The BEST episodes of Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen season 1
Every episode of Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen season 1!
Last Chance Kitchen takes Top Chef and strips it down. Ousted chefs from Top Chef compete head to head for the chance to, not only redeem themselves, but to possibly return to Top Chef, and win. In each episode, two or more chefs are pitted against each other in a single challenge, with judgment placed solely on Tom Collicchio.
#1 - Andrew vs. Keith
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/16/2011
Challenge: The chefs were given 10 minutes to prep and cook a dish containing six ingredients, including clams, lemons, onions, and peppers. Andrew: Clams with Grilled Radicchio & Peperonata Keith: Clam Ceviche with Lemon Zest & Steamed Clams with Pancetta
Watch Now:Amazon#2 - Keith vs. Richie
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/23/2011
Challenge: The chefs were asked to prepare a dish using at least three ingredients provided from the leftovers of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Keith: Turkey & Sweet Corn Hash, Ham Fritter, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie Smear Richie: Turkey, Green Bean Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese Fritter & Cornbread Purée
Watch Now:Amazon#3 - Keith vs. Chuy
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/30/2011
Challenge: Colicchio directed the chefs to Bolner's Meat Market in San Antonio, where they were given an entire rib rack of beef. The contestants were then given 45 minutes to butcher five bone-in ribeyes, and cook one of them into a "perfect" medium-rare steak.
Watch Now:Amazon#4 - Chuy vs. Whitney
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/7/2011
Challenge: The chefs created a classic American burger with one of two assigned proteins in 30 minutes. Chuy: Ostrich & Ground Pork Burger with Fresno Chili Aioli & Onion Straws Whitney: Elk & Pork Sausage Burger, Shallot & Garlic, Egg Sunny-Side Up
Watch Now:Amazon#5 - Whitney vs. Dakota vs. Nyesha
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 12/14/2011
Challenge: The chefs cooked dishes with cactus as the main ingredient, using only a wok, in 30 minutes. Dakota: Shrimp Tostada with Watermelon & Prickly Pear Shooter Nyesha: Asian-Style Scallops with Prickly Pear Garnish, Cilantro & Thai Basil Whitney: Cactus & Chicken Fried Rice with Sriracha & Soy Sauce
#6 - Nyesha vs. Heather
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 12/21/2011
Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create a dish using three different cooking techniques: frying, injecting, and foaming. Nyesha: Brown Butter Foam & Beignet Injected with Caramel Sauce Heather: Fried Gulf Shrimp Injected with Smoked Paprika & Porcini Mushroom Foam
#7 - Nyesha vs. Chris C.
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 1/4/2012
Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create a dish using ingredients found in a gas station with a budget of $20. Nyesha: Beer-Glazed Smoked Sausage with Pork Rind Tuile & Chili Cheese Sauce Chris C.: Togarashi Spiced Tomato Soup with Spicy Pork Rinds, Grilled Cheese with Fried Ham & Pickle
Watch Now:Amazon#8 - Nyesha vs. Ty-Lör
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 1/11/2012
Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to make a pastry dessert with the help of a sous-chef. Assistants were chosen from the remaining eliminated cheftestants. Nyesha chose Heather, and Ty-Lör chose Chris C. Nyesha: Coconut & Lime Tart with Coconut, Crème Fraiche Mousse & Caramel Sauce. Ty-Lör: Puff Pastry with Dark Chocolate Mascarpone Cream, Vanilla Bean Rum Cherries & Caramel Sauce
#9 - Nyesha vs. Beverly
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 1/18/2012
Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create a dish using black drum. The chefs were only allowed to go through the Top Chef kitchen once to gather all necessary ingredients and equipment. With 23 minutes remaining, Colicchio instructed the chefs to switch stations and surrender all ingredients to their opponent. Beverly: Seared Black Drum with Oranges, Fennel & Black Olives Nyesha: Seared Black Drum with Julienne of Tri-Pepper, Slaw & Pineapple Chutney
Watch Now:Amazon#10 - Beverly vs. Chris J.
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 1/25/2012
Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to make a dish that incorporated all of the ingredients found in a "mystery box", which could not be opened until the timer started. As the challenge progressed, the chefs were given two additional ingredients to use in their final dish. Beverly: Grilled Lamb Chop with Parsnips, Curry, Radicchio & White Anchovy Vinaigrette Chris J.: Grilled Lamb Chop with Sweet Purée, Radicchio Salad with Pancetta, Pine Nuts & Apple
Watch Now:Amazon#11 - Beverly vs. Grayson
Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 2/1/2012
Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to cook a dish worthy of competing in the finale. Beverly: Red Snapper in Coconut Broth Infusion with Lemongrass, Ginger, Thai Basil & Cilantro Grayson: Bacon Seared Scallop with Cherry & Champagne Grapes Gastrique, Pistachio & Tarragon
Watch Now:Amazon#12 - Andrew vs. Janine
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/9/2011
Challenge: The final two chefs to be eliminated during the qualifying rounds were given 30 minutes to cook a pizza. Andrew: Mediterranean Pizza with Anchovies, Capers, Fried Calamari & Arugula Janine: Fig Pizza with Parmesan-Asiago, Soppressata, Arugula & Black Garlic