SEASON #18- PORTLAND, OREGON - TOP CHEF - GABE

 EPISODE #1:    First Impressions.                                                                                        15 To Start.

                          HAPPENING DURING THE PANDEMIC. THE KITCHEN IS LARGE 'CAUSE OF 

                          SPACING.  WAITERS ARE WEARING MASKS. NO IN STORE FOOD SHOPPING.  

HOST:  Padma Lakshmi.

JUDGES:  Tom Colicchio,

                  Gail Simmons.

PRIZE:    A Feature in Food & Wine magazine,

                 An Appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, CO,

                 $250,000,

                 The Title of Top Chef.

PLACE:  Portland, Oregon

HOTEL:  Kimpton  Monaco Hotel

PLAYERS  (15)

1.  BRITTANY ANDERSON                                                                          Richmond, VIRGINIA

2.  AVISHAR BARUA                                                                                     Columbus, OHIO

3.  DAWN BURRELL  (original from Lansdowne, Pa, my hometown)         Houston, TEXAS                                                                        

4.  GABE ERALES                                                                                         Austin, TEXAS

5.  NELSON GERMAN                                                                                  Oakland, CALIFORNIA

6.  SASHA GRUMMAN                                                                                 Houston, TEXAS

7.  ROSCOE HALL                                                                                         Birmingham, ALABMA

8.  SARA HAUMAN                                                                                       Portland, OREGON

9.  KIKI LOUYA                                                                                              Detroit, MICHIGAN

10.  MARIA MAZON                                                                                      Tucson, ARIZONIA

11.  SHOTA NAKAJIMA                                                                                 Seattle, WASHINGTON

12.  GABRIEL PASCUZZI                                                                              Portland, OREGON

13.  JAMIE TRAN                                                                                           Las Vegas, NEVEDA

14.  CHRIS VIAUD                                                                                   Milford, NEW HAMPSHIRE

15.  BYRON GOMEZ                                                                                        Aspen, COLORADA

They arrived in the kitchen where Padma & Gregory was there.

GUEST JUDGE:  Gregory Gourder, of Season - Boston.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Team Challenge - Create a dish highlighting each chef's must have ingredients from the boxes into one cohesive dish.

BLUE TEAM:  Chris - Butter, Shota - Kombu & Roscoe - Rice Vinegar,

YELLOW TEAM:  Brittany - Gruyere Cheese, Gabriel - Caul Fat, Maria - Mexican Chocolate,

RED TEAM:  Avishar - mom's Chutney, Byron - Mushroom Powder & Nelson - Plantains,

GREEN TEAM :  Jamie - Fish Sauce, Gabe - Masa & Dawn - Smoked Trout Roe,

BROWN TEAM:  Kiki - Hot Peppers, Sara - Salted Anchovies & Sasha - Meyer Lemons.

- BOTTOM 2:  Blue & Green.

- TOP 2 Brown & Yellow.

WINNER:  Brown - have Immunity & an advantage.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dish featuring a game bird found in Oregon:  Quail, Duck,

Chucker, Turkey & Squab.  In Blind Tasting.  30 minutes to shop online .  Tomorrow 3 hrs to prep & cook.  Held at:  Oregon Museum of Science & Industry.

GUEST JUDGE:  Melissa King -  Winer of Season 17.

JUDGES' TABLE:

TOP 4:  Gabriel, Shota, Gabe & Sara.

                    WINNER:  Sara.

BOTTOM 4:  Sasha, Roscoe, Jamie & Avishar.

ELIMINATED:  Roscoe.

EPISODE #2:  Trouble Brewing.                                                                                  14 Left.

START OFF:  In the Kitchen with Padma & the All-Starts Judges.

                           Top Chef Diner. - Honor Short Order Cooks.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Make a Breakfast ordered by one of the All-Stars Judges in 30 minutes.

- Byron & Gabe - Steak & Eggs   Won - Gabe

- Shota & Avishar -                        Won - Shota

- Jamie & Sara - Shrimp & Grits   Won - Jamie

- Maria & Gabriel - Spam & Fried Rice    Won Gabriel

- Brittany & Kiki                                      Won Brittany

- Sasha & Dawn - Eggs & Veggie Hash   Won Sasha

- Nelson & Chris - "Kitchen Sink"   Won Chris.

WINNER:  Jamie - has Immunity.

 ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a dish highlighting either coffee or beer in 2 1/2 hours

NEXT DAY:  Arrived At:  Red Star Tavern - Tom was there.

- NEW TWIST:  To The Elimination Challenge.  will work in pairs to create a new dish featuring both beer & coffee.

- Jamie & Kiki     Avishar & Shota  Brittany & Sasha  Nelson & Maria  Sara & Gabe  Byron & Chris 

                               Dawn & Gabriel.

JUDGES TABLE: 

WINNING PAIR:  Avisha & Shota.

ELIMINATED:  Sasha.

EPISODE #3:  Pan African  Portland.                                                              13 LEFT.

START OFF:  In the Stew Room.

NEXT DAY:  In the Kitchen - Padma is there.

GUEST JUDGE:  Carrie Baird, Top Chef - Colorado.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a layered dessert inspired by Talenti Gelato. in 45 minutes.

PRIZE:  Immunity & $10,000.

- BOTTOM 3:  Brittanny, Kiki, & Maria.

- TOP 3:  Byron, Avishar, & Sarah.

               WINNER:  Avishar.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Enter Kwame of Top Chef - California & Gregory - Top Chef - Boston.   Are taking the Chefs on tour of Restaurants in Portland serving Pan African food.

- Create a dish inspired by Pan African cuisine.  Individual & Served at Lovely Rita in Hoxton Hotel.

( I am surprised & happy that Top Chef  is recognizing the African American especially being in Portland at the time of the riots)

DAY 1:  Prep the food.

DAY 2:  Cook the food at the hotel.  in 1 1/2 hour.

JUDGES' TABLE:

GUEST JUDGE:  Gregory & Kwame.

- TOP 3:  Dawn, Jamie & Shota.

        WINNER:  Dawn.

- BOTTOM 3:  Kiki, Brittanny & Chris.

ELIMINATED:  Brittanny.

EPISODE #4:  Thrown for a Loop.                                                    12 Left.

START OFF:  The Chef's house - Waking Up.

ARRIVED AT:  In the Kitchen - Padma & Dale of Season - Chicago. 

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Campbell Soup.

- Create a dish evoking a food memory using Campbell's Soup in 30 minutes.

PRIZE:  Immunity & $10,000.

JUDGE:  Dale fro Season - Chicago.

- BOTTOM:  Nelson, Shota & Kiki

- TOP:  Gabe, Sara & Chris.

      WINNER:  Chris with Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Padma tells them about Oregon's Fruit Loop, not the cereal, 33 miles scenic route thru Hood River Valley, part of the Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge region. Tomorrow head to Mountain View Orchards.

NEXT DAY:  Arrived At:  Mountain View Orchards

- Create a savory dish featuring locally grown, hand-picked fruits.

- Carrie & Melissa, S-17 Winner.

- No vegetables in the pantry.

- Tom arrived to see what they are doing.

JUDGES TABLE:

JUDGES:  Carrie & Melissa.

- TOP 3:  Gabriel, Chris & Gabe.

      WINNER:  Gabe.

- BOTTOM 3:  Kiki, Nelson & Avishar.

ELIMINATED:  Kiki - cook like she is home.  Does not like time cooking.

EPISODE $5:  Meet You at the Drive - In.                                             11 left.

START OFF:  In The Stew Room - Discussing the elimination.  These chefs SEEM do not have the killer instinct in them.

NEXT DAY:  Padma & Amar of Season- California.  The kitchen is decorated with Roses.  Portland adopted the names City of Roses in 2013.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  GUEST JUDGE:  Amar.

- Create a dish paying tribute to the mother figure in your lives & must incorporate roses or rose-flavored ingredients.

- BOTTOM 3:  Maria, Sara & Nelson.

- TOP 3:  Byron, Chris & Gabe.

       WINNER:  Chris - immunity & an Advantage.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Feed 50 cars by creating an elevated drive-in movie dish inspired by a movie genre:  Comedy, Action, Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi, & Romance.

- Chris get to pick his team.

GREE TEAM:

Byron - Comedy, Dawn - Drama, Maria - Action, Gabe - Horror & All - Romance.

YELLOW TEAM:  Jamie, Chris, Gabriel, Shota, Nelson & Sara.

- Tied Score - The winning team will be decided by the wining dish.

JUDGES' TABLE:

 - WINNING DISH:  Byron - won $10,000 of the Green Team.

ELIMINATED:  Jamie.

EPISODE #6:  Stumptown, U.S.A.                                                  10 LEFT.

START OFF:  I the Chef's residence - getting ready.

ENTER the kitchen - finds kitchen is decorated as a forest

.  Padma & Tom are there.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Tom's favorite - Mushroom.  Stumptown is the nickname of Portland, which the chefs must prepare their dish on a tree stump.  Create a dish featuring local Oregon's mushrooms in 30 minutes.

PRIZE:  $10,000 & No Immunity.

- BOTTOM: Chris, Nelson & Byron.

- TOP:  Gabriel, Dawn & Gabel.

        WINNER:  Gabriel.

WELCOME BACK:  Dale Talde, S- Chicago.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Indigenous People.   SURF & TURF.

- Create a surf & Turf dish featuring local proteins.

- Nelson/ Gabriel - Trout & Antelope,

- Sara/ Shota - Smelt & Rabbits, 

- Maria/Byron - Elk & Salmon,

- Avishar/Chris - Deer & Sturgeon,

- Gabel/ Dawn - Catfish & Bison.

The chefs are sent out Cascade Locks to meet experts.  Tomorrow they will prep & cook in 3 hours there.                 DOUBLE ELIMINATION.

JUDGES' TABLE:

GUEST JUDGE:  Dale Talde.

- TOP PAIRS:  Gabe/Dawn

                         Sara/    Shota.

      WINNER:  Sara & Shota.

BOTTOM:  the Other e Pairs.

ELIMINATED:  Nelson & Gabriel.

- Shown during the Last Kitchen - Nelson was too hurt from earlier episode & went to the hospital.  He quit.

EPISODE #7:  Feeding the Front Lines.                                                                8 Left.

START OFF:  The Chefs Enter the kitchen where Padma & Melissa are there.  This is an episode which focus on the Pandemic.

LAST KITCHEN WINNER ENTER:  Jamie.                                                        9 Left.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Take a second chance on a past failed dish using ingredients from 2nd chance Marketplace.

GUEST JUDGE:  Melissa.

PRIZE:  Last Immunity.

- BOTTOM 3:  Maria, Byron & Avishar.

- TOP 3:  Dawn, Shota & Gabe.

          WINNER:  Shota got the Last Immunity.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  

- Jose Andres, Chef & Founder of World Central Kitchen explain his organization.

GUEST JUDGE:  Kwame.

- Create a dish to be delivered to the front lines, the nurses doctors, etc.. workers. (COVID-19) Make 65 portions include proteins, vegetables & starch or grain.

demi

DAY 1:  Start prep & Cooking.

DAY 2:  2 hours left to cook.

- All Stars will deliver the meals.

JUDGES' TABLE:

 - TOP 3:  Dawn, Jamie & Sarah.

       WINNER:  Jamie.

 - BOTTOM 3:  Avishar, Chris & Maria.

ELIMINATED:  Avishar.

EPISODE #8:  Restaurant Wars.                                                           8 Left.

START OFF:  In the chef's house.  Bryon received a phone call from home.

ARRIVED AT:  The Redd on Salmon Street.  - Padma & Greg & new judge, Kristen Kish, Winner of S-10, Seattle.

CHALLENGE:  Restaurant Wars - Because of the Pandemic - can't have the public come in.  Will have a Chef's Table & serve ONLY  the judges and All Stars)

- In 2 teams create a chef's table restaurant concept and serve a 7 course progressive tasting menu.

PENNY:  Dawn, Gabe, Sara & Chris.

KOKOSON:  Jamie, Shota, Maria & Byson.

JUDGE'S TABLE:

- WINNING TEAM:  Kokoson & MVP - Maria.

LOSER:  didn't have a concept & didn't talk with the diners.

ELIMINATED:  Sara.

EPISODE # 9:  Portland-ia.                                                                        7 Left.

START OFF:  In the Stu room after the elimination.  Dawn is upset that she should done more.

NEXT DAY:  The Chefs arrived in the kitchen where Padma is there & vintage equipment & stoves.

- ENTER:  The Guest Judges:  Carrie Brownstein & Fred Armisen of Portlandia  

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a dish that feature the ingredients you see here in 30 minutes using ONLY the vintage products.  (I feel old, now since all the equipment I know). 

- BOTTOM:  Jamie & Chris.

- TOP: Gabe, Maria & Dawn.

      WINNER:  Dawn - has an advantage.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  GUEST JUDGES:  Dale Talde & Richard Blais.

- Create a recipe that will only take 90 minutes to prepare & write it so a home cook can understand it & follow it.

- Present it at:  Departure Restaurant & Lounge in The Nines Hotel.   

- Dawn will get 15 minutes extra.

- The All- Stars will follow the recipes.

- Gregory & Gabe,               Kristen & Maria,                          Kwame & Shota,       Melissa & Chris

- Jamie & Gregory               Kwame & Byron,                         Dawn & Kristen.

JUDGES TABLE:

- TOP:  Maria, Shota, Gabe, Dawn.    

                           WINNER:  Gabe.

- BOTTOM:  Jamie, Chris & Byron  - were too Chef & made it hard for the home cook.

ELIMINATED:  Chris -  too many ingredients.

EPISODE #10:  Tournament of Tofu.                                                                     6 Left.

START OFF:  At Chef's Hotel - then they left for the kitchen. Padma, Richard Blais, Tom & Gail are there.

QUICK FIRE CHALLENGE:  Chipotle.

- 30 minutes to Create custom dishes featuring judges preferred flavor combinations.  Access to 53 ingredients from Chipotle.

PRIZE:  $10,000.

- Gabe & Jamie cooking for Gail:  Smoky & Charred,

- Byron & Dawn   "           "  Tom:  Tangy & Crunchy,

- Maria & Shota  "         "     Padma :  Spicy & Tart.

- Richard will pick the BEST DISH.

- Shota, Dawn & Gabe win.

BEST:  Dawn.

THEN: Edward Lee S- Texas.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create dishes in a Tournament style face-off using different  type of Tofu in 2 1/2 hours.  Served At:  Portland Japanese Garden.  Make 3 dishes.

- Maria & Shota get Medium Tofu,

- Dawn & Gabe get Firm Tofu,

- Byron & Jamie get Extra Firm.

They get tour:  Ota Tofu.

NEXT DAY:  Arrived at:  Japanese Garden.

- Shota, Gabe & Jamie win their round.

FRIED TOFU:  Maria, Dawn & Byron.

- Dawn cut herself.

- Maria wins.

SOFT TOFU DESSERT ROUND:  Dawn vs. Byron

ELIMINATED:  Byron.

EPSIODE #11:  Blind Ambitions.                                                            5 Left.

START OFF:  In the Stu Room discussing the Last Kitchen Event ( was seen on TV but online).  Then they enter the kitchen to find 3 Black Doors & Padma.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Top Chef "France Style"

-in Teams on member enter the black box & taste without seeing the dish, then re-create it, then the other member enter the black box, then do the same thing

- Dawn & Brooke ( need another person),

- Shota & Gabe,

- Maria $ Jamie.

WINNING DISH:  Dawn & Brooke.

THEN:  Padma tells them she is giving the "Night Off" with silly grim.

ARRIVED AT:  At the lounge of their hotel:  Brooke & Kristen is there with 5 large boxes. The boxes turn out to be Care Packages from their families with ingredients in it.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Prepare a dish using some of the ingredients from the care packages.  SERVED:  Scholl's Lodge in Tualatin Valley in 2 1/2 hours.

JUDGES' TABLE: 

- TOP 3:  Shota, Gabe & Dawn.

WINNER:  Gabe

BOTTOM:  Maria & Jamie.

EDLIMINATED:  Maria - was too emotional to concentrate on cooking.

ESIPODE #12:  The Cheesier the Better                                                         4 Left.

        FINAL FOUR:  Shota, Gabe, Dawn & Jamie.

- Padma comes into the Stu Room & told the cooks to get a good night sleep - tomorrow they are going to the coast.

NEXT DAY:    The four arrived in the kitchen - theme Oregon Trail. Padma & Gregory was there.  Introducing their Guest Judge:  Vitaly Paley, Awarding Winning of Portland.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE:  Create a dish using only ingredients settlers would have had on the Oregon Trail. in 30 minutes.

PRIZE:  An Advantage.

- BOTTOM:  Shota & Dawn.

- TOP:  Jamie & Gabe.

      WINNER:  Jamie.

Dale Talde & Chef Ed Lee entered the kitchen as Guest Judges.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Cheese.

- Create a dish featuring cheddar cheese in 5 different ways in 3 hours Served at:  Tillamook Creamery.  (on the coast).

- Jamie has an extra 30 minutes.

JUDGES TABLES:

- WINNER:  Shota - won $10,000 From Tillamook.

ELIMINATED:  Jamie.

ESIPODE #13:  Shellfishy Delicious.                                                      3 Left.

START OFF:  At Surfsand Resort at night. discussing the last challenge before going to sleep.  BUT Padma comes early in the morning to wake them up for the last challenge.

LAST QUICK FIRE CHALLENGE:  Clams - which they will dig themselves.  Will meet Brooke Williamson at Yager Creek Flats in Netarks Bay when the tides are low.  Cook Brooke & Padma a dish that features the local clams.

PRIZE:  An Advantage.

NEXT DAY:  ARRIVED AT:  Netarks  Bays - Brooke was there.

- Shota injured  himself.

- WINNER:  Gabe.

ENTER:  Guest Judges:  Nina Compton,

                                        Kwame Onwuachi.

FINAL ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Paying homage to James Beard who was from Portland.

- Cooking with one of favorite ingredient - Dungeness Crab one hot & one cold dish in 2 hours.  Gregory will take them crabbing tomorrow.

NEXT DAY:  ARRIVED AT:  Kelly's Marina. to go crabbing.

NEXT DAY:  ARRIVED AT:  Wayfarer to cook & served.  - Tom was there with video call fro Alice Waters who knew James Beard.

JUDGE'S TABLE:

- WINNER:  Shota.

- BOTTOM:  Dawn & Gabe.

ELIMINATED:  No-One.

EPSIODE #14:  The Next Top Chef Is......                                                   3 Left.

START OFF:  The Final Three are at Willamette Valley Vineyards.

FINAL ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:  Create a 4-Course Progressive Meal of your choice.  Shopping at:

1.  The farmers & local growers at Willamette

2.  Shopping at Mount hood Territory growers.

Calling in Helpers for them:  Byron, Maria & Jamie.

- Dawn get Jamie,

- Shota get Byron,

- Gabe get Maria.

- Dawn, again, forgot some items on some of the judges' plates.

Tomorrow:  6 hours to prep & cook at Willamette, following day 3 hours before service .

JUDGES TABLE:

    THE WINNER IS:  GABE.    (not happy about it.  I thought at least a minority will win.)

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.