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

(RUNNER-UP) The chef was a runner-up for the season.

(WIN) The chef won that episode's Elimination Challenge.

(HIGH) The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Elimination Challenge, but did not win.

(LOW) The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge, but was not eliminated.

(OUT) The chef lost that week's Elimination Challenge and was out of the competition.

(IN) The chef neither won nor lost that week's Elimination Challenge. They also were not up to be eliminated.

IN (+) The chef won a pair or team challenge but was not chosen as one of the judges' favorites.

IN (-) The chef lost a pair or team challenge but was not selected as one of the judges' least favorites.

Episodes

Episode 1: Melting Pot

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs are welcomed to the Big Apple by host Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Parvati Lakshmi also Padma, Lady Rushdie is an American cookbook author, actress, model and television host. She has been the host of the US reality television program Top Chef since season two in 2006, for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for...
  
   and head judge Tom Colicchio
  Tom Colicchio
  Thomas Patrick "Tom" Colicchio is an American celebrity chef. He co-founded the Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and formerly served as a co-owner and as the executive chef. He is also the founder of Craft and Colicchio & Sons restaurants...
  
   with a signature ingredient: apples. The challenge is a skills tournament in three rounds. The chef who finishes first in the Quickfire Challenge will win immunity in the next challenge, while the chef who finishes last will leave the show "right [there] and now."
  • Round One: The chefs must peel 15 apples, using paring knives only, as quickly as possible. The first nine to finish will be safe. The remaining eight must go on to Round Two. Finishing order: Stefan, Fabio, Hosea, Ariane, Jeff, Melissa, Carla, Richard, Jamie. Stefan wins immunity for the next challenge.
  • Round Two: The chefs must then brunoise
    Brunoise
    Brunoise is a culinary knife cut in which the food item is first julienned and then turned a quarter turn and diced again, producing cubes of a side length of about 3 mm or less on each side or 1/6 inch cubes. In France, a "brunoise" cut is smaller, 1 to 2 mm on each side. Common items to be...
    
     the apples (dice them very finely) until they fill up two cups. The first four to finish will be safe. The remaining four must go on to Round Three. Finishing order: Danny, Alex, Eugene, Jill.
  • Round Three: The remaining chefs (Lauren, Patrick, Radhika and Leah) are each given 20 minutes to "cook something that will convince [Tom Colicchio] that [they] should stay here for this challenge in New York". They are given a burner, a saute pan, a choice of proteins and spices, and the apples they have prepared. After tasting, Tom chooses Leah and Radhika as the top two; both are safe from elimination. Lauren and Patrick, who knew each other as friends from culinary school, end up in the bottom two. Patrick's dish is chosen over Lauren's, so she is asked to pack her knives and go to the waiting ferry.
    • WINNER: Stefan
    • ELIMINATED: Lauren
• Elimination Challenge: Each of the chefs draws a knife from the knife block marked with one of eight New York City neighborhoods. The chefs teams must cook dishes which represent the ethnic cuisines of those neighborhoods: Astoria
  Astoria, Queens
  Astoria is a neighborhood in the northwestern corner of the borough of Queens in New York City. Located in Community Board 1, Astoria is bounded by the East River and is adjacent to three other Queens neighborhoods: Long Island City, Sunnyside , and Woodside...
  
   (Greek), Brighton Beach
  Brighton Beach
  Brighton Beach is an oceanside neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. As of 2000, it has a population of 75,692 with a total of 31,228 households.-Location:...
  
   (Russian), Long Island City (Middle Eastern), Ozone Park (Latin), Jamaica (Jamaican), Little Italy
  Little Italy, Manhattan
  Little Italy is a neighborhood in lower Manhattan, New York City, once known for its large population of Italians. Today the neighborhood of Little Italy consists of Italian stores and restaurants.-Historical area:...
  
   (Italian), Chinatown
  Chinatown, Manhattan
  Manhattan's Chinatown , home to one of the highest concentrations of Chinese people in the Western hemisphere, is located in the borough of Manhattan in New York City...
  
   (Chinese), Little India/Curry Hill
  Murray Hill, Manhattan
  Murray Hill is a Midtown Manhattan neighborhood in New York City, USA. Around 1987 many real estate promoters of the neighborhood and newer residents described the boundaries as within East 34th Street, East 42nd Street, Madison Avenue, and the East River; in 1999, Frank P...
  
   (Indian). The two dishes from each neighborhood will be judged head-to-head. Chefs of winning dishes will be safe; chefs of losing dishes will be up for elimination.
  • Pairs of Winners vs. Losers (in the order they presented their dishes), followed by the type of dish they were to make. The name of the winning chef for each dish is italicized.
    • #1: Ariane vs. Stefan (Middle Eastern)
    • #2: Richard vs. Jamie (Greek)
    • #3: Jill vs. Radhika (Jamaican)
    • #4: Fabio vs. Jeff (Latin)
    • #5: Hosea vs. Carla (Russian)
    • #6: Leah vs. Melissa (Italian)
    • #7: Danny vs. Patrick (Chinese)
    • #8: Alex vs. Eugene (Indian)
  • At Judges' Table, Eugene, Leah, and Stefan were selected as the judges' favorites out of the eight winners.
  • At Judges' Table, Ariane and Patrick were selected as the judges' least favorites out of the eight losers.
    • WINNER: Stefan (Lamb Chops with Tabouli
      Tabouli
      Tabbouleh ouli) is a Levantine Arab salad traditionally made of bulgur, tomato, cucumber, and finely chopped parsley and mint, often including onion and garlic, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and salt...
      
      , Hummus
      Hummus
      Hummus is high in iron and vitamin C and also has significant amounts of folate and vitamin B6. The chickpeas make it a good source of protein and dietary fiber; the tahini consists mostly of sesame seeds, which are an excellent source of the amino acid methionine, complementing the proteins in the...
      
       and Yogurt, Beef Skewer with Caramelized Onions)
    • ELIMINATED: Patrick (Mirin
      Mirin
      is an essential condiment used in Japanese cuisine, consisting of 40%–50% sugar. It is a kind of rice wine similar to sake, but with a lower alcohol content—14% instead of 20%. There are three general types. The first is hon mirin , which contains alcohol. The second is shio mirin, which contains...
      
       Basted Salmon with Steamed Bok Choy
      Chinese cabbage
      Chinese cabbage can refer to two distinct varieties of Chinese leaf vegetables used often in Chinese cuisine. These vegetables are both related to the Western cabbage, and are of the same species as the common turnip...
      
       and Sesame Black Rice Noodles)
• Elimination Challenge Prize: None noted in the broadcast airing.
• Guest Judge: Jean-Georges Vongerichten
  Jean-Georges Vongerichten
  Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a French chef. He was born in Alsace, France, in 1956 and now resides in the United States of America. Vongerichten commands restaurants in culinary capitals Las Vegas, London, Paris and Shanghai, as well as New York's Jean Georges restaurant...
  
  
• Original Airdate: November 12, 2008

Episode 2: Show Your Craft

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs are asked to create their version of a classic, well-loved New York dish: the hot dog
  Hot dog
  A hot dog is a sausage served in a sliced bun. It is very often garnished with mustard, ketchup, onions, mayonnaise, relish and/or sauerkraut.-History:...
  
  . They will be competing against Angelina DiAngelo of Dominick's Hot Dog Truck in Queens
  Queens
  Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States....
  
  . They each have 45 minutes and access to the Top Chef pantry to prepare and present their dish to host Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Parvati Lakshmi also Padma, Lady Rushdie is an American cookbook author, actress, model and television host. She has been the host of the US reality television program Top Chef since season two in 2006, for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for...
  
   and guest judge Donatella Arpaia
  Donatella Arpaia
  Donatella Arpaia is an American restaurateur and a television personality who appears on The Food Network. Arpaia is a regular judge on The Food Network's Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef...
  
  , a successful restaurateur and food expert. The winner receives immunity from elimination in the next challenge.
  • Top: Fabio, Hosea, Radhika
  • Bottom: Jill, Stefan
    • WINNER: Radhika (Kabob-Style Sausage with Caramelized Onions, Cucumbers and Tomato Jam)
• Elimination Challenge: The chefs must now open what Padma calls "Top Chef Restaurant" in Manhattan. They are asked to create a three-course New American
  New American cuisine
  New American cuisine is a term for upscale, contemporary cooking served primarily in restaurants in the United States. Combining flavors from America's melting pot with traditional techniques, New American cuisine includes ethnic twists on old standbys, Old World peasant dishes made from luxury...
  
   lunch menu for fifty diners. Since each chef will be responsible for creating his or her own dish, this is an individual challenge. However, the 15 chefs quickly break down into three main groups: Appetizers (Fabio, Hosea, Jamie, Leah, Melissa), Entrees (Alex, Eugene, Jeff, Jill, Stefan), and Desserts (Ariane, Carla, Danny, Radhika, Richard). As a whole, they are given 30 minutes to shop at Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market is a foods supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes "natural and organic products." The company has been ranked among the most socially responsible businesses and placed third on the U.S...
  
   and a budget of $2,500. During the two-hour prep time, Tom Colicchio
  Tom Colicchio
  Thomas Patrick "Tom" Colicchio is an American celebrity chef. He co-founded the Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and formerly served as a co-owner and as the executive chef. He is also the founder of Craft and Colicchio & Sons restaurants...
  
   comes into the kitchen to make an announcement: the restaurant at which the chefs will be cooking lunch is Craft, Colicchio's own flagship New York location. One more twist: the 50 diners are all New York City chefs who auditioned for Top Chef Season 5 and did not make it. "This is probably going to be one of the toughest crowds you've ever cooked for," he says.
  • At Judges' Table, Carla, Fabio, and Jamie were selected as the judges' favorites.
  • At Judges' Table, Ariane, Hosea and Jill were selected as the judges' least favorites.
    • WINNER: Fabio (Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio
      Carpaccio
      Carpaccio is a dish of raw meat or fish , thinly sliced or pounded thin and served as an appetizer.- History :...
      
       with Arugula
      Arugula
      Eruca sativa , is an edible annual plant, commonly known as rocket, roquette, rucola or arugula, not to be confused with Wild rocket. It is a species of Eruca native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal east to Lebanon and Turkey...
      
      , Roasted Pine Nuts, & Spherical Kalamata
      Kalamata
      Kalamata is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf...
      
       Olives)
    • ELIMINATED: Jill (Ostrich
      Ostrich
      The Ostrich is one or two species of large flightless birds native to Africa, the only living member of the genus Struthio. Some analyses indicate that the Somali Ostrich may be better considered a full species apart from the Common Ostrich, but most taxonomists consider it to be a...
      
       Egg Quiche
      Quiche
      Quiche is a savory, open-faced pie of vegetables, cheese, or meat in custard, baked in a pastry crust.The quiche is sometimes regarded as the savoury equivalent ofegg custard tart.- Etymology:...
      
       with Rice-Pecan Crust, Grilled Maitake Mushroom and Asparagus)
• Elimination Challenge Prize: None noted in the broadcast airing.
• Guest Judge: Donatella Arpaia
  Donatella Arpaia
  Donatella Arpaia is an American restaurateur and a television personality who appears on The Food Network. Arpaia is a regular judge on The Food Network's Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef...
  
  
• First aired November 19, 2008

Episode 3: A Foo Fighters Thanksgiving

• Quickfire Challenge: Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Parvati Lakshmi also Padma, Lady Rushdie is an American cookbook author, actress, model and television host. She has been the host of the US reality television program Top Chef since season two in 2006, for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for...
  
   announces that this week's challenge is about "rolling with the punches." The chefs are asked to draw knives. Each knife is marked with a number, which refers to a specific page in "Top Chef: The Cookbook." Contestants are given an hour to put their own spin on the recipe from that page—a recipe made famous by a previous seasons' cheftestant. However, 10 minutes into the Quickfire, Padma calls for everyone to stop working. "We're in the mood for some soup," says guest judge and award-winning molecular gastronomist Grant Achatz
  Grant Achatz
  Grant Achatz is an American chef and restaurateur often identified as one of the leaders in molecular gastronomy or progressive cuisine...
  
  . The chefs must now use their remaining 50 minutes to convert their dishes into soups, using various varieties of Swanson's
  Swanson
  Swanson is a brand of TV dinners, broths, and canned poultry made for the North American market. The TV dinner business is currently owned by Pinnacle Foods, while the broth business is currently owned by the Campbell Soup Company...
  
   soup broths provided for them. The winner receives immunity from elimination in the next challenge.
  • Top: Danny, Jamie, Leah
  • Bottom: None
    • WINNER: Leah (Chilled White Asparagus Soup with Brioche
      Brioche
      Brioche is a highly enriched French pastry, whose high egg and butter content give it a rich and tender crumb. It is "light and slightly puffy, more or less fine, according to the proportion of butter and eggs" It has a dark, golden, and flaky crust, frequently accentuated by an egg wash applied...
      
      , Tuna and Olive Tapenade
      Tapenade
      Tapenade is a Provençal dish consisting of puréed or finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil. Its name comes from the Provençal word for capers, tapenas . It is a popular food in the south of France, where it is generally eaten as an hors d’œuvre, spread on bread...
      
      ) [Original Dish: Tuna Tartare
      Tartare
      Tartare is a preparation of finely chopped raw meat or fish optionally with seasonings and sauces.Examples include:* Steak tartare* Venison tartare* Salmon tartare* Tuna tartareCommonly a tartare is served as a spread for toast...
      
       with Niçoise Olives, White Asparagus and Egg Vinaigrette
      Vinaigrette
      The word vinaigrette or vinegarette can refer to:*Vinaigrette, the salad dressing or sauce...
      
      ]
• Elimination Challenge: First, as the winner of the Quickfire, Leah is given the chance to choose her six teammates for the next challenge. She picks Fabio, Hosea, Jamie, Melissa, Radhika, and Stefan. They become Team Sexy Pants. The remaining contestants—Alex, Ariane, Carla, Danny, Eugene, Jeff and Richard—become Team Cougar. The chefs are asked to cook Thanksgiving dinner for the rock band Foo Fighters
  Foo Fighters
  Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
  
   and its entire entourage of more than 60 guests, including several vegetarians. They will cook this dinner at the band's next venue—an outdoor kitchen at the Blue Cross Arena
  Blue Cross Arena
  The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is a multi-purpose indoor arena, located in Rochester, New York. Its maximum seating capacity is 13,000...
  
   in Rochester, New York
  Rochester, New York
  Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
  
  . There are no refrigerators, no freezers and no stoves—just prep tables, microwaves and toaster ovens. They are given 15 minutes to create their menus, an hour and $1,200 per team to shop, and three hours to prepare their meals. A member of the losing team will be eliminated.
  • At Judges' Table, Fabio, Hosea, Melissa and Radhika were selected as the judges' favorites from the winning team.
  • At Judges' Table, Danny, Jeff and Richard were selected as the judges' least favorites from the losing team.
    • WINNERS: Hosea (Peach and Blueberry Crisp with Cinnamon Whipped cream
      Whipped cream
      Whipped cream is cream that has been beaten by a mixer, whisk, or fork until it is light and fluffy. Whipped cream is often sweetened and sometimes flavored with vanilla, in which case it may be called Chantilly cream or crème Chantilly ....
      
       and Pistachio Vinaigrette) and Radhika (Roasted Veggie Vegan Cornbread
      Cornbread
      Cornbread is a generic name for any number of quick breads containing cornmeal and leavened by baking powder.-History:Native Americans were using ground corn for food thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the New World...
      
       Stuffing) of Team Sexy Pants
    • ELIMINATED: Richard (Banana S'mores with Vanilla Cream and Chocolate Ganache
      Ganache
      Ganache is a glaze, icing, or filling for pastries made from chocolate and cream.Ganache is normally made by heating cream, then pouring it over chopped dark semi-sweet chocolate...
      
      ) of Team Cougar
• Note: Team Sexy Pants was the winning team for this Elimination Challenge, although Verizon Wireless
  Verizon Wireless
  Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, is one of the largest mobile network operators in the United States. The network has 107.7 million subscribers as of 2011, making it the largest wireless service provider in America....
  
   V CAST
  V CAST
  V CAST is a 3G EV-DO network created by Verizon Wireless to deliver audio, video, and entertainment content. The typical download speed is between 800 kilobits and 1.4 megabits per second with burst speeds of up to 3.1 megabits per second...
  
   revealed that Hosea and Radhika were the two individual winners.
• Elimination Challenge Prize: The winning team is invited to attend the Foo Fighters concert that night, while the losing team cleans up the kitchen.
• Guest Judge: Grant Achatz
  Grant Achatz
  Grant Achatz is an American chef and restaurateur often identified as one of the leaders in molecular gastronomy or progressive cuisine...
  
  
• Original Airdate: November 26, 2008

Episode 4: Today Show

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs are given 30 minutes to create a breakfast amuse-bouche. The dishes will be evaluated by Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Parvati Lakshmi also Padma, Lady Rushdie is an American cookbook author, actress, model and television host. She has been the host of the US reality television program Top Chef since season two in 2006, for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for...
  
   and Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito is an Italian American chef based in New York City.-Life and career:DiSpirito was born in Queens, New York City, New York. He graduated in 1986 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and in 1990 from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in business...
  
  , cookbook author and celebrity chef. The winner receives immunity from elimination in the next challenge, as well as a copy of DiSpirito's latest book, Rocco Gets Real.
  • The Best: Jamie, Leah, Stefan
  • The Worst: Danny, Fabio
    • WINNER: Leah (Fried Quail
      Quail
      Quail is a collective name for several genera of mid-sized birds generally considered in the order Galliformes. Old World quail are found in the family Phasianidae, while New World quail are found in the family Odontophoridae...
      
       Egg with Bacon, Spicy Tomato Sauce, Parmigiano & Fried Sage on Grilled Bread)
• Elimination Challenge: This week's challenge is as much about showcasing the chefs’ telegenic skills as well as their culinary ones. They are asked to create a dish that can be cooked and served for a 2½-minute live television presentation which will be taped inside the Top Chef kitchen. Each chef has a $100 budget, 30 minutes to shop at Whole Foods
  Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market is a foods supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes "natural and organic products." The company has been ranked among the most socially responsible businesses and placed third on the U.S...
  
  , and an hour to prep his or her dish. One of the judges’ top three favorites will be the winner. The chef of one of their least three favorites will be eliminated. Later, the top three chefs are woken by head judge Tom Colicchio
  Tom Colicchio
  Thomas Patrick "Tom" Colicchio is an American celebrity chef. He co-founded the Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and formerly served as a co-owner and as the executive chef. He is also the founder of Craft and Colicchio & Sons restaurants...
  
   at 2 a.m. for a twist: They are to be taken to Rockefeller Center
  Rockefeller Center
  Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering between 48th and 51st streets in New York City, United States. Built by the Rockefeller family, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning the area between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. It was declared a National...
  
   to cook their dishes for the hosts of NBC's
  NBC
  The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
  
   The Today Show. During the live on-air broadcast, the hosts will choose the winning dish.
  • At Judges' Table, Ariane, Fabio, and Jeff were selected as the judges' favorites.
  • At Judges' Table, Alex, Jamie, and Melissa were selected as the judges' least favorites.
    • WINNER: Ariane (Beefsteak Tomato Salad with Watermelon & Feta Cheese
      Feta
      Feta is a brined curd cheese traditionally made in Greece. Feta is an aged crumbly cheese, commonly produced in blocks, and has a slightly grainy texture. It is used as a table cheese, as well as in salads Feta is a brined curd cheese traditionally made in Greece. Feta is an aged crumbly cheese,...
      
      )
    • ELIMINATED: Alex (Rose Infused Crème Brûlée
      Crème brûlée
      Crème brûlée , also known as burnt cream, crema catalana, or Trinity cream is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel...
      
      )
• Elimination Challenge Prize: A custom-made kit of about two dozen chef's tools put together by Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito is an Italian American chef based in New York City.-Life and career:DiSpirito was born in Queens, New York City, New York. He graduated in 1986 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and in 1990 from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in business...
  
  , as well as an opportunity to present a dish live on The Today Show the morning after this episode airs.
• Guest Judge: Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito is an Italian American chef based in New York City.-Life and career:DiSpirito was born in Queens, New York City, New York. He graduated in 1986 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and in 1990 from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in business...
  
   (Quickfire and Elimination Challenges)
• First aired: December 3, 2008

Episode 5: Gail's Bridal Shower

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs arrive in the Top Chef Kitchen to find Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Parvati Lakshmi also Padma, Lady Rushdie is an American cookbook author, actress, model and television host. She has been the host of the US reality television program Top Chef since season two in 2006, for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for...
  
   alone, with no guest judge. The chefs draw knives to choose their competitors. Each pair will be taken into a darkened kitchen and given 15 seconds to taste a specific sauce. They must then bid on the number of ingredients they think they can correctly name. Bids pass back and forth until one chef challenges the other to match the last placed bid. If a complete list of correct ingredients is given, the challenged chef moves on to the next round. Naming any incorrect ingredient ends the round and the challenger moves on. The winner receives immunity from elimination in the next challenge.
  • Round One: Shrimp & Lobster Bouillabaise. Winners: Ariane, Carla, Hosea, Leah, Radhika, Stefan.
  • Round Two: Thai Green Curry
    Green curry
    Green curry is a variety of curry in Thai cuisine. The name "green" curry derives from the color of the dish. Other Thai curry dishes are identified solely by their colors, such as yellow and red curry. Green curries tend to be as hot as red curries, both being hotter than phanang/padang curries...
    
    . Winners: Carla, Hosea, Stefan.
  • Round Three: Mexican Mole Sauce
    Mole (sauce)
    Mole is the generic name for a number of sauces used in Mexican cuisine, as well as for dishes based on these sauces...
    
    . The final round is in a spelling bee
    Spelling bee
    A spelling bee is a competition where contestants, usually children, are asked to spell English words. The concept is thought to have originated in the United States....
    
    -style format. The remaining chefs must name a correct ingredient until only one chef is left.
  • WINNER: Hosea
• Elimination Challenge: Padma is throwing a bridal shower for a "very dear friend" — fellow Top Chef judge Gail Simmons
  Gail Simmons
  Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer and television personality, and is the Special Projects Director with Food & Wine magazine...
  
  . She asks the chefs to prepare a four-course meal for 40 of Gail's gourmet friends at the shower. Each course is to be inspired by one of the lines of the traditional wedding rhyme, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." The chefs draw knives to be placed into teams: Team Old (Hosea, Jeff, and Stefan), Team New (Carla, Danny and Eugene), Team Borrowed (Ariane, Jamie and Radhika) and Team Blue (Fabio, Leah, and Melissa). Each team is given 30 minutes and a budget of $800 to shop at Whole Foods
  Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market is a foods supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes "natural and organic products." The company has been ranked among the most socially responsible businesses and placed third on the U.S...
  
  , and 2½ hours to prep their dishes in the Top Chef Kitchen. The next day, they have 1 hour to finish cooking and present their dishes to the bridal shower guests at 24 Fifth Avenue
  Fifth Avenue Hotel
  The Fifth Avenue Hotel was a former luxury hotel located at 200 Fifth Avenue in New York City, New York from 1859 to 1908. It occupied the full Fifth Avenue frontage between 23rd Street and 24th Street, at the southwest corner of Madison Square in the borough of Manhattan.- Site and construction...
  
  .
  • At Judges' Table, Team Old and Team Borrowed were selected as the judges' favorites.
  • At Judges' Table, Team New and Team Blue were selected as the judges' least favorites.
    • WINNER: Ariane of Team Borrowed (Lamb Marinated in French and Curry
      Curry
      Curry is a generic description used throughout Western culture to describe a variety of dishes from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Thai or other Southeast Asian cuisines...
      
       Spices, with Vadouvan Carrot Purée
      Purée
      Purée and mash are general terms for cooked food, usually vegetables or legumes, that have been ground, pressed, blended, and/or sieved to the consistency of a soft creamy paste or thick liquid. Purées of specific foods are often known by specific names, e.g., mashed potatoes or apple sauce...
      
       & Wilted Kale
      Kale
      Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium. Kale, as with broccoli and other brassicas, contains sulforaphane , a chemical with potent anti-cancer properties. Boiling decreases the level of sulforaphane; however, steaming,...
      
      )
    • ELIMINATED: Danny of Team New (Chili
      Chili pepper
      Chili pepper is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. The term in British English and in Australia, New Zealand, India, Malaysia and other Asian countries is just chilli without pepper.Chili peppers originated in the Americas...
      
       Sticky Rice, White Peach-Miso
      Miso
      is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting rice, barley and/or soybeans, with salt and the fungus , the most typical miso being made with soy. The result is a thick paste used for sauces and spreads, pickling vegetables or meats, and mixing with dashi soup stock to serve as miso...
      
       BBQ, Tempura
      Tempura
      ], is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried.-Batter:A light batter is made of cold water and soft wheat flour . Eggs, baking soda or baking powder, starch, oil, and/or spices may also be added...
      
        Fried Shrimp, Yuzu
      Yuzu
      The yuzu is a citrus fruit and plant originating in East Asia. It is believed to be a hybrid of sour mandarin and Ichang papeda...
      
       Ginger Granita
      Granita
      Granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings. Originally from Sicily, although available all over Italy , it is related to sorbet and italian ice. However, in most of Sicily, it has a coarser, more crystalline texture...
      
       & Micro Greens with Lemongrass Vinaigrette)
• Elimination Challenge Prize: A new set of Calphalon stainless
  Stainless steel
  In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass....
  
   cookware, as well as new Calphalon kitchen electrics.
• Guest Judge: Dana Cowin (Elimination Challenge)
• First Aired: December 10, 2008

Episode 6: 12 Days of Christmas

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs arrive to find the Top Chef Kitchen decorated for Christmas, Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Lakshmi
  Padma Parvati Lakshmi also Padma, Lady Rushdie is an American cookbook author, actress, model and television host. She has been the host of the US reality television program Top Chef since season two in 2006, for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for...
  
   waiting to present their next challenge: They are to create a "one pot wonder", a holiday meal that can be prepared in just one cooking vessel. The chefs have 45 minutes to cook and present their dishes to Padma and guest judge, American icon
  Cultural icon
  A cultural icon can be a symbol, logo, picture, name, face, person, building or other image that is readily recognized and generally represents an object or concept with great cultural significance to a wide cultural group...
  
   Martha Stewart
  Martha Stewart
  Martha Stewart is an American business magnate, author, magazine publisher, and television personality. As founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she has gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising...
  
  . The prize, in addition to immunity in the elimination challenge, is an autographed copy of Stewart's latest book, Martha Stewart's Cooking School.
  • Top: Ariane, Hosea, Jamie
  • Bottom: Eugene, Fabio, Jeff
    • WINNER: Ariane (Cauliflower Purée
      Purée
      Purée and mash are general terms for cooked food, usually vegetables or legumes, that have been ground, pressed, blended, and/or sieved to the consistency of a soft creamy paste or thick liquid. Purées of specific foods are often known by specific names, e.g., mashed potatoes or apple sauce...
      
       with Herb-Rubbed Filet Mignon
      Filet mignon
      Filet mignon is a steak cut of beef taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin, or psoas major of the beef carcass, usually a steer or heifer...
      
      )
• Elimination Challenge: Cater a 250 guest holiday party hosted by amfAR
  AmfAR
  amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy.-History:...
  
  , the American Foundation for AIDS Research, at the Prince George Ballroom in New York City. There will be, including fundraisers, celebrities and guest judges Chef Michelle Bernstein and actress Natasha Richardson
  Natasha Richardson
  Natasha Jane Richardson was an English actress of stage and screen. A member of the Redgrave family, she was the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and director/producer Tony Richardson and the granddaughter of Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson...
  
  . The chefs are given a hint as to the inspiration for their dishes by the arrival of the Harlem Gospel Choir
  Harlem Gospel Choir
  The Harlem Gospel Choir is an American gospel choir based in Harlem, New York. It is one of the United States's most prominent gospel choirs....
  
  , singing a rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas."
  The Twelve Days of Christmas (song)
  "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an English Christmas carol that enumerates a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. Although first published in England in 1780, textual evidence may indicate the song is French in origin...
  
   Padma then asks the chefs to draw knives. As only 11 chefs remain in the competition, one of the knives—number 4—was not drawn. The chefs are given 45 minutes to shop at Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market is a foods supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes "natural and organic products." The company has been ranked among the most socially responsible businesses and placed third on the U.S...
  
   and a budget of $800 to create a dish inspired by their verse. They will have three hours to prep that night, one hour to prep and pack the next morning, and one hour to prepare their dishes on-site the next night.
  • • Radhika - A Partridge in a Pear Tree
    • Carla - Two Turtledoves
    • Leah - Three French Hens
    • Eugene - Five Golden Rings
    • Ariane - Six Geese a-Laying
    • Jamie - Seven Swans a-Swimming
    • Melissa - Eight Maids a-Milking
    • Fabio - Nine Ladies Dancing
    • Jeff - Ten Lords a-Leaping
    • Hosea - Eleven Pipers Piping
    • Stefan - Twelve Drummers Drumming
  • At Judges' Table, Hosea, Jeff, Radhika, and Stefan were selected as the judges' favorites.
  • At Judges' Table, Eugene, Jamie, and Melissa were selected as the judges' least favorites.
    • WINNER: Hosea (Smoked Pork Loin with Chipotle
      Chipotle
      A chipotle , or chilpotle, which comes from the Nahuatl word chilpoktli meaning "smoked chili pepper" is a smoke-dried jalapeño that tends to be brown and shriveled. It is a chili used primarily in Mexican and Mexican-inspired cuisines, such as Mexican-American and Tex-Mex.Varieties of jalapeño...
      
       Mashed Potatoes and Apple Brandy
      Brandy
      Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink...
      
       Jus
      Au jus
      Au jus is French for "with [its own] juice"; jus is the juice itself.In American cuisine, the term is mostly used to refer to a light sauce for beef recipes, which may be served with the food or placed on the side for dipping...
      
      )
    • ELIMINATED: None
• Note: The judges could not eliminate any of the chefs this week due to a refrigerator malfunction that left Hosea's and Radhika's primary proteins unusable and created an unlevel playing field. On air, Tom Colicchio said the judges felt that all of the dishes, including the best ones, were below "Top Chef" standards, but they admired the way all the chefs worked together to help Hosea and Radhika.
• Elimination Challenge Prize: All four of the judges' favorites received copies of Michelle Bernstein's latest cookbook, "Cuisine à Latina."
• Guest Judges: Martha Stewart
  Martha Stewart
  Martha Stewart is an American business magnate, author, magazine publisher, and television personality. As founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she has gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising...
  
  , Michelle Bernstein, Natasha Richardson
  Natasha Richardson
  Natasha Jane Richardson was an English actress of stage and screen. A member of the Redgrave family, she was the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and director/producer Tony Richardson and the granddaughter of Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson...
  
  
• Original Airdate: December 17, 2008

Episode 7: Focus Group

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs arrive in the Top Chef Kitchen to see Padma joined by Michelin
  Michelin
  Michelin is a tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne région of France. It is one of the two largest tyre manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the BFGoodrich, Kleber, Riken, Kormoran and Uniroyal tyre brands...
  
   star-winning chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli
  Jean-Christophe Novelli
  -Life:Born in Arras, Northern France, in 1961, in a family with Italian roots, Jean-Christophe Novelli left school at age 14 and worked in a bakery before, at the age of 20, becoming a personal chef to the Rothschild family....
  
  . Padma explains that nowadays, chefs must work harder to provide their customers something they crave without all of the guilt. She shows the chefs all the sugar in the Top Chef Pantry, and tells them that she and Jean-Christophe are walking out with it. For their Diet Dr. Pepper Quickfire Challenge, the chefs have 45 minutes to craft a sugar-free dessert so good, the judges will think there is "nothing diet about it." The winner receives immunity from elimination in the next challenge.
  • Top: Jeff, Leah, Radhika
  • Bottom: Ariane, Carla, Jamie
    • WINNER: Radhika (Challah
      Challah
      Challah also khale ,, berches , barkis , bergis , chałka , vánočka , zopf and kitke , is a special braided bread eaten on...
      
       Bread Pudding with Lavender
      Lavender
      The lavenders are a genus of 39 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. An Old World genus, distributed from Macaronesia across Africa, the Mediterranean, South-West Asia, Arabia, Western Iran and South-East India...
      
      , Peaches, Roasted Cashew
      Cashew
      The cashew is a tree in the family Anacardiaceae. Its English name derives from the Portuguese name for the fruit of the cashew tree, caju, which in turn derives from the indigenous Tupi name, acajú. It is now widely grown in tropical climates for its cashew nuts and cashew apples.-Etymology:The...
      
      s and Ginger Frozen Yogurt
      Frozen yogurt
      Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert containing yogurt or other dairy products. It is slightly more tart than ice cream, as well as lower in fat...
      
      )
• Elimination Challenge: Tom Colicchio
  Tom Colicchio
  Thomas Patrick "Tom" Colicchio is an American celebrity chef. He co-founded the Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and formerly served as a co-owner and as the executive chef. He is also the founder of Craft and Colicchio & Sons restaurants...
  
   visits the chefs in their apartment to split them into two groups by drawing knives. They are told that two contestants will be eliminated in this challenge, so they can cook what they think will express their individuality. They are given $100 and 30 minutes to shop for a dinner for about 10 people, including the four judges and an unspecified number of mystery food experts. In their groups, the chefs are given two hours to cook at the Astor Center, where they will serve their dishes family-style to the judges. But there are some twists: it is a blind judging (the judges will not know who cooked what dish), and the mystery judges will be the chefs from the other group. The chefs also watch the tasting via a hidden camera and a television installed in the kitchen, revealed after serving their dishes. This gives the chefs a viewing of the honest assessment of their fellow contestants as well as the new permanent judge, British food critic Toby Young
  Toby Young
  Toby Young, MA, FRSA is a British journalist and the author of How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, the tale of his stint in New York as a contributing editor at Vanity Fair magazine...
  
  .
  • At Judges' Table, Ariane, Jamie, and Stefan were selected as the judges' favorites.
  • At Judges' Table, Carla, Eugene, and Melissa were selected as the judges' least favorites.
    • WINNER: Jamie (Seared Sea Scallops with Roasted Fennel
      Fennel
      Fennel is a plant species in the genus Foeniculum . It is a member of the family Apiaceae . It is a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves...
      
       and Garlic Cream and Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad)
    • ELIMINATED: Eugene (Crispy Whole Red Snapper
      Red Snapper
      Red Snapper may refer to:Fish:* Several species from the genus Lutjanus, for example the red snapper .* Several species from the genus Sebastes, for example the vermilion rockfish and yelloweye rockfish Red Snapper may refer to:Fish:* Several species from the genus Lutjanus, for example the red...
      
       and Daikon
      Daikon
      Daikon , Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus, also called White Radish, Japanese radish, Oriental radish, Chinese radish, lo bok and Mooli , is a mild flavoured, very large, white East Asian radish...
      
       Fettucini with Tomato Basil Sauce) and Melissa (Ahi
      Yellowfin tuna
      The yellowfin tuna is a species of tuna found in pelagic waters of tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.Yellowfin is often marketed as ahi, from its Hawaiian name ahi although the name ahi in Hawaiian also refers to the closely related bigeye tuna. The species name, albacares can lead to...
      
       Tuna Crudo
      Crudo
      In Italian cuisine, crudo is a raw fish dish dressed with olive oil, sea salt, and citrus juice such as lemon juice and sometimes vinegar. The word literally means "raw" in Italian.-External links:*...
      
       Tacos)
• Elimination Challenge Prize: None noted in the broadcast airing.
• Guest Judge: Jean-Christophe Novelli
  Jean-Christophe Novelli
  -Life:Born in Arras, Northern France, in 1961, in a family with Italian roots, Jean-Christophe Novelli left school at age 14 and worked in a bakery before, at the age of 20, becoming a personal chef to the Rothschild family....
  
  
• Original Airdate: January 7, 2009

Episode 8: Down on the Farm

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs arrive in the Top Chef Kitchen to see Padma standing with Hung Huynh
  Hung Huynh
  Hung Huynh is a Vietnamese-American chef, and in 2007 was the winner of the third season of Top Chef, the reality cooking competition show on Bravo....
  
  , the winner of season three
  Top Chef (season 3)
  Top Chef: Miami is the third season of American reality television series Top Chef and was filmed first in Miami, Florida, and concluded in Aspen, Colorado. The season premiered on Bravo on June 13, 2007 and ended on October 10, 2007. Padma Lakshmi returned with Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and new...
  
  . She says that chefs of their caliber should have no problem creating great food when using the freshest and most seasonal ingredients. However, she then removes a cloth to reveal a display of canned goods, as well as other cupboard and pantry staples. The chefs then have 15 minutes to create a delicious dish using only these ingredients. The winner receives immunity from elimination in the next challenge.
  • Top: Hosea, Jeff, Stefan
  • Bottom: Jamie, Leah, Radhika
    • WINNER: Stefan (Baked Bean
      Baked beans
      Baked beans is a dish containing beans, sometimes baked but, despite the name, usually stewed, in a sauce. Most commercial canned baked beans are made from haricot beans, also known as navy beans – a variety of Phaseolus vulgaris – in a sauce. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, a tomato...
      
       Soup with Spam
      Spam (food)
      Spam is a canned precooked meat product made by the Hormel Foods Corporation, first introduced in 1937. The labeled ingredients in the classic variety of Spam are chopped pork shoulder meat, with ham meat added, salt, water, modified potato starch as a binder, and sodium nitrite as a preservative...
      
       and Velveeta
      Velveeta
      Velveeta is the brand name of a processed cheese product having a taste that is identified as a type of American cheese with a texture that is softer and smoother. It was first made in 1918 by Swiss immigrant Emil Frey of the Monroe Cheese Company in Monroe, New York. In 1923, The Velveeta Cheese...
      
       and Spam Grilled Cheese Sandwich)
• Elimination Challenge: The chefs are asked to draw knives and split into three teams: Team Chicken (Carla, Jamie and Stefan), Team Lamb (Ariane, Hosea and Leah), and Team Pork (Fabio, Jeff and Radhika). The chefs are to create a delicious, seasonal lunch for 16 people based on their team's protein. Their menu must be served family-style, and must include a dessert. They spend that night planning the menu. The next morning, instead of being taken to Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market is a foods supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes "natural and organic products." The company has been ranked among the most socially responsible businesses and placed third on the U.S...
  
  , they are driven to Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
  Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
  Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture is a non-profit farm and educational center with a partner restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, located in Westchester County, New York. The Center was created on formerly belonging to the Rockefeller estate in Pocantico Hills by David Rockefeller and...
  
  , a farm in Pocantico Hills, New York
  Pocantico Hills, New York
  Pocantico Hills is a hamlet in the town of Mount Pleasant, New York, northeast of the village of Sleepy Hollow and southwest of the village of Pleasantville. The area was originally settled by native Americans of the Wecquaesgeek tribes; "Pocantico" means "running between two hills," and the name...
  
   owned by award-winning chef, Dan Barber
  Dan Barber
  Dan Barber is a chef and owner of several restaurants including Blue Hill in Manhattan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York. He is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University with a B.A. in English.- Achievements :...
  
  . The chefs are provided cuts of fresh meat from the farm's stock and are allowed to choose fresh produce grown on the grounds. They are given three hours to prepare a lunch for the farmers and chefs from Stone Barns and their families in the kitchen of Chef Barber's on-site restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns
  Blue Hill Restaurant
  The Blue Hill Restaurant is a restaurant located in New York City near Washington Square Park, with a second location in the Pocantico Hills about 30 miles outside the city. It has been reviewed by the New York Times, and New York magazine.The Blue Hill Restaurant was established in April 2000,...
  
  .
  • Team Chicken: Carla, Jamie, Stefan
    • Chicken Consommé
      Consommé
      In cooking, a consommé is a type of clear soup made from richly flavored stock or bouillon that has been clarified usually through a fining process involving egg protein. It usually requires an advanced knowledge of cooking and past experience to create a high quality consommé...
      
       with Chicken and Swiss Chard Ravioli
    • Lemon and Herb Whole Roasted Chicken
    • Heirloom Tomato
      Heirloom tomato
      An heirloom tomato is an open-pollinated heirloom cultivar of tomato. Heirloom tomatoes have become increasingly popular and more readily available in recent years...
      
       and Red Onion Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • Chicken Paillard
      Paillard
      Paillard is an older French culinary term referring to a quick-cooking, thinly sliced or pounded piece of meat. Most often it refers to veal or chicken, but beef can be used....
      
       with Grilled Corn, Mizuna
      Mizuna
      Mizuna , also called Xiu Cai, Kyona, Japanese Mustard, Potherb Mustard, Japanese Greens, California Peppergrass, Spider Mustard, etc., is a Japanese name used primarily for cultivated varieties of Brassica rapa nipposinica but also for Brassica juncea var...
      
      , Onion and Grape Tomatoes
    • Nectarine and Strawberry Tartlet with Thyme, Cream and Lemon Zest
  • Team Lamb: Ariane, Hosea, Leah
    • Roasted Duo of Baby Lamb: Roasted Baby Lamb Loin and Herb and Garlic-Crusted Leg of Lamb Roulade
      Roulade
      The word roulade originates from the French word "rouler" meaning "to roll". Typically, a roulade is a European dish consisting of a slice of meat rolled around a filling, such as cheese, vegetables, or other meats. A roulade, like a braised dish, is often browned then covered with wine or stock...
      
      
    • Rosemary and Garlic Roasted New Potatoes
    • Swiss Chard and Green Beans
    • Heirloom Tomato Salad with Shaved Fennel and Basil
    • Summer Berry Trifle
      Trifle
      Trifle is a dessert dish made from thick custard, fruit, sponge cake, fruit juice or gelatin, and whipped cream. These ingredients are usually arranged in layers with fruit and sponge on the bottom, and custard and cream on top....
      
       with Lemon and Grand Marnier
      Grand Marnier
      Grand Marnier is a liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of true cognacs and distilled essence of bitter orange. Grand Marnier is 40% alcohol . It is produced in several varieties, most of which can be consumed "neat" as a digestif and can be used in...
      
       Pound Cake and Pastry Cream
  • Team Pork: (Fabio, Jeff, Radhika)
    • Sausage, Zucchini and Eggplant Ravioli with Pesto
      Pesto
      Pesto is a sauce originating in Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy , and traditionally consists of crushed garlic, basil and pine nuts blended with olive oil and Parmigiano Reggiano and Fiore Sardo...
      
      
    • Seared Pork Loin
      Loin
      The loins are the sides between the lower ribs and pelvis, and the lower part of the back. It is often used when describing the anatomy of humans and quadrupeds . The anatomical reference also carries over into the description of cuts of meat from some such animals, eg...
      
       Wrapped in Caul Fat
      Caul fat
      Caul fat is the thin membrane which surrounds the stomach internal organs of some animals, such as hogs, cows, sheep, and pigs, also known as the greater omentum. It is often used as a natural sausage casing and to encase fegatelli , faggots , or pâté . Caul fat is also known as Lace...
      
       with Natural Jus
      Au jus
      Au jus is French for "with [its own] juice"; jus is the juice itself.In American cuisine, the term is mostly used to refer to a light sauce for beef recipes, which may be served with the food or placed on the side for dipping...
      
      
    • Grilled Corn Salad with Green Beans and Crispy Bacon
    • Fried Green Tomato
      Fried green tomatoes (food)
      Fried green tomatoes are a side dish usually found in the Southern United States, made from unripe tomatoes coated with cornmeal and fried.-Traditional preparation:...
      
       with Tomato Jam
    • Vanilla & Lavender
      Lavender
      The lavenders are a genus of 39 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. An Old World genus, distributed from Macaronesia across Africa, the Mediterranean, South-West Asia, Arabia, Western Iran and South-East India...
      
      -Scented Crème Brûlée
      Crème brûlée
      Crème brûlée , also known as burnt cream, crema catalana, or Trinity cream is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel...
      
       with Berries
  • At Judges' Table, Team Chicken (Carla, Jamie and Stefan) was selected as the judges' favorite team.
  • At Judges' Table, Team Lamb (Ariane, Hosea and Leah) and Team Pork (Fabio, Jeff and Radhika) were selected as the judges' least favorite teams.
    • WINNERS: Carla, Jamie, and Stefan
    • ELIMINATED: Ariane
• Elimination Challenge Prize: None noted in the broadcast airing.
• Guest Judges: Hung Huynh
  Hung Huynh
  Hung Huynh is a Vietnamese-American chef, and in 2007 was the winner of the third season of Top Chef, the reality cooking competition show on Bravo....
  
  , Dan Barber
  Dan Barber
  Dan Barber is a chef and owner of several restaurants including Blue Hill in Manhattan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York. He is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University with a B.A. in English.- Achievements :...
  
  
• Original Airdate: January 14, 2009

Episode 9: Restaurant Wars

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs arrive in the Top Chef Kitchen to see Padma standing with successful restaurateur Stephen Starr
  Stephen Starr
  Stephen Starr is the owner of several restaurants in Philadelphia, New York City, Fort Lauderdale and Atlantic City. All of these restaurants are part of the Starr Restaurant Organization.- Reality TV :...
  
  . She and Stephen explain that part of opening a restaurant is to do a tasting for prospective investors. Therefore, their Quickfire is to do a tasting for Stephen. The chefs then have 30 minutes and complete access to the Top Chef pantry to create one dish that showcases their concept for a potential restaurant. The top two chefs do not receive immunity, but, instead, will be team leaders in the next Elimination Challenge, and will also get to choose their respective teams.
  • Top: Leah, Radhika
  • Bottom: Fabio, Jeff
    • WINNERS: Radhika (Sambar Crusted Butterfish with Sautéed Spinach, Corn, Chorizo
      Chorizo
      Chorizo is a term encompassing several types of pork sausages originating from the Iberian Peninsula.In English, it is usually pronounced , , or , but sometimes ....
      
       and Saffron
      Saffron
      Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. Each saffron crocus grows to and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are each the distal end of a carpel...
      
       Beurre Blanc
      Beurre blanc
      Beurre blanc —literally translated from French as "white butter"— is a hot emulsified butter sauce made with a reduction of vinegar and/or white wine and grey shallots into which cold, whole butter is blended off the heat to prevent separation. The small amounts of lecithin and other emulsifiers...
      
      ) and Leah (Tempura
      Tempura
      ], is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried.-Batter:A light batter is made of cold water and soft wheat flour . Eggs, baking soda or baking powder, starch, oil, and/or spices may also be added...
      
       Fried Poussin
      Poussin (chicken)
      In Commonwealth countries, poussin is a butcher's term for a young chicken, less than 28 days old at slaughter and usually weighing 400-450 grammes but not above 750g...
      
       with Dashi
      Dashi
      Dashi is a class of soup and cooking stock, considered fundamental to Japanese cooking. In 1980, Shizuo Tsuji wrote: "Many substitutes for dashi are possible, but without dashi, dishes are merely à la japonaise and lack the authentic flavor." Dashi forms the base for miso soup, clear broth, noodle...
      
       Soy Sauce)
    • From this point on, the winner(s) of the Quickfire Challenge will not receive immunity.
• Elimination Challenge: For Restaurant Wars, the chefs, split into teams, have 24 hours to create a restaurant and open it for one night. Each team is given $5,000 to shop at Pier 1 Imports
  Pier 1 Imports
  Pier 1 Imports Inc. is a Fort Worth, Texas based retailer specializing in imported home furnishings and decor, particularly furniture, table-top items, decorative accessories and seasonal decor. The chain operates over 1,000 stores under the name Pier 1 Imports in the United States, Canada, Mexico...
  
   for decor, and $3,000 to spend on food at Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market is a foods supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes "natural and organic products." The company has been ranked among the most socially responsible businesses and placed third on the U.S...
  
   and Restaurant Depot, a restaurant provision warehouse. They have 6 hours to prep for the dinner service on location at Bridgewater’s Restaurant, where they would later be serving 60 diners over a period of 5 hours. Radhika and Leah, as the Quickfire winners, get to choose and lead their teams.
  • Sahana: (Radhika, Carla, Jamie, and Jeff)
    • Starter: Whole Wheat Naan
      Naan
      Naan is a leavened, oven-baked flatbread. It is typical of and popular in South and Central Asia, in Iran, and in South Asian restaurants abroad. Influenced by the large influx of South Asian labour, naan has also become popular in Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states.Originally, naan is a...
      
       Bread with Garlic Oil
    • First Course: Curried Carrot Soup with Raita
      Raita
      Raita is an Indian/Pakistani condiment based on yogurt.Raita may also refer to:* Henna Raita, Finnish alpine skier* Marjatta Raita, Finnish actress* Mikko Raita, Finnish music mixing and recording engineer and producer- See also :...
      
       and Smoked Paprika
      Paprika
      Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried fruits of Capsicum annuum . In many European languages, the word paprika refers to bell peppers themselves. The seasoning is used in many cuisines to add color and flavor to dishes. Paprika can range from mild to hot...
      
       Oil or Seared Scallop with Chickpea
      Chickpea
      The chickpea is a legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae...
      
       Cake, Masala
      Masala
      Masala or massala is a term used in South Asian cuisines to mostly describe a mixture of spices. A masala can either be a combination of dried spices, or a paste made from a mixture of spices and other ingredients—often garlic, ginger, onions and chilli paste...
      
       Tomato Sauce and Arugula Salad
    • Second Course: Cinnamon and Saffron
      Saffron
      Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. Each saffron crocus grows to and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are each the distal end of a carpel...
      
       Braised Lamb Shank with Israeli Couscous
      Ptitim
      Ptitim is an Israeli toasted pasta shaped like rice or little balls. Outside of Israel it is known as Israeli couscous or Jerusalem couscous. -History:...
      
       and Olives or Seared Red Snapper with White Lentil Tabouli
      Tabouli
      Tabbouleh ouli) is a Levantine Arab salad traditionally made of bulgur, tomato, cucumber, and finely chopped parsley and mint, often including onion and garlic, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and salt...
      
      , Tomato Water and Pea Shoots
    • Third Course: Spiced Chocolate Cake with Crème Fromage
      Cream cheese
      Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting, white cheese with a high fat content. Traditionally, it is made from unskimmed milk enriched with additional cream....
      
       and Cashew
      Cashew
      The cashew is a tree in the family Anacardiaceae. Its English name derives from the Portuguese name for the fruit of the cashew tree, caju, which in turn derives from the indigenous Tupi name, acajú. It is now widely grown in tropical climates for its cashew nuts and cashew apples.-Etymology:The...
      
       Brittle
      Brittle (food)
      Brittle is a type of confection, consisting of flat broken pieces of hard sugar candy embedded with nuts such as pecans, almonds, or peanuts....
      
       or Baklava
      Baklava
      Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is characteristic of the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire and much of central and southwest Asia....
      
       Cigars with Fig and Minted Frozen Yogurt
      Frozen yogurt
      Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert containing yogurt or other dairy products. It is slightly more tart than ice cream, as well as lower in fat...
      
      s
  • Sunset Lounge: (Leah, Fabio, Hosea and Stefan)
    • Amuse Bouche
      Amuse bouche
      An amuse-bouche or amuse-gueule is a single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre. Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons, but, when served, are done so according to the chef's selection alone...
      
      : Egg Roll
      Egg roll
      An egg roll is an appetizer and dinner, a variant of spring roll that has spread throughout the world as a staple of Asian cuisine. Egg rolls with fillings are commonly served in Vietnamese cuisine.-Description:...
      
       with Vegetables & Sweet Chili Sauce
    • First Course: Coconut Red Curry
      Red curry
      Red curry is a popular Thai dish consisting of curry paste to which coconut milk is added. The base is properly made with a mortar and pestle, and remains moist throughout the preparation process. The main ingredients are garlic, shallots, red chili peppers, galangal, shrimp paste, salt, kaffir...
      
       Bisque
      Bisque (food)
      Bisque is a smooth, creamy, highly-seasoned soup of French origin, classically based on a strained broth of crustaceans. It can be made from lobster, crab, shrimp or crayfish...
      
       with Shrimp Dumplings or Tuna and Salmon Sashimi
      Sashimi
      Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy. It consists of very fresh raw meat, most commonly fish, sliced into thin pieces.-Origin:The word sashimi means "pierced body", i.e...
      
       with Radish Salad and Yuzu
      Yuzu
      The yuzu is a citrus fruit and plant originating in East Asia. It is believed to be a hybrid of sour mandarin and Ichang papeda...
      
       Vinaigrette
    • Second Course: Hoisin Braised Short Ribs
      Short ribs
      Short ribs are a popular cut of beef. Beef short ribs are larger and usually more tender and meatier than their pork counterpart, pork spare ribs...
      
       with Ginger and Vegetables or Seared Black Cod with Chinese Cabbage
      Chinese cabbage
      Chinese cabbage can refer to two distinct varieties of Chinese leaf vegetables used often in Chinese cuisine. These vegetables are both related to the Western cabbage, and are of the same species as the common turnip...
      
       and Lime Chili Sauce
    • Third Course: Ginger and Lemongrass Panna Cotta
      Panna cotta
      Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made by simmering together cream, milk and sugar, mixing this with gelatin, and letting it cool until set. It is generally from the Northern Italian region of Piemonte, although it is eaten all over Italy, where it is served with wild berries, caramel, chocolate...
      
       with Peaches and Ginger Honey or Orange Chocolate Rice Parfait with Grapefruit Jelly
      Fruit preserves
      Fruit preserves are preparations of fruits and sugar, often canned or sealed for long-term storage. The preparation of fruit preserves today often involves adding commercial or natural pectin as a gelling agent, although sugar or honey may be used, as well. Prior to World War II, fruit preserve...
      
       and Pineapple
    • Palate Cleanser: Frozen Mango
      Mango
      The mango is a fleshy stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera, consisting of numerous tropical fruiting trees in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The mango is native to India from where it spread all over the world. It is also the most cultivated fruit of the tropical world. While...
      
       Lollipops with Dark Chocolate and Mint
  • At Judges' Table, Team Sunset Lounge was selected as the judges' favorite team.
  • At Judges' Table, Team Sahana was selected as the judges' least favorite team.
    • WINNER: Stefan
    • ELIMINATED: Radhika
• Elimination Challenge Prize: A new suite of GE
  Gê
  Gê are the people who spoke Ge languages of the northern South American Caribbean coast and Brazil. In Brazil the Gê were found in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Piaui, Mato Grosso, Goias, Tocantins, Maranhão, and as far south as Paraguay....
  
   Monogram appliances.
• Guest Judge: Stephen Starr
  Stephen Starr
  Stephen Starr is the owner of several restaurants in Philadelphia, New York City, Fort Lauderdale and Atlantic City. All of these restaurants are part of the Starr Restaurant Organization.- Reality TV :...
  
  
• Original Airdate: January 21, 2009

Episode 10: Super Bowl Chef Showdown

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs arrive in the Top Chef kitchen to see Padma standing with Chef Scott Conant
  Scott Conant
  Scott Conant is an American chef, restaurateur, food personality, and cookbook author.-Personal history:Conant was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. Scott is of Italian descent on his mother's side. He began cooking at a young age, taking cooking classes at the local community college at age 11...
  
  , who recently opened a New York Times three-star rated restaurant. She then presents a chart with a set of hidden secret ingredients on the top row, and hidden food groups on the left column. The contestants must each pick squares on different rows and columns, after which, Padma reveals their corresponding food group. She then uncovers the secret ingredients, disclosing that the chefs will all be working with oats
  OATS
  OATS - Open Source Assistive Technology Software - is a source code repository or "forge" for assistive technology software. It was launched in 2006 with the goal to provide a one-stop “shop” for end users, clinicians and open-source developers to promote and develop open source assistive...
  
  . For their Quaker Oats Quickfire Challenge, they are given 45 minutes to create a unique dish that pairs whole grain oats with the food groups they have chosen. The winner does not receive immunity, but instead gains an advantage in the Elimination Challenge.
  • Top: Carla, Jamie, Stefan
  • Bottom: Fabio, Jeff
    • WINNER: Stefan (Banana Oatmeal Mousse
      Mousse
      Mousse is derived from the French word mousse which means "lather" or "foam". A mousse is a prepared food that incorporates air bubbles to give it a light and airy texture...
      
       with Almond Crisp and Oat and Almond Petit Four
      Petit four
      A petit four is a small confection generally eaten at the end of a meal or served as part of dessert. The name is from the French petit four, meaning "small oven"....
      
      )
• Elimination Challenge: For their elimination, the chefs, united as one team, must compete in the first ever "Top Chef Bowl," against "all-star" contestants from past seasons of the show. Each Season 5 contestant will compete against an all-star chef in a "head-to-head" cook-off, celebrating the regional cuisine of one of seven NFL teams (see below), and using a set of this region's ingredients, provided for them in a "mystery box". Stefan, as the Quickfire winner, is allowed to choose which team's food he will be making, and the all-star chef he will be cooking against. The other chefs, in their teams, have 5 minutes to decide who will be cooking what regional cuisine. Then, they are given 2 hours to experiment with their ingredients and prep for the cook-off. The next day, they are given 20 minutes to create their dishes, head-to-head at the Institute of Culinary Education
  Institute of Culinary Education
  The Institute of Culinary Education is an American culinary school located in New York City, New York.Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges , ICE offers comprehensive 8- to 13-month career training diploma programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Culinary...
  
  , in front of an audience including ICE students and the already eliminated contestants. In each round, if a chef receives the majority of the judges' votes, they get a touchdown, worth 7 points. If they receive a majority of the votes of five culinary students tasting their dish, they get a field goal, worth 3 points. And if the judges are split evenly over whose food is the best, the student tasters will decide who receives all 10 points. In the end, the Season 5 chefs that win, 37-33, and are proclaimed the winners of the Top Chef Bowl.
  • NFL teams and pairs of contestants and all-stars, in order of competition. The name of winning chef for each round is italicized.
    • New York Giants
      New York Giants
      The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
      
      : Leah vs. Nikki (Season 4)
    • Seattle Seahawks
      Seattle Seahawks
      The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
      
      : Hosea vs. Miguel (Season 1)
    • New Orleans Saints
      New Orleans Saints
      The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
      
      : Carla vs. Andrew (Season 4)
    • Dallas Cowboys
      Dallas Cowboys
      The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
      
      : Stefan vs. Andrea (Season 1)
    • San Francisco 49ers
      San Francisco 49ers
      The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
      
      : Jamie vs. Camille (Season 3)
    • Miami Dolphins
      Miami Dolphins
      The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
      
      : Jeff vs. Josie (Season 2)
    • Green Bay Packers
      Green Bay Packers
      The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
      
      : Fabio vs. Spike (Season 4)
  • At Judges' Table, Carla, Hosea, Jamie and Leah were selected as the judges' favorites, because they won their separate head-to-head cook-offs.
  • At Judges' Table, Fabio, Jeff and Stefan were selected the judges' least favorites, because they lost their separate head-to-head cook-offs.
    • WINNER: Carla (Crayfish
      Crayfish
      Crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads – members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea – are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters, to which they are related...
      
       and Andouille
      Andouille
      Andouille is defined as a coarse-grained smoked sausage made using pork, pepper, onions, wine, and seasonings. Andouille is French in origin, and was later brought to the United States through Louisiana by French immigrants. In the United States, the sausage is most often associated with Cajun...
      
       Gumbo
      Gumbo
      Gumbo is a stew or soup that originated in southern Louisiana during the 18th century. It consists primarily of a strongly-flavored stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener, and the vegetable holy trinity of celery, bell peppers, and onions...
      
       over Stone-Ground Grits
      Grits
      Grits are a food of American Indian origin common in the Southern United States and mainly eaten at breakfast. They consist of coarsely ground corn, or sometimes alkali-treated corn . They are also sometimes called sofkee or sofkey from the Muskogee language word...
      
      )
    • ELIMINATED: Jeff (Rock Shrimp Ceviche
      Ceviche
      Ceviche is a seafood dish popular in the coastal regions of the Americas, especially Central and South America. The dish is typically made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices such as lemon or lime and spiced with chilli peppers. Additional seasonings such as onion, salt,...
      
       with Sangria
      Sangría
      Sangria is a wine punch typical of Spain and Portugal, also consumed in Argentina and Uruguay. It normally consists of a wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of added brandy. To be specific, a wine is a light, dry, young, high acid, unoaked, inexpensive wine, usually red wine due...
      
       Ice, Jicama
      Jícama
      Pachyrhizus erosus, commonly known as Jícama , Yam, and Mexican Turnip, is the name of a native Mexican vine, although the name most commonly refers to the plant's edible tuberous root. Jícama is one species in the genus Pachyrhizus. Plants in this genus are commonly referred to as yam bean,...
      
      , Citrus and Mango Salad, and Cilantro Oil)
• Elimination Challenge Prize: Two tickets to Super Bowl XLIII
  Super Bowl XLIII
  Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,...
  
  .
• Guest Judge: Scott Conant
  Scott Conant
  Scott Conant is an American chef, restaurateur, food personality, and cookbook author.-Personal history:Conant was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. Scott is of Italian descent on his mother's side. He began cooking at a young age, taking cooking classes at the local community college at age 11...
  
  
• Original Airdate: January 28, 2009

Episode 11: Le Bernardin

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs walk into the Top Chef kitchen to see Padma standing with Eric Ripert
  Eric Ripert
  Eric Ripert is a chef, author and television personality specializing in modern French cuisine and renowned for his work with seafood. His flagship restaurant, Le Bernardin, located in New York City, is routinely ranked among the best restaurants in the world by Restaurant magazine's and S...
  
  , multi-award winning chef and owner of the highly acclaimed seafood restaurant, Le Bernardin
  Le Bernardin
  Le Bernardin is a Michelin Guide three star, Zagat-rated restaurant in New York City. It was started in 1972 in Paris by Gilbert and Maguy le Coze and moved to New York in 1986....
  
  . “Eric is all about technique and precision," she says, "so for your Quickfire, we’re going to test the precision and speed of your technique, in a three-round fish filleting tournament." Chefs with the worst fillets of each round were eliminated, until one is left standing. The winner does not receive immunity, but instead gains an advantage in the Elimination Challenge.
  • Round 1: The chefs have 5 minutes to clean and butterfly two sardine
    Sardine
    Sardines, or pilchards, are several types of small, oily fish related to herrings, family Clupeidae. Sardines are named after the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, around which they were once abundant....
    
    s. Jamie and Carla are eliminated.
  • Round 2: The remaining chefs have 5 minutes to clean and fillet an arctic char
    Arctic char
    Arctic char or Arctic charr is both a freshwater and saltwater fish in the Salmonidae family, native to Arctic, sub-Arctic and alpine lakes and coastal waters. No other freshwater fish is found as far north. It is the only species of fish in Lake Hazen, on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic...
    
    . Leah and Fabio are eliminated.
  • Round 3: The last two chefs have 10 minutes to skin, clean and fillet a fresh water eel
    Anguillidae
    Anguillidae is a family of fishes that contains the freshwater eels. There are 19 species/subspecies in this family, all in genus Anguilla. They are catadromous, meaning they spend their lives in freshwater rivers, lakes, or estuaries and return to the ocean to spawn...
    
    . Hosea is eliminated.
    • WINNER: Stefan
• Elimination Challenge: Eric Ripert invites the chefs to six-course lunch at his restaurant, Le Bernardin, with Tom Colicchio and himself. After eating, Tom reveals that their Elimination Challenge is to recreate the six-course menu that was just served to them. Stefan, as the Quickfire winner, gets to choose which dish he will be cooking, while the other chefs must draw knives. They have 2 hours to prep in the main kitchen at the restaurant, with the ingredients from the recipes provided for them. Then, they have 15 minutes to cook their dish in the private dining room kitchen, after which they will serve their dishes to the judges.
  • • First Course, Fabio: Sourdough Encrusted Red Snapper
      Red Snapper
      Red Snapper may refer to:Fish:* Several species from the genus Lutjanus, for example the red snapper .* Several species from the genus Sebastes, for example the vermilion rockfish and yelloweye rockfish Red Snapper may refer to:Fish:* Several species from the genus Lutjanus, for example the red...
      
       with Tomato Basil Consommé
      Consommé
      In cooking, a consommé is a type of clear soup made from richly flavored stock or bouillon that has been clarified usually through a fining process involving egg protein. It usually requires an advanced knowledge of cooking and past experience to create a high quality consommé...
      
      
    • Second Course, Leah: Baked Mahi-Mahi
      Mahi-mahi
      The mahi-mahi or common dolphinfish is a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore temperate, tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is one of only two members of the Coryphaenidae family, the other being the pompano dolphinfish...
      
       with Miso
      Miso
      is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting rice, barley and/or soybeans, with salt and the fungus , the most typical miso being made with soy. The result is a thick paste used for sauces and spreads, pickling vegetables or meats, and mixing with dashi soup stock to serve as miso...
      
       and Matsutake
      Matsutake
      Matsutake is the common name for a highly sought after mycorrhizal mushroom that grows in Asia, Europe, and North America...
      
       Mushroom Sauce
    • Third Course, Stefan: Baked Lobster with Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce
      Hollandaise sauce
      Hollandaise sauce is an emulsion of egg yolk and butter, usually seasoned with lemon juice. In appearance it is light yellow and opaque, smooth and creamy. The flavor is rich and buttery, with a mild tang added by the lemon juice, yet not so strong as to overpower mildly-flavored foods.Hollandaise...
      
      
    • Fourth Course, Carla: Oil-Poached Escolar
      Escolar
      The escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, a species of fish in the family Gempylidae, is found in deep tropical and temperate waters around the world...
      
       with Potato Crisps in a Red Wine Bearnaise Sauce
      Bearnaise sauce
      Béarnaise sauce is a sauce made of clarified butter emulsified in egg yolks and flavored with herbs. It is considered to be a 'child' of the mother Hollandaise sauce, one of the five sauces in the French haute cuisine mother sauce repertoire...
      
      
    • Fifth Course, Hosea: Za'atar
      Za'atar
      Za'atar is a generic name for a family of related Middle Eastern herbs from the genera Origanum , Calamintha , Thymus vulgaris and Satureja . It is also the name for a condiment made from the dried herb, mixed together with sesame seeds, dried sumac, and often salt, as well as other spices...
      
       Spiced Monkfish
      Monkfish
      Monkfish is the English name of a number of types of fish in the northwest Atlantic, most notably the species of the anglerfish genus Lophius and the angelshark genus Squatina...
      
       with Black Garlic
      Black garlic (food)
      Black garlic is a type of fermented garlic used as a food ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is made by fermenting whole bulbs of garlic at high temperature, a process that results in black cloves. The taste is sweet and syrupy with hints of balsamic vinegar or even tamarind...
      
      
    • Sixth Course, Jamie: Sautéed Black Bass
      Black bass
      Micropterus , is a genus of freshwater fish in the sunfish family of order Perciformes. The type species is M. dolomieu, the smallmouth bass...
      
       and Braised Celery with Serrano Ham
      Jamón serrano
      Jamón serrano is a type of jamón , which is generally served raw in thin slices, or occasionally diced. The French jambon de Bayonne and Italian prosciutto crudo are similar...
      
       Peppercorn
      Peppercorn
      The original meaning of peppercorn is the fruit of black pepper.It may also refer to:* Peppercorn , a very small payment used to satisfy the requirements for the creation of a legal contractOther plants:*Peppercorn tree*Sichuan peppercorn...
      
       Sauce
  • At Judges' Table, Carla, Fabio, and Stefan were selected as the judges' favorites for this challenge.
  • At Judges' Table, Hosea, Jamie, and Leah were selected as the judges' least favorites for this challenge.
    • WINNER: Stefan
    • ELIMINATED: Jamie
• Elimination Challenge Prize: A copy of Eric Ripert's book On the Line, one week shadowing Ripert at three of his restaurants, starting at Le Bernardin, with a room at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and a trip to the Food and Wine Festival at Pebble Beach
  Pebble Beach, California
  Pebble Beach is an unincorporated community in Monterey County, California. It lies at an elevation of 3 feet . Pebble Beach is a small coastal resort destination, home to the famous golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links....
  
  .
• Guest Judge: Eric Ripert
  Eric Ripert
  Eric Ripert is a chef, author and television personality specializing in modern French cuisine and renowned for his work with seafood. His flagship restaurant, Le Bernardin, located in New York City, is routinely ranked among the best restaurants in the world by Restaurant magazine's and S...
  
  
• Original Airdate: February 4, 2009

Episode 12: The Last Supper

• Quickfire Challenge: The chefs walk into the Top Chef Kitchen to see Padma next to Wylie Dufresne
  Wylie Dufresne
  Wylie Dufresne is the chef and owner of wd~50 restaurant in Manhattan. Dufresne is a leading American proponent of molecular gastronomy, the movement to incorporate science and new techniques in the preparation and presentation of food.-Early life:...
  
  , culinary innovator and chef-owner of wd~50 in New York City. Wylie says that he has always loved eggs, and that breakfast has always been his favorite meal. He then explains that he believes proper egg cookery is a sign of a good chef. So for their Quickfire, the chefs have 1 hour and full access to the Top Chef Pantry, as well as a large assortment of eggs, to create a dish incorporating eggs that will surprise and delight “egghead” Wylie. The winner does not receive immunity, but instead gains an advantage in the Elimination Challenge.
  • Top: Carla, Stefan
  • Bottom: Fabio, Hosea, Leah
    • WINNER: Carla (Green Eggs and Ham with Green Tomato
      Fried green tomatoes (food)
      Fried green tomatoes are a side dish usually found in the Southern United States, made from unripe tomatoes coated with cornmeal and fried.-Traditional preparation:...
      
       Salsa and Jalapeño
      Jalapeño
      The jalapeño is a medium-sized chili pepper that has a warm, burning sensation when eaten. A mature jalapeño fruit is 2–3½ inches long and is commonly picked and consumed while still green, but occasionally it is allowed to fully ripen and turn crimson red...
      
       Oil)
• Elimination Challenge: Padma asks the chefs to draw knives, and they pull the names of five different luminaries in the culinary world: Celebrity chefs Lidia Bastianich
  Lidia Bastianich
  Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is an American chef, author, and restaurateur....
  
  , Marcus Samuelsson
  Marcus Samuelsson
  Marcus Samuelsson is a Swedish chef and co-owner of Aquavit restaurant in New York City and C-House Restaurant, located in the Affinia Hotel in Chicago.-Early life and career:...
  
  , Wylie Dufresne
  Wylie Dufresne
  Wylie Dufresne is the chef and owner of wd~50 restaurant in Manhattan. Dufresne is a leading American proponent of molecular gastronomy, the movement to incorporate science and new techniques in the preparation and presentation of food.-Early life:...
  
   and Jacques Pépin
  Jacques Pépin
  Jacques Pépin is an internationally recognized French chef, television personality, and author working in the United States. Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, Lyon in France, Pepin was raised by a father and mother who jointly owned a restaurant, where he later credited the start of his love for food. He...
  
  , and James Beard Foundation
  James Beard Foundation
  The James Beard Foundation is a New York-based national professional non-profit organization named in honor of James Beard that serves to promote the culinary arts by honoring chefs, wine professionals, journalists, and cookbook authors at annual award ceremonies and providing scholarships and...
  
   President Susan Ungaro. Because it was the last meal of the competition in New York, these “superstars” were asked to choose their "last meal."(see below). Carla, as the Quickfire winner, was allowed to switch stars and their associated dishes with another contestant, but chose not to. The chefs have to create a five-course meal for these stars, as well as the judges, with each chef preparing the dish chosen by the chef whose name they selected. They have $300 and 30 minutes to shop at Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market
  Whole Foods Market is a foods supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes "natural and organic products." The company has been ranked among the most socially responsible businesses and placed third on the U.S...
  
  , and then two hours to cook their dishes at the Capitale in Lower Manhattan, where the dinner will be held.
  • • First Course, Leah (for Wylie Dufresne
      Wylie Dufresne
      Wylie Dufresne is the chef and owner of wd~50 restaurant in Manhattan. Dufresne is a leading American proponent of molecular gastronomy, the movement to incorporate science and new techniques in the preparation and presentation of food.-Early life:...
      
      ): Eggs Benedict
      Eggs Benedict
      Eggs Benedict is a dish that consists of two halves of an English muffin, topped with ham or bacon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce.-Origin:There are conflicting accounts as to the origin of Eggs Benedict, including:...
      
      
    • Second Course, Stefan (for Marcus Samuelsson
      Marcus Samuelsson
      Marcus Samuelsson is a Swedish chef and co-owner of Aquavit restaurant in New York City and C-House Restaurant, located in the Affinia Hotel in Chicago.-Early life and career:...
      
      ): Roasted Salmon with Potatoes and Spinach
    • Third Course, Hosea (for Susan Ungaro): Shrimp Scampi with Tomatoes Provençal
    • Fourth Course, Fabio (for Lidia Bastianich
      Lidia Bastianich
      Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is an American chef, author, and restaurateur....
      
      ): Roasted Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Leafy Salad
    • Fifth Course, Carla (for Jacques Pépin
      Jacques Pépin
      Jacques Pépin is an internationally recognized French chef, television personality, and author working in the United States. Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, Lyon in France, Pepin was raised by a father and mother who jointly owned a restaurant, where he later credited the start of his love for food. He...
      
      ): Roasted Squab
      Squab (food)
      In culinary terminology, squab is a young domestic pigeon or its meat. The meat is widely described as tasting like dark chicken. The term is probably of Scandinavian origin; the Swedish word skvabb means "loose, fat flesh". It formerly applied to all dove and pigeon species, such as the Wood...
      
       with Fresh Peas
  • At Judges' Table, Carla and Fabio were selected as the judges' favorites.
  • At Judges' Table, Hosea, Leah, and Stefan were selected as the judges' least favorites.
    • WINNER: Fabio (Roasted Chicken with Herb Roasted Potatoes, Caramelized Cipollini Onions and Grilled Lemon with Leafy Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette)
    • ELIMINATED: Leah (Slow-Poached Eggs Benedict
      Eggs Benedict
      Eggs Benedict is a dish that consists of two halves of an English muffin, topped with ham or bacon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce.-Origin:There are conflicting accounts as to the origin of Eggs Benedict, including:...
      
       with Bacon and Hollandaise Sauce
      Hollandaise sauce
      Hollandaise sauce is an emulsion of egg yolk and butter, usually seasoned with lemon juice. In appearance it is light yellow and opaque, smooth and creamy. The flavor is rich and buttery, with a mild tang added by the lemon juice, yet not so strong as to overpower mildly-flavored foods.Hollandaise...
      
       on Challah
      Challah
      Challah also khale ,, berches , barkis , bergis , chałka , vánočka , zopf and kitke , is a special braided bread eaten on...
      
       Toast with Salad of Mixed Greens)
• Elimination Challenge Prize: A bottle of Terlato Angel's Peak Wine and a three day, two night trip to the Terlato vineyard.
• Guest Judges: Wylie Dufresne
  Wylie Dufresne
  Wylie Dufresne is the chef and owner of wd~50 restaurant in Manhattan. Dufresne is a leading American proponent of molecular gastronomy, the movement to incorporate science and new techniques in the preparation and presentation of food.-Early life:...
  
  , Lidia Bastianich
  Lidia Bastianich
  Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is an American chef, author, and restaurateur....
  
  , Marcus Samuelsson
  Marcus Samuelsson
  Marcus Samuelsson is a Swedish chef and co-owner of Aquavit restaurant in New York City and C-House Restaurant, located in the Affinia Hotel in Chicago.-Early life and career:...
  
  , Susan Ungaro, Jacques Pépin
  Jacques Pépin
  Jacques Pépin is an internationally recognized French chef, television personality, and author working in the United States. Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, Lyon in France, Pepin was raised by a father and mother who jointly owned a restaurant, where he later credited the start of his love for food. He...
  
  
• Note: Although all of the above culinary luminaries are credited as guest judges in the Elimination Challenge, only Jacques Pépin was at Judges' Table.
• Original Airdate: February 11, 2009

Episode 13: New Orleans Finale, Part 1

• Quickfire Challenge: Six months after the taping of the previous episode, the chefs arrive at the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in New Orleans, Louisiana
  New Orleans, Louisiana
  New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
  
  . Here, they see Padma with Head Judge Tom Colicchio
  Tom Colicchio
  Thomas Patrick "Tom" Colicchio is an American celebrity chef. He co-founded the Gramercy Tavern in New York City, and formerly served as a co-owner and as the executive chef. He is also the founder of Craft and Colicchio & Sons restaurants...
  
  , as well as celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse
  Emeril Lagasse
  'Emeril John Lagasse is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author. A regional James Beard Award winner, he is perhaps most notable for his Food Network shows Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril as well as catchphrases such as “Kick it up a notch!” and...
  
  , a television host and restaurant owner known as the “King of Creole Cuisine
  Louisiana Creole cuisine
  Louisiana Creole cuisine is a style of cooking originating in Louisiana which blends French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Asian Indian, Native American, and African influences, as well as general Southern cuisine...
  
  .” “Nowhere in the country does the food represent so vividly the spirit and soul of a city,” Padma says after welcoming the finalists. “Yes; I mean what an incredible food city,” agrees Emeril, “One of the oldest in America, and we are going and experiencing a total rebirth after the last four years of what we’ve gone through with Hurricane Katrina. But I’ll tell you; the spirit of the food could not be any bigger.” Padma tells the chefs that they can relax for this challenge, because they won't be competing; instead, three other chefs will. From the house come Jamie, Jeff and Leah, the three most recently eliminated contestants. Tom explains that in the spirit of the rebirth of New Orleans, these three chefs have been given an opportunity to return to the competition. For their Quickfire Challenge, they have one hour to create a dish featuring one of New Orleans’s most celebrated ingredients: crawfish. The winner will join the four finalists in the Elimination Challenge, but will have to win that challenge to reach the final round. In addition, they will also receive a copy of Emeril's new book, Emeril at the Grill.
  • WINNER: Jeff (Crawfish with Beer and Andouille
    Andouille
    Andouille is defined as a coarse-grained smoked sausage made using pork, pepper, onions, wine, and seasonings. Andouille is French in origin, and was later brought to the United States through Louisiana by French immigrants. In the United States, the sausage is most often associated with Cajun...
    
     and Grits
    Grits
    Grits are a food of American Indian origin common in the Southern United States and mainly eaten at breakfast. They consist of coarsely ground corn, or sometimes alkali-treated corn . They are also sometimes called sofkee or sofkey from the Muskogee language word...
    
     with Crispy Okra
    Okra
    Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It is valued for its edible green seed pods. The geographical origin of okra is disputed, with supporters of South Asian, Ethiopian and West African origins...
    
    )
• Elimination Challenge: The now five finalists head to Mardi Gras World, a Mardi Gras
  Mardi Gras
  The terms "Mardi Gras" , "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season", in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday...
  
   warehouse, where they meet with Padma and Emeril Lagasse. She explains that their Elimination Challenge is to cater the Krewe of Orpheus
  Krewe of Orpheus
  The Krewe of Orpheus is a relatively recent New Orleans Mardi Gras super krewe, which puts on one of the largest parades in the famous Carnival celebrations of New Orleans, Louisiana...
  
   Masquerade Ball
  Masquerade ball
  A masquerade ball is an event which the participants attend in costume wearing a mask. - History :...
  
   at the New Orleans Museum of Art
  New Orleans Museum of Art
  The New Orleans Museum of Art is the oldest fine arts museum in the city of New Orleans. It is situated within City Park, a short distance from the intersection of Carrollton Avenue and Esplanade Avenue, and near the terminus of the "Canal Street - City Park" streetcar line...
  
  , for roughly 100 guests. They must each prepare a cocktail and two dishes, one of which must be in the Creole style of cooking. As Emeril explains, Creole cooking
  Louisiana Creole cuisine
  Louisiana Creole cuisine is a style of cooking originating in Louisiana which blends French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Asian Indian, Native American, and African influences, as well as general Southern cuisine...
  
   is the city version of Louisiana cooking, influenced by the French, Spanish, and African-American cultures. They have five hours to prep and cook at Emeril’s Delmonico, with access to all of the ingredients stocked there, and one hour to set up at the museum and meet with their respective bartender provided to assist them in serving their cocktail.
  • At Judges' Table, Carla, Hosea and Jeff were selected as the judges' favorites.
  • At Judges' Table, Fabio and Stefan were selected as the judges' least favorites.
    • WINNER: Carla (Cranberry and Ginger Spritzer
      Spritzer
      A spritzer is a tall, chilled drink, usually made with white wine and seltzer or club soda.-Origin and variations:Spritzer is derived from the variant of the German language spoken in Austria, where the drink is very popular. It is used alongside the equally common form Gespritzter A spritzer is a...
      
       with Lime; Shrimp and Andouille Beignet
      Beignet
      A beignet in the U.S. is a pastry made from deep-fried dough, much like a doughnut, and sprinkled with confectioner's sugar, or frostings. Savory versions of beignets are also popular as an appetizer, with fillings such as maple or fruit preserves....
      
       with Creole Mustard Aioli
      Aioli
      Aioli ) is a traditional sauce made of garlic, olive oil, and egg. There are many variations, such as the addition of mustard or, in Catalonia, pears. It is usually served at room temperature. The name aioli comes from Provençal alh 'garlic' is a traditional sauce made of garlic, olive oil,...
      
      ; Oyster Stew with Bacon, Celery Root, Potato and Scallions)
    • ELIMINATED: Jeff (Cucumber Mojito
      Mojito
      Mojito is a traditional Cuban highball.Traditionally, a Mojito is not very strong and made of five ingredients: white rum, sugar , lime juice, sparkling water and mint. The original Cuban recipe uses spearmint or yerba buena, a mint variety very popular on the island...
      
      ; Fried Oyster with Arugula and Homemade Sausage; Crawfish Pot de Crème
      Pot de creme
      Pot de crème , plural pots de crème , is a loose French dessert custard dating to the 17th Century. The name means "pot of custard" or "pot of creme", which also refers to the porcelain cups in which the dessert is served...
      
       with Shiitake
      Shiitake
      The Shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries, as well as being dried and exported to many countries around the world. It is a feature of many Asian cuisines including Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai...
      
       Mushrooms and Scallions) and Fabio (“Trini
      Holy trinity (cuisine)
      The holy trinity is the Cajun and Louisiana Creole variant of mirepoix: onions, bell peppers, and celery in roughly equal quantities. This mirepoix is the base for much of the cooking in the regional cuisines of Louisiana...
      
      tini:” Macerated Red Bell Pepper with Lime Juice, Grapefruit and Black Rum; Maque Choux
      Maque choux
      Maque choux is a traditional dish of southern Louisiana. It is thought to be an amalgam of Acadian French and American Indian cultural influence, and the name is likely to derive from the French interpretation of the Native American name....
      
       with Roasted Rabbit, Smoked Sausage and Buttery Grits; Caserecci Pasta with Crawfish and Crab Stew; Muffuletta
      Muffuletta
      The muffuletta is a type of round Sicilian sesame bread, as well as a submarine sandwich made with that bread that originated from New Orleans, Louisiana.-Bread:...
      
       Bread)
• Elimination Challenge Prize: A new 2009 Toyota Venza
  Toyota Venza
  The Toyota Venza is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Japanese automaker Toyota and unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit...
  
  .
• Guest Judge: Emeril Lagasse
  Emeril Lagasse
  'Emeril John Lagasse is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author. A regional James Beard Award winner, he is perhaps most notable for his Food Network shows Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril as well as catchphrases such as “Kick it up a notch!” and...
  
  
• Original Airdate: February 18, 2009

Episode 14: New Orleans Finale, Part 2

• Final Challenge: After breakfast on the Creole Queen
  Creole Queen
  The paddlewheeler Creole Queen is a 1,000 passenger riverboat operating out of the Port Of New Orleans. She is operated by New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc. She was built by Halter Marine at Moss Point, Mississippi along the lines of a turn-of-the-century sternwheeler and was christened into service...
  
  , the final three chefs arrive at the Historic New Orleans Collection to meet with Padma and Tom. They are instructed to cook the best three-course meal of their life, with no restrictions, for twelve judges. As in past seasons, each is allowed to pick a sous chef, this time runners-up of previous seasons, Marcel
  Marcel Vigneron
  Marcel Vigneron is an American chef best known as the runner-up of the second season of Top Chef, placing behind Ilan Hall...
  
   (Season 2), Casey (Season 3), and Richard
  Richard Blais
  Richard Blais is an American chef. He currently resides with his wife Jazmin in Atlanta, Georgia, and has two children, Riley Maddox and Embry Lotus. He received an AOS in culinary arts from The Culinary Institute of America and has studied under chefs Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and Ferran Adria...
  
   (Season 4). The chefs draw knives to select the order in which they will select their sous chefs. Hosea has the first pick chooses to work with Richard. Stefan has the second pick and chooses Marcel, leaving Carla to work with Casey. The chefs and their sous chefs then have two hours to prep at the Audubon Tea Room, and another three hours to cook their dishes at Commander's Palace
  Commander's Palace
  -History:It was built in 1880. It is located in the Garden District of Uptown New Orleans , and is owned by the Brennan family. It has long been one of the best regarded upscale restaurants in the city. Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse are two of its most famous alumni who have worked in its...
  
  , where the dinner will be held. On the day of the meal, they are told to create an additional hors d'oeuvre using one of three meats: redfish
  Redfish
  Redfish is a common name for several species of fish. It is most commonly applied to members of the deep-sea genus Sebastes, or the reef dwelling snappers, Lutjanus. It is also applied to the slimeheads or roughies , and the alfonsinos ....
  
  , crab, or alligator
  Alligator
  An alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. There are two extant alligator species: the American alligator and the Chinese alligator ....
  
  . A king cake
  King cake
  A king cake is a type of cake associated with the festival of Epiphany in the Christmas season in a number of countries, and in other places with the pre-Lenten celebrations of Mardi Gras / Carnival...
  
   is used to determine which what meat each chef will use - the chef finding the doll gets his or her choice of protein, and then assigns the other proteins to the other two chefs. Hosea finds it, and chooses redfish as his protein, while assigning Carla to use crab and Stefan to work with alligator.
  • Carla: (Sous chef: Casey)
    • Hors d'oeuvre: Shiso
      Perilla
      Perilla is the common name of the herbs of the genus Perilla of the mint family, Lamiaceae. In mild climates, the plant reseeds itself. There are both green-leafed and purple-leafed varieties, which are generally recognized as separate species by botanists. The leaves resemble stinging nettle...
      
       Soup with Blue Crab & Thai Chayote
      Chayote
      The chayote , also known as christophene, vegetable pear, mirliton, pear squash, christophine , chouchoute , choko , starprecianté, citrayota, citrayote , chuchu , chow chow , cho cho , sayote ,...
      
       Salsa
    • First Course: Seared Red Snapper
      Red Snapper
      Red Snapper may refer to:Fish:* Several species from the genus Lutjanus, for example the red snapper .* Several species from the genus Sebastes, for example the vermilion rockfish and yelloweye rockfish Red Snapper may refer to:Fish:* Several species from the genus Lutjanus, for example the red...
      
       with Saffron Aioli
      Aioli
      Aioli ) is a traditional sauce made of garlic, olive oil, and egg. There are many variations, such as the addition of mustard or, in Catalonia, pears. It is usually served at room temperature. The name aioli comes from Provençal alh 'garlic' is a traditional sauce made of garlic, olive oil,...
      
      , Braised Fennel, Bouillabaise Reduction and Grilled Clam with Crouton
      Crouton
      A crouton is a small piece of sautéed or rebaked bread, often cubed and seasoned, that is used to add texture and flavor to salads, notably the Caesar salad, as an accompaniment to soups, or eaten as a snack food. The word crouton is derived from the French croûton, itself derived from croûte,...
      
       and Rouille
      Rouille
      Rouille is a sauce that consists of olive oil with breadcrumbs, garlic, saffron and chili peppers. It is served as a garnish with fish, fish soup and, notably, bouillabaisse. Rouille is most often used in the cuisine of Provence....
      
      
    • Second Course: "Meat and Potatoes": Sous-Vide and Grilled New York Strip Steak with Seared Potato Rod, Swiss Chard Butter and Merlot
      Merlot
      Merlot is a darkly blue-coloured wine grape, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of merle, the blackbird , probably from the color of the grape. Merlot-based wines...
      
       Sauce
    • Third Course: Apple Tartlet Coin with Blue Cheese and Walnut Crumble, Micro Greens and Kumquat
      Kumquat
      Cumquats or kumquats are a group of small fruit-bearing trees in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, either forming the genus Fortunella, or placed within Citrus sensu lato...
      
       Marmalade
      Marmalade
      Marmalade is a fruit preserve made from the juice and peel of citrus fruits, boiled with sugar and water. The benchmark citrus fruit for marmalade production in Britain is the "Seville orange" from Spain, Citrus aurantium var...
      
      
  • Hosea: (Sous chef: Richard)
    • Hors d'oeuvre: Blackened Redfish
      Redfish
      Redfish is a common name for several species of fish. It is most commonly applied to members of the deep-sea genus Sebastes, or the reef dwelling snappers, Lutjanus. It is also applied to the slimeheads or roughies , and the alfonsinos ....
      
       on Griddled Corn Cake with Creole Remoulade
      Remoulade
      Remoulade or rémoulade, invented in France, is a popular condiment in many countries. Very much like the tartar sauce of some English-speaking cultures, remoulade is often aioli- or mayonnaise-based. Although similar to tartar sauce, it is often more yellowish , often flavored with curry, and...
      
      , Micro Cilantro and Corn Shoots
    • First Course: Tuna, Hamachi
      Japanese amberjack
      The Japanese amberjack or yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, is a fish in the family Carangidae. It is native to the northwest Pacific, from Japan to Hawaii....
      
       and Black Bass Sashimi
      Sashimi
      Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy. It consists of very fresh raw meat, most commonly fish, sliced into thin pieces.-Origin:The word sashimi means "pierced body", i.e...
      
       with Fennel Oil, Citrus, Candied Kumquats and Fried Tempura
      Tempura
      ], is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried.-Batter:A light batter is made of cold water and soft wheat flour . Eggs, baking soda or baking powder, starch, oil, and/or spices may also be added...
      
       Bits
    • Second Course: Seared Scallop and Foie Gras
      Foie gras
      Foie gras ; French for "fat liver") is a food product made of the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. This fattening is typically achieved through gavage corn, according to French law, though outside of France it is occasionally produced using natural feeding...
      
       on Pain Perdu with Apple Preserves, Cardamom
      Cardamom
      Cardamom refers to several plants of the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Both genera are native to India and Bhutan; they are recognised by their small seed pod, triangular in cross-section and spindle-shaped, with a thin papery outer shell and small black seeds...
      
      , Candied Pecans & Foie Gras Foam
    • Third Course: Pan Roasted Venison
      Venison
      Venison is the meat of a game animal, especially a deer but also other animals such as antelope, wild boar, etc.-Etymology:The word derives from the Latin vēnor...
      
       with Blackberry Demi-Glace, Chestnut and Celery Root Purée, Wild Mushrooms, and Carbonated Blackberries
  • Stefan: (Sous chef: Marcel)
    • Hors d'oeuvre: Alligator Soup with Celeriac
      Celeriac
      Celeriac is also known as celery root, turnip-rooted celery or knob celery. It is a kind of celery, grown as a root vegetable primarily for its large and bulbous hypocotyl rather than for its stem and leaves. The swollen hypocotyl is typically used when it is about 10–12 cm in...
      
      , Parsley Leaves and Puff Pastry
      Puff pastry
      In baking, a puff pastry is a light, flaky, leavened pastry containing several layers of fat which is in solid state at 20 °C . In raw form, puff pastry is a dough which is spread with solid fat and repeatedly folded and rolled out and used to produce the aforementioned pastries...
      
      
    • First Course: Smoked Salmon and Halibut Carpaccio
      Carpaccio
      Carpaccio is a dish of raw meat or fish , thinly sliced or pounded thin and served as an appetizer.- History :...
      
       with Micro Greens, Fennel, Citrus Vinaigrette and Caviar
      Caviar
      Caviar, sometimes called black caviar, is a luxury delicacy, consisting of processed, salted, non-fertilized sturgeon roe. The roe can be "fresh" or pasteurized, the latter having much less culinary and economic value....
      
      
    • Second Course: Pan Seared Squab
      Squab (food)
      In culinary terminology, squab is a young domestic pigeon or its meat. The meat is widely described as tasting like dark chicken. The term is probably of Scandinavian origin; the Swedish word skvabb means "loose, fat flesh". It formerly applied to all dove and pigeon species, such as the Wood...
      
       with Braised Red Cabbage, Schupfnudeln, Foie Gras, Fried Parsnip
      Parsnip
      The parsnip is a root vegetable related to the carrot. Parsnips resemble carrots, but are paler than most carrots and have a sweeter taste, especially when cooked. The buttery, slightly spicy, sweet flavor of cooked mature parsnips is reminiscent of butterscotch, honey, and subtle cardamom...
      
       and Grape and Port Wine
      Port wine
      Port wine is a Portuguese fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. It is typically a sweet, red wine, often served as a dessert wine, and comes in dry, semi-dry, and white varieties...
      
       Jus
      Au jus
      Au jus is French for "with [its own] juice"; jus is the juice itself.In American cuisine, the term is mostly used to refer to a light sauce for beef recipes, which may be served with the food or placed on the side for dipping...
      
      
    • Third Course: Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Syrup, Stracciatella
      Stracciatella
      Stracciatella is an Italian egg-drop soup usually said to be "alla Romana" , but also popular in Marche and Emilia Romagna. It is prepared by beating eggs and adding grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and sometimes semolina, and then adding this mixture to boiling broth...
      
       Ice Cream with Raspberries and Banana Lollipops with Chocolate Ice Cream
  • At Judges' Table, the judges agreed that Carla fell down on her second and third courses, and was no longer in the running. They agreed that Stefan had the best second course, but was weaker on his first and third courses. The judges felt that Hosea had the best third course, and the strongest meal overall.
• TOP CHEF: Hosea
• RUNNERS-UP: Stefan and Carla
• Prize: A feature in Food & Wine Magazine
  Food & Wine Magazine
  Food & Wine is a monthly magazine published by American Express Publishing. It was founded in 1978 by Ariane and Michael Batterberry. It features recipes, cooking tips, travel information, restaurant reviews, chefs, wine pairings and seasonal/holiday content and has been credited by The New York...
  
  , a showcase at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, $100,000 and the title of “Top Chef”.
• Guest Judges: Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito
  Rocco DiSpirito is an Italian American chef based in New York City.-Life and career:DiSpirito was born in Queens, New York City, New York. He graduated in 1986 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and in 1990 from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in business...
  
  , Hubert Keller
  Hubert Keller
  Hubert Keller is a noted French chef, who is known for his signature restaurants, Fleur de Lys in San Francisco and Las Vegas.- Biography :Keller was born in Alsace, France, and graduated from the École Hoteliere in Strasbourg...
  
  , Branford Marsalis
  Branford Marsalis
  Branford Marsalis is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.-Biography:Marsalis was born...
  
  , Susan Spicer, John Besh
  John Besh
  John Besh is the owner and executive chef at restaurant August in New Orleans, Louisiana , and owns six other restaurants: La Provence, The American Sector, Lüke , Besh Steak , and Domenica in the Roosevelt Hotel...
  
  , Tory McPhail, Ti Martin, Fabio Viviani
• Note: While all of the guest judges listed ate the contestants' meals, none were present at Judges' Table. Only the four permanent judges took part in the final discussion and decision.
• Original Airdate: February 25, 2009

Episode 15: Reunion

• All the chefs and judges were reunited for the first time since they had gathered in New York City. Topics discussed included the "bro-mance" that went on between Stefan and Fabio; Tom Colicchio's life-rescue in Washington, D.C.; Gail Simmons's wedding; if Toby Young was the "Simon Cowell
  Simon Cowell
  Simon Phillip Cowell is an English A&R executive, television producer, entrepreneur, and television personality. He is known in the United Kingdom and United States for his role as a talent judge on TV shows such as Pop Idol, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and American Idol...
  
  " of Top Chef; and Jamie's bad mood whenever she did not win a challenge while on the top. Also included were the surprising "romance" that went on between Hosea and Leah; who the biggest crier was this season; why Patrick and Lauren could not handle the first Quickfire Challenge; some advice on "where Stefan got his cockiness from and how the viewer can get it"; the large amount of bald guys on the show; and if there were nicknames for the chefs this season. Videos included Hosea's ride from the first challenge to winning Top Chef; "documentaries" of Fabio, Carla, Stefan, Jeff, and Jamie; a "birthday curse" of getting eliminated on or near their birthday for Daniel, Eugene, Radhika, and Leah; the more painful moments at Judges' Table. Also shown were a tribute to the bald contestants on the show; Stefan and Fabio's "bro-mance"; Hosea and Leah's "romance"; Jamie and Leah's drunk night at Judges' Table; and the biggest weepers of this season. In addition, Fabio Viviani was awarded $10,000 and the title of Fan Favorite.
• Fan Favorite: Fabio
• Original Airdate: March 4, 2009

External links

• Official Bravo TV site
• Interview with Jamie Lauren on The Lesbian Podcast 12 Jan. 2009
• Interview with Radhika Desai on Centerstage Chicago 12 Nov. 2008