Summary: Bravo's Top Chef congregates a dream team of 18 past cheftestants who nearly won the title to return to see if they have what it takes. The 2010 Primetime Emmy Award-winning Top Chef returns to New York City for Season 8 with host Padma Lakshmi and head judge chef Tom Colicchio, alongside judges Gail Simmons and new this season, best-selling author and chef, Anthony Bourdain.

Summary: Joe Jonas challenges chefs to create a snack for children; breakfasts inspired by a dinosaur's diet.

Summary: A mise-en-place relay race; chefs cook in four of New York's finest restaurants.

Summary: The chefs unexpectedly find themselves without even their knives when they are asked to make stuffing. Next up is catering an event at the U.S. Open.

Summary: Contestants are taken on a fishing expedition.

Summary: Fish fillet contest; chefs must open ``one night only'' restaurants in New York City.

Summary: Designer Isaac Mizrahi judges. Contestants are judged on presentation and plating; traditional three-course Italian meal.

Summary: It’s a Sesame Street kind of day when the chefs find themselves cooking to please Muppet palates. Next they are tasked with making a dish at a Target store.

Summary: The chefs need to make something out of nothing; the contestants head to Ellis Island, where they must make a dish based on their heritage.

Summary: The chefs set sail for the Bahamas, and each participates in a culinary duel against the person who was crowned the winner during their first stint on the show. Later, they create meals for Bahamian royalty, but it's a royal pain with limited cooking equipment.

Summary: The contestants cater a yacht club's anniversary party, but only after they have gone conch fishing.

Summary: The remaining two chefs have no time to digest what just happened as their final challenge is immediately announced. The 2 finalists choose their sous-chefs... blindfolded!