SEASON #19: BUDDHA.

EPISODE #1: Primal Instincts.                                             15 To Start.

HOST: Padma

PLACE - Houston, Texas

JUDGES: Tom Colicchio,

                  Gail Simmons

                  Many Guests Judges.

PRIZES - A Feature in Food & Wine Magazine,

                An Appearance at The Food & Wine Classics in Aspen,

               $250,000 Plus Title of Top Chef.

DURING THE END OF THE PANDEMIC.

PLAYERS (15)

1.  ASHLEIGH SHANTI                                                  Asheville, NORTH CAROLINA

2.  BUDDHA LO                                                              Brooklyn, NEW YORK

3.  DAMARR BROWN                                                    Chicago, ILLINOIS

4.  EVELYN GARCIA                                                      Houston, TEXAS

5.  JACKSON KALB                                                        Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA

6.  JOE JUNG                                                                    New York City, NEW YORK

7.  LEIA GACCIONE                                                       Morristown, NEW JERSEY

8.  LUKE KALPIN                                                            Seattle, WASHINGTON

9.  MONIQUE FEYBESSE                                              Vallejo, CALIFORNIA

10.  NICK WALLACE                                                      Jackson, MISSISSIPPI

11.  ROBERT HERNANDEZ                                          San Francisco, CALIFORNIAIA

12.  SAM KANG                                                              Brooklyn, NEW YORK

13.  SARAH WELCH                                                      Detroit, MICHIGAN

14.  STEPHANIE MILLER                                             Bismark, NORTH DAKOTA

15.  JO CHAN                                                                 Palmdale, CALIFORNIA

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - A Team Challenge.

- In 30 minutes, all your cooking styles into one cohesive dish.  Each member has ONLY 10 MINUTES to work on the dish & not allowed to speak with each other.    

BROWN TEAM - Jackson, Robert & Sarah,

RED TEAM - Stephanie, Joe & Leia,

GREEN TEAM - Nick, Evelyn & Damarr,

YELLOW TEAM - Buddha, Monique & Jo,

BLUE TEAM - Sam, Luke & Ashleigh.

JUDGING:   

              BOTTOM - The Blue Team - didn't plate their dish.

              TOP - Yellow & Brown Teams

                     WINNER - Yellow Team - have Immunity.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - Same Teams.

- Create a cohesive menu featuring Primal Cuts of Beef in 2 1/2 hours serve at Annie Cafe & Bar.

Yellow - Rib, Blue - Loin, Brown - Chuck, Green - Sirloin & Red - Round.

GUEST JUDGES: Kristen Kish,

                               Tom Colicchio.

- Leia is sick.

JUDGES TABLE:

           TOP - Brown Team.

            WINNER of Brown Team - Robert.

          BOTTOM - Red Team.

ELIMINATED - Leia.

EPISODE #2 - Friday Night Bites.                                        14 Left.

START OFF - The Chefs entered the kitchen seeing a lot of cheese.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Cheese - Queso.

GUEST JUDGE - Irma Galvin.

- Create a Queso dip and a dipper in 30 minutes.

JUDGING:

        BOTTOM 3 - Sam, Robert & Jackson.

       TOP 3 - Evelyn, Nick & Damarr.

                    WINNER - Damarr - won Immunity.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:   Guest Judge - Chef Chris Shepperd.

- In Two Teams of 7 create 7 dishes going head-to-head against each other in a football-like game.

WILDCATS - Sam, Sarah, Robert, Damarr, Monique, Jo & Luke.

COUGARS - Evelyn, Nick, Buddha, Ashleigh, Stephanie, Joe & Jackson.

   COACHES:  Dawn Burrell & Sam Talbot.

  PLACE - Tomball ISD Stadium School District.

JUDGES: Padma, Chris, Tom, Gail, and Brooke.

- MVP - Damarr.

- BOTTOM 3 - Sarah, Luke & Stephanie.

ELIMINATED - Stephanie.

EPISODE #3: Noodles and Rice and Everything....                        13 Left.

START OFF - In Sarah's talking to her boyfriend via chat.  Then the chefs entered the kitchen to Padma & Hung Huynh, Winner of Miami.

NO QUICKFIRE FIRE CHALLENGE.

Asian Night Market is set up in the kitchen.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - Take inspiration from what you sample and create a street food dish for your own Asian Night Market in 1 hour which will be served at Post, Houston to one hundred guests.

JUDGES TABLE:

      TOP 3 - Evelyn, Jackson & Jae.

               WINNER - Jae won $10,000

      BOTTOM 3 - Buddha, Ashleigh & Sam.

ELIMINATED: Sam.

EPISODE #4: Doppelganger                                         12 Left.

START OFF - In the Chef's Place Living.  Then off to the kitchen where Padma & Chris Williams, Chef & Owner of Lucille 1913. are waiting for them in front of the table of Biscuits.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Paying homage to Lucille B. Smith by Creating your own Biscuits from scratch and a complete dish in 45 minutes.

          BOTTOM - Buddha, Jae & Ashleigh.

          TOP - Damarr, Evelyn & Jackson.

                     WINNER - Jackson. has an advantage.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - GUEST JUDGE: Wylie Dufrene.

- Team Challenge.  JACKSON'S ADVANTAGE - pick his partner, Buddha.

Jae & Nick, Jo & Evelyn, Robert & Sarah, Ashleigh & Luke, and Damarr & Monique.

- Working in pairs Create two different dishes that look alike but taste different.

       DOUBLE ELIMINATION!

JUDGES TABLE:

     TOP - Ashleigh & Luke and Jackson & Buddha.

          WINNER - Jackson & Buddha.

      BOTTOM - Sarah & Robert and Evelyn & Jo.

ELIMINATED - Robert & Sarah.

EPISODE #5: Don't Mess with BBQ.                                         10 Left.

START OFF - Back in the Stew Room right after the last elimination, then Padma came in, telling them about the next challenge.  They will meet Brook at the next location.

NEXT DAY - Arrived At - J-Bar-M Barbeque - Brooke Williamson was there.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - Texas Style Brisket.

- Create a unique dish that highlights the flavors of your smoked brisket.

GUEST JUDGE: Greg Gatlin, Pitmaster,

                            20 of Houston's Best Pitmasters.

Then they went shopping and came back to the restaurant and found Brooke & Tom C. was there.  Told them they were going to have a quickfire challenge NOW!

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Texas Toast.

- a very thick slice of bread in 30 minutes.

PRIZE - Immunity & $10,000

           BOTTOM - Luke & Monique

           TOP - Nick, Jo & Jackson.

                           WINNER - Nick.

Back to Cooking the Briskets.

JUDGES' TABLE:

        TOP 3 - Buddha, Evelyn & Jackson.

               WINNER - Evelyn - Houston Home Girl.

      BOTTOM 3- Monique, Ashleigh & Jo.

ELIMINATED - Ashleigh.

EPISODE #6: Texas Trailblazers.                                      9 Left.

START OFF - In the Chef's place of living.  Getting ready, then they head to the kitchen where Padma, Nini Nguyen & Kelsey Clark of Top Chef Kentucky are there.

RETURN FROM LAST KITCHEN - is Ashleigh.                         10 Left.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Chose either one jar from Sweet or Salty ingredients working in pairs and painting off with Talenti Gelato or Sorbetto.  Double Immunity & $10,000.

- Buddha & Luke - Honeycomb & Miso,

- Ashleigh & Nick - Gingersnaps & Park Rinds,

- Jo & Evelyn - Marcona Almonds & Peaches

- Damarr & Monique - Sweet Corn & Pepitas,

- Jackson & Jae - Pistachios & Asian Pears.

GUEST JUDGES:

    1.  Nini Nguyen & Kelsey Clark.

JUDGING:

  TOP 3 PAIRS: Nick & Ashleigh,

                          Damarr & Monique

                         Jo & Evelyn.

        WINNING TEAM - Nick & Ashleigh - won $10,000 & Immunity.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - 

GUEST MENTOR - Tiffany Derry, Top Chef.

- Making a dish in honor of Five Trailblazing Texas women in 2 1/2 hours serving at Brennan's

- Nick & Jo - Ann Richard,

- Ashleigh & Jae - Babe Didrikson Zaharias,

- Monique & Jackson - Barbara Jordan,

- Buddha & Luke - Bessie Coleman,

- Evelyn & Damarr - Selena.

JUDGE'S TABLE:

   TOP 3 - Evelyn, Jackson, Buddha.

           WINNER - Evelyn.

   BOTTOM 3 - Monique, Ashleigh, & Luke.

ELIMINATED - Monique - not taking chances.

EPISODE #7: Swallow the Competition.                                  9 Left.

 START OFF - In the Stew room right after the last elimination.

NEXT DAY - Headed to the Kitchen.

   Padma, Kwame Onwuachi, and Ope Amosu, Houston's Chef were there waiting for them.

- Houston is the home to the largest Nigerian population.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Create a dish to pair with a Nigerian Swallow in 30 minutes.

     Iyan Swallow, Eba Swallow, and Amala Swallow.

PRIZE - Immunity.

     BOTTOM - Nick & Evelyn.

    TOP - Buddha, Damarr & Jackson.

           WINNER - Buddha - has won Immunity.

Joe Flamm arrived for the Elimination Challenge.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - Jurassic World Dominion.

- Each team must create a 3-Course progressive menu that represents a sea, air, and land dinosaur in 2 hours served at Houston's Museum of Natural Science.

RED TEAM - Nick, Damarr, & Buddha. Mosasaurus - Sea,

BROWN TEAM - Evelyn, Ashleigh, & Jo. Quetzalcoatlus, Air

GREEN TEAM - Jackson, Luke, & Jae. Velociraptor - Land.

   PRIZE - VIP Trip to see the world premiere of the movie.

JUDGES' TABLE:

     TOP - WINNING TEAM - Brown Team.

     BOTTOM TEAMS - Red & Green Teams.

ELIMINATED: Jo.

I am happy that they are trying to add a new cruise & more Africa- American chefs and judges.

       

EPISODE #8: Restaurant Wars.            8 Left.

START OFF - 7amm the Chefs are heading to their new destination - Post Market 713 Music Hall.  Padma & Tiffany Derry were there.

        Welcome to Restaurant Wars.

- pick knives to see who the captain will be.

1 Choice - Nick.  picks Damarr, Ashleigh, & Buddha.

2nd Choice - Jae picks Evelyn, Jackson & Luke.

- 36 hours to open their doors.  Create a truly priceless experience.  Next-Day 5 hours to set up, train before service begins PRIZE - $40,000.

NICK'S RESTAURANT - Matriarc,

JAE        "   - No N.E.M.

JUDGE'S TABLE:

      WINNER - Matriac - won $40,000.  Each won $10,000.

             Buddha was praised for Front of House & Best Bread.

       WINNER - Ashleigh.

      LOSER - No Nem.

       - Jackson admits to his group that before the taping he got COVID, and his taste is gone.

ELIMINATED - Jackson.

EPISODE #9: Freedmen's Town.                    7 Left.

START OFF - Back in the Stew Room.

NEXT DAY: Arrive in the Kitchen where Padma & Nyesha were waiting for them.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Create a monochromatic vegetarian dish in 30 minutes.

GUEST JUDGE - Nyesha Arrington.

Evelyn- Black          Ashleigh - Yellow              Nick - orange     Damarr - Green  Buddha - White

       Jae - Red       Luke - Purple.

    BOTTOM - Nick & Ashleigh.

   TOP - Buddha, Damarr & Evely.

           WINNER - Damarr won the Last Immunity.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - 

GUEST JUDGES: Dawn Burrell & Kwame Onwuachi.

- Explaining the new holiday Juneteenth.

- Create a dish that speaks to your soul for a 100-person block party in Freedmen's Town.  Serve at Bethel Church.

JUDGE'S TABLE:

     WINNER - Jae.

ELIMINATED: Luke.

EPISODE #10: Dinner in Zero Gravity.                                     6 Left.

ARRIVE AT: Houston's Farmer Market.

                    - Padma & Claudette Zepeda, Top Chef - Denver.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Create your own version of Fajitas using ingredients from the market in 45 minutes.  PRIZE - $10,000.

      BOTTOM 3 - Damarr, Ashleigh & Jae.

     TOP 3 - Nick, Buddha & Evelyn.

              WINNER - Nick - win another $10,000.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - GUEST JUDGE - Marcus Samuelsson.

- Create a dish for astronauts following NASA guidelines of limiting free-standing liquid and crumbs.

JUDGES' TABLE:

     TOP 3 - Evelyn, Buddha & Nick.

              WINNER - Buddha.

    BOTTOM 3 - Ashleigh, Jae & Damarr.

ELIMINATED - Jae.

 EPISODE #11:  Family Vacation.                               6 Left.

ARRIVED AT:  Galveston Island.     

- Padma & Shota Nakajima,  Top Chef - Portland.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE - Seafood Tower.

 - Create a Seafood Tower featuring 1 Hot and 1 Cold dish in 45 minutes.  PRIZE:  Advantage.

   BOTTOM - Buddha & Sarah.

   TOP - Ashleigh, Nick & Evelyn.

            WINNER - Evelyn. won the Advantage.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE:

- Create a family-style dish catered to a different family member on vacation in Galveston for 20 people in 2 1/2 hours.

EVELYN'S ADVANTAGE - get an extra 30 minutes of cooking time.

GUEST JUDGE - Sheldon Simeon, Top Chef- Charleston & Seattle & Adrienne Chatham.

- They received a booklet on what they liked but no name or whom they cooked for,  some of the chefs figured out it was their loved ones.

JUDGE'S TABLE:  it started storming on them.  The first time took place inside.

  TOP 3: Evelyn, Buddha & Damarr.

       WINNER - Buddha - Won a Vrbo vacation anywhere & $10,000.

  BOTTOM 3: Nick, Ashleigh & Sarah.

ELIMINATED: Ashleigh - Sorry she was leaving.

EPISODE #12: We're On the Boat.                           5 Left.

Still in Galveston, Texas in Judge's Table room getting a little hint on their next challenge - Going Fishing.

NEXT DAY:  ARRIVED AT: Galveston Yard Basin.

                      Tom & Dawn Burrel was waiting for them.

No Quickfire.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - Create two Gulf-Caught fish dishes highlighting two different preparations.  Prep/Cook at Bludorn Restaurant.

Went fishing on the Island Girl.

JUDGES' TABLE:

GUEST JUDGES: Daniel Boulud and Dawn Burrel.

    TOP 2 - Sarah & Buddha.

        WINNER - Sarah.

   SAFE - Evelyn.

   BOTTOM 2 - Nick & Demarr.

ELIMINATED: Nick - again, getting rid of the Black players.

EPISODE #13: Cactus Makes Perfect.                                              4 Left.

      FINAL FOUR:  Damarr, Evelyn, Sarah, & Buddha.

ARRIVED IN: Tuscon, Arizonia.  Headed to El Charro Restaurant.

where Padma & Guest Judge. Carlotta Flores was waiting for them.

LAST QUICKFIRE - Make a dish featuring Carne Seca in 30 minutes.

        BOTTOM 2:  Buddha & Damarr.

        TOP 2:  Sarah & Evelyn.

             WINNER - Sarah - won an Advantage.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - Chiltepin 

- Make two dishes, one sweet and one savory using Cactus in one dish and Chitepin in the other.

SARAH'S ADVANTAGE - 30 extra minutes of cooking time.

     JUDGES' TABLE

WINNER - Evelyn  - going to the Finale.

ELIMINATED:  Damarr - the last African American is gone.  They need to have MORE Blacks judges and cuisines events.

ESIPODE #14: The Final Plate.                3 Left.

      THE FINAL THREE:  Evelyn, Sarah & Buddha.

- Will get the help of 1 Sous Chef from the past players. Sarah - Robert H., Evelyn - Jo and Buddha - Jackson.

NEXT DAY:  Arrived at Pima County Courthouse.

ELIMINATION CHALLENGE - Cook a 4- Course progressive meal anything you like.

THE WINNER IS BUDDHA.

- 

.

     

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.