Stacy Cogswell

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 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.

The chefs flash back to their college days when they must prepare a ramen noodle dish judged by Andy Cohen and his college roommate, Dave Ansel; chef Jacques Pepin challenges the chefs to create a dish inspired by Julia Child's cooking techniques.

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 finalists travel to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to compete for the prestigious title of "Top Chef;" the chefs prepare dishes featuring a prickly pear and then create dishes inspired by the work of local artists.

The contestants travel to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to compete for $125,000, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, a showcase at the annual Food & Wine Classic, and the prestigious title of `Top Chef'.