Top Chef: New Orleans

Last updated
Top Chef: New Orleans
Season 11
Top Chef Season 11 cover.jpg
Hosted by Padma Lakshmi
Judges Tom Colicchio
Gail Simmons
Emeril Lagasse
Hugh Acheson
No. of contestants19
WinnerNicholas Elmi
Runner-up Nina Compton
Location New Orleans, Louisiana
Finals venue Maui
Fan FavoriteNina Compton
No. of episodes17
Release
Original network Bravo
Original releaseOctober 2, 2013 (2013-10-02) –
February 5, 2014 (2014-02-05)
Season chronology
← Previous
Seattle
Next →
Boston
List of episodes

Top Chef: New Orleans is the eleventh season of the American reality television series Top Chef . The season was announced on May 10, 2013. [1] Filming took place from early May through late July, beginning in New Orleans, Louisiana and concluding in Maui. [2] [3] The season premiered on October 2, 2013. [4] 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. [5] 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. [6]

Contents

The final episode of the season generated controversy after head judge Tom Colicchio appeared to successfully sway the other judges into awarding the title of Top Chef to Nicholas Elmi, a contestant who had been nearly eliminated in several episodes and had temper control issues. [7] Fan outrage led Colicchio to release the judges' scores on Twitter to justify their decision to give Elmi the victory over eventual runner-up Nina Compton, who was considered a front runner in the competition. [7] Compton was later voted Fan Favorite. [8]

Contestants

The cast of Top Chef: New Orleans originally consisted of 17 chefs. [9] [10] [11] At the conclusion of Padma's Picks, Lakshmi selected Justin Devillier and Michael Sichel to join the regular lineup of contestants. [12] Benedetto Bartolotta had previously competed in the fifth season of Top Chef Masters as the sous-chef of Odette Fada. Stephanie Cmar was also a previous contestant, briefly appearing in Top Chef: Seattle during the qualifying rounds.

NameHometownCurrent Residence [lower-alpha 1] Age
Benedetto "Bene" Bartolotta Astoria, New York New York, New York 27
Ramon Bojorquez Rio Rico, Arizona San Diego, California 31
Janine Booth Perth, Australia New York, New York25
Shirley Chung Beijing, China Las Vegas, Nevada 36
Jason Cichonski Bucks County, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 27
Stephanie Cmar Boston, Massachusetts 28
Nina Compton Saint Lucia New Orleans, Louisiana 34
Aaron Cuschieri Livonia, Michigan Chicago, Illinois 29
Justin Devillier Dana Point, California New Orleans, Louisiana 32
Nicholas Elmi West Newbury, Massachusetts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania32
Carlos Gaytan Huitzuco, Guerrero, Mexico Chicago, Illinois42
Brian Huskey Pasadena, California Los Angeles, California 32
Sara Johannes Milwaukee, Wisconsin Minneapolis, Minnesota 36
Louis Maldonado Ukiah, California Healdsburg, California 32
Travis Masar La Junta, Colorado Philadelphia, Pennsylvania27
Carrie Mashaney Carpenter, Iowa Seattle, Washington 35
Bret Pelaggi Norwood, Massachusetts Miami, Florida34
Michael Sichel Valhalla, New York New Orleans, Louisiana46
Patricia "Patty" Vega Gurabo, Puerto Rico New York, New York29

Shirley Chung competed in Top Chef Duels , and later returned to compete in Top Chef: Charleston . [13] [14] Stephanie Cmar returned for Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. [15]

Contestant progress

Episode # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Quickfire Challenge
Winner(s)		N/ACarrieShirleyN/ATeam
L. 1 4 		NinaBrianBrianN/AShirleyCarrieShirleyNicholasShirleyCarlos 1 Nicholas 1 N/A
ContestantElimination Challenge Results
1NicholasINLOWININHIGHHIGHLOWINWINWININLOWLOWLOWLOWWINWINNER
2NinaWININHIGHHIGHLOWWINHIGHHIGHININLOWHIGHWINHIGHHIGHINRUNNER-UP
3ShirleyINININWININININHIGHININWININLOWWINWINOUT
LouisININLOWININININOUTOUT 5
5CarlosINHIGHLOWINWININHIGHWININHIGHHIGHLOWHIGHHIGHOUT
6BrianINHIGHININLOWINLOWINHIGHLOWHIGHHIGHHIGHOUT
7StephanieININHIGHLOWININWINLOWHIGHHIGHLOWWINOUT
8CarrieHIGHWININHIGHININHIGHINHIGHININOUT
9JustinIN 2 INWINHIGHINHIGHINLOWLOWLOWOUT
10TravisINHIGHINLOWWINLOWLOWINHIGHOUT
11SaraHIGHININLOWINLOWININOUT
12PattyLOWLOWINHIGHHIGHINOUT
13BeneINININLOWLOWOUT
14MichaelIN 2 INININOUT
15JanineINININOUT
16BretINLOWOUT
17AaronLOWHIGHOUT 3
18JasonINOUT
19RamonOUT

^Note 1 : The chef(s) did not receive immunity for winning the Quickfire Challenge.
^Note 2 : As the winners of Padma's Picks, Justin and Michael were given immunity for the first Elimination Challenge.
^Note 3 : Aaron was eliminated by placing last in the Quickfire Challenge.
^Note 4 : Team Lakshmi consisted of Bene, Brian, Carlos, Nicholas, Nina, Patty, and Travis.
^Note 5 : Louis 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 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

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal air date
1571"Soiree in the Swamp"October 2, 2013 (2013-10-02)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were sent to a swamp and asked to create a dish highlighting a Louisiana delicacy: alligator, turtle, or frog. The contestants were randomly assigned proteins by Lakshmi and Colicchio. The guests at the party voted for their favorite meals by presenting a string of Mardi Gras beads to the chefs whose dishes they liked the most. The three chefs who collected the most beads were eligible to win, while the three chefs with the least amount were put up for elimination. The guest judge was chef Curtis Stone.

  • Winner: Nina (Curried Turtle Meatball, Chayote Slaw & Chutney with Raisins)
  • Eliminated: Ramon (Braised Turtle with Thai Dashi)
1582"Rebuilding New Orleans"October 9, 2013 (2013-10-09)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs were given an entire night to prepare a gumbo inspired by their heritage. The guest judge was chef Leah Chase.

  • Winner: Carrie (Iowan-Trinidadian Gumbo with Coconut, Green Mango, and Corn Crumble)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were separated into four teams and worked in food trucks to serve lunch for Habitat for Humanity volunteers. The guest judge was chef Susan Spicer.

  • Red Team: Bene, Janine, Justin, Michael, Nina
  • Green Team: Louis, Sara, Shirley, Stephanie
  • Blue Team: Bret, Jason, Nicholas, Patty
  • Yellow Team: Aaron, Brian, Carlos, Carrie, Travis
    • Winner: Carrie (Beef & Pork Curry Empanadas with Watercress & Mango)
    • Eliminated: Jason (Salmon Hand Roll with Quinoa, Honey Mustard Miso & Cucumber)
1593"Commander's Palace"October 16, 2013 (2013-10-16)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs were challenged to create a dish that reinvents one of four popular food trends: "eggs over everything", kale, bacon, or smoked foods. The contestants drew knives to select their trends. Revealed to be an Elimination Quickfire, the chef with the judges' least favorite dish would be sent home. The guest judge was Food & Wine editor-in-chief Dana Cowin.

  • Winner: Shirley (Rice Congee with Shirred Egg, Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil)
  • Eliminated: Aaron (Fried Kale Dredged in Soy, Mirin, Rice Vinegar & Yuzu Sauce)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to replicate classic dishes from the Commander's Palace menu.

  • Winner: Justin (Strawberry Trio)
  • Eliminated: Bret (Veal Chop Tchoupitoulas)
1604"Captain Vietnam"October 23, 2013 (2013-10-23)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were separated into three teams to create a menu inspired by the Vietnamese influence on the shrimping industry in New Orleans. At least one dish on the menu had to feature shrimp.

  • Green Team: Bene, Janine, Sara, Stephanie, Travis
  • Orange Team: Brian, Carlos, Louis, Michael, Nicholas
  • Red Team: Carrie, Justin, Nina, Patty, Shirley
    • Winner: Shirley (Vietnamese Barbecue Shrimp with Creole Spice Butter)
    • Eliminated: Janine (Fresh Gulf Shrimp with Ginger Vietnamese Tomato Sauce)
1615"Lea Michele's Halloween Bash"October 30, 2013 (2013-10-30)

Quickfire Challenge: In a throwback to the Top Chef: Seattle Reynolds Wrap challenge, all ingredients and cooking utensils were completely wrapped in aluminum foil. The mothers of Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons, Vijaya Lakshmi and Renée Simmons, shopped for the chefs' ingredients and equipment. The contestants, split into two teams, had to create three dishes incorporating every ingredient. The winning team split $10,000.

  • Team Lakshmi: Bene, Brian, Carlos, Nicholas, Nina, Patty, Travis
  • Team Simmons: Carrie, Justin, Louis, Michael, Sara, Shirley, Stephanie
    • Winner: Team Lakshmi

Elimination Challenge: The chefs, separated into pairs, catered a Halloween costume party. The guest judge was actress Lea Michele.

  • Winners: Carlos, Travis (Dia de los Muertos: Goat Cheese Fondue with Fried Zucchini; Vegetable Ceviche)
  • Eliminated: Michael (Bloody Eye: Yellow Arancini with Saffron & Tomato Jam)
1626"Campfires, Cream Cheese and Countryside"November 6, 2013 (2013-11-06)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created dishes that highlighted the creole tomato. The guest judge was chef John Besh.

  • Winner: Nina (Chilled Watermelon Tomato Soup with Jalapeño, Fresh Basil & Shaved Zucchini)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to make a dish using farm-fresh ingredients and featuring Philadelphia cream cheese. The contestants drew knives to determine their portion of the meal: appetizer, entrée, or dessert. The Quickfire winner was allowed to choose their course. The winner of the challenge received $10,000.

  • Winner: Nina (Crispy Zucchini Blossoms with Eggplant & Cream Cheese Purée)
  • Eliminated: Bene (Roasted Chicken Breast Filled with Caramelized Onion & Tarragon Cream Cheese)
1637"Jazz Hands"November 13, 2013 (2013-11-13)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs rotated around prep stations in the kitchen in a version of musical chairs, continuing and completing the dishes that they ended up at. The guest judge was jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins.

  • Winner: Brian (Duck & Mussels with Flavors of Asia)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs worked in teams to prepare potluck meals for a party hosted by Kermit Ruffins for a group of musicians.

  • Blue Team: Justin, Louis, Sara, Shirley
  • Gray Team: Brian, Nicholas, Patty, Travis
  • Green Team: Carlos, Carrie, Nina, Stephanie
    • Winner: Stephanie (Fried Baby Artichoke, Preserved Lemon & Anchovy Aioli)
    • Eliminated: Patty (Tomato Watermelon Salad, Sichuan Pepper & Goat Cheese Espuma)
1648"Piggin' Out"November 20, 2013 (2013-11-20)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs prepared their own hot sauce. The guest judge was singer Dr. John.

  • Winner: Brian (Jalapeño & Serrano Hot Sauce with Lime & Yuzu Juices)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs each prepared a dish from their portion of a whole hog, in the spirit of a Cajun boucherie, or communal slaughtering. The guest judges were chefs Toby Rodriguez and Donald Link.

  • Winner: Carlos (Pozole Verde with Fried Chorizo Tacos)
  • Eliminated: Louis (Slow-Grilled Pork Leg with Spring Onions, Shiitake Mushrooms, Melted Corn & Popcorn)
1659"Restaurant Wars"December 4, 2013 (2013-12-04)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs had 24 hours to create a pop-up restaurant. They set up both the dining area and the kitchen area, and executed a multi-course dinner service. One member from the losing team was eligible for elimination. The guest judge was restaurateur David Chang.

  • Fin: Brian, Carrie, Nicholas, Stephanie, Travis
    • First Course: Scallop Crudo, Corn & Squash Relish with Purple Corn Gel (Brian)
    • Second Course: Sautéed Gulf Shrimp, Chickpea Purée, Oregano & Lemon (Carrie); Linguini with Caviar, Oyster Cream & Fennel (Stephanie); Roasted Black Drum, King Trumpet Mushrooms, Oxtail, Kale & Hibiscus Reduction (Nicholas)
    • Third Course: Olive Oil Cake with Greek Yogurt, Cherries & Pistachios (Travis)
  • Found: Carlos, Justin, Nina, Sara, Shirley
    • First Course: Red Snapper Crudo, Avocado Mousse, Pickled Baby Carrots & Fried Platano (Carlos); Roasted Parsnip Agnolotti, Mississippi Rabbit & Collard Greens Broth (Justin)
    • Second Course: Olive Oil Poached Cobia, Blanched Ong Choy & Salsa Verde (Shirley); Pork Tenderloin with Sunchokes & Trumpet Royale Mushrooms (Nina)
    • Third Course: Summer Nectarine Brown Butter Cake with Moscato Nectarine Salsa (Sara)
      • Winner: Nicholas
      • Eliminated: Sara
16610"Like Mama Made"December 11, 2013 (2013-12-11)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created dishes featuring Dunkin' Donuts coffee. The winner received $10,000.

  • Winner: Shirley (Coffee Crusted Tenderloin with Garlic Purée & Coffee Brown Butter Sauce)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs created dishes that reminded them of home.

  • Winner: Nicholas (Ricotta Gnudi with Pancetta, Peas, Lemon & Parmesan)
  • Eliminated: Travis (Biscuits with Maple Sage Sausage Gravy & Sour Plum Jam)
16711"Giving It the College Try"December 18, 2013 (2013-12-18)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created dishes using drumsticks.

  • Winner: Carrie (Squab Legs Marinated in Thyme, Juniper & Cocoa Powder with Fig Mostarda)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs served lunch to 500 freshman students at Louisiana State University. The winner received a brand new Toyota RAV4.

  • Winner: Shirley (Roast Beef with Potato Puree & Fire Roasted Tomato Relish)
  • Eliminated: Justin (Marinated Gulf Shrimp, Cauliflower, Asparagus & Garlic Puree)
16812"Mississippi Mud Bugs"January 1, 2014 (2014-01-01)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs prepared their own version of a crawfish étouffée.

  • Winner: Shirley (Singapore Chili Crab Étouffée with Crawfish Stock, Cucumber & Egg)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to create a dish highlighting two different types of seafood.

  • Winner: Stephanie (Fried Louisiana Oysters with Tuna & Pickled Beech Mushrooms)
  • Eliminated: Carrie (Flounder Croquettes with Oyster Emulsion & Pickled Cucumbers)
16913"Oui Si a Challenge"January 8, 2014 (2014-01-08)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs replicated a dish prepared by Jacques Pépin (Dover Sole with Artichokes and Asparagus).

  • Winner: Nicholas (Poached Dover Sole with Mushroom Duxelle Stuffed Artichoke & Sautéed Asparagus)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were divided into two teams to prepare five-course tasting menus influenced by French and Spanish cuisine, respectively. The menus both featured olives, almonds, mussels, chicken, and chocolate. The French team was advised by Dominique Crenn, and the Spanish team by Julian Serrano.

  • French Team: Nicholas, Shirley, Stephanie
  • Spanish Team: Brian, Carlos, Nina
    • Winner: Nina (Ensaladilla Rusa with Green Olives, Gulf Shrimp & Potatoes; Ajo Blanco with Almonds, Crabs & Cherries)
    • Eliminated: Stephanie (Pickled & Poached Mussels, Crustacean Jus & Tomate; Chicken Liver Mousse with Roasted Chicken Consomme)
17014"Po' Boy Smackdown"January 15, 2014 (2014-01-15)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs made gourmet po'boys. The guest judge was chef Roy Choi.

  • Winner: Shirley (Sauteed Catfish Po'Boy with Mirin, Ginger, Garlic Glaze & Cabbage Slaw)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs made dishes that represented a turning point in their career when they found their own culinary voice. The guest judge was filmmaker Jon Favreau.

  • Winner: Shirley (Seared Snapper with Crustacean Broth, Silken Tofu & Napa Cabbage)
  • Eliminated: Brian (Chicken Anticucho with Twice Cooked Potatoes & Feta Walnut Pesto)
17115"Leaving New Orleans"January 22, 2014 (2014-01-22)

Quickfire Challenge: The challenge occurred in two stages. In the first, the chefs made a one-bite dish that featured a combination of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy flavors. The chefs with the two best dishes advanced to the second stage, where they created a dish highlighting either bell pepper or eggplant. Instead of immunity, the winner received a brand new Toyota Corolla.

  • Winner: Carlos (Grilled Mango with Shrimp & Chili Glaze; Fried Red Bell Pepper Soup with Fennel, Basil & Onion)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs created dishes inspired by their time in New Orleans.

  • Winner: Shirley (Black Drum with Zhenjiang Vinegar Butter Sauce, Braised Celery & Mushrooms)
  • Eliminated: Carlos (Steamed Seafood Tamale with Saffron Cream Sauce & Pickled Okra)
17216"Maui Wowie"January 29, 2014 (2014-01-29)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs made dishes using Spam. Instead of immunity, the winner received $10,000.

  • Winner: Nicholas (Spam Broth, Pancetta, Seaweed, Dried Shrimp, Clam Juice & Quail Egg)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs made dishes featuring canoe plants. Two chefs were eliminated.

  • Winner: Nicholas (Opakapaka with Jalapeño & Crispy Chicken Skin)
  • Eliminated: Louis (Grilled Opah with Sweet Potato & Coconut Sauce); Shirley (Honey-Glazed Pork with Sweet Potato & Turmeric Puree)
17317"Finale"February 5, 2014 (2014-02-05)

Elimination Challenge: The finalists, with the assistance of three sous chefs of their choosing (Jason, Louis, and Brian for Nicholas, and Shirley, Stephanie, and Travis for Nina)had to cook the best four-course meal of their lives.

  • Nina:
    • Amuse-bouche: Breadfruit with Whipped Foie Gras Butter
    • First Course: Tuna & Escolar Tartar with Tomato Water & Jalapeño
    • Second Course: Roasted Goat Sugo with Orecchiette, Cherry Tomato Confit & Goat Cheese
    • Third Course: Swordfish with Squash Purée, Braised Kale & Smoked Onion Jus
    • Intermezzo: Compressed Dragon Fruit & Frozen Papaya Skewer
    • Dessert: Chocolate Zeppole with Macadamia Nuts & Passion Fruit Anglaise
  • Nicholas:
    • First Course: Hamachi & Tuna with Green Apple Wasabi, Celery & Maui-Meyer Lemon
    • Second Course: Sweet Shrimp Bisque, Scallop & Daikon Noodles with Thai Basil
    • Third Course: Kombu Cured Duck Breast with Kabocha Squash, Hijiki & Ginger
    • Dessert: Caramelized White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Almond Cocoa Crumble & Tropical Fruit
      • Winner: Nicholas
      • Runner-up: Nina

Last Chance Kitchen

No. Title Original air date
1"Ramon vs. Jason vs. Aaron vs. Bret vs. Janine"October 23, 2013 (2013-10-23)

Challenge: The chefs were allowed to cook any dish.

  • Aaron: Balsamic Marinated Rabbit Leg with Corn Fricasee & Creole Tomatoes
  • Bret: Seared Bass with Ratatouille & Mascarpone Polenta
  • Janine: Fried Oysters with Southern Vegetables & Creole Mustard Aioli
  • Jason: Suzuki Crudo with Corn, White Chocolate & Yuzu Nectarine
  • Ramon: Grilled Lemongrass Prawns with Kale, Nori & Peach Salad
    • Winner: Janine
    • Eliminated: Aaron, Bret, Jason, Ramon
2"Janine vs. Michael"October 30, 2013 (2013-10-30)

Challenge: The chefs were challenged to make risotto.

  • Janine: Mushroom Risotto with Mascarpone & Rosemary
  • Michael: Pine Nut & Thyme Risotto with Parmesan Crisp
    • Winner: Janine
    • Eliminated: Michael
3"Janine vs. Bene"November 6, 2013 (2013-11-06)

Challenge: The chefs made dishes using frozen and canned vegetables.

  • Janine: Seared Scallop with Pancetta, Minted Pea & Corn Purées
  • Bene: Duo of Swordfish with Sweet Pea Asparagus Purée, Pine Nuts & Raisins
    • Winner: Janine
    • Eliminated: Bene
4"Janine vs. Patty"November 13, 2013 (2013-11-13)

Challenge: The chefs created dishes highlighting onions. They were required to chop up a tub of onions before they could start on the challenge itself. In addition, they could not do any additional prep work once they started cooking.

  • Janine: Pork Loin with Apple Rolls, Goat Cheese, Bacon & Caramelized Onion
  • Patty: Grilled Pork Loin with Confit Potatoes, Andouille Sausage & Onions
    • Winner: Janine
    • Eliminated: Patty
5"Janine vs. Louis"November 20, 2013 (2013-11-20)

Challenge: The chefs were given $25 to spend at a farmers' market. They were allowed to keep only three of their purchased ingredients, and given only 20 minutes to prepare a dish.

  • Janine: Catfish with Potato, Asparagus & Saffron Sauce
  • Louis: Olive Oil Poached Prawns with Tomato & Fennel Bisque
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Janine
6"Louis vs. Sara"December 4, 2013 (2013-12-04)

Challenge: The chefs made savory dishes featuring mascarpone. They were blindfolded for 10 minutes in the middle of the challenge and had to instruct a sous-chef (Jason for Louis, Janine for Sara) on how to continue preparing their dishes.

  • Louis: Mascarpone Poached Snapper with Beech Mushrooms, Snap Peas & Potato
  • Sara: Mascarpone Polenta with Agrodolce Mushrooms & Swiss Chard
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Sara
7"Louis vs. Travis"December 11, 2013 (2013-12-11)

Challenge: The chefs made dishes highlighting Asian ingredients, including three out of the following: tripe, sea cucumber, Humboldt squid, chicken feet, duck feet, pork tongue, dried shrimp, and Chinese sausage. They were given 45 minutes for the challenge.

  • Louis: Braised Tripe, Dried Shrimp & Chinese Sausage with Bamboo Shoots & Bok Choy
  • Travis: Bitter Melon Soup with Squid Cakes
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Travis
8"Louis vs. Justin"December 18, 2013 (2013-12-18)

Challenge: The chefs made dishes highlighting ingredients from their opponent's home region; Louis used ingredients from Louisiana, while Justin used ingredients from Northern California.

  • Louis: Redfish Almondine with Corn Puree & Crawfish Sauce
  • Justin: Grilled Sardine with Roasted Corn & Sherry Vinaigrette
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Justin
9"Louis vs. Carrie"January 1, 2014 (2014-01-01)

Challenge: The chefs prepared dishes using broccoli.

  • Louis: Scottish Salmon, Anchovy Vierge with Broccoli Three Ways
  • Carrie: Roasted Broccoli Raviolini with Bagna Cauda
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Carrie
10"Louis vs. Stephanie"January 8, 2014 (2014-01-08)

Challenge: The chefs each prepared a savory and a sweet beignet.

  • Louis: Crab & Black Garlic Beignet; Persimmon & Pine Nut Beignet
  • Stephanie: Andouille & Corn Beignet; White Chocolate & Cherry Beignet
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Stephanie
11"Louis vs. Brian"January 15, 2014 (2014-01-15)

Challenge: The chefs made dishes using the skin and bones from various animals. They had 45 minutes to prepare their dishes.

  • Louis: Bouillon, Crispy Chicken Skin, Roasted Vegetables & Olive Oil Poached Egg Yolk
  • Brian: Seared Eggplant with Chicken Broth, Oyster Mushrooms & Chicken Skin
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Brian
12"Louis vs. Carlos"January 22, 2014 (2014-01-22)

Challenge: The chefs made dishes showcasing a fresh Hawaiian fish. They had an hour to prepare their dishes, which were tasted blind by Tom Colicchio, Emeril Lagasse, and the three finalists (Nicholas, Nina, Shirley).

  • Louis: Braised Yellowfin Tuna with Mushrooms, Kale & Cabbage
  • Carlos: Mahi Mahi with Mole Manchamanteles & Taro Root
    • Winner: Louis
    • Eliminated: Carlos

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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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mardi Gras World</span>

Mardi Gras World is a tourist attraction located in New Orleans. Guests tour the 300,000 square foot working warehouse where floats are made for Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. Mardi Gras World is located along the Mississippi River, next to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Their events venue, the River City Complex, also hosts festivals, weddings, private parties and corporate events.

<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: 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: Charleston</i> Season 14 of American television series

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. Filming initially took place in Charleston, South Carolina, beginning in May 2016, while the season's final episodes were filmed in areas across Mexico, including Guadalajara and the Yucatán Peninsula. Top Chef: Charleston featured eight new contestants competing against eight returning contestants from previous seasons. MasterChef and Top Chef Masters alumnus Graham Elliot debuted as a recurring judge, alongside returning judges Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons. In the season finale, Top Chef: Seattle runner-up Brooke Williamson was declared the winner over Top Chef: New Orleans finalist Shirley Chung. Top Chef: Seattle finalist Sheldon Simeon was voted Fan Favorite, his second Fan Favorite win.

<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.

<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: Houston</i> Season 19 of American television series

Top Chef: Houston is the nineteenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first announced by Bravo and NBCUniversal on September 21, 2021. The competition was filmed in Houston, Texas, which was not featured during the series' previous Texas-themed season, and Galveston Island. The season finale took place in Tucson, Arizona. The winner received US$250,000.

<i>Top Chef: World All-Stars</i> Season 20 of American television series

Top Chef: World All-Stars is the twentieth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. Initial details about the season were released by Bravo and NBCUniversal on August 1, 2022, with filming beginning the same month. The majority of the competition was shot in London, with the season finale set in Paris, marking the first time the show had been filmed entirely abroad. The cast included past contestants from several international editions of Top Chef. Throughout the season, Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons were joined by judges from the international editions, in addition to global culinary experts. This is the last season to feature Lakshmi as host. 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. ↑ The contestants' city and state of residence during time of filming.
Footnotes
  1. ↑ Reyhani, Monica A. (May 10, 2013). "'Top Chef' Season 11 Heads to..." Bravo . Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  2. ↑ Walker, Dave (August 12, 2013). "'Top Chef: New Orleans' to premiere Oct. 2, season guests to include Leah Chase, Kermit Ruffins". The Times-Picayune . Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  3. ↑ Conrad, Marissa (2014-01-06). "EXCLUSIVE: Top Chef Goes Tropical! See Where the Finale Will Be Held". People . Retrieved 2014-01-09.
  4. ↑ Bricker, Tierney (August 12, 2013). "Top Chef: New Orleans Premiere Date Announced: Watch Season 11 Promo Featuring Lea Michele Now!". E! Online . Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  5. ↑ Walker, Dave (May 13, 2013). "State, local tourism offices paying $375,000 to underwrite 'Top Chef: New Orleans'". The Times-Picayune . Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  6. ↑ Walker, Dave (August 9, 2013). "New Orleans chefs to compete for 'Top Chef' role in online competition". The Times-Picayune . Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  7. 1 2 Chan, Anna (February 6, 2014). "'Top Chef' judges defend shocking finale decision". Today . Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ Doss, Laine (March 3, 2014). "Nina Compton on Life After Top Chef". Miami New Times . Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Introducing the 'Top Chef' Season 11 Cheftestants". Bravo . August 12, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  10. ↑ Walker, Dave (August 13, 2013). "Bravo releases second batch of 'Top Chef: New Orleans' chefs, second video". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate . Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  11. ↑ Walker, Dave (August 14, 2013). "Bravo announces third batch of 'Top Chef: New Orleans' chefs". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate . Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  12. ↑ Walker, Dave (August 14, 2013). "'Padma's Picks' delivers surprise twist to 'Top Chef: New Orleans'". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate . Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  13. ↑ Ng, Philiana (June 4, 2014). "Bravo's 'Top Chef Duels' Lands Premiere Date, Celebrity Guests (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  14. ↑ Spence, Shay (October 20, 2016). "Top Chef Is Bringing Back 8 Fan Favorite Contestants — See Who Made the Cut". People . Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  15. ↑ 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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