SEASON #17: ALL STARS - LOS ANGELES, CA. - MELISSA

EPISODE #1:  It's Like They Never Left.                                                            15 To Start.
HOST:  Padma Lakshmi.
JUDGES:  Tom Colicchio
                  Gail Simmons.
PRIZE:  A Feature in Food & Wine Magazine,
              An Appearance at Food & Wine Classic in Aspen,
              $250,000 ( the highest amt in Top Chef history)
              Title.
STARTS AT:  Griffith Observatory.

PLAYERS (15)
1.  ERIC ADJEPONG  S-16 Kentucky                                             Washington, D.C
2.  KAREN AKUNOWICZ  S-13  California                                   Boston, MASS.
3.  JENNIFER CARROLL S-6 Las Vegas                                        Philadelphia, PA.
4.  STEPHANIE CMAR  S-11  New Orleans                                   Boston, Mass.
5.  LISA FERNANDES  S-4  Chicago                                             Brooklyn, NY
6.  KEVIN GILLESPIE  S-6 Las Vegas                                           Atlanta, GA.
7.  GREGORY GOURDET  S-12  Boston                                       Portland, OR
8.  JAMIE LYNCH  S-14 Charleston, SC                                        Charlotte, NC.
9.  MELISSA KING  S-12  Boston                                                 San Francisco, CA
10.  BRIAN MALARKEY  S-3  Miami                                          San Diego, CA
11.  NINI NGUYEN S-16  Kentucky                                              New York City, NY
12.  JOE SASTO  S-15  Colorado                                                   Los Angels, CA
13.  ANGELO SOSA S-7  Washington DC                                    San Diego, CA
14.  BRYAN VOLTAGGIO  S-6 Las Vegas                                    Frederick, MD
15.  LEE ANN WONG  S-1  San Francisco                                   Maui, Hawaii

FIRST QUICKFIRE:  Mise En Place Race  ( but will do it differently)
- 3 Legs but after each leg the first five to finish will become a team & start cooking immediately.
1st leg:  Turn 3 Artichokes,

2nd leg:  Must Supreme 5 California Oranges,
3rd leg:  Crack 20 California Almonds  (but will have only 15 minutes to cook)
- the kitchen clock will start when last team arrives
- Use the prepped ingredients from above i 2 dishes.
TEAM 1:  Kevin, Jamie, Bryan V., Joe, & Melissa.
TEAM 2:  Nini, Stephanie, Brian M., Lisa, Karen.
TEAM 3:  Lee Ann, Jennifer, Gregory, Angelo, & Eric.
WINNER:  is the Red Team.  Now each will be captain for the next challenge.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Seafood Feast

- Cook & Serve at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.  Have 30 minutes to menu plan & shop in the pantry.  Tomorrow have 21/2 hrs to prep & cook.
BRYAN picks Eric & Lisa,
KEVIN picks Jennifer & nini,
JAMIE picks Gregory & Stephanie,
JOE picks Lee Ann & Brian M.,
Melissa picks Angelo & Karen.

JUDGES TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Jeremiah Tower
TOP TEAM:  Yellow Team & WINNER:  Gregory.
BOTTOM:  Red Team
ELIMINATED:  Joe.

NEXT CHALLENGE Begins Immediately??????????????

EPISODE #2:  The Jonathan Gold Standard.                                                   14 left.
ARRIVED ON:  Cliffside - No Quickfire Challenge but they will spend the day exploring the city using Jonathan Gold's Best 101 Restaurants of Los Angeles,  ( his last list before dying)

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dish by visits to some of Jonathan Gold's favorite restaurants.  Will be served at iconic Union Station to 200 guests.

Traveling in groups (but not cooking in groups):  Melissa, Karen & Lisa.
- Kevin, Gregory, Angelo, & Eric.
- Nini, Bryan V., Jamie, Brian M.
- Lee Ann, Jennifer,  & Stephanie.
SHOPPING:  30 minutes & $700.00

JUDGES TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Ruth Reichl, Food Writer & Judge from Top Chef Masters.
TOP 3:  Nini, Kevin & Bryan V.
WINNER:  Kevin
BOTTOM 3:  Anego, Stephanie & Eric
ELIMINATED:  Angelo.

EPISODE #3:  Strokes of Genius.                                                                 13 left
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  30 minutes to Create a unique fired rice dish using at least one ingredients from display table.

JUDGES:  Ali Wong & Randall Park, Actor & Actress.
BOTTOM:  Jamie & Nini.
TOP:  Kevin, Eric & Karen.
                  WINNER:  Kevin.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dish inspired by Art from the Getty Museum.
- NEOCLASSICISM:  Jennifer, Eric, Karen & Kevin,

- BAROQUE:  Bryan V., Lisa & Jamie,
- RENAISSANCE:  Brian M., Nini, & Lee Ann,
- ROCOCO:  Melissa, Gregory & Stephanie.
- Served at the Museum.

JUDGES' TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Ludo Lefebvre
TOP:  Brian M., Bryan V., Melissa & Eric.
                  WINNER:  Melissa.
BOTTOM:  LeeAnn, Stephanie, Jamie & Karen.
ELIMINATED:  Jamie.

EPISODE #4:  You're  So Fresh.                                                                     12 left.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Kelly Clarkson. - new movie"Trolls World Tour"

- Create a dish using one ingredients from each of the six colors in the display.  in 30 minutes
PRIZE:  2 Tickets to Attend the World Premiere of the Movie.
BOTTOM:  nini, Stephanie & Bryan.
TOP:  Gregory, Lisa & Karen.
       WINNER:  Gregory.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  go to Santa Monica Farmer's Market to shop
- Create a 6 Course progressive menu & dessert, must be vegetarian.  Shopping Money per team $1,200 & 45 minutes to shop.
BLUE TEAM:  Melissa, Karen, Kevin, Gregory, Jennifer & Eric.
RED TEAM:  Stephanie, Bryan, Lisa, LeeAnn, Nini & Brian.
TWIST:  You won't know what available in the Market until you get there.
COOK AT:  Birdie  G's.  GUEST JUDGE:  Jeremy Fox.

JUDGE'S TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  none.
WINNER: Blue Team & WINNER:  Melissa.
ELIMINATED:  Lisa for Brussel Sprouts being over cooked.

EPISODE #5:  Bring Your Loved One to Work.                                        11 left.
- The Chefs enter the kitchen BUT No Padma.  But, on each table is a smartphone, which they used & find they LOVED ONES answered.

- Then Padma entered & told them to hang up & will call them back.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Replicate a restaurant dish guided only by a loved one over the phone whom is in the restaurant, Osteria Mozza.
30 minutes to cook.
GUEST JUDGE:  Nancy Silverton.
BOTTOM:  Brian.
TOP 3:  Melissa, LeeAnn & Kevin.
                 WINNER:  Kevin.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Westfield Century Club.
- Create a signature specialty product & build a dish to highlight it.  $600.00 to shop & loved one will help.
- LeeAnn's mother fainted during the cooking & had to leave.

JUDGES' TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Nancy Silverton.
- Melissa sold 31 bottles & is SAFE.
TOP 3:  Gregory, Nini, & Eric.
              WINNER:  Gregory.
BOTTOM 3:  Stephanie, Jennifer & Brian.
ELIMINATED:  Jennifer.

EPISODE #6:  GEt Your Phil.                                                                    10 left.
START OFF:  Chef's House - The Chef waking up then head to kitchen.

GUEST JUDGE:  Chris Bianco, James Beard Winning Chef.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a dish using non-wheat flours.

  No Immunity.  PRIZE:  $5,000 in 30 minutes.
BOTTOM:  Bryan & Brian.
TOP:  Melissa, Gregory & Nini.
                WINNER:  Gregory.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  100 year Anniversary of Los Angeles Phil
- 5 Taste Profiles:  Salty, Sweet, Sour, Bitter & Umami.  Double Elimination
- Work in Pairs to find harmony between 2 flavors for the anniversary.  SERVED & COOK AT:  Iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall.

PAIRS:  Nini/Karen - Sour/Umami,
              Bryan/Eric:  Bitter/Sweet,
              LeeAnn/Brian:  Umami/Bitter
              Kevin/Melissa:  Sweet/Salty
              Greg/Steph:  Sour/Salty

JUDGE'S TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Timothy Hollingworth, Chef/Owner of Otium Rest.
TOP & WINNER:  Melissa & Kevin.
BOTTOM:  Nina/Karen  and Bryan/Eric
WINNER:  Nina & Karen.

EPSIODE #7:  Pitch Perfect                                                 8 left.
START OFF:  In the house eating dinner.

NEXT DAY:  Last Chance Kitchen Winner is Brought Back:  Karen.    9 left.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Danny Trejo, Actor.
- Create a Taco using only a Machete as means of cutting.  30 minutes.
BOTTOM:  Gregory & Eric.
TOP:  LeeAnn, Karen, & Stephanie.
               WINNER:  Stephanie -has Immunity & the Last One.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:
- Stephanie Izard, Winner of Top Chef - Chicago,

  Kevin Boehm, Boco Rest. Group.
- Pitch a restaurant concept for restaurant wars, design a concept, create a menu & mood board and 1 or 2 dishes.
- At night they went bowling to relax.

JUDGES' TABLE:
   TOP:  Greg, Kevin, Brain M., & Melissa.
              WINNERS:  Kevin & Greg
  BOTTOM:  Eric, LeeAnn & Stephanie (has immunity)
ELIMINATED:  Eric.

EPISODE #8:  Restaurant Wars.                                                                      8 left.
START OFF:  In the Chef's House.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  In Two Teams create & executive restaurant based on Kevin & Gregory's concepts.  PRIZE:  $40,000 to be split.
KEVIN::  Bryan, Melissa, & Karen,
GREGORY:  Malarkey, LeeAnn, & Stephanie.

JUDGES' TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Stephanie
WINNER:  Gregory's Team.
LOSER:  Kevin's Team - he planned too much & guest did not want to leave.  He based his plans on Grandmother & what works at home doesn't work in a restaurant.
ELIMINATED:  Kevin.  What works for your family doesn't usually work in a restaurant.

EPISODE #9:  Cabin Fever.                                                                             7 left.
START OFF:  In the Chef's House - they are upset about Kevin bein being eliminated, then a message from Padma came in:  Going to Summer Camp.

ARRIVED AT:  Pali Mountain Retreat Center
- A weekend camp for mothers.
GUEST JUDGE:  Kelsey Bernard Clark, Winner of Top Chef - Kentucky.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a grilled dish featuring Bush's Beans. in 30 minutes.
PRIZE:  $10,000 cash.

BOTTOM:  Stephanie, Bryan & Melissa.
TOP:  Karen, LeeAnne, & Gregory.
     WINNER:  LeeAnne.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create two brunch dishes each for 200 mom using limited ingredients in the camp kitchen.
GUEST JUDGE:  Brooke Williamson
TOP:  Karen, Bryan & Gregory.
              WINNER:  Bryan V.
BOTTOM:  LeeAnne, Melissa & Brian M.
ELIMINATED:  LeeAnne.

EPISODE #10:  Colossal Coliseum Kaiseki.                                               6 left.
START OFF:  In the Chef's house - fixing a meal.

ARRIVED IN:  The Kitchen.
GUEST JUDGE:  Chef Sherry Yard.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a sweet treat using ingredients correctly guessed in Blind Taste Test.  5 minute to guess 20 ingredients.
1st place:  guessing 13 - Stephanie - get 1 hour to cook,
Tied for 2nd:  guessing 13 Gregory & Melissa but Melissa use longer so Greg got 2nd - got 1 hour to cook.  Melissa get 45 minutes to cook,
4th place:  Bryan V. guess 11 get 45 minutes to cook,
5th place:  Karen guess 8 & Brian last both get only 30 minutes.
BOTTOM:  Karen & Bryan V.
TOP:  Brian & Melissa.
          WINNER:  Melissa.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Serve one dish in a 6 course progressive Kaiseki Meal for Olympic Athletes.  Will serve at the the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

PRIZE:  Trip for 2 to the Olympic in Tokyo????* because of the current situation - the games were cancelled.( the corvid virus)

JUDGES TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Niki & Carole Iide- Nakayame.
WINNER:  Stephanie.
BOTTOM:  Karen, Greg, Malarkey, & Melissa.
ELIMINATED:  Karen.

EPISODE #11:  Michael's Santa Monica.                                                                5 left.
START OFF:  Preview of Last Chance Kitchen - Winner:  Kevin.  Kevin is back.
                                                                                                                 NOW:  6 left.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create an elevated airline meal consisting of an appetizer, main entree following airline restrictions in 30 minutes.

GUEST JUDGE:  Johnathan Waxman
BOTTOM:  Stephanie & Malarkey.
TOP:  Kevin & Melissa.
           WINNER:  Melissa.
5 Will Go to Finale in Tuscany, Italy.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Serve a dish inspired by a classic Michael's Santa Monica dish for their 40th anniversary.

JUDGE'S TABLE
GUEST JUDGE:  Jonathan Waxman
    WINNER:  Melissa
BOTTOM 2:  Malarkey & Gregory
ELIMINATED:  Malarkey.

EPISODE #12:  Lucca.                                                                   5 left.
MEMO:  From Tom C. about the current situation.  RE:  Cornvid Virus.

START OFF: 5:45 am Chef's House - getting packed for Italy.  Traveling first class.
ARRIVED AT:  Tuscany, Italy - staying at Renaissance Hotel. - Lucca, Italy.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Filippo Saporito.
- Create a traditional aperitivo inspired by regions of Italy for the locals of Lucca. in 45 minutes.
WINNER:  $10,000.
- Gregory - Italian Islands - Seafood,
- Melissa - Central Italy - Wild Game - Beef, Mussels,
- Stephanie - Northwest Italy - Venison & Tuna,
- Kevin - Northeast Italy - Cold Cuts,
- Bryan - Southern Italy - Tomatoes & Lamb.
BOTTOM:  Bryan & Stephanie (she knew she was making a mistake but didn't have the courage to stop)
TOP:  Melissa, Kevin & Gregory.
                     WINNER:  Kevin win the $10,000

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Going Hunting.
- Hunting White Truffles.

- Create dishes that feature White Truffles for a Tusan Food Festival.
- Served at:  L'Imbuto Restaurant.

JUDGES' TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Christiano Tomei, Avant-Garde Italian Chef.
TOP:  Bryan & Melissa.
             WINNER:  Melissa.
BOTTOM:  Kevin, Gregory & Stephanie.
ELIMINATED:  Gregory.  (I knew it - could not be another Black Top Chef - only 1)  There should more Black judges so we will have fair chance.  Tom did not like Gregory's food.

EPISODE  #13:  Parma.                                                                                      4 left.
               FINAL FOUR:  Melissa, Kevin, Bryan & Stephanie.
START OFF:  At the elimination.
- Sending them on One Last Journey - Emilia-Romagna-Parma.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Make a traditional Italian primi & secondi dish that features parnigiano reggioano & prosciutto di parma.
- Served at:  Antica Carte Pallavicina , Michelin Star Restaurant.

JUDGES' TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Evan Funke, Chef/Author.
TOP:  Melissa & Stephanie
   WINNER:  Melissa.
BOTTOM:  Kevin & Bryan
ELIMINATED:  Kevin.

EPISODE #14:  Finito.                                                                               3 left.
START OFF:  The Hotel They received a message from Padma.  Enjoy your breakfast then meet her on the the terrace.
ARRIVED ON:  The Terrace - was Tom & Padma.
- She gives them their final challenge
ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a four course progressive meal, for many famous chefs.  They are given help:
- Stephanie choose Malarkey,
- Bryan choose Kevin &
- Melissa choose LeeAnn (whom filling in for Greg whom has back problems)
They go to Florence to shop for food.
Later that night Tom, Padma & Gail cook them dinner.

NEXT DAY:  Cook & serve their last meal.

JUDGES' TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:    ????????????????


THE WINNER IS:                  MELISSA.

                                               

SEASON #16 -KENTUCKY - KELSEY

HOST:  Padma Lakshmi,
             Tom Colicchio.
JUDGES:  Graham Elliot,
                  Gail Simmonds.
WHERE:  Kentucky.
PRIZE:  $125,000
              Feature in Town & Wine Magazine.
              Appearance at Aspen Classic.
             

PLAYERS (16)
1.  SARA BRADLEY  Chef /Owner freight house                                  Paduchah, KY
2.  ERIC ADJEPONG  Chef Owner                                                         Washington, D.C.
3.  KELSEY BARNARD CLARK  Executive Chef                                Dothan, AL.
4.  EDMUND " Eddie"  KONRAD  Chef De Cuisine Laurel Rest.         Phila., PA.
5.  PABLO LAMON  Chef De Cuisine                                                    Miami Beach, FL.
6.  NATALIE MARONSKI  Ex. Chef/Owner Underground Concepts.   Phila., PA.
7.  MICHELLE MINORI  Chef De Cuisine                                             San Francisco, CA.
8.  NINI NGUYEN  Ex. Chef                                                                   Brooklyn, NY
9.  BRANDON ROSEN  Private Chef                                                     San Mateo, CA.
10.  KEVIN SCHARPF  Ex Chef/Owner of Brazen                                Galena, ILL.
11.  CAITLIN STEININGER  Ex Chef of The CWC                              Cinn., OHIO
12.  JUSTIN SUTHERLAND  Ex. Chef of Handsome Hog                   St. Paul, MIN.
13.  DAVID VIANA  Ex. Chef.of Heirloom Kitchen                              Ashbury Park, NJ.
14.  ADRIENNE WRIGHT  Ex. Chef                                                     Boston, MASS.
15.  BRIAN YOUNG  Chef De Cuisine                                                  Boston, MASS.

EPISODE #1:  The Fastest Two Minutes to Cooking.
ARRIVED:  At Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  5 Teams of 3.
- Each team will have 2 minutes to mise all ingredients.  Then cook a dish with them.
JUDGES:  Tom & Padma.
- BOTTOM 3:  YELLOW TEAM: ,  White Team.
-  TOP:  Blue, Green & Red Teams.
- WINNER:  Green Team - Pablo, Sara & Justin.  PRIZE:   2 VIP Tickets to the Kentucky Derby.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:
GUEST JUDGE:  David Danielson,  Executive Chef of Churchill Downs.
- Create a dish for 200 VIP guests at Kentucky Derby Party.
staying in the team - each will win, place or show.
-      SHOW                       PLACE                       SHOW
RED:  Kelsey                    Eric                                Caitlin
WHITE:  Natalie               Eddie                             Kevin
BLUE:    Ninni                   Brandon                       Adrienne
YELLOW:  David             Michelle                        Brian
GREEN:  Pablo                  Justin                           Sara.

JUDGES TABLE:
- TOP:  Pablo, Natalie & David.
- WINNER:  Natalie.
BOTTOM:  Kevin, Caitlin & Adrienne.
ELIMINATED:  Caitlin.

EPISODE #2:  Bourbon, Barrels, & Burgoo.

GUEST JUDGE:  Nilou Motamed, International Food $ Wine  Editor.
                             Gail Simmons via TV 'cause she's 9 months pregnant.
CHALLENGE:  Create a dish inspired by Gail's pregnancy craving in 30 minutes.
- BOTTOM:  Pablo & Natalie.
- TOP:  David & Brandon.
- WINNER:  David picked by Gail.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Maker's Mark Whiskey.
GUEST:  Rob Samuels, Grandson of Founders & COO of Maker's Mark Whiskey.
- Teams create a menu inspired by classic Kentucky cuisine, each chef must create at least one dish.
- BLACK TEAM:  Kelsey, Justin, Brandon, Pablo, Eddie, Eric & Natalie.
- RED TEAM:  Brian, David, Michelle, Sara, Kevin, Adrienne, & Ninn.
- WINNER:  Red Team won.  WINNER:  Ninn won $10,000
- LOSER:  Black Team.
ELIMINATED:  Natalie.

EPISODE #3:  Naughty and Nice.

GUEST JUDGES:  Brooke Williamson & Richard Blais, former Top Chef Winners.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Chefs have 2 minutes to shop for ingredients then 30 minutes to create their best noliday dish.
BOTTOM:  Eddie, Justin & Kelsey.
TOP:  Sarah, David,  & Ninn.
WINNER:  David win immunity.

Tom & Elliot Grahm cooked the chefs a holiday dinner,  then...

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dessert to complete the reveillon de Noel tradition.

JUDGES' TABLE:
TOP:  Kelsey, Ninn & Eddie.
WINNER:  Ninn.
BOTTOM:  Kevin, Pablo & Brian.
ELIMINATED:  Kevin.

EPISODE #4 & 5:  Surprise, It's Restaurant Wars.

GUEST JUDGES:  Karen Akungwicz, Top Chef Alumni- California,
                                Nina Compton,            "           "          - New Orleans.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create an Amuse Bouche that represents your favorite plate.
- BOTTOM;  Adrienne, David & Kelsey.
- TOP:  Brandon, Eric & Michelle.
WINNER:  Michelle will have immunity.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:
- GUEST JUDGE:  Caroline Styne, 2018 James Beard Winner.
- Restaurant wars will be 3 restaurants.
- ORANGE TEAM:  Adrienne, Brian, Eddie & Eric.  Northeast.  
- BLUE TEAM:  DAvid, Justin, Kelsey & Nini.  Third Coast.
- GRAY TEAM:  Brandon, Michelle, Pablo & Sara.  Thistle
Will open in 2 days.

EPISODE #5:  Part 2.
- Northeast:  Front - Brian & Back - Adrienne.
- Thistle - Front - Sara & Back - Michelle.
- Third Coast - Front - Nini & Back - Justin.

JUDGES' TABLE:
- TOP:  Red Team :  WINNER:  Brian.
- Bottom:  Gray & Blue.
ELIMINATED:  Pablo - dish wasn't good & Nini didn't trained her servers.

EPISODE #6:  Roaring Munchies.
LAST CHANCE KITCHEN:  is being taken place during the Quickfire challenge:  Nini vs. Brother S-15.
- Mini restaurant wars three course concept menu.  Will go back immediately.
- WINNER:  Brother.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:
GUEST:  Nic Christiansen, Beverage Director of Butchertown Grocery.
- GinRickery, Southside Fizz, Old Fashioned, The Last Word, Whiskey Sour & 12 Mile Limit.

- Create a concept inspired by a prohibition era cocktail.
ARRIVED:  at the basement of The Steelbach Hotel.
GUEST JUDGE:  Ken Oringer, Chef & Restaurateur.
JUDGES TABLE:
- TOP 3:  Kelsey, Eric & Eddie.
- WINNER:  Eric.
BOTTOM 3:  Brian, Sra & Brother.
ELIMINATED:  Brother.

EPISODE #7:  Carne!
ARRIVED AT:  The Chef's Kitchen.
GUEST JUDGE:  Lena Waithe, Actor & Producer Screenwriter.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Reimagine the Hot Brown using Turkey, Sauce, and plate it in a skillet.

- BOTTOM:  Sara, Brian & Kelsey.
- TOP :  Justin, Eddie & Adrienne.
- WINNER:  Justin.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Nancy Silverton, Chef & Owner of Mozza Restaurant Group.
- Each chef must create a dish centered around their cut of meat.

JUDGES TABLE:
- TOP:  Justin, Adrienne & Eddie.
WINNER:  Eddie  win a trip to Italy
- BOTTOM:  Sara, Brandon & Brian.
ELIMINATED:  Brandon.

EPISODE #8:  Whatever Floats Your Boat.
Going to Lake Cumberland, home of the largest houses boats.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  In Two Teams Chefs must throw completing houseboats parties on Lake Cumberland for 100 guests.
BLUE TEAMS:  Eddie, Adrienne, Michelle, Dave & Brian.
GREEN TEAMS:  Sara, Kelsey, Eric & Justin.
- Adrienne becomes sick.

JUDGES TABLE:
- 79 Votes Green Team Win.
- WINNER:  Kelsey.
ELIMINATED:  Brian.
Tomorrow leave for Nashville.

EPISODE #9:  Music City, USA.

ARRIVED AT:  Grand Old Opry.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Make a dish for a mystery guest based on breakfast, lunch or dinner rider i  30 minutes.
- MYSTERY GUEST JUDGE:  Hunter Hayes, Nominated Singer & Songwriter.
- BOTTOM 3:  David, Eddie & Kelsey.
- TOP 3:  Eric, Sara & Adrienne.
- WINNER:  Adrienne won an advantage.  An extra hour of cooking in the elimination challenge.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dish inspired by a music memory.
- TOP 3:  Justin, Michelle & Sara.
- WINNER:  Michelle.
- BOTTOM 3:  Eddie, Kelsey & David.
ELIMINATION:  David.
 
                      MEMORIAL TO:
                               FATIMA ALI
                               1989- 2019

EPISODE #10:  Hoop Dreams

Back to Kentucky.
GUEST JUDGE:  Ed Lee, Owner of 610 Magnolia & Alumna of Top Chef.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Chefs have 35 minutes to unlock a safe of Bouillon cubes & use as their only seasoning.  
- BOTTOM 2:  Michelle & Justin.
- TOP 3:  Sara, Eddie & Eric.
- WINNER:  Eddie won an advantage. Immunity & doesn't have to complete in the next challenge.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  In 2 Teams, Chefs must serve 3 course to an arena of fans & complete for the highest number of points.
-  WHITE TEAM:  Justin, Eric & Adrienne.
- BLUE TEAM:  Sara, Kelsey & Michelle.
in Lexington, KY Univ. of KY Basketball Team.
- White Team win.

JUDGES' TABLE:
- WINNER:  Eric won $5,000 each.
ELIMINATED:  Michelle.

EPISODE #11:  The Greatest.
  Fried Chicken.
GUEST JUDGE:  Art Smith,  Award - Winning Chef & Restaurateur.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Chefs must create their own blend of seasoning using only spices they identify while blindfolded.
- BOTTOM:  Justin, Kelsey & Eric.
- TOP:  Sara, Eddie & Adrienne.
           WINNER:  Sara won $5,000.00

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Muhammad Ali.
- Create a dish inspired by one of Muhammad Ali's fights as part of 6 course meal for a charity gala.
I - The Fight at Freedom Hall - Sara
II - Liston Two - Justin
III - The Fight of the Century - Eddie
IV - Rumble in the Jungle - Eric
V - Thrill in Manila - Adrienne
VI - The Battle of New Orleans - Kelsey.
GUEST JUDGE:  Laila Ali, former professional boxer & Ali's daughter.
JUDGES TABLE:
- TOP:  Sara & Eric
     WINNER:  Eric
- BOTTOM:  Adrienne, Eddie & Justin.
ELIMINATED:  Eddie.

EPISODE #12:  Kentucky Farewell.
- Woke Up by Tom C. at 7:50am & meet him in their Gardens.

GUEST JUDGE - Ouita Michel, Executive Chef/Owner of Holly Hill in Midway, KY.
- The winner of Last Chance Kitchen enter the game - Michelle.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Chefs have 45 minutes to Harvest their gardens & make a garden forced dish.
- BOTTOM - Eric, Kelsey & Michelle.
- TOP - Adrienne, Sara & Justin.
- WINNER:  Justin won $10,000 from Hidden Valley.

ARRIVED AT:  Keeneland Race Course - Auction House.
ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Each Chef must make a dish inspired by their mentor. ( whom will be there at dinner)
- bidding on ingredients given $500.00.
ARRIVED AT :  Brown Hotel.
- Gail simmons is back.
 - Michelle's mentor is:  Kim Alter, Chef/Owner of Nightbird,
- Kelsey"s mentor is:  Gavin Kaysen, Chef/Owner of Spoon & /Stable,
- Adrienne's mentor is:  Chris Coombs, Chef/Owner of Boston Urban Hospitality,,
- Justin's mentor is:  JD Fratzke, Chef /Owner Bar Brigade,
- Eric's mentor is:  Brain Voltaggio Chef/Restaurateur.
- Sara's mentor is:  David posey Executive Chef/Owner of Elske.
JUDGES TABLE:
- WINNER -Sara won$10,000 from Visit Kentucky & going to Macau
- Also, going to Eric, Michelle & Kelsey.
ELIMINATED:  Justin.  (very sad)

EPISODE #13:  Holy Macau.- Eric, Michelle, Kelsey, Sara & Adrienne.
Staying at:  MGM Macau.
Elliot Graham arrived to take them to The Red Market.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Chefs must create a dish inspired by ingredients they find in the market. in 45 minutes.
- Michelle - Cuddle fish, Eric - Snails, Adrienne - Razor Clam, Sara - Fresh Scallops,  & Kelsey - Fried Gum Fish.

- WINNER:  Michelle.

ELIMINATED CHALLENGE:  Chinese New Year

GUEST JUDGE:  Jowette Yu, Chef/Owner of Ho Lee Fook.
- Chefs must cater a Chinese New Year party for 200 guests & Chefs must use all the ingredients that represent their Chinese New Year fortune of choice.
- Michelle - David - Longevity - Peanuts, Noodles & Peaches;
- Adrienne - Brian - Health - Eggs, Broccoli & Ginger;
- Sara - Eddie - Happiness - Cauliflower, Shrimp & Walnuts;
- Kelsey - Brandon - Wealth - Cashews, Oranges & Cabbage;
- Eric - Justin - Togetherness - Water Chestnut, Coconuts, & Lycee.
PROTEIN:  Year of the Pig.

- TOP 2:  Kelsey & Michelle.
WINNER:  Kelsey.
- BOTTOM 3:  Eric, Sara & Adrienne.
ELIMINATED:  Adrienne.

EPISODE #14:  The Tao of Macau.
      FINAL FOUR:  Eric, Sara, Michelle, & Kelsey.
ARRIVED AT:  A-Ma Temple.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:    "Durian"  fruit.
- Chefs must create a dish utilizing Durian.
- GUEST JUDGE:  Abe Conlon, Chef/Owner of Fat Rice of Chicago.
- BOTTOM 2:  Eric & Kelsey.
- TOP 2:  Sara & Michelle.
  WINNER:  Michelle get an extra hour of cooking time in elimination challenge.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Chefs must cook a dish fusing their own heritage with Chinese ingredients at Macau Tower.
- Family visit.

JUDGES' TABLE:
- WINNER:  Sara.
- BOTTOM:  Eric, Michelle & Kelsey.
ELIMINATED:  Michelle.

EPISODE #15:  Finale.
   FINALE THREE:  Eric, Kelsey & Sara.
ARRIVED AT:  The Auditorium of the MGM Hotel.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Cook the best Four Course meals of your lives.
- help:  gang all here - can pick 2 Sous Chefs.
- Kelsey picks Brandon & Nini,
- Sara picks Eddie & David, 
- Eric picks Justin & Michelle.
After FIRST COURSE they will be judged & the worst will be eliminated on the spot & the 2 Best will continue.
FIRST COURSE JUDGES:  Grahm, Tom, Padma & Nilou.

ELIMINATED:  Eric.  ( I was very sad).  I am very mad that a Black does not make it, anymore.

THE WINNER IS KELSEY.

                             

                   

SEASON -15- COLORADO - JOE FLAMM

FIRST LOOK:

PLAYERS (15)
1.  BRUCE KALMAN, Owner/Chef.                                              Pasadena, CA.
2.  ADRIENNE CHEATHMAN, Chef/Consultant                         Harlem, NY
3.  CHRIS SCOTT, Chef/Owner.                                                    Brooklyn, NY
4.  TANYA HOLLAND,   "    "                                                      Oakland, CA.
5.  TYLER ANDERSON, "      "                                                    Simsbury, CONN.
6.  JOE SASTO, III, Executive Chef.                                             Los Angeles, CA.
7.  CARRIE BAIRD, Chef De Cuisine.                                          Denver, CO.
8.  JOSEPH FLAMM, Executive Chef                                          Chicago, ILL.
9.  TU DAVID PHU, Chef/Founder                                               Oakland, CA.
10.  MELISSA PERFIT, Executive Chef                                       San Francisco, CA.
11.  FATIMA ALI, Chef                                                                 New york City, NY.
12.  LAURA COLE, Owner/Chef.                                                Denali, AK.
13.  ROGELIO GARCIA, Executive Chef                                   San Francisco, CA.
14.  BROTHER LUCK, Chef/Owner                                         Colorado Springs, CO.
15.  CLAUDETTE ZEPEDA-WILKINS, Executive Chef           San Diego, CA.

PRIZE:  Feature in Food & Wine Magazine.
              An Appearance at The Classic Food & Wine.
              $125,000 by S. Pellegrino Water.
              The Title of Top Chef.
HOST:  Padma Lakshmi.
JUDGES:   Gail Simmons,
                   Tom Colicchio
                   Graham Elliott
FIRST QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a potluck dish in 45 minutes.

EPISODE #1:  It'll Take More than PotLuck.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE  Continue.....
- Chefs voted for the top & bottom.
BOTTOM 2:  Melissa & Carrie.
TOP 3:  Joe, Joseph & Tu.
WINNER:  Tu.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  hosting a block party.
- Put a Modern Twist on Meat & Potatoes.

- Serve 200 Denver local at Larimer Square in Denver.

JUDGES TABLE:
TOP 3:  Tyler, Chris & Fatima.
WINNER;  Tyler.
BOTTOM 3:  Adrienne, Melissa & Carrie.
ELIMINATED:  Melissa.

EPISODE #2:  Smile and Say Mise.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Blue Apron Mise En Place Relay.
GUEST JUDGE:  Troy Guard, Chef & Owner of Tag Restaurant Group.
PART I:  Task #1:  Peel & Brunoise 1 qt. of Shallots.

               Task #2:  Peel, Destem & Slice 1 qt of mushroom
               Task #3:  Butcher 20 7-8 oz. pieces of beef tenderloin.
WINNER:  Blue Team wins:  Rogelio, Tyler, Claudette, Adrienne, Joseph, Brother & Bruce.
PART II:  Now Cook a dish individually using the mise ingredients.
BOTTOM:  Rogelio & Tyler.
TOP:  Brother & Joseph.
WINNER:  Joseph wins immunity & $5,000.00 & a year of Dinner service & Wine from Blue Apron.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Alex Seidel, Chef & Owner of Mercantile.
- Create a four course progressive menu.  BUT use the farm special ingredients.:  CHEESE.
WINNER:  Green Team.  & Carrie.
ELIMINATED:  Claudette.

EPISODE #3:  Keep On Trunkin'
GUEST JUDGE:  Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, Chef/Owner of Frasca Food & Wine.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Deconstruct the Denver Omelet.  (sudden death & 30 minutes.
TOP:  Carrie, Brother & Tu.
WINNER:  Brother.
BOTTOM:  Tayna, Laura, & Rogelio.
SUDDEN DEATH CHALLENGE:  Create the Perfect French Omelet in 15 minutes.

BOTTOM:  Laura ' could not stop thinking of home.
ELIMINATED:  Laura.

ELIMINATED CHALLENGE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Hosea Rosenberg, Top Chef Season #5 Winner.
- Create a food truck concept with cohesive 3 items meal for 150 college students.
- Carrie, Tanya & Joe F. - Black Team.
- Fatima, Joe S. & Tyler - Yellow Team.
- Brother, Bruce & Rogelio - Green Team.
- Adrienne, Chris & Tu - Blue Team.

JUDGES' TABLE:
TEAM COLLEGE STUDENTS LIKED:  Black Team.
JUDGES WINNING TEAM:  Yellow Team.   WINNER:  Joe S.
BOTTOM TEAMS:  Green & Blue Teams.
BOTTOM:  Green.
ELIMINATED:  Rogelio.

EPISODE #4:  Little Tool, Big Challenge.                                      11 left.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Elevate a classic dish from traditional kid's meal.

GUEST JUDGE:  Curtis Stone, Executive Chef/ Owner of Gwen.
- using kids size tolls in 40 minutes.
BOTTOM:  Carrie, Tyler & Bruce.
TOP:  Adrienne, Fatima & Tanya.
   WINNER:  Adrienne.  has immunity.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dish that represents your heritage.

JUDGES' TABLE:
TOP:  Chris, Tanya & Joe S.
   WINNER:  Chris.
BOTTOM:  Joe F., Tyler & Bruce.
ELIMINATED:  Tyler.

EPISODE #5:  This is Not Glamping.

- The Chefs from Last Chance Kitchen was there.
LAST CHANCE KITCHEN CHALLENGE:  Cook with your guts.
- Make a dish using internal organs & entrails.
- Kwame is out.
- Tied:  Lee Ann Season #1 & Claudette Season #15 are back in.

NO QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a five star meal using ONLY camping equipment & limited ingredients.
- at Estes Park Mountain Resort.   Snow & 38 degrees.

GUEST JUDGE:  Naomi Pomeroy, Chef & Owner of Beast.

JUDGES' TABLE:
TOP:  Bruce, Lee Ann & Carrie.
WINNER:  Bruce.
BOTTOM:  Tanya, Chris & Tu.
ELIMINATED:  Tu.

EPISODE #6:  Now That's Lot of Schnitzel.
- LeeAnn going to the hospital.
GUEST JUDGE:  Richard Blais, Chef & Owner of Juniper & Ivy and former player & winner.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Make Your signature dish in 30 minutes.
- BOTTOM 3:  Claudette, Adrienne & Fatima.
- TOP 3:  Chris, Brother & Joe.
- WINNER:  Chris Immunity & feature on BuzzBee.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:

GUEST JUDGE:  Keegan Gerhard, Chef & Owner of D Bar Denver.
- Create a GErman Inspired dish & radler.
( Chris does not drink)
- LeeAnne leaves the show.

JUDGES TABLE:
TOP 3:  Bruce, Claudette & Tanya.
- WINNER:  Tanya wins a trip by BMW to Palm Springs training camp
BOTTOM:  Brother, Joe S. & Adrienne.
ELIMINATED:  Brother.


EPISODE #7:  Olympic Dreams.                                             9 left.
- Bruce's wife called - He became a dad.  Jude Paul  7 lbs. 3 ozs.  22 inches.

ARRIVED AT:  Chef's House at 6 am Padma & Brooke Williamson - S-14 Winner.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Breakfast.
- make a breakfast dish featuring Nutella in 30 minutes.

BOTTOM:  Joe, Tanya & Adrienne.
TOP:  Carrie, Claudette & Fatima.
WINNER:  Carrie wins immunity & $5,000.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  2018 Winter is 2 weeks away.

GUESTS JUDGES:  Meryl Davis, Olympic Ice Dancing Gold Medalist,
                                  Gus Kenworthy, Olympic Freeski Slope Style Silver Medalist,
                                  John Daly, Team USA Olympic Skeleton Racer.
- In Teams of 3 complete head - to head in 3 rounds: speed, precision, & creativity.
Round 1:  Feed 30 diners in 45 minutes,
Round 2:  Cook a protein to the perfect temperature & compose a dish using Chiffonade, batonnet & brunoise cuts,
Round 3:  Make the most creativity dish possible using a mystery protein.
Scores Round 1:  Red 47                      White 41.5                                        Blue  42.5
            Round 2:         40.5                              18.5                                                  42.5
            Round 3:         35                                 51                                                     51.5
GOLD:  Blue,  Silver - White  &  Bronze - Red.
WINNER:  Joe.
BOTTOM:  White
ELIMINATED:  Tanya.        

EPISODE #8:  Restaurants Wars   

                            8 left.
ARRIVED AT:  Mile High Station.
GUEST JUDGES:  Eric & Bruce Bromberg, Chefs & Owner of Blue Ribbon.
ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:    Restaurant Wars.  3 course with 3 options.
-  pick knife   Carrie & Chris are captains
- Carrie  teams:    Bruce, Joe F., & Adrienne.  addition  help:  Tyler.  Conifer.
- Chris teams:  Joe F., Fatima & Claudette.  additional help:  Robert.  Common Place.

JUDGES TABLE'S:
- WINNER:  Conifer.  & WINNER:  Joe F.  Team win $40,000
- LOSER:  Common Place:  
ELIMINATED:  Claudette.      

EPISODE #9:  Bronco Brouhaha.                                 7 left.
GUEST JUDGE:  David Kinch, Chef/Owner of Manresa.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a dish using flowers in 30 minutes.

- No more Immunity & Sudden Death
TOP:  Fatima & Carrie.
WINNER:  Carrie will have an advantage.
BOTTOM 3:  Joe F., JoeS., & Chris.
SUDDEN DEATH :  Create a dish with Cauliflower substituting one ingredients in 30 minutes.

ELIMINATED:  Joe F.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Adam Perry Lang, Chef/Owner of APL Restaurant.
- Work in teams of 2 to create one plate of food for a tailgate Super Bowl Party.
- Carrie's advantage is she picks the teams.
- Carrie & Chris - White team,  Adrienne & Joe,     Bruce & Fatima.

JUDGES' TABLE:
WINNER:  White Team.  Wins trip to the Super Bowl Game in Minn. (Go Eagles)
ELIMINATED:  Fatima.

EPISODE #10:  Red Rum and Then Some.                               5 left.
ARRIVED AT:  Stanley Hall.  Place where Stephen King wrote Shining.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a dessert that visualizes your nightmare.
-BOTTOM:  Carrie & Bruce.
- TOP:  Adrienne, Joe & Chris.
- WINNER:  Chris wins $5,000 credit from the sponsor.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dish represents your culinary journey on Top Chef
   for the Governor & notable chefs of Colorado.
- GUESTS:  John & Robin Hickenlooper, Governor.

JUDGES' TABLE:
TOP:  Carrie & Adrienne & Joe.
BOTTOM:  Bruce & Chris.
ELIMINATED:  Bruce.

EPISODE #11:  Cooking High.                         4 left.

           FINAL FOUR:  Carrie, Chris, Adrienne & Joe S.
ARRIVED AT:  Telluride Regional Airport.  to Madeline Hotel & Residences.
Now go to New Sheridan Western Saloon.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a Gastropub inspired dish featuring Sarsaparilla.
QUEST JUDGE:  Wylie Dufresne.
Also, LAST CHANCE KITCHEN WINNER:  Joe Flamm.
- Joe F. get to steal 1 ingredients from each of the chef.
BOTTOM:  Adrienne & Joe F..
TOP:  Chris, Joe S. & Carrie.
WINNER:  Carrie get $10,000.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a high concept dish to serve at Alpino Vino, North America's Restaurant at 12,000 feet.
- must include a baked element.
GUEST JUDGE:  Paul Liebrandt, Owner of Crumpet Management.

JUDGES' TABLE:
TOP:  Joe F., Joe S., & Adrienne.
WINNER:  Joe S.
BOTTOM:  Chris & Carrie.
ELIMINATED:  Chris

EPISODE #12:  Sunday Supper.  4 left.
     FINAL FOUR:  Joe F., Joe S., Adrienne & Carrie.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a dish with Rocky Mountain Oysters prepared 2 ways.

GUEST JUDGES:  Bryan & Michael Voltaggio,  previous players.
BOTTOM:  Joe F. & Carrie.
TOP:  Adrienne & Joe S.
WINNER:  Joe S. - has an advantage.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:    Family Visit & cooked their favorite home dish.
- Create an innovative dish inspired by your family member's meal.
- Joe get extra time in prep time.
ARRIVED AT:  221 South Oak, Eliza Gavin's place previous S-10 player.
WINNER:  Adrienne.
ELIMINATED:  Carrie.

EPISODE #13:  A Little Place Called Aspen.  3 left.
ARRIVED AT:  The Viceroy Hotel at Food & Wine Classic  in Aspen.
GOING TO:  T-Lazy 7 Ranch, Aspen.
QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Catch a trout, then use it to create a dish within 40 minutes.

GUEST JUDGE:  Chris Cosentino, Chef & Restaurateur.
WINNER:  Joe F.  has advantage next challenge.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a Vegetarian dish for 200 diners at The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen using ONLY  a kettle for heat.
Joe's advantage- choose the the extra helps for the chefs.
- Joe F. get Carrie, Adrienne get Bruce & Joe S. get Chris.

JUDGES TABLE:
GUEST JUDGE:  Daniel Blue
WINNER:  Joe F.
ELIMINATED:  Joe S.

EPISODE #14:  Finale
            FINAL TWO:  Joe F. & Adrienne.

FINAL ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  At Aspen Mountain Club, Elevate 11,212 feet
- Create the ultimate four-course progressive meal.
- Will get 2 helps:  Adrienne pick Chris & Carrie  and Joe F. picks Joe S., & Fatima.

JUDGES TABLE:
             THE WINNER IS:  JOE F.

UPDATED:  AS OF 1-11-19

UPDATED:  Sorry to hear about her passing.