topchef s13e01 StopthePresses.mp4

17 chefs were selected to compete in Top Chef: California, including one returning contestant, Grayson Schmitz, who originally competed in Top Chef: Texas.

Quickfire Challenge (Part 1): Seventeen chefs were flown to Los Angeles to begin a six-city expedition across California. To start the competition, the contestants competed in a mise en place race. They were presented with five Californian ingredients: asparagus, artichokes, oranges, chickens, and eggs. Based on their skill sets, the chefs had to decide which ingredient to prep; each set of ingredients was available on a first-come, first-served basis. The first nine chefs to finish their tasks proceeded to the second round.

Quickfire Challenge (Part 2): The chefs, separated into three teams, had to work together to create a single dish using one of the prepped ingredients from the previous round. The chefs took turns cooking their team's dish, but were only allowed ten minutes each. The chefs waiting for their turns were required to wear blindfolds. In addition, teammates were not allowed to communicate with each other. The members of the winning team received immunity from elimination.

Red Team: Jason, Jeremy, Wesley
Green Team: Carl, Grayson, Isaac
Blue Team: Amar, Frances, Renee
WINNER: Blue Team (Sweet & Sour Chicken with Marinated Slaw)
Elimination Challenge: The chefs served 200 guests at a dineLA showcase in Lake Hollywood Park. The contestants were allowed to cook any dish that reflected their culinary style. The guests, which included food critics from across the state, scored the chefs' dishes. Their average scores determined which chefs were eligible to win and lose the challenge. Out of the pool of eligible contestants, the judges then decided their most favorite and least favorite dishes.

WINNER: Jeremy (Pacific Snapper Crudo with Kombu Gel & Lime Zest)
ELIMINATED: Garret (Vietnamese Chicken Brodo)