- In the climactic finale of "Top Chef Masters," three accomplished chefs stand to face their final challenge - the creation of a four-course meal. Sounds simple enough, but each course must be inspired by a certain memory from their past.
- "Top Chef Masters" - "Top Chef Master" - August 19, 2009
Chefs
Hubert Keller French, Fleur De Lys
Michael Chiarello Italian, Bottega
Rick Bayless Mexican, Frontera
They are being driven somewhere that they don't know the destination. It is the Getty Villa.
Final Challenge Create the meal of "your" lifetime: a series of dishes based on your career as a chef. The first dish should be based on their first food memories; the second dish, the experience that made them decide to become a chef; the third, the opening of their first restaurant; the final dish, where you're heading in the future. "Your autobiography as a chef."
Judges
The five winners of "Top Chef," the judges from regular "Top Chef," (Padma Lakshmi, Gail Simmons, and Tom Colicchio), and the regular judges Oseland, Rayner, and Greene.
The guys sit down to a meal at the Villa to think on their menus. They eat and chat. They get 60 minutes and $1300 to shop. They get five hours to prep.
On the final day, the chefs get one more surprise twist. It's good luck wishes from their sous chefs. And then they arrive on the premises to help out.
Menus
First Course
Keller "Backeoffe": Alsatian Lamb, Pork, Beef & Potato stew. The judges say: Looks awesome, well-cut characters, felt like a stew your grandmother would make you.
Bayless Barbecued Smoked Quail and Watermelon Salad. The judges say: The sauce rocks, love the spicy sprouts on the watermelon, one's favorite
Chiarello Duo of Gnocchi The judges say: Lovely, velvet, marinara sauce underseasoned, well-made
Second Course
Keller Salmon Souffle with Caviar and Riesling Sauce The judges say: One could lick it up, makes one want to learn more about French cuisine
Bayless Ahi Tuna with Oaxacan Mole with Plantain Tamales The judges say: Mmm, Mmm, great mole, Gail S. loves it as does Oseland, Colicchio calls it brilliant
Chiarello Polenta with Rabbit, Asparagus and White Mushroom The judges say: Amazing, Gail S. wants to bathe in it, Rayner loves it
Third Course
Keller Colorado Lamb Chop Wrapped in a Vegetable Mousseline The judges say: Love the presentation, perfectly cooked, Colicchio didn't like the raw garlic, too dessert-y for Padma
Bayless Cochinita Pibil The judges say: Tender, Gael G thinks it's more sophisticated than expected, Padma thinks there's nothing not sophisticated about it
Chiarello Whole Fried Ginger Marinated Rouget The judges say: Crunchy, intense, someone thinks it's one dimensional
Fourth Course
Keller Pan-Seared Sweet Breads and Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks The judges say: Rayner thinks it's amazing, some say sweetbread undercooked, others say fine
Bayless Arroz A La Tumbada With Lobster, Crab, Squid, Mussels, & Shrimp The judges say: Colicchio thought it was dried out
Chiarello Brined Short Ribs The judges say: Michael stole Padma's heart, Rayner thinks he's a storyteller
Results
Keller 16 1/2
Bayless 18 stars Winner!!
Chiarello 17 stars
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