- The top six chefs have advanced to the finals and now must face-off for the ultimate title of Top Chef Master. Each is asked to produce their signature dish, only to find they must then re-create their competitor's unique dish. One chef is eliminated, while the remaining five move to the next round of competition.—Bravo publicity
- "Top Chef Masters" "Champions Round Begins" July 29, 2009
The six winning chefs advance to the first installment of the Champions Round. The lowest starred chef is eliminated.
Chefs
Hubert Keller Fleur De Lys
Rick Bayless Frontera Grill
Anita Lo Annisa
Suzanne Tracht Jar
Michael Chiarello Bottega
Art Smith Table fifty-two
Quickfire Challenge: Working in teams - "Salt and Pepper" - they have to perform the Mise En Place Relay Race. They will see who can prep a series of ingredients fastest. (Season 4) They have to prep 15 oysters, dice five onions, butcher four chickens, separate five eggs and beat them so when you turn the bowl upside down it will hold for five seconds.
Judge Tom Colicchio
Pepper Team: Art, Michael, Suzanne
Salt Team: Anita, Hubert, Rick
Suzanne and Hubert tear through oysters.
Art and Hubert go at the onions with vehemence, but Art schools him.
Michael and Anita go at the chickens and he beats her by a nose.
Art and Rick go head to head on whipping the eggs. Art got yolks in the whites and had to fish them out so Rick wins
Team Salt wins they get five stars. Team Pepper gets four stars.
They are tasked with a getting to know you exercise and each have to cook their signature dish for the other contestants.
Elimination Challenge Recreate someone else's signature dish and put your own spin on it. Since Hubert won for his team he gets to pick whose dish he wants. He picks Anita, and she gets his dish. Suzanne gets Art and vice versa. Rick gets Michael and vice versa.
They get 45 minutes and $300 to shop.
Judges
Former Top Chef: Masters Contestants Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Schlow, Rick Moonen, Elizabeth Falkner, Mark Peel, Christopher Lee, Michael Cimarusti
Jay Rayner Food critic, London Observer
Gael Greene Longtime NY food critic
James Oseland Editor-in-chief, Saveur Magazine
Menus
Tracht Roast Grouper with Gnocchi, Bacon, Peas and Parsnips. Elizabeth feels like the fish is overcooked and the gnocchi is a little cold. They think it has been sitting. Oseland thinks once upon a time the fish was cooked brilliantly but lost that in the wait.
Lo Corn Chawanmushi, Champagne Gelee, and Lobster Biscuit Sandwich. They love it, hands down. Well thought out and totally different and not intimidated by a classic.
Keller Seared Scallop with Cream of Sea Urchin Over Fingerling Mashed Potatoes. They think scallops are cooked perfectly. Ludo can't taste the sea urchin.
Smith Ground Lamb Scotch Egg, Sweet Potato Fries and Tomato Tart. Elizabeth thinks the egg could be better cooked. Michael think its "Art on a plate." Gael likes that he likes to put dessert on plate.
Chiarello Rack of Lamb Stuffed with Fig Mostarda, Chickpeas and Fried Rosemary. They think there's a seasoning deficit and a little dry, maybe the beginning of a great dish.
BaylessQuail with Parsnip and Prosciutto Stuffing Over Wild Greens. They are surprised it's not spicy and that he stepped out of his comfort zone. Ludo thinks it's well-balanced.
Results
Lo 24 stars Winner
Bayless 23 stars
Keller 21 ½ stars
Chiarello 18 ½ stars
Smith15 stars
Tracht 14 ½ stars Eliminated
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content