Top Chef (Season 3)

An American reality competition show in which chefs compete against each other in culinary challenges and are judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notables from the food and wine industry with one or more contestants eliminated in each episode.

First Impressions (Episode 1)
Air date: 2007-06-13
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: Getting to know each other is the theme for this first round. The new crop of fifteen chefs arrives in Miami, and then they are given two challenges – one with leftovers – to introduce themselves and their cooking to their fellow contestants and the judges. Guest Judge: Anthony Bourdain. QuickFire Challenge: Create an Amuse-Bouche in 10 Minutes Elimination Challenge: Create a Surf & Turf Dish Using Exotic Ingredients
Sunny Delights (Episode 2)
Air date: 2007-06-20
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: Tonight's theme is sunshine, and first the contestants must use a product of that sunshine, citrus. Then they are asked to demonstrate their catering skills at an event which requires sunshine, a gourmet BBQ party. Guest Chef: Norman Van Aken QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using Florida Citrus Kingsford Elimination Challenge: Create an Upscale BBQ Dish
Family Favorites (Episode 3)
Air date: 2007-06-27
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: This week the remaining chefs must first catch fresh seafood, and then put a fresh twist on American dinner staples for members of the Miami Elks Club. Guest Judge: Alfred Portale QuickFire Challenge: Catch & Cook Shellfish Elimination Challenge: Update Classic Dishes into Modern Lower Cholesterol Meals
Cooking by Numbers (Episode 4)
Air date: 2007-07-11
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: The contestants mix it up with Bombay Sapphire mixologist Jamie Walker, and then ply their trade at a gastronomic society. Barton G. Weiss of Miami's Barton G. the Restaurant serves as guest judge.
Latin Lunch (Episode 5)
Air date: 2007-07-18
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: Timing is the theme for this round as the 11 remaining chefs are asked to be creative with a time-saving pastry and then serve lunch to clients on a tight schedule. Guest Judge: Maria Frumkin QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using a Frozen Pie Crust. Elimination Challenge: Cater a Latin Lunch for the Cast & Crew of Telemundo's Dame Chocolate.
Watch What Happens (Episode 6)
Air date: 2007-07-25
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: In a special episode, Bravo's Andy Cohen sits down with past and current contestants to explore their experiences in the competition
Freezer Burn (Episode 7)
Air date: 2007-08-01
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: The chef's taste buds are put to the test, and then they must "cook" for a frozen challenge. Rocco DiSpirito acts as guest judge.
Guilty Pleasures (Episode 8)
Air date: 2007-08-08
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: This round's theme is guilty pleasures. First the chefs must work with Summer's guilty institution, ice cream, and then they move on to Miami's night life, but there's a surprise in store for them. Guest Judge: Govind Armstrong QuickFire Challenge: Coldstone Creamery Mix-in Challenge (Create Original Mix-ins for Their Sweet Cream Flavor). Elimination Challenge: Create Late Night Bar food in a Mobile Kitchen.
Restaurant Wars (Episode 9)
Air date: 2007-08-15
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: The chefs are told that they must create the perfect burger. Then, they must create a new restaurant concept, including a great menu. Chef Daniel Boulud is the guest judge.
Second Helping (Episode 10)
Air date: 2007-08-22
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: Chef Geoffrey Zakarian guest judges a relay race challenge. The chefs get another try at "Restaurant Wars," continued from last episode.
Chef Overboard (Episode 11)
Air date: 2007-09-05
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: Chef Michael Schwartz helps to judge challenges that involve a cruise ship buffet and creativity in a grocery store.
Snacks on a Plane (Episode 12)
Air date: 2007-09-12
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: Jimmy Canora guests on an episode that takes to the skies when the chefs take on the dreaded plane cuisine.
Manhattan Project (Episode 13)
Air date: 2007-09-19
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: Sirio Maccione guest judges a QuickFire where the chefs must recreate one of his dishes, then they must impress four more chefs, including Andre Soltner, in elimination.
Finale (1) (Episode 14)
Air date: 2007-09-26
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: The remaining chefs make the move to Aspen, Colorado for the semifinal and the decision of who the final two will be.
Finale (2) (Episode 15)
Air date: 2007-10-03
Runtime: 56 min
Overview: The Top Chef is chosen.
Reunion (Episode 16)
Air date: 2007-10-10
Runtime: 42 min
Overview: The cast and contestants get together to reminisce about the season and answer questions.