Top Chef Season 23 Ep 10 Recap

Top Chef Season 23 Ep 10 Recap

From We Know Top Chef by RHAP Judges Table

May 13, 2026 · 1h 13m

About this episode

The episode recaps Top Chef Season 23 Episode 10, focusing on fishing and Southern ingredients amidst competition pressures.

Top Chef Season 23 Ep 10 Recap Top Chef Season 23 episode 10, “Lake Hartwell,” brings Haley Strong, Kurt Clark, and Chef Jim Smith together for a lively recap centered on fishing, Southern ingredients, and the mounting pressure of the competition. As the culinary field narrows, the trio dives into the joys and frustrations of this fish-forward episode, spotlighting both high-level cooking and relatable Midwest chores; shucking corn, catching bass, and dissecting dishwasher detergent fails. This week, the chefs return to a classic quickfire with a mise en place face-off, battling through rounds of grape-seeding, shrimp-peeling, and nut-cracking. The conversation traces strategic choices in the relay format and the unusual appearance of scuppernong grapes, with Jim providing Southern culinary context. The main challenge has contestants out on Lake Hartwell, fishing for their own catch under a ticking clock, then showcasing their fresh bass in refined dishes ranging from cantonese-style steamed fish to bold fish tacos. Discussions focus on the judges’ reactions, the importance of simplicity, and the tension of a double elimination as favorites leave with no Last Chance Kitchen…

People in this episode

Guests: Haley Strong, Kurt Clark, Chef Jim Smith

Topics covered

  • recap
  • cooking competition
  • Southern ingredients
  • fishing
  • quickfire challenge
  • double elimination

Keywords

  • Top Chef
  • Lake Hartwell
  • quickfire challenge
  • Southern cooking
  • double elimination
  • fishing

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Top Chef

Places: Lake Hartwell

More episodes of We Know Top Chef

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the We Know Top Chef podcast page.