1. Melting Pot
Air date: 2008-11-12 · 60 min
One chef is eliminated in a three-round quickfire involving apples. The remaining chefs create dishes representing the ethnic cuisines of several New York neighborhoods.
Open episode 1 ↗Top Chef
Season 5.
15 episodes in the catalogue. Explore the stories and air dates, then choose an episode to open FRAME’s player.
2. Show Your Craft
Air date: 2008-11-19 · 60 min
After re-inventing the hot dog for the quickfire challenge, the chefs cook and serve lunch at Tom's flagship restaurant, Craft.
Open episode 2 ↗3. Foo Fighters Thanksgiving
Air date: 2008-11-26 · 60 min
For the quickfire, the chefs recreate dishes from the Top Chef cookbook. In the elimination challenge, they cook Thanksgiving dinner for the Foo Fighters at the band's tour stop in Syracuse, N.Y.
Open episode 3 ↗4. Today Show
Air date: 2008-12-03 · 60 min
After creating a breakfast amuse-bouche for the quickfire, the contestants compete in a live food demonstration challenge in order to earn a booking on "Today."
Open episode 4 ↗5. Gail's Bridal Shower
Air date: 2008-12-10 · 60 min
For the quickfire, chefs must identify ingredients in a dish. For the elimination challenge, the contestants cater a bridal shower for judge Gail Simmons.
Open episode 5 ↗6. 12 Days of Christmas
Air date: 2008-12-17 · 60 min
Domestic guru Martha Stewart oversees the quick fire challenge in this holiday-themed edition. Then, actress Natasha Richardson is the guest judge when the cooks cater a Christmas cocktail party in which the proceeds go to the AIDS research.
Open episode 6 ↗7. Focus Group
Air date: 2009-01-07 · 60 min
The chefs must create a sweet dish without using sugar (guest judge: chef and restaurateur Jean-Christophe Novelli). In the elimination challenge, chefs prepare a family-style meal for blind judging.
Open episode 7 ↗8. Down on the Farm
Air date: 2009-01-14 · 60 min
Contestants shop for fresh ingredients at a farm and then create a dinner for the farm workers.
Open episode 8 ↗9. Restaurant Wars
Air date: 2009-01-21 · 60 min
Two teams have 24 hours to design and open competing restaurants.
Open episode 9 ↗10. Super Bowl Chef Showdown
Air date: 2009-01-28 · 60 min
A Super Bowl cook-off against seven all-stars from previous seasons.
Open episode 10 ↗11. Le Bernardin
Air date: 2009-02-04 · 60 min
After a three-round fish filleting tournament, the contestants cook at Le Bernadin where their final product will be judged by chef Eric Ripert.
Open episode 11 ↗12. The Last Supper
Air date: 2009-02-11 · 60 min
Wylie Dufresne judges a quickfire challenge of egg dishes. For the elimination challenge, the five remaining chefs each cook a "last supper" dish requested by a culinary superstar.
Open episode 12 ↗13. Season Finale, Part 1
Air date: 2009-02-18 · 60 min
The season finale finds the chefs traveling from New York to New Orleans. While in the "Big Easy" they will be challenged to kick it up a notch when celebrity judge/chef Emeril Lagasse stops by to appraise their culinary skills.
Open episode 13 ↗14. Season Finale, Part 2
Air date: 2009-02-25 · 60 min
Set in New Orleans, season 5 ends as the winning chef is revealed.
Open episode 14 ↗15. Watch What Happens Reunion
Air date: 2009-03-04 · 60 min
Andy Cohen hosts a candid gathering of season five's chefs and judges.
Open episode 15 ↗