Top Chef

Seventeen new culinary contestants are introduced in Las Vegas.

Wedding bells are ringing; in a city famous for its quickie marriages, the chefs cater to a poolside bachelor and bachelorette party; they compete in teams of men and women; celebrity chef Todd English serves as guest judge.

The elimination challenge calls for the contestants to create a meal for the Air Force's elite demonstration team, the Thunderbirds.

The contestants pair up to create the perfect French dish for acclaimed chefs Joël Robuchon, Daniel Boulud, Hubert Keller, Laurent Tourondel and Jean Joho.

The chef’testants rough it ranch-style this week when the quickfire requires them to cook with cactus. For the elimination challenge, they must sleep under the stars at a camping site and plan a menu for some Las Vegas cowboys.

The contestants deconstruct a classic dish for magicians Penn & Teller; chef Michelle Bernstein serves as a guest judge.