# Top Chef: Los Angeles

Top Chef: Los Angeles is the second season of the American reality television series Top Chef. It was first filmed in Los Angeles, before concluding in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. The season premiered on October 18, 2006, and ended on January 31, 2007. Padma Lakshmi replaced Katie Lee Joel as the host, with Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons returning as judges. The winning recipe from each week's episode was featured on Bravo's Top Chef website and prepared by Season 1 contestant Lee Anne Wong in a web video called The Wong Way to Cook. Bravo cited negative viewer reaction to the Season 2 chefs' attitudes and overall behavior as the reason why no reunion episode was filmed. In the season finale, Ilan Hall was declared the winner over runner-up Marcel Vigneron. Sam Talbot was voted Fan Favorite.

## Contestants

Fifteen chefs competed in Top Chef: Los Angeles.
| Name | Current Residence | Age |
| Elia Aboumrad | Las Vegas, Nevada | 23 |
| Otto Borsich | Las Vegas, Nevada | 46 |
| Marisa Churchill | San Francisco, California | 28 |
| Cliff Crooks | West Caldwell, New Jersey | 28 |
| Carlos Fernandez | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 36 |
| Betty Fraser | Los Angeles, California | 44 |
| Mia Gaines-Alt | Oakdale, California | 32 |
| Ilan Hall | New York, New York | 24 |
| Michael Midgley | Lodi, California | 28 |
| Josie Smith-Malave | Brooklyn, New York | 31 |
| Emily Sprissler | Las Vegas, Nevada | 30 |
| Suyai Steinhauer | New York, New York | 29 |
| Sam Talbot | New York, New York | 28 |
| Frank Terzoli | San Diego, California | 39 |
| Marcel Vigneron | Las Vegas, Nevada | 26 |
Marcel Vigneron and Elia Aboumrad returned to compete in Top Chef: All-Stars. Josie Smith-Malave returned for Top Chef: Seattle. Vigneron later competed in Top Chef Duels, and returned again for Top Chef: Colorado, competing in the Last Chance Kitchen. Sam Talbot returned for Top Chef: Charleston.

## Contestant progress

| Episode # | Episode # | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Quickfire Challenge Winner(s) | Quickfire Challenge Winner(s) | Sam | Cliff | Cliff | Carlos | Sam | Cliff Frank Ilan Mia Sam | Marcel | Cliff | Michael | Sam Marcel | Sam | N/A | N/A |
| Contestant | Contestant | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results | Elimination Challenge Results |
| 1 | Ilan | WIN | LOW | IN | IN | WIN | IN | IN | HIGH | LOW | IN | HIGH | LOW | WINNER |
| 2 | Marcel | LOW | LOW | IN | HIGH | IN | HIGH | IN | HIGH | LOW | IN | LOW | WIN | RUNNER-UP |
| 3 | Sam | IN | HIGH | HIGH | LOW | HIGH | IN | LOW | WIN | HIGH | LOW | HIGH | OUT | |
| 3 | Elia | HIGH | LOW | IN | IN | LOW | WIN | WIN | LOW | HIGH | IN | LOW | OUT | |
| 5 | Cliff | IN | LOW | HIGH | LOW | HIGH | IN | LOW | LOW | IN | LOW | DSQ | | |
| 6 | Michael | IN | HIGH | LOW | LOW | HIGH | LOW | IN | LOW | WIN | OUT | | | |
| 7 | Betty | HIGH | WIN | WIN | HIGH | LOW | LOW | HIGH | HIGH | OUT | | | | |
| 8 | Mia | HIGH | HIGH | IN | LOW | LOW | IN | HIGH | WDR | | | | | |
| 9 | Frank | IN | LOW | LOW | WIN | IN | IN | OUT | | | | | | |
| 10 | Carlos | LOW | HIGH | IN | LOW | LOW | OUT | | | | | | | |
| 11 | Marisa | IN | LOW | IN | LOW | OUT | | | | | | | | |
| 11 | Josie | IN | HIGH | IN | IN | OUT | | | | | | | | |
| 13 | Emily | IN | HIGH | OUT | | | | | | | | | | |
| 14 | Otto | LOW | WDR | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 15 | Suyai | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | |
^Note 1 : The chef(s) did not receive immunity for winning the Quickfire Challenge. ^Note 2 : Otto voluntarily withdrew before Lakshmi eliminated anyone, deciding that his misconduct over the unpaid lychees contributed the most to his team's loss. ^Note 3 : After allegations of cheating, the judges decided not to eliminate anyone. Consequently, two chefs were eliminated in the following episode. ^Note 4 : There were five winners in the Quickfire Challenge. These winners did not compete in the Elimination Challenge. ^Note 5 : Mia voluntarily withdrew before Lakshmi eliminated anyone, fearing Elia would be eliminated. ^Note 6 : Following the Elimination Challenge, no winning team was declared. The Bottom 3 was decided based on each chef's individual performance. ^Note 7 : Cliff was disqualified for aggressive physical contact with Marcel. No one else was eliminated going into the finale.
    (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.
    (WDR) The chef voluntarily withdrew from the competition.
    (DSQ) The chef was disqualified from the competition.

## Episodes

| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original release date |
| 13 | 1 | "Into the Fire" | October 18, 2006 (2006-10-18) |
| Quickfire Challenge: The chefs created flambé dishes in a limited amount of time. The winner received immunity from elimination. Season One champion Harold Dieterle was this season's first guest judge. Winner: Sam (Espresso Shrimp Flambéed with Sambuca, Roasted Hazelnut & Peanut Paste) Elimination Challenge: The chefs were required to prepare a dish using the five ingredients provided in a mystery crate. The contestants were separated into two groups and received different crates. The teams took turns serving their dishes to the judges and the other group of contestants. Orange Team: Carlos, Elia, Frank, Ilan, Marisa, Michael, Suyai Black Team: Betty, Cliff, Emily, Josie, Marcel, Mia, Otto, Sam Winner: Ilan (Baked Escargot in the Shell) Eliminated: Suyai (Braised Potatoes & Artichokes, Garlic Escargot with Cheese Sauce) ||||
| 14 | 2 | "Eastern Promise" | October 25, 2006 (2006-10-25) |
| Quickfire Challenge: Each chef created a sushi dish in a limited amount of time. The winner received immunity from elimination. Winner: Cliff (Hama Hama Oysters with Ginger, Soy, Mango & Jalapeño; Spot Prawns, Hamachi & Daikon Sushi) Elimination Challenge: The contestants were split into two teams: Team Vietnam and Team Korea. Each team had to prepare two dishes using the flavors of their assigned country to serve at a charity fundraiser for 1,000 people. The winner received a limited-edition Kyocera KT-300-HIP Kyotop 8.25" ceramic sashimi knife. Chef, restaurateur, and television personality Ming Tsai appeared as guest judge. Team Vietnam: Betty, Carlos, Emily, Josie, Mia, Michael, Sam Team Korea: Cliff, Elia, Frank, Ilan, Marcel, Marisa, Otto Winner: Betty Withdrew: Otto ||||
| 15 | 3 | "Food for the People" | November 1, 2006 (2006-11-01) |
| Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to create an original ice cream flavor and serve it at the Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon. The winner received immunity from elimination. Winner: Cliff (Marshmallow with Cookies) Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to create a dish updating a "childhood classic" to fit the menu of T.G.I. Friday's that would be served to the firemen of South Pasadena. The winning entrée would be featured nationwide on the menu of T.G.I. Friday's. Winner: Betty (Grilled Cheese with Portabello Mushrooms & Roasted Red Pepper Soup) Eliminated: Emily ("Super Slamming Surf & Turf") ||||
| 16 | 4 | "Less is More" | November 8, 2006 (2006-11-08) |
| Quickfire Challenge: Each chef made an amuse-bouche dish using $10 of ingredients from a vending machine. The winner received immunity from elimination. Winner: Carlos (Sunflower Seed & Carrot Loaf with Cilantro, Sesame Seeds & Squirt) Elimination Challenge: The 12 chefs were divided into four teams and were required to create a meal that did not exceed 500 calories (2,100 kJ) to serve at a camp for diabetic and overweight children. The winner received a cookbook written by guest judge Suzanne Goin and an opportunity to collaborate on one of Goin's famed Sunday supper menus for her Lucques restaurant. Red Team: Marisa, Mia, Michael Orange Team: Carlos, Cliff, Sam Black Team: Betty, Frank, Marcel White Team: Elia, Ilan, Josie Winner: Frank (Sausage & Cheese Pizza) Eliminated: None ||||
| 17 | 5 | "Social Service" | November 15, 2006 (2006-11-15) |
| Quickfire Challenge: Each chef created a dish using offal, the leftover parts of animals. Winner: Sam (Sweetbread & Scallion Beignets, Chinese Five Spice & Sweet Soy Broth) Elimination Challenge: Working in teams of two, the chefs had to create a six-course lunch for Jennifer Coolidge and 60 of her guests using only the ingredients that were already available in the kitchen. An opportunity to work with guest judge Michelle Bernstein at the Sagamore Hotel in Miami on the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. First Course: Frank and Marcel Second Course: Cliff and Sam Third Course: Ilan and Michael Fourth Course: Betty and Mia Fifth Course: Josie and Marisa Sixth Course: Elia and Carlos Winner: Ilan (Lobster, Shrimp & Mushroom Paella, Fried Softshell Crab) Eliminated: Marisa, Josie (Prickly Pear & Coconut Soup, Fennel & Apple Salad, Sautéed Pineapple Salad) ||||
| 18 | 6 | "Thanksgiving" | November 22, 2006 (2006-11-22) |
| Quickfire Challenge: The remaining chefs created dishes using three different canned foods in 15 minutes. The winners of the challenge were able to skip the Elimination Challenge altogether. Winners: Sam (Garbanzo & Beet Salad, Crunchy Anchovies with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette) Mia (15 Minute Salad with Garbanzo Beans, Green Beans, Artichoke Hearts & Mint) Ilan (Spinach & Cannellini Bean Salad, Roasted Potatoes & Vienna Sausages) Cliff (Potato Salad, Anchovies & Mandarin Oranges) Frank (Fruit & Coconut Salad with Blueberry Yogurt Cream) Elimination Challenge: The five chefs who did not win the Quickfire Challenge (Marcel, Elia, Michael, Betty, and Carlos) worked together to make a cutting edge Thanksgiving dinner for the judges, guest judge Anthony Bourdain, and the other Top Chef contestants, using the kitchens in the loft. Winner: Elia (Portobello & Button Mushroom Creme with Walnuts) Eliminated: Carlos (Salad with Chipotle Peppers, Queso Fresco, Pumpkin Seeds, Butternut Squash Dressing) ||||
| 19 | 7 | "The Raw and the Cooked" | December 6, 2006 (2006-12-06) |
| Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to create an entrée using fresh ingredients from the Redondo Beach Farmers' Market without cooking of any kind. The winner received immunity from elimination. Winner: Marcel (Watermelon & Tomato Trio: Watermelon Steak, Tomato Carpaccio, Nasturtiums & Opal Basil) Elimination Challenge: The chefs were told by Lakshmi that they had to prepare breakfast for athletes. The cooking environment and available tools were unknown to the contestants until their arrival at the challenge. In the challenge, the chefs cooked for surfers at dawn on the beach using only a fire pit and basic kitchen tools. Rafael Lunetta guest judges. Winner: Elia ("Organic Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner": Waffle with Ham, Cheese & Fried Eggs) Eliminated: Frank (Zucchini & Salmon Scramble, Cannoli Cream with Strawberries & Holland Waffle) ||||
| 20 | 8 | "Holiday Spirit" | December 13, 2006 (2006-12-13) |
| Quickfire Challenge: The chefs made a Bailey's Irish Cream mix drink and an accompanying dish. The winner received immunity from elimination. Mixologist and owner of Culinary Cocktail Catering, Kristin Woodward, was the guest judge. Winner: Cliff (Original Bailey's, Rum, Vodka & Vanilla Bean Cocktail; Steak Tapas, Creme Fraiche Fondue, Nutmeg & Dark Chocolate) Elimination Challenge: Working in two teams of four, the chefs catered the Los Angeles magazine holiday party at the Warner Bros. movie lot. The winner received a 20-piece set of Global knives. Ted Allen guest judges. Black Team: Cliff, Elia, Mia, Michael Orange Team: Betty, Ilan, Marcel, Sam Winner: Sam Withdrew: Mia ||||
| 21 | 9 | "Seven" | January 3, 2007 (2007-01-03) |
| Quickfire Challenge: Each chef drew a knife that showed a different color. The chefs then had to create a dish based on the color drawn from the knife block. From this point on, the winner of the Quickfire Challenge no longer received immunity from elimination. Winner: Michael (Orange: Sushi Rice with Salmon & Carrot Chips) Elimination Challenge: The chefs prepared a seven-course meal, with each course representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins. The sins were drawn from the knife block, but Michael, as the Quickfire winner, was given the opportunity to swap his sin, Lust, for Marcel's Envy. Debi Mazar made a guest appearance, and her favorite chef in Los Angeles, Roberto Ivan, appeared as the guest judge in addition to Ted Allen. Winner: Michael (Envy: Trout & Salmon with Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc, Asparagus & Mushrooms) Eliminated: Betty (Sloth: Trio of Slow Roasted Soups: Carrot Fennel, Sweet White Onion, Beet & Red Pepper) ||||
| 22 | 10 | "Unhappy Customers" | January 10, 2007 (2007-01-10) |
| Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create snacks using three Kraft Foods products: mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or Italian dressing. Winners: Sam (Southern Kraft Sandwich with Tempura Shrimp, Pickled Peaches & BBQ Aioli); Marcel (Lamb Kebab with Curried Kraft Mayo, Endives & Tomatoes) Elimination Challenge: Similar to the standard Restaurant Wars format, the contestants, divided into two teams, devised a concept, interior design, and menu for a raw restaurant space. Sam and Marcel, as the Quickfire winners, chose their teammates. Mike Yakura guest judges both challenges. Lalalina: Sam, Michael, Ilan (FOH) First Course: Fried Meatball on Crostini with Parsley Pesto Second Course: Linguini with Walnut Parsley Pesto & Roasted Mushrooms Third Course: Roasted Pork Loin, Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Creamy Polenta Fourth Course: Watermelon "Gnocchi" with Cabrales & Asiago Cream M.E.C.: Marcel, Elia, Cliff (FOH) First Course: Barbecue Coffee Chicken Wing Second Course: Tempura Vegetables & Mozzarella with Cornichon Aioli Third Course: "The M.E.C. Burger" with House Made Chips Fourth Course: Oreo Lemon Pie Eliminated: Michael ||||
| 23 | 11 | "Sense and Sensuality" | January 17, 2007 (2007-01-17) |
| Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to prepare a dish using Nestlé chocolatier products. Winner: Sam (Shrimp & Banana with Chocolate Chipotle, Black Bean & Cilantro Pesto Sauces) Elimination Challenge: The chefs worked together to create a romantic five-course menu for celebratory couples in Santa Barbara. Sam, as the Quickfire Challenge winner, was allowed to choose which course he wanted to execute and which proteins he was going to use. The remaining contestants were not allowed to use the same proteins that Sam chose. Sam elected to cook the first course and use lobster and scallops as his proteins. Éric Ripert guest judges. Disqualified: Cliff (Sirloin with Lentil Purée) ||||
| 24 | 12 | "Hawaii Finale, Part 1" | January 24, 2007 (2007-01-24) |
| Elimination Challenge: Each chef made two dishes based on classic Hawaiian dishes, with a twist. They were required to combine their signature style with traditional Hawaiian flavors and cuisine, served at a birthday luau for guest judge and Hawaiian cuisine champion Alan Wong. Winners: Marcel (Hamachi Poke with Pineapple Poi; Salmon Lomi Lomi with Tomato Foam, Scallion Oil, Chili Water & Lotus Root Chip); Ilan (Morcilla & Squid Laulau; Saffron Haupia Frita). Eliminated: Sam (Opakapaka Poke with Sea Beans; Mascarpone Mousse with Hawaiian Salted Coconut Milk & Citrus Tuile); Elia (Snapper Steamed in Ti Leaves; Ahi Poke with Olives, Capers & Lemon Confit) ||||
| 25 | 13 | "Hawaii Finale, Part 2" | January 31, 2007 (2007-01-31) |
| Elimination Challenge: The chefs prepared a five-course meal to be served to the usual judges' panel and five additional guest judges at one of two restaurants in the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Ilan cooked at Donatoni's Restaurant, while Marcel cooked at Imari Restaurant. Previously eliminated contestants Sam, Elia, Michael, Betty, Mia, and Frank were asked to return as potential sous chefs for Ilan and Marcel. Each returnee was asked which finalist they would prefer to work with. Elia, Michael, and Betty chose Ilan. Sam, Mia, and Frank chose Marcel. Ilan and Marcel were then allowed to choose two chefs. Marcel chose Sam and Michael, and Ilan chose Elia and Betty. Guest judging are Michelle Bernstein, Scott Conant, Wylie Dufresne, Hubert Keller, and Roy Yamaguchi. Ilan: First Course: Pincho of Pan Con Tomate with Angulas, Osetra Caviar & Tomatillos Second Course: Macadamia Nut Gazpacho with Pan Roasted Moi Third Course: Seared Squab with Foie Gras, Shrimp, Braised Leeks & Lobster Sauce Fourth Course: Braised & Grilled Beef Short Rib with Mushrooms & Romesco Sauce Fifth Course: Tangelo Soup with Hawaiian Fruit, Surinam Cherry Sorbet & Bay Leaf Fritter Marcel: First Course: Sea Urchin & Meyer Lemon Gelee with Fennel Cream, Caviar & Kalamata Oil Second Course: Cucumber & Radish Salad with Citrus Yuzu Vinaigrette Third Course: Hearts of Palm & Maitake Mushrooms with Kaffir Lime Sauce & Sea Beans Fourth Course: North Short Strip Loin with Garlic Purée, Crispy Taro Ball & Micro Greens Fifth Course: Blini with Kona Coffee Caviar & Hawaiian Chocolate Mousse Winner: Ilan Runner-up: Marcel ||||