★★★★★ 0/5

Returning: Top Chef Masters

Curtis Stone debuts as host of Top Chef Masters replacing Kelly Choi.

3
Leave a comment

We’ll get a look at Curtis Stone as host of Top Chef Masters later this month, when Arena serves up the next season of the US series.

Stone replaced Kelly Choi as host.

Unlike previous seasons, chefs are not judged on a five-star ratings, but in elimination-style challenges. similar

Pitting twelve accomplished chefs against one another is a recipe for exciting culinary-drama, and that’s exactly what Top Chef Masters dishes up when the third season premieres on Monday, September 19 at 9.30pm exclusive to Arena.

Hosted by hot Aussie chef, Curtis Stone, Top Chef Masters takes the kitchen reality format to the next level in more ways than one.

Amateurs, these contestants are not and this season they’re bringing more than just their knives to the table. All accomplished restaurateurs in their own right, the collective culinary knowledge and experience, really turns up the heat in the Top Chef kitchen.

This season’s contestants battle it out in challenges that take even these kitchen veterans out of their comfort zones. Egos will clash when they face off in some of the most difficult challenges yet including; ‘Restaurant Wars’, where they must transform an empty space into a restaurant within a set time limit and budget, selecting and creating the name, theme, decor, and menu. They’ll also create dishes in under 7 minutes in the ‘Quick Fire’ challenge and cook with some bizarre ingredients including crickets, beetles and scorpions, as they try and keep themselves in the race to win some cash for the charity of their choice.

Charismatic Curtis Stone, brings some Australian charm and along with his panel of judges, serve up the tough critique at tasting time. Joining Stone on the judging panel are critically acclaimed food writers and editors, James Oseland and Ruth Reichl.

Rock group Maroon 5, Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks and R&B sensation Kelis all serve as guest judges.

Monday, September 19 at 9.30pm on Arena.

3 Responses

  1. Seen this whole season and i actually liked Curtis hosting this , i thought he fitted in well , great group of chefs too , good competition between them all , now started watching Top Chef Just Desserts.

  2. Can’t disagree with Greg more. Sure, Curtis was amiable and engaged with the chefs more but he was still a little wooden, although not as much as Ms. Choi was.

    Secondly, turning the format into the same as Top Chef’s was IMHO a Big mistake. Yes, we get to know the contestants more but a major drawback is that – because of a lack of well known names – this Masters series becomes just another Top Chef Original. Since it aired a few weeks after the end of the normal Top Chef it just felt like one big ultra long Top Chef and it was boring. And I think the format change also forced some of the more well known names to withdraw because it would mean being away from their restaurants too long.

  3. I’ve already watched this series and I have to say Curtis does a really fantastic job of hosting. He engages with the chefs really well which makes for a nice feel.

    The chefs themselves are amazing and following the usual Top Chef format (as opposed to the rounds format Masters had in the past) means you get a better idea of them all. Definitely my favourite season of Masters so far.

Leave a Reply