Michael Symon pulls out all the stops for a throwdown all about burgers and barbecue. Slinging a burger piled high with juicy pulled pork, his mystery competitor is former fine dining chef Matt Abdoo, now at Brooklyn's canalside hot spot, Pig Beach.

Michael Symon issues a throwdown challenge for khachapuri, the rich, savoury, cheesy stuffed bread from the nation of Georgia. Competitors Ricky and Mariia Dolinsky have mastered this comfort food classic at their downtown NYC restaurant, Tzarevna.

Michael Symon takes on New York City's shawarma darlings, Eli and Max Sussman, in a throwdown that celebrates the spinning tower of meat. Michael and his culinary right hand, Katie Pickens, are confident they can win this one.

Michael Symon knows fried chicken, but this throwdown is focused on the extra crunchy variety popular in Korea and Japan. He has stiff competition in Maiko Kyogoku and Emily Yuen, whose Japanese-style fried chicken leaves diners at Bessou swooning.