Mei Lin

In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the final two chefs compete for the prestigious title of "Top Chef;" the contestants ride in a hot air balloon, then they strive to create the most outstanding four-course menu of their lives.

The chefs are challenged to concoct a tasty sausage dish for NFL player Rob Gronkowski; the chefs create dishes inspired by famous New England authors, such as Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe and Emily Dickinson.

In Mexico, the chefs visit a farm that supplies regional restaurants; for the quick-fire challenge, the chefs must create two dishes with chocolate, one sweet and one savory; for the elimination challenge, the chefs prepare a six-course menu.

In Boston, 16 aspiring chefs compete for a shot at culinary stardom; the contestants are thrust into hot water with a Sudden Death Quick Fire Challenge; the Elimination Challenge unfolds during the first-ever Top Chef Food Festival.

The chefs must create the ultimate bar snack for guest judge George Wendt (`Cheers'); the chefs must work in teams to write a create a three-course Italian menu; actress Emmy Rossum (`Shameless') ruffles the chefs with her gluten-free diet.

Eliminated chefs return, changing the competition completely; for the Elimination Challenge, the kitchen opens its doors for the first time ever for a tasting party with `Top Chef' super fans.