The first season of Top Chef: Just Desserts was broadcast on Bravo. It featured 12 pastry chefs fighting to win the title of Top Chef.
Guest judges
Jacques Torres (Ep. 1 Elimination) Elizabeth Falkner (Ep. 2 Quickfire and Elimination) Mark Peel (Ep. 2 Elimination) Sylvia Weinstock (Ep. 3 Quickfire and Elimination)(Ep. 9 Elimination) Gale Gand (Ep. 4 Quickfire and Elimination) Sherry Yard (Ep. 5 Quickfire and Elimination) Michael Laiskonis (Ep. 6 Quickfire and Elimination) Nancy Silverton (Ep. 7 Elimination) Shinmin Li (Ep. 8 Quickfire and Elimination) Dana Cowin (Ep. 8 Elimination) François Payard (Ep. 9 Quickfire and Elimination)
Contestants
Names, ages, and hometowns below are from the Bravo website. In the order eliminated:
Age at time filming
Died at ended filming
Contestant progress
: The chefs did not receive immunity. : Heather C. was reinstated in Episode 4, after being eliminated in the previous episode. : Seth was removed from the competition when he was judged medically unable to continue. : Malika withdrew from the competition during the Judges' Table evaluation (WINNER) The chef won the season and was awarded the title Top Chef. (RUNNER-UP) The chef was a runner-up for the season. (WIN) The chef won that episode's Elimination Challenge. (HIGH) The chef was selected as one of the top entries in the Elimination Challenge, but did not win. (LOW) The chef was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge, but was not eliminated. (OUT) The chef lost that week's Elimination Challenge and was out of the competition. (WD) The chef left or was asked to leave the competition. (IN) The chef neither won nor lost that week's Elimination Challenge. They also were not up to be eliminated. [IN (+)] The chef won a pair or team challenge but was not chosen as one of the judges' favorites. [IN (-)] The chef lost a pair or team challenge but was not selected as one of the judges' least favorites.
Episodes
Each episode includes two challenges. The Quickfire Challenge is a short, simple challenge with a varying reward each week; in the initial episodes of the season, it usually guarantees the winner immunity from being sent home that week; however, in the latter stages, the Quickfire winner is given an advantage in the upcoming Elimination Challenge. It also has been made clear that Quickfire winners this season may receive other rewards, including cash prizes. The Elimination Challenge is a more complex challenge that determines who goes home. One or more judges join the show each week to evaluate both the Quickfire and Elimination challenges. Each week's elimination is announced in a segment called "Judges' Table."
Episode 1: Mr. Chocolate
Quickfire Challenge: The 12 pastry chefs are challenged to create their signature dessert. However, a few minutes into the challenge, Gail Simmons and Johnny Iuzzini announce that the chefs must turn their signature dish into a cupcake. The winner will receive immunity. Top: Heather C., Seth, Tania Bottom: Malika, Tim, Zac WINNER: Seth (Steamed Malaysian Coconut Cake with Basil Buttercream and Candied Pine Nuts) Elimination Challenge: The chefs must create a dessert using America's favorite ingredient: chocolate. They must cook for 50 chocolate lovers, including guest judge Jacques Torres. WINNER: Heather H. (Dark Chocolate Mousse Torte with Chocolate Grand Marnier Sauce) ELIMINATED: Tania (Flourless Chocolate Torte with Earl Grey and White Chocolate Mousse) Guest Judge: Jacques Torres Original Airdate: September 15, 2010
Episode 2: Cocktail with a Twist
Quickfire Challenge: The 11 remaining pastry chefs must create a dish that celebrates penny candy. The winner will receive immunity. Top: Danielle, Heather H., Zac Bottom: Eric, Heather C., Seth WINNER: Danielle ("Worms in Dirt" – Chocolate Mousse with Lemon Gummies, Malt Balls and Lemon Soda) Elimination Challenge: The chefs must create a dessert inspired by a cocktail. WINNER: Erika (Margarita Bombe with a Lime Cookie, Tequila Mousse and Grand Marnier Créme Brûlée) ELIMINATED: Tim (Basil Pudding with Orange, Kumquat and Lime Granita) Guest Judge: Elizabeth Falkner, Mark Peel Original Airdate: September 22, 2010