Top Chef: Wisconsin

Top Chef: Wisconsin
Season 21
Hosted by	Kristen Kish
Judges	Tom Colicchio Gail Simmons
No. of contestants	16
Location	Wisconsin
No. of episodes	14 [1]
Release
Original network	Bravo
Original release	March 20, 2024 (2024-03-20)
Season chronology
← Previous World All-Stars
List of episodes

Top Chef: Wisconsin is the twenty-first season of the American reality television series Top Chef . ^[2] 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 . ^{[2] [3] [4]} The season finale was filmed aboard the MS Eurodam in the Caribbean, with a stop in Curaçao. ^[5] Top Chef: Seattle (Season 10) winner Kristen Kish replaces Padma Lakshmi as host, following Lakshmi's departure from the show after the previous season. ^[2] It premiered on March 20, 2024. ^{[6] [7]} A new digital aftershow, titled The Dish with Kish, debuted alongside the returning Last Chance Kitchen web series. ^[5]

This season introduced new rules to the competition. ^{[7] [8]} Immunity from elimination was no longer awarded for winning Quickfire Challenges. ^[7] Instead, immunity could only be won through Elimination Challenges, making the winning chef safe in the next episode. ^{[5] [8]} The contestants were given the opportunity to earn cash prizes at every Quickfire. ^[8] In addition, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons joined Kish to judge the Quickfire Challenges during the latter half of the season, at which point, the chefs' Quickfire performances were factored into elimination decisions. ^[9]

Production

Top Chef: Wisconsin was produced in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and in collaboration with Travel Wisconsin, Visit Milwaukee, Destination Madison, Destination Door County, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. ^[3] Travel Wisconsin coordinated a total of $1.3 million in production incentives from the WEDC, tourism partners, and agricultural marketing organizations. ^[6]

The show's scouting team was brought out to Wisconsin in November 2022 and visited 56 locations in total. ^[6] Filming took place over six weeks from August through September 2023. ^{[4] [10] [1]} The Top Chef kitchen was set up inside an industrial building located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. ^[11]

Discussions for a Wisconsin-themed season date back to 2019. ^[12] Chef and restaurateur Paul Bartolotta, who appeared as a guest judge on Top Chef: Las Vegas in 2009, has been credited for continuously advocating for Milwaukee as a potential host city. ^{[4] [12]} Series showrunner Doneen Arquines stated regional diversity was an important factor in choosing Wisconsin as the next Top Chef location, as the show had not filmed in the Midwest since Season 4. ^{[4] [6]} Detroit, Michigan and Minneapolis, Minnesota were also considered. ^[4] Wisconsin had previously been on the short list for Season 19. ^[6] Houston, Texas was eventually chosen after the 2021 Ryder Cup golf tournament moved to Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin and hotels booked up. ^[6]

When Padma Lakshmi announced her departure from Top Chef to focus on Taste the Nation , her books, and other creative pursuits, Magical Elves Productions' chief executive Casey Kriley stated Kristen Kish was their clear choice for Lakshmi's replacement. ^{[2] [13]} The executives at NBCUniversal, which owns Bravo, claimed they never interviewed anyone else for the position. ^[13]

Contestants

The cast of Top Chef: Wisconsin initially consisted of fifteen chefs. ^{[7] [14]} A sixteenth contestant, Soo Ahn, started in the Last Chance Kitchen and eventually joined the main competition following its fifth episode. ^[15] Kévin D'Andrea previously competed on the sixth season of the French version of Top Chef. ^[7]

Name [14] [15]	Hometown	Current Residence [lower-alpha 1]
Soo Ahn	Seoul, South Korea/Tacoma, Washington	Chicago, Illinois
Manuel "Manny" Barella	Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico	Denver, Colorado
Kaleena Bliss	Seattle, Washington	Chicago, Illinois
Kévin D'Andrea	Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France	Austin, Texas
Alisha Elenz	Palatine, Illinois	Chicago, Illinois
Danny Garcia	Brooklyn, New York
Valentine Howell Jr.	Boston, Massachusetts	Dorchester, Massachusetts
Daniel "Dan" Jacobs	Chicago, Illinois	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Savannah Miller	Southern Pines, North Carolina	Durham, North Carolina
David Murphy	Houston, Texas	San Francisco, California
Kenny Nguyen	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Athens, Georgia
Laura Ozyilmaz	Acapulco, Mexico	San Francisco, California
Charly Pierre	Cambridge, Massachusetts	New Orleans, Louisiana
Amanda Turner	Arlington, Texas	Austin, Texas
Rasika Venkatesa	Chennai, India	New York, New York
Michelle Wallace	St. Louis, Missouri	Houston, Texas

Contestant progress

Episode #		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14
Quickfire Challenge Results		N/A	Laura ★ Kévin ↑ Michelle ↑ Danny ↓ Kenny ↓ Valentine ↓	Rasika ★ Kévin ↑ Savannah ↑ Alisha ↓ Charly ↓ Kenny ↓	N/A	Charly ★ Laura ↑ Manny ↑ Amanda ↓ Kévin ↓ Michelle ↓	Michelle ★ Amanda ↑ Kaleena ↑ Dan ↓ Danny ↓ Manny ↓
Contestant		Elimination Challenge Results
	Amanda	LOW	IN	IN	IN	IN	IN
	Dan	IN	IN	HIGH	IN	WIN	HIGH
	Danny	HIGH	IN	IN	WIN 1	IN	WIN
	Kaleena	IN	IN	HIGH	OUT		IN 2
	Kévin	IN	LOW	LOW	IN	IN	IN
	Laura	IN	IN	IN	IN	LOW	IN
	Manny	WIN	HIGH	LOW	IN	LOW	IN
	Michelle	HIGH	IN	WIN	IN	HIGH	LOW
	Savannah	IN	IN	IN	IN	HIGH	HIGH
	Soo						HIGH 2
11	Rasika	IN	WIN	IN	WIN	IN	OUT
12	Charly	IN	LOW	IN	IN	OUT
13	Alisha	IN	IN	IN	OUT
14	Kenny	LOW	HIGH	OUT
15	Valentine	IN	OUT
16	David	OUT

^Note 1 : The chef(s) did not receive immunity for winning the Elimination Challenge.
^Note 2 : Following Episode 5 of Last Chance Kitchen, Kaleena rejoined the competition and Soo was introduced as a new competitor.

Quickfire Challenge

(Name ★) The chef won the Quickfire Challenge.

(Name ↑) The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Quickfire Challenge but did not win.

(Name ↓) The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Quickfire Challenge.

Elimination Challenge

  (WINNER) The chef won the season and was crowned "Top Chef".

  (RUNNER-UP) The chef was a 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

Main article: List of Top Chef episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original air date
303	1	"Chef's Test"	March 20, 2024 (2024-03-20)
Elimination Challenge: The chefs were separated into three groups led by host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio, and judge Gail Simmons, each of whom assigned their group a unique test: Gail's group had to create stuffed pasta dishes; Kristen's group had to make soup; and Tom's group had to prepare roasted chicken dishes (which were required to include both white meat and dark meat). The dishes were served at Lupi & Iris restaurant. The judges selected their favorite and least favorite dish in each group. The overall favorite was declared the winner and received immunity for the next Elimination Challenge. The three contestants with the judges' least favorite dishes then cooked against each other in a sudden-death cook-off, creating any dish of their choosing using leftover ingredients from the kitchen. The loser of the cook-off was eliminated. The guest judges were chefs Paul Bartolotta and Adam Siegel. Gail's Group (Stuffed Pasta): Alisha, David, Kévin, Michelle, Rasika Kristen's Group (Soup): Amanda, Charly, Dan, Laura, Manny Tom's Group (Roasted Chicken): Danny, Kaleena, Kenny, Savannah, Valentine Winner: Manny (Green Pozole with Chicken & Charred Salsa Verde) Eliminated: David (Mushroom Stuffed Gnocchi with Speck & Chicken Liver Gravy, Mascarpone & Calabrian Chili; Poached Shrimp with Sungold Tomatoes, Coconut Cilantro Broth & Green Curry Sauce)
304	2	"Living the High Life"	March 27, 2024 (2024-03-27)
Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create dishes incorporating hops. The winner received US$5,000. The guest judge was Top Chef: Colorado winner Joe Flamm. Winner: Laura (Hop Infused Rice Pudding with Berries) Elimination Challenge: The chefs, split into two teams, created seven-course progressive menus elevating the following bar snacks: popcorn, pickles, pretzels, mixed nuts, potato chips, olives, and toasted corn kernels. The meals were served inside the Historic Miller Caves. The winner received immunity for the next Elimination Challenge and US$10,000 from the Miller Brewing Company. The guest diners included Joe Flamm, chefs Kyle Knall, Luke Zahm, and Jamie Brown-Soukaseume, restaurateur Omar Shaikh, Miller High Life representative Carol Walker, and comedian Charlie Berens. Red Team: Amanda, Charly, Danny, Kaleena, Kévin, Laura, Valentine Yellow Team: Alisha, Dan, Kenny, Manny, Michelle, Rasika, Savannah Winner: Rasika (Barley Pretzel Cake with Pretzel Granita & Honey Mustard Sabayon) Eliminated: Valentine (Beer & Corn Soup, Pickled Fresno Peppers & Toasted Corn Kernels)
305	3	"Take It Cheesy"	April 3, 2024 (2024-04-03)
Quickfire Challenge: The chefs were presented with numerous miniature doors. The contestants took turns opening doors, each concealing a random ingredient. As the winner of the previous Elimination Challenge, Rasika was allowed to choose her door first. They then had 30 minutes to create dishes pairing their mystery ingredient with Door County cherries. The winner received US$5,000. The guest judges were actress Clea DuVall and Top Chef: New York runner-up/ Top Chef: All-Stars finalist Carla Hall. Winner: Rasika (Tart Cherry Cipollini Onions, Charred Pepper Relish & Berbere Spice) Elimination Challenge: The chefs were randomly assigned one of thirteen different cheeses. They were then asked to make dishes featuring their designated cheeses for a Top Chef cheese festival held at the Cupola Barn in Oconomowoc. The dishes were served to the judging panel and one hundred festival guests. The guests' votes determined the top dishes and winner of the challenge, while the judges selected the bottom dishes. The winner received immunity for the next Elimination Challenge. The guest judges were Carla Hall and chef Dane Baldwin. Winner: Michelle (Coconut Curry Collard Green Saag with Pleasant Ridge Reserve Potato Fritter) Eliminated: Kenny (Crab Rangoon Salad with Gorgonzola Crème Fraîche Crema, Luxardo Cherry Relish & Rice Paper Chip)
306	4	"The Wright Way"	April 10, 2024 (2024-04-10)
Elimination Challenge: The chefs traveled to Madison and toured buildings designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Working in pairs, the contestants had to take inspiration from Wright's architectural style and create dishes featuring the theme of duality. The dishes were served at the Riverview Terrace Restaurant in Spring Green. The winning pair received US$10,000, though only one person received immunity for the next Elimination Challenge. Both members of the losing team were eliminated. The guest judges were chef Dominique Crenn and Top Chef: Houston / Top Chef: World All-Stars winner Buddha Lo. Winners: Rasika (Daal Quenelle, Pickled Beets, Carrot Purée & Rasam) and Danny (Scallop Mousse, Zucchini & Green Chartreuse) [lower-alpha 2] Eliminated: Alisha (Sea - Aguachile with Shrimp, Cucumber & Lime) and Kaleena (Land - Mushroom & Goat Cheese Cheesecake, Sesame Tuile, Candied Mushrooms & Spruce Syrup)
307	5	"Supper Club"	April 17, 2024 (2024-04-17)
Quickfire Challenge: Prior to learning about their challenge, the chefs were instructed to buy ingredients from the Dane County Farmers' Market. Then, after arriving at the rooftop of L'Etoile Restaurant, they were given 30 minutes to create dishes pairing their ingredients from the farmers' market with one of ten different sauces from the first cookbook of Carson Gulley, the head chef at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1926–1954. The winner received US$7,500. The guest judges were comedian/activist W. Kamau Bell and chef/owner Tory Miller. Winner: Charly (Creole Sauce - Fingerling Potato with Honey & Tomato Chèvre & Roasted Pepper Creole Sauce) Elimination Challenge: The chefs were invited to a supper club meal at the Harvey House, a former train depot-turned restaurant. They were then divided into two teams and asked to prepare their own supper club menus for the judges and forty guest diners. Their menus were required to include a relish tray, fish dish, chicken dish, beef dish, and dessert. The winner received immunity for the next Elimination Challenge. The guest diners included W. Kamau Bell, Tory Miler, pastry chef Kristine Miller, chef/co-owner Joe Papach, and creative director/co-owner Shaina Papach. Green Team: Amanda, Charly, Danny, Laura, Manny Purple Team: Dan, Kévin, Michelle, Rasika, Savannah Winner: Dan (Relish Tray - Crudités in "Soil", Steak Tartare, Chicken Liver Mousse, Pickled Shallots & Fried Seed Toast) Eliminated: Charly (Fish Dish - Epis Rubbed Fried Trout, Coconut Epis Sauce & Preserved Lemon Pikliz)
308	6	"Chaos Cuisine"	April 24, 2024 (2024-04-24)
Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had 45 minutes to produce dairy-forward desserts. The winner received US$7,500. The guest judge was chef/founder Christina Tosi. Following Episode 5 of Last Chance Kitchen, Kaleena rejoined the competition and Soo was introduced as a new competitor. Since Tom Colicchio allowed two contestants through Last Chance Kitchen, Kristen Kish informed the cast that the judges reserved the right to eliminate two people during any future Elimination Challenge without prior warning. Winner: Michelle (Corn Cake with Mascarpone Cheese, Basil Cream & Lemon Zest) Elimination Challenge: The chefs were challenged with making dishes exemplifying "chaos cooking", a trend similar to fusion cuisine that disregards all culinary convention, which became popular with social media chefs during COVID-19 lockdown. The guest judges were chef/actor Matty Matheson, chef/owner Phillip Foss, and chef/writer Sophia Roe. Winner: Danny (Scallop Chou Farci with Yuzu Kosho Foam) Eliminated: Rasika (Crab & Eggplant with Mushroom Conserva, Dukkah & Garlic Tahini)
309	7	"Sausage Race"	May 1, 2024 (2024-05-01)
310	8	"Restaurant Wars"	May 8, 2024 (2024-05-08)
311	9	"The Good Land"	May 15, 2024 (2024-05-15)
312	10	"Door County Fish Boil"	May 22, 2024 (2024-05-22)
313	11	"Lay It All On The Table"	May 29, 2024 (2024-05-29)

Last Chance Kitchen

Main article: Top Chef § Last Chance Kitchen

No.	Title	Original air date
1	"The 16th Chef"	March 27, 2024 (2024-03-27)
Challenge: In a surprise twist, Valentine competed against a secret sixteenth contestant, Soo, who was vying for a spot in the main competition. They were given 30 minutes to make comfort food using high-end ingredients, such as truffles, saffron, caviar, and whole lobsters. Their dishes also had to pair well with beer. Valentine: New England Lobster Bake - Poached Lobster, Andouille Sausage, Corn & Turmeric Purée Soo: Fish & Chips - Fried Lobster, Rice Chips & Caviar Tartar Sauce Winner: Soo Eliminated: Valentine
2	"The Big Stink"	April 3, 2024 (2024-04-03)
Challenge: Soo and Kenny had 20 minutes to cook dishes featuring Limburger cheese. Soo: Eggplant Parm with Ponzu Pomodoro Sauce & Brûléed Limburger Cheese Kenny: Vietnamese Rice Paper Pizza with Egg Base, Chili Crisp, Grilled Cantaloupe & Limburger Cheese Sauce Winner: Soo Eliminated: Kenny
3	"Plates Aplenty"	April 10, 2024 (2024-04-10)
Challenge: Soo, Alisha, and Kaleena were presented with an assortment of plates, bowls, cups, and other vessels. They then had 30 minutes to create composed dishes inspired by their chosen plating option. Two contestants advanced to the next round. Soo: Lamb Loin Carpaccio with Aged Balsamic, Mint, Basil & Fennel; Glazed Halibut with Strawberry Bisque Alisha: Aguachile with Cucumber, Jicama, Avocado, Poached Shrimp & Cilantro Kaleena: Beef Tartare with Mirin, Ponzu, Fish Sauce & Soy; Beef Tataki with Kimchi, Pear & Fennel; Charred Ribeye with Miso & Cauliflower Purée Winners: Soo and Kaleena Eliminated: Alisha
4	"Mid-Season Finale Part 1"	April 17, 2024 (2024-04-17)
Challenge: Soo, Kaleena, and Charly had 30 minutes to make a breakfast version of a club sandwich. Soo: Breakfast Club with Pork Cutlet, Eggs, Fried Raisin Bread, Orange Marmalade, Cheddar & Mornay Sauce Kaleena: Toasted Croissant with Bacon, Tomato Chutney, Poached Egg & Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce Charly: Sandwich with Fried Plantains, Grilled Skirt Steak, Pikliz, Avocado & Harissa Cream Sauce Winner: Kaleena Eliminated: None
5	"Mid-Season Finale Part 2"	April 17, 2024 (2024-04-17)
Challenge: Soo, Kaleena, and Charly had 30 minutes to create dishes showcasing themselves and their culinary styles in a single bite. As the winner of the previous challenge, Kaleena was given an additional five minutes of cooking time. The winners earned spots in the main competition. Soo: Caesar Salad with Black Garlic & Fish Sauce Dressing, Fried Anchovy, Pecorino & Aged Balsamic Kaleena: Grilled Venison with Miso Sweet Potato Purée, Mushrooms, Daikon & Pear Charly: Espagueti with Smoked Herring, Andouille Sausage & Egg Yolk Sauce Winners: Soo and Kaleena Eliminated: Charly

References

Notes

1. The contestants' city and state of residence during time of filming.
2. Though Rasika and Danny were declared the winning team and split the cash prize, only Rasika received immunity for having the judges' overall favorite dish.

Footnotes

1. Kalk Derby, Samara (March 14, 2024). "This season's 'Top Chef' shows Wisconsin can 'dance with the big boys'". Wisconsin State Journal . Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
2. Maas, Jennifer (July 11, 2023). "'Top Chef' Winner Kristen Kish to Replace Host Padma Lakshmi in Wisconsin-Set Season 21". Variety . Archived from the original on July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
3. Foran, Chris (July 11, 2023). "Season 21 of Bravo's 'Top Chef' will be filmed in Wisconsin, with new host Kristen Kish". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
4. Ryan, Sean (September 4, 2023). "How Paul Bartolotta's custard crawl helped bring 'Top Chef' to Milwaukee". Milwaukee Business Journal . Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
5. Crist, Allison (February 7, 2024). "See Kristen Kish Step in as Host for Top Chef Season 21, Which Includes Interesting Twists". The Daily Dish . Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
6. Christians, Lindsay (November 8, 2023). "How 'Top Chef' came to Dairyland". The Capital Times . Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
7. DeBianchi, Antonia (February 7, 2024). "Top Chef Gets 'Shaken Up' with New Rules and Kristen Kish as Host — See the Trailer and Meet the Chefs (Exclusive)". People . Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
8. Boucher, Ashley (February 7, 2024). "Meet the chefs shaking things up on Top Chef season 21". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
9. Ergas, Talia (March 7, 2024). "There Are Major Changes Coming to Top Chef's Competition Format for Season 21". The Daily Dish . Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
10. Reid, Claire (August 15, 2023). "Milwaukee 'Top Chef' sightings begin: Crew spotted filming at Whole Foods on Prospect Ave". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
11. Rackl, Lori (March 18, 2024). "The Stars of Bravo's Top Chef on Cast Changes, Farm Stands and Filming in Wisconsin". Midwest Living . Archived from the original on March 19, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
12. Hilyard, Hannah (August 14, 2023). 'Top Chef' crews spotted filming at Milwaukee grocery store. WISN-TV. Event occurs at 1:02. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
13. Severson, Kim (August 22, 2023). "How Does Kristen Kish Feel at the Top of 'Top Chef'? It's Complicated". New York Times . Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
14. Raphael, Shannon (February 7, 2024). "Meet the Cheftestants Competing on Top Chef Season 21". The Daily Dish . Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
15. DeBianchi, Antonia (March 26, 2024). "A Top Chef First: New Contestant Will Join the Competition Late by Cooking on Last Chance Kitchen (Exclusive)". People . Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.

External links

• Official website