It's a tale of two Chinatowns as Tyler Florence travels from coast to coast, diving into everything from authentic dim sum in San Francisco with Chef Martin Yan to colorful, innovative dim sum and the most luscious spare ribs in New York.
Patti LaBelle hangs out in the kitchen with the dynamic duo of David and Tamela Mann for some down-home family fun. Patti shows them her unique spin on salmon croquettes deluxe with creamy and delicious grits. She then whips up a simple and delicious gold medal meal for Olympian Laurie Hernandez that includes penne pasta served with chicken, basil and fresh tomatoes. Finally, she invites Wanda Durant -- the real MVP of the NBA -- over for a quick and easy meal that includes bean turkey chili and Patti's favorite pan-fried cornbread.
Michael Symon visits an old San Antonio institution given new life by their phenomenal bacon and blue cheese burger. Then, he sinks his teeth into a spicy Cincinnati sausage that's a staple of his home state. He finishes in Austin with a meaty eggs Benedict, combining mouthwatering brisket smothered in smoked tomato hollandaise sauce.
Adam Richman travels to Johannesburg, South Africa, to sample the city's off-menu eats, including a bacon-wrapped sandwich stuffed with four kinds of cheese, succulent braised lamb shank, a Mediterranean kofta wrap and a decadent chocolate doughnut sundae.
Anne Burrell and Rachael Ray play a unique taste and describe game with the celebrity recruits, which get them a little "hot under the collar." After testing their taste buds, the mentors demonstrate hors d'oeuvres, which their recruits must replicate exactly, as well as make their own. The two celebrities with the worst dishes go head-to-head in an elimination challenge.
Sheron Chin-Barnes has taken Jamaican cuisine to new heights with her Fried Fish Escovitch. The delicious fish is one of the signature dishes featured at Mo Bay, her swanky restaurant in Harlem, and one of the reasons she's developed a loyal clientele. Sheron is used to being a woman in charge, but what will she do when her Jamaican cuisine celebration turns into a Throwdown against Bobby Flay? Sheron's escovitch sauce is addictive enough to win a Throwdown, but Iron Chef Flay is heading uptown with an out-of-the-box approach and he's fishin' for a win.
Pride is on the line as four regional rivals all deeply devoted to North Carolina-style barbecue battle it out in a thrilling, grilling heat to see who will represent their region in the $50,000 Grill Masters grand finale against winners from Texas, Memphis and Kansas City. Will fish in the first basket throw the pork-loving pitmasters off their game? The three chefs who move on to the entree round are surprised to have to work with liver. Finally, some Southern favorites in the dessert basket give the last two Tar Heel State competitors a head start in bringing Carolina flavors to their sweet plates.
For the last Skill Drill, Chef Anne Burrell and Chef Tyler Florence challenge the final four recruits to replicate a dish. With no help from their mentors, the recruits must rely on their taste buds and newfound skills. The trials continue when the recruits must cook a revamped version of their Day 1 signature dishes for their loved ones -- but their loved ones don't know which recruit cooked what dish and could unwittingly send their own loved one packing!
Chester "Chet" Gerl and Dan Bugge know their fish and have all their customers hooked on their infamous Salmon Chowder! Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Dan, a previous fish monger and Chet, an executive chef, purchased Matt's in the Market and refined the menu to have a local, gourmet flair. Written up continuously in Seattle's "Best of" categories, these two are confident in the kitchen but what will happen when Chef Bobby Flay shows up to Throwdown his own version of Salmon Chowder?
Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar want to give Gabriele's brother, Fabio, a party to remember. They make a plan to ride motorcycles and cook a meal for Fabio. While driving to the raceway, Debi and Gabriele stop to make Tortalone with an adorable old couple. From there, it's on to the track for the celebration. They share a meal of Porcini Mushroom Crostini, Tortalone with a three-meat Bolognese sauce and Profiteroles for dessert.