Top Chef: Houston

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Top Chef: Houston
Season 19
Hosted byPadma Lakshmi
JudgesTom Colicchio
Gail Simmons
No. of contestants15
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes14[1]
Release
Original networkBravo
Original releaseMarch 3, 2022 (2022-03-03) –
present (present)
Season chronology
← Previous
Portland
List of episodes

Top Chef: Houston is the nineteenth season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first announced by Bravo and NBCUniversal on September 21, 2021.[2] The competition was filmed in Houston, Texas, which was not featured during the series' previous Texas-themed season, along with other areas near the city, such as Galveston Island.[1][2] The winner received US$250,000.[3]

Filming for the season covered roughly five weeks, beginning in late September 2021 and completing at the end of October.[1] The same COVID-19 protocols used for Top Chef: Portland remained in effect, requiring frequent tests for the coronavirus and masks to be worn by production staff.[1][2] A variation of Portland's alumni judging panel was implemented.[2] In each episode, the trio of Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons were joined by a former Top Chef competitor, along with a local or nationally acclaimed chef as a guest judge.[3] The campaign to promote Houston as the next location for Top Chef was led by Houston First, who showed off the city to Magical Elves Productions and helped scout for potential sites to highlight during the season.[1]

The season premiered on March 3, 2022.[3]

Contestants[]

Top Chef: Houston features 15 new contestants.[4]

Name[4] Hometown[4] Current Residence[a][4]
Damarr Brown Chicago, Illinois Chicago, Illinois
Jo Chan Palmdale, California Austin, Texas
Monique Feybesse San Francisco, California Vallejo, California
Leia Gaccione Passaic, New Jersey Morristown, New Jersey
Evelyn Garcia Houston, Texas Houston, Texas
Robert Hernandez Downey, California San Francisco, California
Jae Jung Seoul, South Korea New York City, New York
Jackson Kalb Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, California
Sam Kang Gardena, California Brooklyn, New York
Luke Kolpin Seattle, Washington Seattle, Washington
Buddha Lo Port Douglas, Australia Brooklyn, New York
Stephanie Miller Bismarck, North Dakota Bismarck, North Dakota
Ashleigh Shanti Virginia Beach, Virginia Asheville, North Carolina
Nick Wallace Edwards, Mississippi Jackson, Mississippi
Sarah Welch Ann Arbor, Michigan Detroit, Michigan

Contestant progress[]

Episode # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Quickfire Challenge
Winner(s) 		Buddha
Jo
Monique 		Damarr N/A Jackson1 N/A
Contestant Elimination Challenge Results
Ashleigh IN IN LOW HIGH
Buddha IN IN LOW WIN
Damarr IN WIN IN IN
Evelyn IN IN HIGH LOW
Jackson HIGH IN HIGH WIN
Jae LOW IN WIN IN
Jo IN IN IN LOW
Luke IN LOW IN HIGH
Monique IN IN IN IN
Nick IN IN IN IN
11 Robert WIN IN IN OUT
Sarah HIGH LOW IN OUT
13 Sam IN IN OUT
14 Stephanie LOW OUT
15 Leia OUT

^Note 1 : The chef(s) did not receive immunity for winning the Quickfire Challenge.

  (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 the Elimination Challenge.
  (HIGH) The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Elimination Challenge, but did not win.
  (IN) The chef was not selected as one of the top or bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge and was safe.
  (LOW) The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge, but was not eliminated.
  (OUT) The chef lost the Elimination Challenge.

Episodes[]

Main article: List of Top Chef episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal air dateUS viewers
(millions)
2751"Primal Instincts"March 3, 2022 (2022-03-03)0.70[5]

Quickfire Challenge: In teams of three, the chefs were asked to create cohesive dishes while cooking relay-style. The chefs took turns cooking their team's dish, but were only allowed ten minutes each. In addition, teammates were not allowed to communicate with each other about the direction of their dishes. The members of the winning team received immunity from elimination. The guest judge was Top Chef: Portland runner-up Dawn Burrell.

  • Red Team: Jae, Leia, Stephanie
  • Blue Team: Ashleigh, Luke, Sam
  • Green Team: Damarr, Evelyn, Nick
  • Yellow Team: Buddha, Jo, Monique
  • Brown Team: Jackson, Robert, Sarah
    • Winners: Buddha, Jo, Monique (Thai Barbecued Beef with Salsa Verde Salad, Charred Scallions & Fish Sauce Butter)

Elimination Challenge: Working in the same teams as the Quickfire Challenge, the chefs were tasked with creating three-course menus featuring primal cuts of beef. The five options included chuck, rib, short loin, sirloin, and round. Each team was only allowed to use one of the five primal cuts, which were available first-come, first-served. They were also responsible for butchering the meat themselves. The guest judges were Top Chef: Seattle winner Kristen Kish and chef Robert Del Grande.

  • Winner: Robert (Braised Pot Roast with Potato Gnocchi, Olive Tapenade & Parmesan Cream)
  • Eliminated: Leia (Top Round Steak Summer Rolls with Peaches & Tahini Lime Sauce)
2762"Friday Night Bites"March 10, 2022 (2022-03-10)0.79[6]

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs put their own spin on queso. They had to include an accompanying item to dip into their queso, but were not allowed to make tortilla chips. The winner received immunity from elimination. The guest judge was chef .

  • Winner: Damarr (Mild Cheddar Queso, Pickled Serrano Chiles & Toasted Bread Crumbs with Smoked Paprika)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were divided into two teams: the blue "Wildcats" and the red "Cougars". Each team was coached by a Top Chef alumni, with Dawn Burrell leading the Wildcats and Top Chef: Los Angeles finalist leading the Cougars. The teams competed in seven head-to-head battles for a Friday Night Lights football-themed challenge at the Tomball ISD Stadium. The dishes, which were required to be heavy in carbohydrates, were presented to the judging panel, consisting of Padma, Tom, Gail, Top Chef: Charleston winner Brooke Williamson, and chef Chris Shepherd. Each judge voted for their favorite dish in each head-to-head battle. One vote netted the team five yards, with a maximum of 25 yards available per round. The objective of the game was to score 100 yards to cross the football field from one end zone to the other, thus scoring a touchdown and securing victory. If a team was unable to score a touchdown by the end of seven rounds, then chefs from either team were eligible to win or be eliminated.

  • Wildcats (Blue Team): Damarr, Jo, Luke, Monique, Robert, Sam, Sarah
  • Cougars (Red Team): Ashleigh, Buddha, Evelyn, Jackson, Jae, Nick, Stephanie
    • Winner: Damarr (Dirty Farro with 'Nduja, Chicken Thighs & Chicken Liver)
    • Eliminated: Stephanie (Feijoada with Rice, Cilantro Salad, Toasted Cassava & Orange)
2773"Noodles and Rice and Everything Nice"March 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)0.75[7]

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were challenged to create street food dishes inspired by Asian flavors to be served for 100 guests at an Asian night market. The contestants were randomly assigned cuisines for inspiration, which included Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese. Despite sharing cuisines, the chefs competed individually. The winner received US$10,000. The guest judges were Top Chef: Miami winner Hung Huynh and chef Kiran Verma.

  • Chinese: Ashleigh, Jae, Monique
  • Filipino: Jo, Robert
  • Indian: Buddha, Luke, Sam
  • Japanese: Damarr, Nick
  • Vietnamese: Evelyn, Jackson, Sarah
    • Winner: Jae (Stir Fried Udon with Chinese Sausage, Korean Melon & Ramen Topping)
    • Eliminated: Sam ("Samaloo" - Potato Curry with Pomegranate Chutney)
2784"Doppelgängers"March 24, 2022 (2022-03-24)0.76[8]

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created biscuit dishes from scratch. Instead of immunity, the winner received an advantage in the Elimination Challenge. The guest judge was chef Chris Williams.

  • Winner: Jackson (Scallion Biscuit Glazed in Hot Maple with Ostrich Sausage, Crispy Cheddar & Fried Egg)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs, working in pairs, had to make two dishes that looked exactly the same, but tasted completely different. As the winner of the Quickfire Challenge, Jackson was able to choose his partner first. His team also earned 30 extra minutes of cooking time. Both members of the losing team were eliminated. The guest judges were Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. winner Melissa King and Top Chef Masters alum Wylie Dufresne.

  • Red Team: Damarr, Monique
  • Orange Team: Jae, Nick
  • Yellow Team: Robert, Sarah
  • Green Team: Evelyn, Jo
  • Blue Team: Buddha, Jackson
  • Brown Team: Ashleigh, Luke
    • Winners: Buddha ("Strawberries & Cream" - White Chocolate Panna Cotta, Strawberry Jelly, Strawberry Bon Bons with Cream & Basil Dressing); Jackson ("Everything But The Bagel" - Salmon Tartare, Capers, Shallots, Cream Cheese Bavarois, Marinated Tomato & Buttermilk Scallion Dressing)
    • Eliminated: Robert (Strawberry Panna Cotta with Crème Fraîche, Japanese Brown Sugar Crumble, Kiwi & Basil); Sarah (Shrimp Sausage, Brown Butter Brioche Crumb with Compressed Cucumber Pickles & Pepper Sauce)
2795"Don't Mess With BBQ"March 31, 2022 (2022-03-31)TBD

Last Chance Kitchen[]

Main article: Top Chef § Last Chance Kitchen

Episodes[]

No. Title Original air date
1"Two Cloche for Comfort"March 10, 2022 (2022-03-10)

Challenge: The chefs were given 30 minutes to create dishes highlighting local Houston ingredients. In addition, each chef was assigned an exotic protein to incorporate into their dish. Leia was given rattlesnake meat, while Stephanie was given alligator meat.

  • Leia: Cornmeal Fried Rattlesnake with Grapefruit Jicama Salad & Yogurt Grapefruit Shmear
  • Stephanie: Pepper Soda Marinated Fried Alligator, Lemon & Chermoula Sauce with Sliced Grapefruit & Scallions
    • Winner: Leia
    • Eliminated: Stephanie
2"PotatOH No You Don't!"March 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)

Challenge: The chefs were given 30 minutes to make potato dishes. Prior to cooking, the chefs were presented with various ingredients and kitchen equipment, which they took turns selecting. Once chosen, these items became unavailable to their competitor. Leia chose the mandoline, peeler, bacon, onions, and cream, while Sam chose the fryer, grill, butter, garlic, and cheese.

  • Leia: Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon, Kale & Poached Egg
  • Sam: Potatoes in Garlic Butter Potato Sauce
    • Winner: Leia
    • Eliminated: Sam
3"Double Jeopardy"March 24, 2022 (2022-03-24)

Challenge: The chefs were given 30 minutes to create both a savory dish and a sweet dish. Tom first selected his favorite savory dish, granting the winner immunity. Brooke Williamson then judged the two remaining chefs' sweet dishes, resulting in one elimination.

  • Round 1 (Savory):
    • Leia: Pan Roasted Pork Chop with Pan Roasted Apple Sauce
    • Robert: Shrimp Ceviche with Chili Paste, Fried Prawn Cracker, Cilantro & Red Onion
    • Sarah: Jerk Chilean Sea Bass in Coconut Broth with Fennel, Pomegranate & Cilantro Relish
      • Winner: Sarah
  • Round 2 (Sweet):
    • Leia: Apple Caramel Ricotta Donuts
    • Robert: Buttermilk Pancake with Blueberry Sauce & Maple Seasoned Whipped Cream
    • Sarah: Coconut Cream Pudding Topped with Pomegranate, Star Fruit & Lime Zest
      • Winner: Leia
      • Eliminated: Robert

References[]

  1. ^ The contestants' city and state of residence during time of filming.
  1. ^ a b c d e Morago, Greg (September 21, 2021). "Exclusive: 'Top Chef' to set its next season in Houston - and filming has already begun". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Aurthur, Kate (September 21, 2021). "'Top Chef' to Film Season 19 in Houston, Feature All-Star Judges and Mentors". Variety. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Quinn, Dave (January 24, 2022). "Bravo's Top Chef Returns for Season 19 in Houston — Watch the Trailer". People. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d Campbell-Schmitt, Adam (January 24, 2022). "'Top Chef' Houston: Here Are All the Chefs Competing This Season". Food & Wine. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  5. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 4, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Thursday 3.3.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  6. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 11, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Thursday 3.10.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  7. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 18, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Thursday 3.17.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  8. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 25, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Thursday 3.24.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 25, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2022.

External links[]

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