Hill, Texas Napa Valley, California Season 3, 8
Brooke Williamson Los Angeles, California Season 10

Contestant progress

Episode # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Quickfire Challenge
Winner(s)		Brooke
Jim		SheldonCaseyBrookeJamieJamieN/ABrooke 1 Sheldon 1 Sheldon 1 Brooke 1 Brooke 1 N/A
ContestantElimination Challenge Results
1BrookeINWINLOWHIGHLOWLOWWINHIGHLOWOUTWIN 6 LOWWINNER
2ShirleyININHIGHININWINHIGHLOWWINHIGHLOWWINRUNNER-UP
3SheldonHIGHINHIGHHIGHHIGHHIGHLOWHIGHHIGHWINLOWOUT
4JohnHIGHINHIGHWININLOWLOWINLOWLOWOUT
5SylvaINHIGHHIGHLOWWINHIGHHIGHWINOUT
6CaseyWINLOWINININLOWLOWLOWOUT 5
7EmilyININLOWHIGHLOWLOWHIGHOUT
8KatsujiININWINLOWINLOWOUT
9JamieLOWINHIGHININOUT 4
10JimININLOWINHIGHOUT 3
11AmandaININLOWLOWOUT
12SilviaINLOWLOWOUT
13BJLOWLOWOUT
14SamINOUT
15AnnieOUT
16GeraldOUT 2

^Note 1 : The chef(s) did not receive immunity for winning the Quickfire Challenge.
^Note 2 : Gerald lost the Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge and was eliminated.
^Note 3 : Jim lost the Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge and was eliminated.
^Note 4 : Feeling that his dish contributed the most to his team's loss, Jamie voluntarily forfeited his immunity, resulting in his elimination.
^Note 5 : Casey lost the Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge and was eliminated.
^Note 6 : Brooke won Last Chance Kitchen and returned to the competition.

  (WINNER) The chef won the season and was crowned "Top Chef".
  (RUNNER-UP) The chef was the runner-up for the season.
  (WIN) The chef won the Elimination Challenge.
  (HIGH) The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Elimination Challenge but did not win.
  (IN) The chef was not selected as one of the top or bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge and was safe.
  (LOW) The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge but was not eliminated.
  (OUT) The chef lost the Elimination Challenge.

Episodes

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal air date
2041"Something Old, Something New"December 1, 2016 (2016-12-01)

Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge: The contestants competed in two different groups. The eight new chefs had to cook as many dishes as possible within one hour using a whole chicken, while the eight returning chefs had to create their own version of shrimp and grits. The winners of each group received immunity from elimination.

  • Winner: Brooke (Shrimp Scotch Egg & Grits with Lemon Fennel Salad & Espelette Pepper); Jim (Fried Chicken Innards with Aioli, Bitter Lettuces & Strawberry Vinaigrette)
    • Sudden Death Cook-off: Gerald and John, who made the judges' least favorite dishes, competed against each other in an oyster roast-themed cook-off. The loser was immediately eliminated from the competition.
      • Winner: John (Cream-Poached Oysters with Truffle Butter, Hot Sauce & Shaved Truffle)
      • Eliminated: Gerald (Roasted Oysters with Thai-Style Mignonette & Tomato Compote)
2052"Southern Hospitality"December 8, 2016 (2016-12-08)

Elimination Challenge: The rookies and veterans were separated into two teams. Each team dined at the home of a local Charleston chef. They then had to create a family-style meal inspired by the home-cooked dishes served to them. The guest judges for the challenge included chefs Carrie Morey, BJ Dennis, Frank Lee, Sean Brock, Robert Stehling, Kevin Johnson, and Michelle Weaver.

  • Winner: Casey (Collard Greens with Turnips, Coconut, Peanut, Crispy Chicken Skin, Bread Crumb & Smoked Trout Roe)
  • Eliminated: Annie (Tomato Tart with Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette, Tomato Salad, Candied Benne & Mint)
2063"Choke Holds and Clammy Hands"December 15, 2016 (2016-12-15)

Quickfire Challenge: The contestants, separated into two teams, competed in the traditional mise en place relay race. The tasks involved peeling and mincing garlic, dicing onions, turning artichokes, deveining shrimp, and shucking clams; the first team to complete all five tasks could hit the opposing team's "pause button", forcing them to wait out a three-minute penalty. Once finished, each team then had to cook a dish using the prepped ingredients. The MVP from the winning team, designated by guest judge and Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino, received immunity from elimination.

  • Winner: Sheldon

Elimination Challenge: Working in the same teams, the chefs had to create a seven-course, progressive meal for the judges and a group of select Top Chef fans; in addition, every dish had to highlight radishes. Each course was compared by the judges and guest diners in head-to-head battles. If the chef won the match-up, they earned their team one point. The first team to receive four points won the challenge. The chefs on the losing team who lost their head-to-head battles were eligible for elimination.

  • Winner: Brooke (Purple Daikon Panna Cotta with Sour Pineapple Curd, White Chocolate Pop Rocks & Pineapple Black Radish Juice)
  • Eliminated: Sam (Radish Bánh Mì with Brioche & Crispy Chicken Skin)
2074"The Feast of Seven Trash Fishes"December 22, 2016 (2016-12-22)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to create dishes using a bizarre collection of tools and ingredients packaged within gift boxes, including a pressure cooker, Patrón tequila, pomegranate, chocolate pretzels, cloves, wasabi, squab, and a melon baller; the winner received immunity from elimination. The guest judge for the challenge was Food & Wine editor-in-chief Nilou Motamed.

  • Winner: Casey (Smoked Chili, Tequila & Squab Soup with Squash, Roasted Chili, Peanuts & Compressed Pineapple)

Elimination Challenge: Split into pairs, the contestants had to create a meal based on the Feast of the Seven Fishes using "trash fish". Each pair was randomly assigned a trash fish through knife draw; the types of fish included amberjack, mullet, tunny, blackbelly rosefish, barrel fish, triggerfish, and gray tilefish. As the winner of the Quickfire Challenge, Casey was able to work alone and choose the fish for her dish. The guest judge for the challenge was chef Mike Lata.

  • Winner: Katsuji (Triggerfish with Chili Sauce, Fennel Purée, Bottarga & Garlic Breadcrumbs, Stewed Tomatoes)
  • Eliminated: BJ (Barrel Fish Brodo with Leeks, Kale, Cauliflower & Pane Carasau)
2085"Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em"December 29, 2016 (2016-12-29)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs walked into an empty Top Chef kitchen; shortly thereafter, the challenge clock began to count down and the doors to the kitchen pantry opened. Without further instructions, the chefs had to surmise the challenge requirements based on the ingredients located in the pantry. Once time expired, Lakshmi returned to inform the contestants that the challenge was to create their own take on a biscuit; the winner received immunity from elimination. The guest judge for the challenge was chef John Currence.

  • Winner: Brooke (Black Pepper & Poppy Seed Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Salad & Avocado Mousse)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs, split into three teams, had to work through the night to prepare a whole hog barbecue. Each team was required to serve their hog with either a vinegar or mustard-based sauce, as well as create three side dishes for their meal. The guest judges for the challenge were pitmaster Rodney Scott and country singer Darius Rucker.

  • Winner: John (Smoked Mac & Cheese)
  • Eliminated: Silvia (Italian Potato Salad)
2096"A Southern Legend"January 5, 2017 (2017-01-05)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs were tasked with creating vegetarian versions of traditional comfort foods. In addition, following the theme of health and physical activity, the contestants were allowed to grab only one ingredient or cooking utensil at a time, forcing them to run between the kitchen and pantry; the winner received immunity from elimination. The guest judge for the challenge was U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

  • Winner: Jamie (Tofu Sloppy Joe with Bell Peppers, Onions & Side Salad)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs created dishes paying homage to Edna Lewis, a pioneer of Southern cuisine. The luncheon was served at Middleton Place to a table of guest judges, including Alexander Smalls, Art Smith, BJ Dennis, Glenn Roberts, Irv Miller, Mashama Bailey, Nathalie Dupree, and Toni Tipton-Martin.

  • Winner: Sylva (Skillet-Fried Snapper with Garden Vegetables & Vegetable Broth)
  • Eliminated: Amanda (Roast Duck with Sweet Potatoes, Dandelion Greens, Spiced Pecans & Balsamic Onions)
2107"Booty"January 12, 2017 (2017-01-12)

Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to create a dish using ingredients and cooking techniques inspired by the elements (earth, air, fire, or water) corresponding to their zodiac signs; the winner received immunity from elimination. The guest judge for the challenge was chef Michael Cimarusti.

  • Winner: Jamie (Fire: Dusted Lamb Chop with Fire-Roasted Pepper Salad & Toasted Cashew Jus)
    • Sudden Death Cook-off: Emily, Jim, and Sylva, who made the judges' least favorite dishes, had to cook using the ingredients assigned to the earth element, which had not been used during the initial Quickfire Challenge. Before cooking, the participants had to agree upon a single dish to make for the judges; they chose to prepare steak tartare. The loser was immediately eliminated from the competition.
      • Eliminated: Jim (Steak Tartare with Arugula Purée, Egg Yolk Purée, Lemon, Olive Oil & Chive)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs, working in teams of three, hosted a pirate-themed party inspired by Blackbeard's exploits in Charleston. However, in order to collect ingredients, each team was given a map of the city which they had to use to find seven treasure chests, each filled with a choice of three ingredients; the ingredients were available on a first-come, first-served basis. The teams were required to collect ingredients from all seven chests before they could return to the Top Chef kitchen and begin cooking.

  • Winner: Shirley ("Crewman Stew" with Mussels, Roasted Bell Pepper, Farro & Bacon)
  • Eliminated: Jamie (Chicken Satay with Pickled Fennel & Orange Salad) [lower-alpha 2]
2118"Restaurant Wars"January 19, 2017 (2017-01-19)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs competed in Top Chef's traditional Restaurant Wars challenge. The contestants, split into two teams, were responsible for transforming an empty space into a fully functioning pop-up restaurant within 24 hours. Unlike past seasons, the teams took turns transforming the same space, serving their meals on two different days. The guest judges for the challenge were chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara.

  • Latitude: Brooke, Emily, Shirley, Sylva
    • First Course: Cured King Salmon with Pickled Kohlrabi, Marcona Almonds & Tiger Milk (Brooke) or Squid Ink Tagliatelle with Calamari, Lemon Bread Crumbs & Shrimp Butter (Emily)
    • Second Course: Snapper with Bone Broth, Chile de Árbol & Wild Mushrooms (Shirley) or Pan-Roasted Halibut with Fennel Dust, Mushroom Rice & Tomato Chutney (Sylva)
    • Third Course: Poppy Seed Buttermilk Cake with Miso Butterscotch, Pistachios & Blackberries (Emily) or Plum Wine Panna Cotta with Cherries, Toasted Cashews, Tarragon & Freeze-Dried Lychee (Shirley)
  • Southern Belle: Casey, John, Katsuji, Sheldon
    • First Course: Sweet Potato Tamale with Charred Chili Onion Relish (Katsuji) or Crab "Pimento Cheese" with Benne Seed Cracker (John)
    • Second Course: Fried Green Tomato & Almond Gravy Beef Tongue with Green Olives & Tomatoes (Katsuji) or Acorn Squash Stew with Sorghum Cod & Eggplant Crumble (Sheldon)
    • Third Course: Blackberry Cobbler with Patrón Whipped Cream (Katsuji) or Strawberry Lemon Sorbet with Buttermilk Curd, Meringue & Roasted Strawberry (Casey)
  • Winning Team: Latitude
    • Winner: Brooke
    • Eliminated: Katsuji
2129"For the Kids"January 26, 2017 (2017-01-26)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs competed in a blindfolded taste test; they had 5 minutes to identify as many ingredients as possible, out of 20. Beginning with this episode, immunity was no longer awarded to the winner of the Quickfire Challenge. Instead, the winner received 14 cases of Terlato wine. The guest judge for the challenge was Top Chef: Las Vegas winner Michael Voltaggio.

  • Winner: Brooke

Elimination Challenge: The chefs drew inspiration from their favorite childhood memories to create dishes for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital charity gala.

  • Winner: Sylva (Island Beef "Lollipop" with Ground Rib Eye, Turmeric Potato & Truffle Jus)
  • Eliminated: Emily (Icebox Cake with Orange Bourbon Zabaione, Cherries, Hazelnuts & Cocoa Nib Mascarpone)
21310"Shrimp Boats and Hat Ladies"February 2, 2017 (2017-02-02)

Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge: After going on a shrimping trip with head judge Colicchio, the chefs had to create a dish using their freshly caught shrimp.

  • Winner: Sheldon (Tomato Water-Poached Roe Shrimp with Smoked Pine, Yuzu, Radish & Sea Beans)
    • Sudden Death Cook-off: Casey, Shirley, and Sylva, who made the judges' least favorite dishes, had to create a dish using the bycatch from their shrimping trip. The loser was immediately eliminated from the competition.
      • Eliminated: Casey (Charred Squid with Mushroom Soy Broth, Roasted Fennel, Poached Radish & Mirin)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were tasked with making creative and whimsical breakfast and lunch mash-up dishes for a southern brunch. The guest judge for the challenge was pastry chef Dominique Ansel.

  • Winner: Shirley (Beef & Cheddar Dumpling with Bacon Tomato Jam)
  • Eliminated: Sylva (Arctic Char Frittata with Morel Mushrooms, Beet Sabayon & Pancetta)
21411"Adiós Charleston, Hello James Beard"February 9, 2017 (2017-02-09)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to cook a dish while simultaneously giving instructions to a mystery partner, hidden behind a partition, on how to cook the same exact dish. The mystery partners were Brooke's sister Jessica. John's wife Tracy, Sheldon's wife Janice, and Shirley's husband, Jimmy. The contestants were judged based on how closely both dishes resembled each other in terms of taste and presentation. The winner received $10,000 and a new sous-vide machine. Chef Michael Solomonov was the guest judge for the challenge.

  • Winner: Sheldon (6-Minute Egg with Sautéed Mushrooms, Charred Onion & Brown Butter Grapefruit Sauce)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs prepared dishes that represented their journeys through Charleston. The winner received the honor of serving their dish and an accompanying menu at the James Beard House in New York City. The guest judges for the challenge included Top Chef Masters alumna Mary Sue Milliken and James Beard Award winners Michael Solomonov, Sean Brock, Ken Oringer, and Renee Erickson.

  • Winner: Sheldon (Carolina Gold Rice Chow Fun Noodle with Pork Belly, Okra, Annatto Seed & Turkey Broth)
  • Eliminated: Brooke (Braised Pork Shoulder & Tenderloin with Smoked Island Sweets, Radish & Egg Yolk)
21512"Cooking Away in Margaritaville"February 16, 2017 (2017-02-16)

Quickfire Challenge: The three remaining chefs arrived at the Estadio Chivas in Guadalajara, Mexico for the final rounds of the competition. There, the winner of Last Chance Kitchen, Brooke, was reinstated. The four competitors had to cook dishes featuring goat, the team mascot for C.D. Guadalajara. The winner received $10,000 and an advantage in the Elimination Challenge. The guest judge for the challenge was chef Francisco Ruano.

  • Winner: Brooke (Goat Ribs with Chamomile, Guajillo & Pasilla Chiles, Mango & Papaya Salad)

Elimination Challenge: At the Patrón Hacienda, the chefs created dishes to pair with their own original margaritas using Patrón tequila. The dishes were expected to incorporate the sweet, salty, sour, and bitter notes of a margarita. The chefs were paired up with the four most recently eliminated contestants to assist them with cooking and serving. As the winner of the Quickfire Challenge, Brooke was able to choose her own sous chef and assign her opponents' sous chefs. She chose to work with Casey and picked Emily for Sheldon, Sylva for Shirley, and Katsuji for John. The winner received a limited edition bottle of tequila, Patrón En Lalique, worth approximately $7,500. The guest judge for the challenge was chef Ray Garcia.

  • Winner: Brooke (Chilled Avocado Soup, Watermelon & Coconut Salad, Spicy Watermelon & Hibiscus Margarita)
  • Eliminated: John (Caldo Verde Con Polo with Patrón Silver Margarita)
21613"Trial By Fire"February 23, 2017 (2017-02-23)

Quickfire Challenge: After arriving in the Yucatán Peninsula, the chefs were challenged to create a dish featuring habaneros and ingredients from the local market. The winner received a seven-night trip with a guest to any Secrets Resorts & Spas location of their choice. The guest judge for the challenge was chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita.

  • Winner: Brooke (Roasted Pork Loin with Orange & Green Habanero Salsas)

Elimination Challenge: In honor of traditional Mayan cooking, which laid the foundation for modern Mexican cuisine, the chefs had to create dishes using only ancient Mayan ingredients and tools. While they were allowed to keep their knives, the contestants were unable to use electrical kitchen equipment and were forced to rely on an open flame as a heat source. The guest judges for the challenge were Top Chef México head judge Guillermo González Beristáin and chefs Jeremiah Tower, Roberto Solís, and Carlo Cardenas.

  • Winner: Shirley (Hoja Santa Leaf-Grilled Grouper with Crustacean Habanero Tomato Sauce & Dragon Fruit Corn Salad)
  • Eliminated: Sheldon (Grilled Snapper with Annatto Crab Sauce, Yucatan Vegetables & Habanero Salsa)
21714"Comida Final"March 2, 2017 (2017-03-02)

Elimination Challenge: The finalists had to create a four-course progressive meal for a full dining room of guests. Each finalist received help from three sous chefs: two previously eliminated contestants and one chef from their restaurants back home. Brooke was assisted by Sheldon, Sam, and her chef de cuisine Chris, while Shirley was assisted by Casey, Katsuji, and her chef de cuisine Jay. The guest judges for the challenge were Top Chef Masters alum Jonathan Waxman, Food & Wine editor-in-chief Nilou Motamed, and chefs Martha Ortiz, Joachim Splichal, Jonathon Sawyer, and Daniel Boulud.

  • Brooke:
    • First Course: Warm Oyster with Grilled Swiss Chard & Bacon
    • Second Course: Charred Octopus with Orange Annatto Seafood Broth, Radish, Garlic Purée & Garlic Chips
    • Third Course: Braised Pork Belly & Beans with Charred Onion & Purslane
    • Fourth Course: Aged Rum & Chamomile Flan with Candied Cashews
  • Shirley:
    • First Course: "Let Me Take You To Lijiang" - Snapper Crudo with Chili Soy Vinegar & Crispy Shallots
    • Second Course: "When I Was Eight" - Ramen with Egg, Kimchi, Purslane & Rendered Pork Fat
    • Third Course: "Dear Baba" - Braised Piglet Shank with Lentils, Wild Rice, Blanched Spinach & Habanero Onions
    • Fourth Course: "Mama Said, Always Finish Your Rice" - Rice Pudding with Tropical Fruit & Lemon-Lime Snow
      • Winner: Brooke
      • Runner-up: Shirley

Last Chance Kitchen

No. Title Original air date
1"The Clock"December 8, 2016 (2016-12-08)

Challenge: The first two eliminated chefs competed in a challenge designed to test their time management skills. The contestants had two minutes to shop for ingredients from the Top Chef pantry. Each section of the pantry was labeled with a specific amount of time; for example, spices were worth +1 minute, while pork and ground beef were worth +4 minutes. Every ingredient the chefs chose would add to their total cook time, and they were required to incorporate these ingredients into their final dish.

  • Annie: Lamb Tartare with Romanesco & Harissa
  • Gerald: Shellfish Broth with Turnip & Fennel
    • Winner: Gerald
    • Eliminated: Annie
2"Celery Me on Your Dish"December 15, 2016 (2016-12-15)

Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create a dish featuring celery.

  • Gerald: Celery Salad with Alabama BBQ Sauce & Celery Juice Sorbet
  • Sam: Cream of Celery Soup Topped with Apple & Fried Capers
    • Winner: Sam
    • Eliminated: Gerald
3"Holiday Leftovers"December 22, 2016 (2016-12-22)

Challenge: The chefs had 20 minutes to create a dish using holiday leftovers.

  • Sam: Reconstructed Green Bean Casserole, Creamed Spinach, Swiss Chard Vinaigrette & Sweet Potato Crisps
  • BJ: Deep Fried Turkey Leg with Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Miso Gravy & Fried Egg
    • Winner: Sam
    • Eliminated: BJ
4"With a Little Luck"December 29, 2016 (2016-12-29)

Challenge: The chefs had 20 minutes to create a dish incorporating at least seven "lucky" ingredients, such as pork, sage, garlic, kale, onions, fish, and black-eyed peas.

  • Sam: Chicken-Fried Pork Chop, Crunchy Kale, Brown Butter, Sage & Pomegranate Vinaigrette
  • Silvia: Pan-Seared Branzino with Kale, Red Onion & Light Vinaigrette
    • Winner: Silvia
    • Eliminated: Sam
5"Duck!"January 5, 2017 (2017-01-05)

Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to cook a soulful dish "from the heart" using the ingredients from Amanda's dish that got her eliminated, including duck, red onion, pecans, dandelion greens, sweet potato, and balsamic vinegar.

  • Silvia: Duck with Spicy Red Onion & Balsamic Purée, Dandelion Greens & Sweet Potato Chips
  • Amanda: Duck with Sweet Potato & Brown Butter Purée, Dandelion Salad with Sherry Gastrique & Balsamic Duck Jus
    • Winner: Silvia
    • Eliminated: Amanda
6"Raw Deal"January 12, 2017 (2017-01-12)

Challenge: The chefs had 25 minutes to create a steak and potatoes dish.

  • Silvia: Grilled New York Ribeye with Roasted Fingerlings, Salsa Verde & Blue Potato Chips
  • Jim: Seared Porterhouse Steak with Arugula Basil Sauce, Charred Onions & Fingerling Potatoes
    • Winner: Jim
    • Eliminated: Silvia
7"Treasured Ingredients"January 12, 2017 (2017-01-12)

Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to cook a dish using the ingredients assigned to Jamie's team during the pirate-themed Elimination Challenge.

  • Jim: Butter Poached Lobster in Fennel Ginger Broth with Shiitake Mushrooms & Truffles
  • Jamie: Butter Poached Lobster & Pea Emulsion with Fennel, Radish & Black Truffle Salad
    • Winner: Jamie
    • Eliminated: Jim
8"Just Five"January 19, 2017 (2017-01-19)

Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create a dish using five ingredients selected by Jamie; he chose sweet potatoes, onions, shishito peppers, sorghum, and limes.

  • Jamie: Sorghum Sweet Potatoes, Charred Shishito & Grilled Onion Salad with Shishito Vinaigrette & Lime Sorghum Gastrique
  • Katsuji: Sautéed Onions and Sweet Potatoes with Sorghum & Charred Shishito Salsa with Lime
    • Winner: Jamie
    • Eliminated: Katsuji
9"No Second Guesses"January 26, 2017 (2017-01-26)

Challenge: To test their confidence and decision-making, the chefs had only 45 seconds to shop for ingredients. They then had 20 minutes to cook their dish.

  • Jamie: Watermelon & Heirloom Tomato Salad with Arugula Purée & Fresh Radish
  • Emily: Heirloom Tomato Salad with Charred Tomato & Corn Vinaigrette with Fresh Corn & Radish
    • Winner: Jamie
    • Eliminated: Emily
10"Snack Attack"February 2, 2017 (2017-02-02)

Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create an original snack concept. The dishes were required to incorporate at least one variety of Hidden Valley ranch dressing, and the chefs had to serve enough portions to feed the gallery of eliminated contestants. Instead of one winner, two chefs would move on to the next challenge.

  • Jamie: Pretzel Nachos with Pimento Cheese, Fire-Roasted Pepper & Sriracha Ranch
  • Casey: Cheese Puff Chicken Tender Lettuce Cups with Aerated Original Ranch
  • Sylva: Cilantro-Lime Pork Belly on Honey Graham Crackers with Cheese Sauce & Kimchi Strawberry Jam
    • Winners: Jamie, Casey
    • Eliminated: Sylva
11"3-Way, 2 Ways"February 9, 2017 (2017-02-09)

Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create a dish featuring a protein prepared using two different cooking techniques: braising and sautéing. The contestants with the two best dishes advanced to the final challenge.

  • Jamie: Braised Scallop over Potato Risotto & Sautéed Scallop over Pickled Tomatoes and Cucumber
  • Casey: Braised Pork Belly with Fish Sauce & Soy, Sautéed Ground Pork with Cabbage & Swiss Chard
  • Brooke: Braised Pork Belly & Bacon with Farro, Sautéed Bacon with Cabbage & Asian Flavors
    • Winners: Casey, Brooke
    • Eliminated: Jamie
12"Who Wants to Go to Mexico?"February 9, 2017 (2017-02-09)

Challenge: To test their consistency, the chefs had 45 minutes to cook two separate dishes. Once finished, the dishes were concealed under cloches. Colicchio then randomly selected one dish from each contestant for judging.

  • Brooke:
    • Cauliflower Soup with Garnish of Olive, Dill, Pepper & Preserved Lemon
    • Ground Pork Larb with Apple & Fennel Salad
  • Casey:
    • Steamed Cod with Lettuce Cream, Aromatics of Onion, Ginger & Garlic, Crispy Cauliflower
    • Seared Strip Steak with Spicy Rub, Crispy Potatoes, Collard Greens, Chorizo & Pickled Peach
      • Winner: Brooke
      • Eliminated: Casey

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Top Chef: San Francisco, originally broadcast simply as Top Chef, is the first season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first filmed in San Francisco, California, before concluding in Las Vegas, Nevada. The season premiered on March 8, 2006, and ended on May 24, 2006. The show featured chefs from around the United States living together in one house and competing in a series of culinary challenges. The prizes for the winner of the competition included a feature in Food & Wine Magazine, a showcase at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, a Kenmore Elite kitchen set, and US$100,000. The series was hosted by Katie Lee Joel, in her only season as host, and judged by chef Tom Colicchio and food writer Gail Simmons. In the season finale, Harold Dieterle was declared the winner over runner-up Tiffani Faison.

<i>Top Chef: Los Angeles</i> Season 2 of American television series

Top Chef: Los Angeles is the second season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first filmed in Los Angeles, before concluding in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. The season premiered on October 18, 2006, and ended on January 31, 2007. Padma Lakshmi replaced Katie Lee Joel as the host, with Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons returning as judges. The winning recipe from each week's episode was featured on Bravo's Top Chef website and prepared by Season 1 contestant Lee Anne Wong in a web video called The Wong Way to Cook. Bravo cited negative viewer reaction to the Season 2 chefs' attitudes and overall behavior as the reason why no reunion episode was filmed. In the season finale, Ilan Hall was declared the winner over runner-up Marcel Vigneron. Sam Talbot was voted Fan Favorite.

<i>Top Chef: Miami</i> Season 3 of American television series

Top Chef: Miami is the third season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first filmed in Miami, Florida, before concluding in Aspen, Colorado. The season was Emmy nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Series, and garnered the Emmy Award for Best Editing in the category. Season 3 premiered on June 13, 2007 and ended on October 10, 2007. Padma Lakshmi returned with Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and new judge Ted Allen, who switched off with Simmons throughout the season. Top Chef: San Francisco contestant Lee Anne Wong was brought in as a food consultant and assisted in planning the challenges. Production took place in April and May 2007 in Miami Beach, Florida, with production activity centered at the Fontainebleau Hotel. The winning recipe from each week's episode of Season 3 was featured on Bravo's Top Chef website and prepared by Lee Anne Wong in a web series called The Wong Way to Cook. In the season finale, Hung Huynh was declared the winner over runners-up Dale Levitski and Casey Thompson. Thompson was voted Fan Favorite.

<i>Top Chef: Chicago</i> Season 4 of American television series

Top Chef: Chicago is the fourth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first filmed in Chicago, Illinois before concluding in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The season premiered on Bravo on March 12, 2008, and ended on June 18, 2008. In the season finale, Stephanie Izard was declared the winner over runners-up Lisa Fernandes and Richard Blais. Izard was also voted Fan Favorite.

<i>Top Chef: New York</i> Season 5 of American television series

Top Chef: New York is the fifth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first filmed in New York City, New York, before concluding in New Orleans, Louisiana. The season premiered on Bravo on November 12, 2008, and ended on March 4, 2009. In the season finale, Hosea Rosenberg was declared the winner over runners-up Stefan Richter and Carla Hall. Fabio Viviani was voted Fan Favorite.

Top Chef Junior is an American reality competition television series that serves as a spin-off of the popular Top Chef series. Ordered in 2008 for an eight-episode run on Bravo, the show had never aired, nor is it known if any episodes were produced at that time. However, nine years later, Top Chef Junior was mentioned as the marquee program for Universal Kids, an NBCUniversal-owned children's channel launched on September 9, 2017. Season 1 consisted of 14 episodes and feature 12 young chefs, aged 9–14. The winner receives $50,000 and the title of Top Chef Junior. The show is hosted by actress Vanessa Lachey, with Top Chef Masters and Top Chef Duels host Curtis Stone serving as its head judge. Top Chef Junior premiered on October 13, 2017. In November 2017 Top Chef Junior was renewed for a 2nd season, which premiered on September 8, 2018. It consists of 12 finalist chefs aged 9–14.

<i>Top Chef: Las Vegas</i> Season 6 of American television series

Top Chef: Las Vegas is the sixth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, before concluding in Napa, California. The season premiered on August 19, 2009, and ended on December 16, 2009. Beginning with this season, the prize money awarded to the winner was increased from US$100,000 to $125,000. In the season finale, Michael Voltaggio was declared the winner over runners-up Bryan Voltaggio and Kevin Gillespie. Gillespie was voted Fan Favorite. In 2010, Top Chef: Las Vegas received the Primetime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Reality Competition Program".

<i>Top Chef: D.C.</i> Season 7 of American television series

Top Chef: D.C. is the seventh season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was initially filmed in Washington, D.C. before concluding in Singapore, the series' first international venue. It premiered on June 16, 2010, and concluded on September 22, 2010. In the season finale, Kevin Sbraga was declared the winner over runners-up Angelo Sosa and Ed Cotton. Tiffany Derry was voted Fan Favorite.

The third season of the American reality competition show Top Chef Masters was announced on March 2, 2011. In addition to the announcement, it was announced that celebrity chef Curtis Stone would serve as the new host. Food critic and author Ruth Reichl also joined as a new series judge And Critic James Osland Also Returned. The season premiered on April 6, 2011, with 12 award-winning chefs competing against each other in weekly challenges. Unlike previous seasons, the chefs were not judged on a five-star rating system, but in elimination-style challenges similar to the format of the original Top Chef series.

<i>Top Chef: Seattle</i> Season 10 of American television series

Top Chef: Seattle is the tenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was announced on September 19, 2012, and premiered on November 7, 2012. The competition was initially filmed in Seattle, Washington before moving to Juneau, Alaska for three episodes, and then concluding in Los Angeles, California. Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen, the web series introduced in the previous season which puts the eliminated contestants against each other in head-to-head challenges to battle for a chance to re-enter the main competition, also returned. The winner continued to compete in the season finale. In addition, viewers could vote each week for chefs eliminated from the Last Chance Kitchen to move on in the "Save a Chef" competition. The winner of the final vote was "saved", and earned a spot in the final round of the Last Chance Kitchen. In the season finale, Kristen Kish was declared the winner over runner-up Brooke Williamson. Sheldon Simeon was voted Fan Favorite.

<i>Top Chef: New Orleans</i> Season 11 of American television series

Top Chef: New Orleans is the eleventh season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was announced on May 10, 2013. Filming took place from early May through late July, beginning in New Orleans, Louisiana and concluding in Maui. The season premiered on October 2, 2013. State and local tourism offices in Louisiana sponsored the season, paying a total of $375,000. The state contribution came from a recovery fund established by BP after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition to the return of the Last Chance Kitchen, Bravo launched a new web series called Padma's Picks. Debuting on August 14, 2013, the competition, presided over by host Padma Lakshmi, featured ten New Orleans chefs competing for the chance to join the official lineup of contestants and represent the city.

<i>Top Chef: Boston</i> Season 12 of American television series

Top Chef: Boston is the twelfth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was formally announced on August 20, 2014, and premiered on October 15, 2014. Filming for Season 12 took place from May through June 2014 in locations around Boston, Massachusetts, concluding with a finale in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and the surrounding area. Top Chef: Chicago finalist and Top Chef: All-Stars winner Richard Blais debuted as a recurring judge, joining Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Hugh Acheson, and host Padma Lakshmi on the judging panel. Last Chance Kitchen also returned for its fourth season, beginning with a two-part redemption mid-season and continuing until the first part of the finale. In the season finale, Mei Lin was declared the winner over runner-up Gregory Gourdet. Unlike previous seasons, no Fan Favorite vote was held.

<i>Top Chef: California</i> Season 13 of American television series

Top Chef: California is the thirteenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was announced by Bravo on April 14, 2015. Similar to Top Chef: Texas, filming took place in several locations across California, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Oakland, and the greater Palm Springs area, concluding with a finale in Las Vegas, Nevada. Top Chef: California had a two-night premiere on December 2–3, 2015. Host Padma Lakshmi and head judge Tom Colicchio returned, alongside judges Gail Simmons, Emeril Lagasse, and Richard Blais, among others. The companion web series, Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen, also returned, premiering immediately following the second part of the season premiere on December 3, 2015. In the season finale, Jeremy Ford was declared the winner over runner-up Amar Santana. Isaac Toups was voted Fan Favorite.

<i>Top Chef: Colorado</i> Season 15 of American television series

Top Chef: Colorado is the fifteenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season's details and cast were revealed on October 12, 2017. The show was filmed in various cities across Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, Telluride, and Aspen. The season premiered on December 7, 2017, and concluded on March 8, 2018. Last Chance Kitchen premiered on November 30, 2017. In the season finale, Joseph "Joe" Flamm was declared the winner over runner-up Adrienne Cheatham. Fatima Ali was voted Fan Favorite.

Top Chef Thailand is the first season of the Thai reality television series Top Chef Thailand. The season premiered on March 25, 2017, and concluded on June 24, 2017. Filming initially took place in Bangkok. Willment Leong, Suphamongkhon Suppipat, Thidid Tadsanakajon and Phichaya Uthantam served as judges and Pitipat Kutragule as a host for the first season.

<i>Top Chef: Kentucky</i> Season 16 of American television series

Top Chef: Kentucky is the sixteenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. Initial details about the season and its cast were revealed on October 18, 2018. The competition was filmed at various locations in Kentucky, including Louisville, Lexington, and Lake Cumberland. The season finale took place in Macau. Padma Lakshmi returned as host, with Tom Colicchio, Graham Elliot, and Nilou Motamed forming the judging panel. Due to being on maternity leave for the majority of filming, Top Chef regular Gail Simmons did not appear as one of the main judges for the season. Top Chef: Kentucky premiered on December 6, 2018, and concluded on March 14, 2019. In the season finale, Kelsey Barnard Clark was declared the winner over runner-up Sara Bradley. Barnard Clark was also voted Fan Favorite.

<i>Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.</i> Season 17 of American television series

Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. is the seventeenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was first announced on November 16, 2019, during a Top Chef-themed panel at Bravo's inaugural fan convention, BravoCon. The competition was filmed in Los Angeles, California, the same setting as the second season. The season finale took place in Italy, marking the first time the show has traveled to Europe. As with the previous all-stars edition, the cast of All-Stars L.A. was composed entirely of returning contestants. Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio returned to judge, along with Gail Simmons, following her absence from the previous season. Along with the return of Last Chance Kitchen, a new web series titled What Would Tom Do? debuted, showcasing Colicchio's approach to the contestants' various challenges. The winner received US$250,000.

<i>Top Chef: Portland</i> Season 18 of American television series

Top Chef: Portland is the eighteenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first announced by Bravo on September 28, 2020. The season was filmed in Portland, Oregon, and surrounding areas, including the Hood River Fruit Loop, Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, Tillamook Bay, Tualatin Valley, and Willamette Valley wine country. The winner received US$250,000.

<i>Top Chef: Wisconsin</i> Season of television series

Top Chef: Wisconsin is the twenty-first season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was filmed in Milwaukee, Madison, and Door County, Wisconsin, marking the series' first return to the Midwestern United States since Top Chef: Chicago. The season finale was filmed aboard the MS Eurodam in the Caribbean, with a stop in Curaçao. Top Chef: Seattle winner Kristen Kish replaces Padma Lakshmi as host, following her departure from the show after the previous season. It premiered on March 20, 2024. A new digital aftershow, titled The Dish with Kish, debuted alongside the returning Last Chance Kitchen web series.

References

Notes
  1. 1 2 The contestants' city and state of residence during time of filming.
  2. ↑ Feeling responsible for his team's loss, Jamie opted to forfeit his immunity earned in the Quickfire Challenge. As a result, he was eliminated from the competition, sparing Emily.
Footnotes
  1. 1 2 3 Rosenfeld, Laura (October 13, 2016). "Top Chef Season 14 Premieres This December: Meet the New Cheftestants". The Daily Dish. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  2. ↑ Stowell, Olivia (8 January 2022). "There's Certainly a Lot of History Here, But We're Here to Roast Oysters: Afterlives of Trans-Atlantic Exchange in Top Chef: Charleston". Television & New Media: 152747642110677. doi:10.1177/15274764211067735.
  3. ↑ Perkins, Erin (May 11, 2016). "Tom Colicchio Alert: 'Top Chef' Charleston Starts Filming Today". Eater Charleston. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  4. 1 2 Spence, Shay (October 13, 2016). "A New Top Chef Season Is Coming, and There's a Big Twist". People . Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  5. 1 2 Rosenfeld, Laura (March 3, 2017). "The Top Chef Season 14 Winner Did Something Huge with Her Prize Money". The Daily Dish. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  6. 1 2 Spence, Shay (October 20, 2016). "Top Chef Is Bringing Back 8 Fan Favorite Contestants — See Who Made the Cut". People . Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  7. ↑ Gomez, Patrick (November 28, 2018). "Top Chef favorites are headed back to the Last Chance Kitchen — and possibly season 16". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  8. ↑ Huff, Lauren (December 12, 2019). "Unpack your knives: Top Chef announces all-star lineup for season 17". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved December 12, 2019.
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