Season 4 begins with the new chefs arriving in this year's host city, Chicago. After being treated to deep dish pizza at the original Pizzeria Uno, the chefs get to know each other a bit better and of course, scope out the competition.
The chefs shop at a local Farmer's Market for ingredients for their quick-fire dishes.
Famed Mexican cuisine chef Rick Bayless, puts the aspiring chefs through the paces as they put on a neighborhood fiesta.
The chefs show off their skills for guest judge Daniel Boulud. Also, film critic Richard Roeper hosts a cinematic inspired dinner party.
The chefs compete in a complex taste test, and then cater an upscale charity event.
The chefs must create a dish that works together and enhances the flavor of a particular drink.
The chefs must create a dessert to satisfy the sweet-tooth of chef Johnny Iuzzini.
In this week's Quickfire Challenge, the chefs had to create a rice dish in 15 minutes, for Padma and Chef Art Smith! Antonia's childhood favorite, rice salad, won the day.
Before going to war, the chefs first had to prove their skills in a speed challenge. While some chefs like Andrew, Lisa and Stephanie shined, others suffered.
This week, the chefs focused on healthy food. First, the Quickfire Challenge brought the return of season 2 favorite Sam Talbot, who challenged the chefs to bring the sexy back to the salad.
"Restaurant Wars," started off at a fast pace with the chefs having to work a short order line making eggs. Most of the chefs had a difficult time with it, but Antonia rose to the challenge, winning a pretty significant advantage in the "Elimination Challenge," choosing her team.
This week's episode was all about the meat. First, the chefs had to butcher their own Tomahawk chop, to create a dish for famed Chicago chef Rick Tramonto.
After a hiatus, the final four return to Puerto Rico, to duke it out in Part 1 of the two-part finale. For the "Quickfire Challenge," the chefs have to create two plantain dishes for Padma and Guest Judge Wilo Bennet.
The final three cooks make what will amount to "the most important meal of their lives,"in order for the guest judges to determine who will be the Top Chef. Also, April Bloomfield, Dan Barber and Eric Ripert are special guest judges. And the winner is, Stephanie Izard.