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Top Chef Season 12 Episodes
Season 12 Episode Guide
15 Episodes 2014 - 2015
The reality show's 12th season is based in Boston and features the return of host Padma Lakshmi and judges Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and Hugh Acheson; joining them as recurring judge is "Top Chef: All-Stars" winner Richard Blais. The chefs try to out-cook each other in some of the most iconic locales of the city, such as Fenway Park, Plimoth Plantation, and The Bull and Finch Pub. A new challenge is introduced to the show: throughout the season sudden death Quickfire challenges occur without warning and can mean instant elimination for the worst performing contestants.
Episode 1
Sudden Death
Wed, Oct 15, 2014 75 mins
Season 12 opens with 16 chefs beginning their battles in Boston. Here, the chefs must cook revamped versions of the first dish they created. Richard Blais serves as a judge. Appearing: Ming Tsai; Lydia Shire; Todd English; and Tiffani Faison.
Episode 2
Boston's Bravest and Finest
Wed, Oct 22, 2014 15 mins
The chefs serve up surf-and-turf dishes. Later, they use surprise ingredients to create meals for Boston's police and fire personnel. Appearing: foodies Todd English and Dante de Magistris.
Episode 3
The Curse of the Bambino
Wed, Oct 29, 2014 75 mins
The chefs must use tea to accent dishes. Then, Boston's Fenway Park is the setting when the contestants transform ballpark fare into a fine dining dish. Appearing: Ming Tsai; former MLB player Dennis Eckersley; and sport reporter Dan Shaughnessy.
Episode 4
12 Chefs Walk Into a Bar...
Wed, Nov 5, 2014 15 mins
The chefs create a bar snack for actor George Wendt at the bar from TV's "Cheers." Later, they must produce a three-course Italian menu, but a twist comes via gluten-free demands. Appearing: Emmy Rossum and culinarian Michael Schlow.
Episode 5
It's War
Wed, Nov 12, 2014 15 mins
The chefs create dishes on a lean budget in a challenge that features a Revolutionary War theme. Guest judge: Jamie Bissonnette.
Episode 6
The First Thanksgiving
Wed, Nov 19, 2014 15 mins
The chefs create dishes using the cranberry in a task that takes them to a countryside cranberry bog. Later, they must prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast using tools, methods and ingredients found in the 1600s. Appearing: Tiffani Faison and Ken Oringer.
Episode 7
Restaurant Wars
Wed, Dec 3, 2014 60 mins
The fan-favorite "Restaurant Wars" challenge unfolds. Here, the culinarians must open their own pop-up eateries. In the all-encompassing test, they must create menus and restaurant decor and train the staff. Appearing: Barbara Lynch; Kristen Kish; and Stephanie Cmar.
Episode 8
Clean Up in Aisle 2!
Wed, Dec 10, 2014 75 mins
The chefs must cook chowder. Later, an ultimate tasting party with fans of the series tests the contestants. Also: The face of the competition potentially changes when eliminated chefs return. Chef Jasper White makes an appearance.
Episode 9
Big Sausage
Wed, Dec 17, 2014 60 mins
The chefs prepare sausage. Later, they create dishes inspired by the literary work of notable New England authors, including Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson. Appearing: NFL player Rob Gronkowski; chef Tony Maws; and editor Francis Lam.
Episode 10
For Julia & Jacques
Wed, Jan 7, 2015 60 mins
The chefs make ramen dishes using ingredients found in college dorm rooms. Later, food luminary Jacques Pepin tasks the contestants to prepare French dishes inspired by the techniques of Julia Child. Appearing: Andy Cohen; Dana Cowin; Alex Prud'homme; Barbara Lynch; Mary Dumont; and Joanne Chang.
Episode 11
Sous Your Daddy!
Wed, Jan 14, 2015 60 mins
The chefs' family members pay surprise visits. In a twist, the family members must serve as sous chefs in a challenge that features the creation of one appetizer and one entrée.
Episode 12
The Final Battle of Bean Town
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 15 mins
Innovative bean dishes are created. Later, the culinary contestants serve up inventive fare that exemplifies the future of cooking, with the winner earning a guaranteed slot in the finals in Mexico. Appearing: Wylie Dufresne.
Episode 13
Getting Prickly in Mexico
Wed, Jan 28, 2015 60 mins
The three finalists journey to Mexico, and one eliminated contestant rejoins the competition. Then, the chefs must prepare a dish that showcases a unique type of prickly pear. Also: Local artwork inspires dishes. Appearing: chef Enrique Olvera.
Episode 14
Holy Escamoly!
Wed, Feb 4, 2015 60 mins
The chefs take a surprise trip to an organic farm, after which they create dishes featuring sweet and savory chocolate. Later, they must serve up a six-course progressive menu accented by different Mexican ingredients. Appearing: Richard Blais and Eduardo Palazuelos.
Episode 15
Mano a Mano
Wed, Feb 11, 2015 60 mins
The final chefs take an early-morning hot-air balloon ride in the Season 12 finale. They then face off by creating a four-course menu, after which the winner is revealed.
