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Top Chef Season 9 Episodes
Season 9 Episode Guide
18 Episodes 2011 - 2012
Season 9 of the reality show is set in Texas and British Columbia and features a much larger cast than previous seasons: 29 contestants are asked to participate in the various challenges of the first two episodes, so that their number can be narrowed down to 16. The show is once again hosted by Padma Lakshmi, joined for the occasion by returning head judge Tom Colicchio, and fellow judges Gail Simmons, Emeril Lagasse and Hugh Acheson. A new web-based competition is introduced: In "Last Chance Kitchen," contestants who are eliminated can fight for a spot in the main competition.
Episode 1
Everything's Bigger in Texas
Wed, Nov 2, 2011 15 mins
Season 9 opens with 29 chef-testants invading the Lone Star State to prove their culinary worth, but only 16 of them will advance in the competition.
Episode 2
The Heat Is On
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 15 mins
Aspiring culinary contestants try to win a coveted slot in the final 16.
Episode 3
Quinceanera
Wed, Nov 16, 2011 15 mins
In a Quickfire with bite, the chef-testants must whip up a savory meal using rattlesnakes in the recipe. Later, they create a feast for a coming-of-age celebration. Johnny Hernandez is the guest judge.
Episode 4
Red Hot Chili Cook Off
Wed, Nov 23, 2011 61 mins
The heat is on when the chef-testants use hot peppers to create a spicy dish. Later, they visit a rodeo and participate in a chili cook-off. Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are the guest judges.
Episode 5
Don't Be Tardy for the Dinner Party
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 61 mins
The culinarians cook a meal using ingredients found inside a basic survival kit. Then, they visit an affluent Dallas neighborhood to serve up a sophisticated spread at a high-society dinner party. Guest judge: restaurateur and chef John Besh.
Episode 6
Higher Steaks
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 61 mins
The chefs get saucy when creating a dish using a distinct sauce. Later, they sizzle and try not to fizzle when preparing steak and a four-course beef menu at an annual cattle-theme ball. Guest judge: chef Dean Fearing.
Episode 7
Game On
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 61 mins
The chefs cook up a dish that can nicely accompany tequila. Then, in a hunting-based test, they team up with famous culinarians and work with game. Guest judge: Tim Love.
Episode 8
Tribute Dinner
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 61 mins
The chefs concoct dishes based on fans' Twitter instructions. Then, the chefs honor their culinary teachers by creating a tribute meal. Singer Patti LaBelle serves as guest judge.
Episode 9
BBQ Pit Wars
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 75 mins
The chefs are charged with creating innovative fare that will impress precise palates. Later, the heat is on when they square off in an old-fashioned Texas-barbecue showdown. Technology maven and culinary author Nathan Myhrvold is the guest judge.
Episode 10
Restaurant Wars
Wed, Jan 11, 2012 15 mins
The still-standing chefs sharpen their knives for the time-honored fan-favorite "Restaurant Wars" test. The all-encompassing culinary challenge tasks them to create an eatery, from its signage and logos to its menus and meals.
Episode 11
Fit for an Evil Queen
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 61 mins
The chefs try not to go off the rails when they use various ingredients delivered to them by a train. Later, they create a gothic dish fit for a queen, yet the plate must embody the very essence of evil. Guest judge: Charlize Theron.
Episode 12
Block Party
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 61 mins
The chefs race against time to finish prep work for a meal. Later, they serve up cuisine at a food-drive block party. Guest judge: Cat Cora.
Episode 13
Bike, Borrow & Steal
Wed, Feb 1, 2012 61 mins
The chefs are charged with creating imaginative pancakes for Pee-wee Herman. Later, they hit the streets of San Antonio with a bike to gather ingredients for Pee-wee's big dinner party.
Episode 14
Mentors
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 61 mins
The blindfolded chefs must use senses other than sight to gather ingredients for a dish. In a twist, an eliminated cook then reenters the competition and does culinary battle with the remaining four chefs. Here, their cuisine must impress their mentors.
Episode 15
Culinary Games
Wed, Feb 15, 2012 61 mins
The remaining four chefs arrive in British Columbia and wage culinary battle in Olympic-theme games. Cooking on a speeding gondola and grabbing ingredients in a biathlon are included.
Episode 16
Fire and Ice
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 61 mins
A tag-team battle includes culinary support from Asian masters. Later, a fire-and-ice theme inspires the chefs when they concoct a dish and a cocktail.
Episode 17
Finale
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 61 mins
Season 9 comes to a close with the final chefs commandeering a Vancouver restaurant, where they must cook up a four-course meal for the judges and some surprise guests.
Episode 18
Reunion
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 15 mins
A reunion edition featuring the Season 9 chefs.
