Top Chef (2006)

Episode Overview

In this episode, the chefs face off in a taco throwdown hosted by actor and restaurateur Danny Trejo. The Quickfire challenge requires them to use a machete, a nod to one of Danny's iconic roles. Padma then reveals that to advance to Restaurant Wars, they must excel in a qualifying challenge. The contestants must dig deep to develop and pitch a unique restaurant concept, including a couple of signature dishes, to judges Padma, Tom, and Gail, alongside "Top Chef" Chicago Winner Stephanie Izard and esteemed restaurateur Kevin Boehm. The top two concepts will become part of the Restaurant Wars challenge, while the weakest concept leads to elimination.