Seasons & episodes
S4 · E1Anything You Can Cook I Can Cook Better 2008-03-12 · 42 min
The 16 new contestants face their first QuickFire and Elimination rounds using themes from Chicago's regional cuisine.
S4 · E2Zoo Food 2008-03-19 · 42 min
A farmers' market takes prominence in this week's QuickFire, and an exotic location is the setting for the Elimination round as the remaining chefs cook for guest judge Wylie Dufresne.
S4 · E3Block Party 2008-03-26 · 42 min
The contestants mix it up with Rick Bayless while creating a fiesta for a community.
S4 · E4Film Food 2008-04-02 · 42 min
The remaining chefs demonstrate their aptitude with knives, and then help Richard Roeper throw a film-themed dinner. Daniel Boulud guest judges.
S4 · E5The Elements 2008-04-09 · 42 min
The dreaded taste test is back, and even before the chefs recover from it they must cater a charity event. Ming Tsai Guest Judges this week.
S4 · E6Tailgating 2008-04-16 · 42 min
Simple pleasures is the theme for tonight's round as the chefs must create a dish that complements beer, and then throw a tailgate extravaganza for fans of the local team. Guest Judge: Paul Kahan – Elimination Challenge Guest Judge: Koren Grieveson – QuickFire Challenge QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish that Pairs Perfectly with Beer Elimination Challenge: Cater a Tailgating Party for Chicago Bears Fans
S4 · E7Improv 2008-04-23 · 42 min
The chefs begin with a sugary challenge, and then move to the historic Second City Theatre where their improvisational skills will be tested by masters of the art – one of the resident troupes. Johnny Iuzzini from Jean Georges restaurant guest judges.
S4 · E8Common Threads 2008-04-30 · 42 min
The microwaves are back, and this time the contestants are to make a healthy meal using a single main ingredient. Chef Art Smith, owner of Table 52 in Chicago performs guest judge duties.
S4 · E9Wedding Wars 2008-05-07 · 42 min
The remaining chefs' knife skills are challenged again, followed by a wedding reception challenge which might bring the blades out for an entirely different purpose.
S4 · E10Serve and Protect 2008-05-14 · 42 min
Salad, one of the least respected dishes by chefs, takes center stage tonight as the contestants are challenged to reformulate it, then they continue with the healthy kick by trimming calories and all things bad from a classic entrée.
S4 · E11Restaurant Wars 2008-05-21 · 42 min
It's all about service tonight as the chefs work the line during a breakfast rush at a diner, and then create their own restaurants from scratch. Washington, D.C. Chef and restaurant owner José Andrés guest judges. QuickFire Challenge: Work a Short Order Egg Station Elimination Challenge: Restaurant Wars Guest Head Judge: Anthony Bourdain
S4 · E12High Steaks 2008-05-28 · 42 min
The remaining chefs' butcher skills are tested, and then they must use the cut of meat they made. Guest judge Rick Tramonto, a Chicago chef and restaurant entrepreneur.
S4 · E13Puerto Rico 2008-06-04 · 42 min
There are four chefs and only three spots for the final round, and the contestants know it as they travel to Puerto Rico for the next two challenges. Guest Judge - Wilo Benet QuickFire Challenge: Make Two Frituras featuring Plantains Elimination Challenge: Use a Whole Pig to create Dishes for a Governor's Mansion Event
S4 · E14Finale 2008-06-11 · 42 min
The finalists cook "the most important meal of their lives" for the judges to determine which will be crowned Top Chef. Guest Judges/Sous Chefs: April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig Dan Barber of Blue Hill and Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin Restaurant Special Guest Judges: Alfredo Ayala and Tim Zagat Final Challenge: Create a traditional four course tasting menu
S4 · E15Reunion 2008-06-18 · 42 min
Season four cast and judges gather to reminisce and learn the winner of the fan favorite contest.