Top Chef Family Style is an American reality television series and a spin-off of Bravo's Top Chef series. The show features young chefs teaming up with adult family members to compete in culinary challenges for a US$100,000 prize.[1][2] The series was ordered in May 2021 by streaming service Peacock.[1] It is hosted by Meghan Trainor with Marcus Samuelsson serving as head judge.[1] The series premiered on September 9, 2021, and concluded on December 2, 2021.[3] In the season finale, niece and uncle Delilah and Daniel "Danny" Flores were declared the winners, with daughter and mother Anika and Anupama "Anu" Kumar placing as runners-up.[4] In 2022, the second episode "Truffles, Caviar & Prawns -- Oh My!" received the James Beard Foundation Award for Reality or Competition Visual Media.[5]
Contestants
Top Chef Family Style features 13 pairs of contestants, referred to as "duos".[6] The cast includes the youngest and oldest competitors to appear in the Top Chef franchise.[6]
^Note 1 : The duo did not receive immunity for winning the Quickfire Challenge. ^Note 2 : In Episode 3, Brooke suffered from heat exhaustion during the Elimination Challenge, forcing her and Carol to withdraw from the competition. ^Note 3 : In Episodes 5, the judges decided not to eliminate any duos. ^Note 4 : In Episode 12, the judges did not declare a winner for the Elimination Challenge and all three duos advanced to the next round.
(WINNERS) The duo won the season.
(RUNNERS-UP) The duo was the runner-up for the season.
(WIN) The duo won the Elimination Challenge.
(HIGH) The duo was selected as one of the top entries in the Elimination Challenge, but did not win.
(IN) The duo was not selected as one of the top or bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge and was safe.
(LOW) The duo was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge, but was not eliminated.
(OUT) The duo lost the Elimination Challenge.
(WDR) The duo voluntarily withdrew from the competition.
Episodes
No.
Title
Original air date
1
"Welcome to the Family"
September 9, 2021 (2021-09-09)
Quickfire Challenge: The duos created dishes showcasing their favorite culinary pairing. The winning duo received immunity from elimination.
Winner: Eva & Jenn ("Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup" - Mozzarella in Carrozza with Tomato Bisque)
Elimination Challenge: The duos were asked to elevate one of their own family recipes. The winning duo received a trip to the Food & Wine test kitchen. Top Chef: California contestant Kwame Onwuachi and his mother Jewel Robinson served as guest judges.
Eliminated: Ainsley & Hayley (Grilled Lamb Chops with Potato Turnip Purée, Roasted Carrots & Mint Sauce)
2
"Truffles, Caviar & Prawns -- Oh My!"
September 9, 2021 (2021-09-09)
Quickfire Challenge: The duos were tasked with putting their own spin on Eggs Benedict. However, before cooking, one member of each duo was required to present a perfectly poached egg to guest judge Nancy Silverton. Only the first six contestants to poach their eggs correctly were able to move onto the second part of the challenge. The winning duo received immunity from elimination.
Winner: Milan & Chandrani ("Elevated" Eggs Benedict on Homemade Biscuit with Pancetta & Mushrooms)
Elimination Challenge: The duos created luxurious dishes highlighting at least one of the following high-end ingredients: Royal Ossetra caviar, Sicilian pistachios, Kobe beef, manuka honey, jamón ibérico, black truffles, heritage pork, sea urchin, Santa Barbara spot prawns, and 25-year aged balsamic vinegar. Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and chef Josiah Citrin served as guest judges.
Winner: Delilah & Danny ("Seafood Boil" - Lobster & Prawn Bisque in Sweet Corn Purée, Scalloped Potatoes & Spot Prawn)
Eliminated: Taylor & Elizabeth ("Truffle-ific" Tomato Soup & Tiny Grilled Cheese with Truffle Oil & Salt)
3
"No Pig Skins Allowed"
September 16, 2021 (2021-09-16)
Elimination Challenge: The duos competed in a tournament-style tailgate party, cooking plant-based foods for Los Angeles RamslinebackerKenny Young, social media influencer and guest judge Tabitha Brown, the members of the Los Angeles Rams' 2021 draft class, and 50 other partygoers. The tournament consisted of three rounds. All eleven duos first cooked in the "wildcard round", creating appetizer platters. The top six duos from the wildcard round then competed in the "championship round", making burgers. The duo with the judges' favorite dish in the championship round was declared the winner. The winning duo received a trip and two tickets to a Sunday night football game of their choice. On the other hand, the bottom five duos from the wildcard round competed in the "Hail Mary round", preparing grilled plates. The duo with the judges' least favorite dish in the Hail Mary round was eliminated.
Winner: Eva & Jenn (Chickpea Herb Burger with Dill Aioli & Pickled Red Onions)
Quickfire Challenge: The duos had to make either sweet or savory pies using commonly wasted foods, such as apples, carrots, and ground beef, for guest judge Sherry Yard. The pies were also required to incorporate Hellmann's mayonnaise. The winning duo received immunity from elimination and US$10,000.
Winner: Delilah & Danny ("Everything but the Sink" Picadillo Pie made with Broken Tortilla Roux)
Winner: Kaj & Liz (Boeuf Bourguignon with Cauliflower Purée & Bacon Vinegar Kale)
Eliminated: Kiran & Moid (Beef Kebab with Red Pepper Sauce, Creamed Cauliflower & Cilantro Lime Rice)
5
"Sink or Swim"
September 30, 2021 (2021-09-30)
Quickfire Challenge: The duos created original dishes that could go viral on social media, along with accompanying videos, for guest judge Jessica Woo. The winning duo received immunity from elimination.
Winner: Kaj & Liz (Carrot Dog with Crispy Onions)
Elimination Challenge: The duos, split into three teams, crafted menus highlighting sustainable seafood. Each team was required to serve three courses showcasing mollusks, crustaceans, and trash fish, respectively. Chef Michael Cimarusti and Top Chef: Colorado contestant Claudette Zepeda served as guest judges.
Quickfire Challenge: For a State Farm-sponsored challenge, the duos were assigned pantries, decorated as houses, which each contained unique ingredients. If the contestants required more, they would have to "be good neighbors" and ask others to borrow their ingredients. The duos needed to make dishes that reflected their own neighborhoods, past or present. Top Chef: Texas contestant Nyesha Arrington served as a guest judge. The winning duo received immunity from elimination and US$10,000.
Elimination Challenge: The duos created desserts for a fire and ice-themed party. Pastry chef and chocolatier Chris Ford and dancer and singer JoJo Siwa served as guest judges.
Winner: Ocean & Jaydene (Coconut Tres Leches with Blue Vanilla Macadamia Nut Ice Cream & Passion Fruit Curd)
Eliminated: Milan & Chandrani (Shortbread Brownie with Flaming Meringue & Vanilla Ice Cream)
7
"Tag Team Turmoil"
October 14, 2021 (2021-10-14)
Elimination Challenge: The duos competed in a WWE-themed tournament. For the first "battle royale" round, the duos were split into four teams led by WWE wrestlers The Miz, Naomi, Maryse, and Drew McIntyre. Each team received a mystery ingredient from their assigned wrestler and needed to work together to create a single dish highlighting their ingredient. The team with the judges' favorite dish from the battle royale then competed in the "championship tag team match", where they faced off against each other to produce any dish of their choosing. The duos' cooking stations were set up in the middle of a wrestling ring. Only one member of each duo was allowed inside the ring at any given time, forcing their partner to stand outside the ropes and watch. They were also required to switch places by tagging each other out a minimum of three times. The winning duo received four tickets to WrestleMania. The team with the judges' least favorite dish from the battle royale competed in the "signature move elimination match", cooking their signature dishes with no restrictions. Top Chef: Miami finalist/Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. contestant Brian Malarkey and Top Chef: California runner-up Amar Santana served as guest judges.
Eliminated: Jack & Bobbie (Fried Chicken with Miso Potatoes & Collard Greens)
8
"Spine Tingling Treats"
October 21, 2021 (2021-10-21)
Quickfire Challenge: The duos created Halloween-themed amuse-bouches. Prior to cooking, the duos had to guess the identities of ten mystery ingredients, using only their sense of touch, by sticking their hands into several "graves". If guessed correctly, the contestants gained access to the ingredients. The final dish needed to incorporate at least two mystery ingredients. Top Chef MastersSeason 4 winner Chris Cosentino served as a guest judge. The winning duo received immunity from elimination.
Elimination Challenge: The duos were tasked with catering a Halloween party. First, the duos picked costumes to wear while cooking. They then needed to conceptualize a dish that reflected their costume choice. Chris Cosentino and singer-songwriter Ester Dean served as guest judges. The winning duo received a trip for two to Universal Orlando.
Winner: Delilah & Danny ("Shipwreck" - Fried Octopus with Squid Ink Dumplings & Pickled Radish in Seafood Broth)
Eliminated: Kaj & Liz ("Dragon's Eye" - Beet & Bleu Cheese Ravioli with Beets, Mushrooms & Red Wine Demi-Glace)
9
"Restaurant Wars: Top Chef Family Style"
October 28, 2021 (2021-10-28)
Elimination Challenge: The duos, separated into two teams, competed in Top Chef's traditional Restaurant Wars challenge. The teams were given two days to plan and execute their restaurant concepts. Their menus needed to include at least two appetizers, two entrées, and one dessert. The teams also had to designate an expeditor and front of house. The contestants worked with a designer to help decorate their restaurants. Top Chef: Kentucky winner Kelsey Barnard Clark and Top Chef: Seattle/Top Chef: Charleston finalist Sheldon Simeon served as guest judges. In a special announcement, Meghan Trainor revealed that the grand prize awarded to the winners of the season would be doubled from US$50,000 to $100,000.
Dessert: Chocolate Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream (Eva & Jenn)
Dessert: Peach Cobbler with Salted Caramel Ice Cream (Team Dish)
Winning Team: Fisherman & Farmer
Winner: Delilah & Danny
Losing Team: Southern Bleu
Eliminated: Eva & Jenn
10
"This Is How We Roll"
November 4, 2021 (2021-11-04)
Quickfire Challenge: The duos made miniature sized dishes for Top Chef: Boston winner Mei Lin and former professional basketball player Baron Davis. The winning duo received an advantage in the Elimination Challenge. Beginning with this Quickfire Challenge, immunity from elimination was no longer available as a reward.
Elimination Challenge: The duos created sushi menus featuring three different techniques: maki, temaki, and nigiri. The menus were served omakase-style to the judges, including Top Chef: Portland runner-up Shota Nakajima. The duos had to prepare their sushi directly in front of the judges; their presentation and customer service factored into their overall score. As the winners of the Quickfire Challenge, Ocean & Jaydene received exclusive use of three ingredients: Royal Ossetra caviar, uni, and fresh wasabi. The winning duo received two sets of Cangshan knives.
Winner: Ocean & Jaydene ("Kīlauea" Maki Roll with Cured Ahi Belly, Roe, Shrimp Tempura, Avocado & Charred Uni Aioli; Ahi Poke Temaki with Fried Garlic; Kampachi Nigiri with Green Onion & Caviar)
Eliminated: Khalil & Willie (Ginger Soy Salmon Maki with Mango & Spicy Mayo; Shrimp Po' Boy Temaki with Celery, Bell Pepper & Remoulade; Candied Pork Belly Nigiri)
11
"Science Fair"
November 11, 2021 (2021-11-11)
Quickfire Challenge: The duos were required to use soft drinks in their dishes. The six available flavors were root beer, ginger ale, pepper soda, orange, cola, and lemon lime. Top Chef: Chicago runner-up/Top Chef: All-Stars winner Richard Blais served as a guest judge. The winning duo received an advantage in the Elimination Challenge.
Winner: Delilah & Danny (Orangesicle Cupcake with Whipped Cream, Orange Soda Reduction & Orange Macaron)
Quickfire Challenge: One member of each duo raced to complete three mise en place tasks: husk and remove the kernels from five corncobs, peel five sweet potatoes, and crack half a cup of pecans. Once the tasks were done, the other member was responsible for cooking a dish highlighting at least one of the three mise en place ingredients. The winning duo received a set of Smeg cookware and appliances.
Winner: Delilah & Danny (Corn Cheese Dip with Chorizo)
Elimination Challenge: The duos worked as a team to create a Thanksgiving feast from scratch. Aside from the turkey, which was prepared by Marcus Samuelsson, each duo was responsible for at least two items on the menu. The dishes needed to reflect their family's heritage and holiday traditions. The duos' family members, Top Chef: Boston finalist/Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. winner Melissa King, and pastry chef Amirah Kassem joined the judges for dinner.
Quickfire Challenge: The duos were tasked with recreating one dish of their choosing from the "Top Chef Quickfire Hall of Fame", a list of winning Quickfire Challenge dishes from past seasons of the show. They were not provided a recipe; instead, the duos were given tablets allowing them to videocall the Top Chef alumnus who originally created their chosen dish. The duos were only allowed to speak with the alumni for the first ten minutes of the challenge. Top Chef: Seattle runner-up/Top Chef: Charleston winner Brooke Williamson served as a guest judge. The winning duo received an advantage in the Elimination Challenge.
Winner: Delilah & Danny (Emeril Lagasse - Andouille & Pecan Crusted Red Snapper with Creole Gravy, Fried Okra & Fish Skin Chip)
Eliminated: Ocean & Jaydene (Lidia Bastianich - Osso Buco with Potato Gnocchi, Broccoli Rabe & Bone Marrow Toast)
14
"Finale"
December 2, 2021 (2021-12-02)
Elimination Challenge: The final two duos created three-course progressive meals highlighting their journeys through Top Chef Family Style. Eliminated competitors Ocean & Jaydene and Kennedy & Rosie were brought back to provide assistance as sous chefs. Delilah & Danny were assisted by Ocean & Jaydene, and Anika & Anu were assisted by Kennedy & Rosie. Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef head judge Tom Colicchio, Top Chef: Chicago winner Stephanie Izard, Top Chef: New Orleans runner-up Nina Compton, Top Chef Masters alumna Susan Feniger, and chef Michael Cimarusti joined the finale meal as guest judges.
Delilah & Danny:
First Course: Coconut Ají Amarillo Ceviche with Plantain Chips
Second Course: Al Pastor Trompo with Tzatziki, Salsa & Tortillas
