Everything's Bigger in Texas (S09E01)

In San Antonio, Texas, 29 talented chefs converge at the historic Alamo, vying for one of 16 coveted spots in the 9th season of Top Chef. They are split into three teams, each facing a unique culinary challenge that will determine their future in the competition. Some contestants will discover their outcomes right away, earning a chef coat or facing elimination, while others linger in uncertainty, needing to compete again for a second chance. Texas may be known for its size, but the intensity of the competition is equally fierce. Group 1 Qualifying Challenge: Create a Dish Featuring a Specific Pork Cut Group 2 Qualifying Challenge: Craft a Dish Utilizing the Same Core Ingredient