Top Chef: D.C.

Top Chef: D.C. is the seventh season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was initially filmed in Washington, D.C. before concluding in Singapore, the series' first international venue.[1] It premiered on June 16, 2010, and concluded on September 22, 2010. In the season finale, Kevin Sbraga was declared the winner over runners-up Angelo Sosa and Ed Cotton.[2] Tiffany Derry was voted Fan Favorite.[3]

Top Chef: D.C.
Season 7
Hosted byPadma Lakshmi
JudgesTom Colicchio
Gail Simmons
Eric Ripert
No. of contestants17
WinnerKevin Sbraga
Runners-upAngelo Sosa
Ed Cotton
LocationWashington, D.C.
Finals venueSingapore
Fan FavoriteTiffany Derry
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes15
Release
Original networkBravo
Original releaseJune 16 (2010-06-16) 
September 22, 2010 (2010-09-22)
Season chronology

Contestants

Seventeen chefs competed in Top Chef: D.C.[4]

Name Hometown Current Residence[lower-alpha 1] Age
Amanda Baumgarten Los Angeles, California 27
Tracey Bloom Rochester, New York Atlanta, Georgia 33
Ed Cotton Boston, Massachusetts Queens, New York 32
Andrea Curto-Randazzo Vero Beach, Florida Miami Beach, Florida 39
Timothy "Tim" Dean Washington, D.C. Baltimore, Maryland 39
Tiffany Derry Beaumont, Texas Dallas, Texas 26
Lynne Gigliotti Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hyde Park, New York 51
Kenny Gilbert Euclid, Ohio Telluride, Colorado 36
Stephen Hopcraft Cleveland, Ohio Las Vegas, Nevada 40
Kelly Liken Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Vail, Colorado 33
Jacqueline Lombard Boston, Massachusetts Brooklyn, New York 33
Arnold Myint Nashville, Tennessee 32
Alex Reznik Brooklyn, New York Hollywood, California 33
Kevin Sbraga Willingboro, New Jersey 30
John Somerville Detroit, Michigan West Bloomfield, Michigan 42
Angelo Sosa Durham, Connecticut New York, New York 34
Tamesha Warren Barbados Washington, D.C. 24

Angelo Sosa and Tiffany Derry returned to compete in Top Chef: All-Stars.[5] Amanda Baumgarten returned for Top Chef: Charleston.[6] Sosa returned again for Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.[7]

Contestant progress

Episode # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Quickfire Challenge
Winner(s)
Angelo1 Angelo
Tracey
Kenny Kenny1
Tamesha1
Ed Kelly2 Angelo Tiffany Amanda1
Kelly1
Kenny1
Kevin1
Tiffany1 Ed1 Angelo1 Ed
ContestantElimination Challenge Results
1 Kevin HIGH IN LOW LOW HIGH WIN LOW HIGH LOW IN LOW IN LOW WINNER
2 Ed IN LOW HIGH IN IN IN HIGH LOW WIN HIGH WIN IN WIN RUNNER-UP
Angelo WIN LOW HIGH IN IN IN IN IN HIGH LOW LOW WIN LOW RUNNER-UP
4 Kelly IN WIN IN WIN HIGH IN2 LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW IN OUT
5 Tiffany IN HIGH IN IN IN HIGH HIGH WIN HIGH WIN HIGH OUT
6 Amanda IN LOW HIGH IN LOW IN IN IN LOW LOW OUT
7 Alex HIGH IN IN IN IN IN WIN LOW HIGH OUT
8 Kenny HIGH LOW IN LOW WIN LOW IN IN OUT
9 Stephen LOW LOW LOW IN LOW IN IN OUT
10 Andrea IN IN IN WIN HIGH IN OUT
11 Tamesha IN LOW IN IN IN OUT
12 Tim LOW IN LOW IN OUT
13 Arnold IN HIGH WIN OUT
Lynne IN HIGH IN OUT
15 Tracey IN LOW OUT
16 Jacqueline LOW OUT
17 John OUT

^Note 1 : The chef(s) did not receive immunity for winning the Quickfire Challenge.
^Note 2 : As a reward for winning the Quickfire Challenge, Kelly was allowed to sit out the Elimination Challenge.

  (WINNER) The chef won the season and was crowned "Top Chef".
  (RUNNER-UP) The chef was a runner-up for the season.
  (WIN) The chef won the Elimination Challenge.
  (HIGH) The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Elimination Challenge, but did not win.
  (IN) The chef was not selected as one of the top or bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge and was safe.
  (LOW) The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge, but was not eliminated.
  (OUT) The chef lost the Elimination Challenge.

Episodes

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal air date
901"House of Chef-presentatives"June 16, 2010 (2010-06-16)

Quickfire Challenge: The 17 chefs competed in a three-round mise en place tournament. The final four chefs were given 30 minutes to make a dish with the ingredients from the first three rounds, plus items from the Top Chef pantry. Instead of immunity, the winner received $20,000.

  • Winner: Angelo (Roasted Wing & Thigh, Curried Onion Jam, Potato Noodles)

Elimination Challenge: Each chef created a dish that represented where they were from for 300 guests at an event during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The chefs were divided into four groups; each chef competed head-to-head with the others in their group. The chef in each group with the best dish was eligible for the win, while the chef with the poorest dish in each group was subject to elimination. The four Quickfire finalists were allowed to choose the chefs whom they would compete against to form the four teams.

  • Team 1: Angelo, John, Kelly, Tiffany
  • Team 2: Ed, Kenny, Lynne, Stephen, Tracey
  • Team 3: Amanda, Arnold, Jacqueline, Kevin
  • Team 4: Alex, Andrea, Tamesha, Tim
    • Winner: Angelo (Arctic Char with Pickled Shallots, Tapioca & Smoked Bacon Froth)
    • Eliminated: John (Maple Mousse Napoleon with Crisp Macadamia Nuts & Vanilla Sauce)
912"Outside the Lunch Box"June 23, 2010 (2010-06-23)

Quickfire Challenge: Working in pairs, the chefs made a "bipartisan" sandwich while joined together with a "double-apron", allowing each chef the use of only one hand.

  • Winners: Angelo, Tracey (Flounder Marinated in Fish Sauce, Spicy Sriracha Mayo, Pickled Red Onions)

Elimination Challenge: Inspired by Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign, the chefs, working in teams of four, had to create a healthy four-course school lunch for kids at Alice Deal Middle School, consisting of an entrée, two side dishes, and a dessert. Each chef was responsible for one item on the menu. Sam Kass guest judges.

  • Team 1: Angelo, Ed, Kenny, Tracey
  • Team 2: Amanda, Jacqueline, Stephen, Tamesha
  • Team 3: Alex, Andrea, Kevin, Tim
  • Team 4: Arnold, Kelly, Lynne, Tiffany
    • Winner: Kelly (Braised Pork Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Onions and Cilantro on Oat Tortillas)
    • Eliminated: Jacqueline (Banana Pudding with Skim Milk & Strawberries)
923"Capitol Grill"June 30, 2010 (2010-06-30)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs were tasked with making a pie without a recipe.

Elimination Challenge: The chefs catered an American picnic at Mount Vernon for Capitol Hill interns that included one main dish and two side dishes. Chef Jonathan Waxman guest judges.

  • Winner: Arnold (Sesame Lamb Meatball with Tabouli Salad & Gazpacho)
  • Eliminated: Tracey (Italian Sausage Slider, Tomato, Cucumber & Red Onion Salad)
934"Room Service"July 7, 2010 (2010-07-07)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs prepared an adult dish and a baby-friendly purée version. Instead of immunity, the winners received $10,000 each.

  • Winners: Kenny (Curried Chicken, Mango Salad, Confit of Butternut Squash & Maitake Mushrooms); Tamesha (Salmon with Vegetable Chowder & Lobster Stock, Thai Basil & Licorice Oil)

Elimination Challenge: In a tournament-style elimination, the chefs worked in pairs to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for people on-the-go, to be placed on the Hilton Hotel's menu. Seven pairs prepared breakfast, and the top two teams were declared safe. The remaining five pairs prepared lunch, and two more teams were saved. The last three pairs prepared dinner, where the team with the poorest dish was eliminated. The team with the judges' favorite dish had it placed on the hotel's menu. The two chefs of the winning team were also awarded separate trips, blindly selected, to either Italy or Spain. Chef Nora Pouillon guest judges.

  • Winners: Andrea, Kelly (Braised Beef Short Rib, Polenta, Shiitake Mushrooms & Citrus Gremolata)
  • Eliminated: Arnold, Lynne (Pineapple Red Curry Mussels with Squid Ink Pasta & Focaccia)
945"Farm Policy"July 14, 2010 (2010-07-14)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created dishes featuring Maryland blue crab.

  • Winner: Ed (Jumbo Lump Crab with Thai Basil, Mango & Cucumber Salad)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs worked as a team to create a family-style farm lunch. Chef Patrick O'Connell guest judges.

  • Winner: Kenny (Hot and Sour Curried Eggplant with Peppers & Carrot Tops)
  • Eliminated: Tim (Roasted Turnips & Asparagus with Honey)
956"Cold War"July 21, 2010 (2010-07-21)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs attempted to create a dish using strange or exotic proteins, including yak, Cayman crocodile, ostrich, frog legs, emu egg, duck white kidneys (testicles), duck tongue, and foie gras. Partway through the challenge, host Lakshmi ordered the contestants to trade their proteins with a neighboring chef. The winning chef was exempt from the Elimination Challenge.

  • Winner: Kelly (Emu Egg Omelet with Goat Cheese & Harissa Vinaigrette)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were divided into two groups to prepare individual dishes best served cold. The opposing group of chefs joined the panel of judges and the Quickfire winner to examine their competitors' dishes. A top dish and a bottom dish were nominated from each team. The winner received a six-night trip to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Chef Michelle Bernstein guest judges.

  • Group A: Alex, Ed, Amanda, Kenny, Kevin
  • Group B: Andrea, Angelo, Tamesha, Tiffany, Stephen
    • Winner: Kevin (Tuna & Veal with Romaine Leaves, Pine Nuts & Mediterranean Condiments)
    • Eliminated: Tamesha (Scallops with Pickled Rhubarb, Cilantro, Basil & Long Pepper in Rhubarb Jus)
967"Power Lunch"July 28, 2010 (2010-07-28)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs were required to create a dish served on a toothpick, mirroring the "toothpick rule", which states that congressmen cannot accept meals from lobbyists not eaten with a toothpick. The winner received $20,000.

  • Winner: Angelo (Cucumber Cup with Spiced Shrimp & Cashew)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs took over the kitchen at the Washington branch of The Palm steakhouse for a lunch service. Each chef was randomly assigned one of five classic proteins served at The Palm: salmon, porterhouse steak, swordfish, lamb chops, and lobster. The winner had their dish put on The Palm's menu and their portrait on the wall. Guests include Mika Brzezinski, Savannah Guthrie, Joe Scarborough, Aaron Schock, Mark Warner, and chef Art Smith.

  • Winner: Alex (Applewood Smoked Salmon with Black Forbidden Rice & English Pea Purée)
  • Eliminated: Andrea (Pan-Seared Swordfish with "Risotto-Style" Couscous, Asparagus & Beurre Blanc)
978"Foreign Affairs"August 4, 2010 (2010-08-04)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs were asked to create an Ethiopian-inspired dish.

  • Winner: Tiffany (Beef Goulash with Poached Egg, Currants, Peppers & Yogurt)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to make a dish inspired by a foreign country they selected to serve at the Meridian Center for thousands of diplomats. The winner received $10,000. Chefs Marcus Samuelsson and José Andrés guest judge.

  • Winner: Tiffany (Mexico: Chicken Tamales with Queso Fresco & Tomatillo Sauce)
  • Eliminated: Stephen (Brazil: Flank Steak in Chimichurri Sauce with Black Peas & Rice)
989"Restaurant Wars"August 11, 2010 (2010-08-11)

Quickfire Challenge: The contestants separated into two teams for the Quickfire Challenge. Each team created one dish and competed in a tag-team cook-off. Each chef from each team had 10 minutes to cook (40 minutes total), while the remaining chefs wore blindfolds and could not communicate with the cooking chef. The winning team split $10,000. From this point forward, the winners of the Quickfire no longer received immunity from elimination.

  • Blue Team: Kevin, Kenny, Kelly, Amanda
  • Red Team: Ed, Tiffany, Angelo, Alex
    • Winner: Blue Team (Sautéed Shrimp, Angel Hair Pasta, Mustard Sauce & Crispy Basil)

Elimination Challenge: Following the Restaurant Wars tradition, the teams from the Quickfire Challenge each created a pop-up restaurant name, concept, and menu. The winner received a trip to Terlato Vineyards in Napa. Food critic Frank Bruni and politician Nancy Pelosi guest judge.

  • EVOO: Ed, Tiffany, Angelo (EC), Alex (FOH)
    • First Course: Confit of Tomato Soup, Squash & Olive Crouton (Angelo); Crudo of Black Bass & Yellowtail Snapper with Meyer Lemon-Caper Relish (Tiffany)
    • Second Course: Striped Bass, Stewed Spinach, Chorizo & Clams (Tiffany); Slow-Baked Turbot, Eggplant Caviar & Black Olive Jus (Ed)
    • Third Course: Pan-Seared Lamb Chop, English Pea Pureé, Smoked Bacon & Parmesan Foam (Alex); Seared Rib Eye Steak, Crushed Walnut Potatoes & Balsamic Fig Reduction (Angelo & Ed}
  • Twenty One 21: Kevin, Kenny (EC), Kelly (FOH), Amanda
    • First Course: Chilled Sweet Corn Soup with Maryland Blue Crab Salad (Kelly); Beet Salad with Warm Chorizo-Citrus Vinaigrette (Kenny)
    • Second Course: Oakwood Grilled Strip Steak with Roasted Sunchoke & Maitake Mushrooms (Amanda); Pan-Roasted Halibut, Fennel Marmalade & Tomato-Fennel Emulsion (Kevin)
    • Third Course: Crispy Aged Goat Cheese & Strawberry-Rhubarb Relish (Kenny); Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart and Blackberry-Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream (Kelly)
      • Winner: Ed
      • Eliminated: Kenny
9910"Covert Cuisine"August 18, 2010 (2010-08-18)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created dishes using the contents of a "mystery box", with more and more boxes arriving throughout their designated cooking time. The winner received $10,000.

Elimination Challenge: The chefs took a classic dish and created a "new identity" for it. The winner received a trip to Paris, France. CIA director Leon Panetta and chef Wylie Dufresne guest judge.

  • Winner: Tiffany ("Gyro": Roasted Leg of Lamb with Smoky Eggplant, Tomatoes & Pickled Onions)
  • Eliminated: Alex ("Veal Parmesan": Veal & Parmigiano Cheese Tortelloni with Tomato Sauce & Tempura Cheese)
10011"Making Concessions"August 25, 2010 (2010-08-25)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created dishes based on a common food-based idiom.

  • Winner: Ed ("Hot Potato": Herb & Roasted Garlic Gnocchi, Spring Vegetables & Mushroom Fricassee)

Elimination Challenge: The chefs worked as a team to operate a concession stand, with a minimum of six dishes, for a baseball game at Nationals Park. The winner received a trip to Australia. Washington Nationals players Matt Capps, John Lannan, and Adam Dunn are in attendance and chef Rick Moonen guest judges.

  • Winner: Ed (Shrimp & Corn Risotto Fritters with Jalapeño Aioli)
  • Eliminated: Amanda (Yellowfish Tuna Tartare with Fennel, Meyer Lemon & Fava Bean Purée)
10112"Gastro-nauts"September 1, 2010 (2010-09-01)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to choose a wine and create a dish to pair it with. The winner received a trip to London.

  • Winner: Angelo (Evolution White Wine: Sautéed Foie Gras with Black Salt & Fennel Salad)

Elimination Challenge: At NASA, the chefs were asked to create a dish that could be served in zero gravity. The winner received a brand new Toyota Avalon. Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Leland D. Melvin are in attendance. Chefs Anthony Bourdain and Dana Cowin guest judge.

  • Winner: Angelo (Ginger-Lacquered Short Ribs & Horseradish Créme Fraîche)
  • Eliminated: Tiffany (Pan-Seared Alaskan Halibut with Coconut Curry, Snow Pea Shoots & Jasmine Rice)
10213"Season Finale, Part I"September 8, 2010 (2010-09-08)

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created traditional Singapore street food using a wok. For the first time in the history of Top Chef, the winner of the final Quickfire Challenge won a guaranteed spot in the finals.

  • Winner: Ed (Stir-Fry Noodles with Black Pepper Sauce, Lobster & Gai Lan)

Elimination Challenge: Working as one team, all four chefs created a cohesive menu celebrating Singaporean cuisine for an event hosted by Food & Wine magazine.

  • Winner: Ed (Sweet & Sour Pork with Crispy Rice & Potato Cakes, Gai Lan; Banana Fritter with Red Chili Paste)
  • Eliminated: Kelly (Chilled Cucumber-Yogurt Soup, Bitter Melon Salad; Seared Prawns, Spicy Red Coconut Curry, Crispy Prawn Heads)
10314"Season Finale, Part II"September 15, 2010 (2010-09-15)

Elimination Challenge: The final three chefs were told to cook the best four-course meal of their lives, incorporating a vegetable, red mullet, duck, and dessert. The finalists were assisted by previous Top Chef winners, chosen via knife pull. Ed drew Ilan Hall, Angelo drew Hung Huynh, and Kevin drew Michael Voltaggio.

  • Angelo:
    • First Course: Pickled Royale Mushrooms, Char Siu Bao Pork Belly & Watermelon Tea
    • Second Course: Sautéed Rouget & Poached Cuttlefish with Asian Style Bouillabaisse
    • Third Course: Sautéed Duck Breast & Foie Gras with Marshmallow & Tart Cherry Shooter
    • Fourth Course: "Thai Jewel": Coconut-Vanilla Cream & Crushed Ice with Exotic Fruits
  • Ed:
    • First Course: Chilled Summer Corn Velouté with Fried Black Cockles
    • Second Course: Stuffed Rouget, Glazed Slipper Lobster & Cuttlefish with Zucchini Pesto
    • Third Course: Duck Two Ways: Roasted Breast & Braised Stuffed Neck with Baby Spinach
    • Fourth Course: Sticky Toffee Date Pudding with Fleur de Sel Crème Chantilly
  • Kevin:
    • First Course: Eggplant, Zucchini & Pepper Terrine, Tomatoes, Jalapeños & Black Garlic Purée
    • Second Course: Rouget, Cuttlefish "Noodles", Pork Belly, Cockles, Slipper Lobster & Cigala
    • Third Course: Roasted Duck Breast with Duck Dumpling, Caramelized Bok Choy & Coriander Sauce
    • Fourth Course: Frozen "Singapore Sling" with Tropical Fruits and coconut Panna Cotta
      • Winner: Kevin
      • Runners-up: Angelo, Ed
10415"Reunion"September 22, 2010 (2010-09-22)

References

Notes
  1. The contestants' city and state of residence during time of filming.
Footnotes
  1. Reyhani, Monica A. (August 26, 2010). "The 'Top Chef D.C.' Finale Location is..." Bravo. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
  2. Ram, Archana (September 16, 2010). "'Top Chef': The season 7 winner speaks!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  3. Brion, Raphael (September 24, 2010). "Tiffany Derry Wins Top Chef D.C. Fan Favorite". Eater. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  4. Brion, Raphael (May 13, 2010). "Top Chef Washington D.C. Details: Eric Ripert on as Judge + Contestants Revealed". Eater. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  5. Reyhani, Monica A. (October 8, 2010). "'Top Chef All-Stars' Cast is Announced!". The Daily Dish. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  6. Spence, Shay (October 20, 2016). "Top Chef Is Bringing Back 8 Fan Favorite Contestants — See Who Made the Cut". People. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  7. Huff, Lauren (December 12, 2019). "Unpack your knives: Top Chef announces all-star lineup for season 17". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
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