Episode 1
Aired Dec 1, 2016
Something Old, Something New
Eight new chefs face off against eight returning chefs in Charleston, S.C.; the new chefs enter the kitchen first to cook as many dishes as possible in one hour using a whole chicken; the veterans square off to re-imagine shrimp and grits.
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Episode 2
Aired Dec 8, 2016
Southern Hospitality
The chefs join the judges for a traditional shrimp boil; the newcomers face off against the returning chefs to put a spin on a low-country family meal; after dining with chefs Carrie Morey and BJ Dennis, each team creates a family-style feast.
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Episode 3
Aired Dec 15, 2016
Choke Holds and Clammy Hands
Padma and guest judge Chris Cosentino divide the chefs into teams to compete in a mise en place race; the teams must go head to head and create a seven-course progressive meal in which each dish features the same ingredient: the radish.
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Episode 4
Aired Dec 22, 2016
The Feast of Seven Trash Fishes
The chefs tackle a challenge based on the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional seafood-filled dinner, using "trash fish;" the chefs serve special guests Gail Simmons, Richard Blais, Hugh Acheson, and Graham Elliot.
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Episode 5
Aired Dec 29, 2016
Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em
The chefs face a mountain of baking ingredients pointing to a biscuit challenge; barbecue master Rodney Scott tasks the chefs to prepare a whole hog and three side dishes for 150 barbecue lovers, including country music star Darius Rucker.
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Episode 6
Aired Jan 5, 2017
A Southern Legend
The chefs must make healthy, vegetarian versions of traditional comfort foods and are only allowed to grab one item from the pantry at a time; the chefs must create dishes that pay homage to the matriarch of Southern cuisine.
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Episode 7
Aired Jan 12, 2017
Booty
The chefs take up a challenge to cook dishes using ingredients corresponding to their zodiac signs; for a pirate-themed party, the chefs must race through the streets to collect their ingredients on a treasure hunt.
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Episode 8
Aired Jan 19, 2017
Restaurant Wars
The eight remaining chefs divide into two teams to design a restaurant, create a menu and impress the judges and diners; chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara task the teams to take over the same restaurant space on separate nights.
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Episode 9
Aired Jan 26, 2017
For the Kids
Previous winner Michael Voltaggio gives the remaining chefs a blindfolded taste test; the chefs draw inspiration from childhood memories to create dishes for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital charity gala on Kiawah Island.
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Episode 10
Aired Feb 2, 2017
Shrimp Boats and Hat Ladies
The competitors board a boat with Tom Colicchio, who gives them a lesson in harvesting shrimp; later, the chefs must create a dish with their freshly caught shrimp; the chefs are asked to prepare a brunch for the famed Charleston Hat Ladies.
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Episode 11
Aired Feb 9, 2017
Adiós Charleston, Hello James Beard
The final four chefs cook impromptu dishes while simultaneously instructing mystery partners on how to create the same dish; when the judges compare dishes, the chefs are shocked to discover their secret partners are their visiting family members.
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Episode 12
Aired Feb 16, 2017
Cooking Away in Margaritaville
In Guadalajara, Mexico, the three remaining chefs face off against the winner of "Last Chance Kitchen;" the chefs must create a dish using goat, then they are tasked to pair their own cocktail with a dish that incorporates the notes of a margarita.
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Episode 13
Aired Feb 23, 2017
Trial by Fire
In Tulum, Mexico, the remaining chefs are challenged to make a dish showcasing the flavor of the habanero pepper; the chefs must create a dish using ancient Mayan ingredients and tools; the two chefs with the best dishes will compete in the finale.
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Episode 14
Aired Mar 2, 2017
Comida Final
The final two chefs face-off to serve the best meal of their lives; the finalists will cook a four-course progressive meal with the help of three sous chefs, comprised of two eliminated chefs and one from their restaurants back home.
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