In the March 9 premiere of Bravo's Top Chef season 23, filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contestants faced NASCAR-themed Quickfire and sweet potato elimination challenges in the Carolinas. Identical twin brothers took the Quickfire win, while Rhoda Magbitang earned immunity, as host Kristen Kish and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons kicked off the competition highlighting regional cuisine.
Building on the season 23 preview, the Top Chef premiere aired March 9 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo (subsequent episodes Mondays at 9:30 p.m. ET). Challenges spotlighted Charlotte as a culinary hub and Greenville, South Carolina.
The Quickfire at Charlotte Motor Speedway had teams of three cooking while drivers completed 23 laps. NASCAR stars Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson guest-judged. Jonathan Dearden, Jennifer Lee Jackson, and Laurence Louie won with crab and shrimp hushpuppy with harissa aioli, earning $5,000 each and a victory lap.
The elimination challenge used North Carolina's official vegetable—sweet potatoes—with five varieties at La Belle Helene. Guest judges: Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch, Sean Brock, Chayil Johnson, and Cheetie Kumar. Rhoda Magbitang won immunity, impressing Colicchio: “I wanted you to remember my name.” He replied, “I’m not going to forget it.”
Judges encountered a snake near their table during an outdoor farm challenge; Simmons noted a farmer's warning about local snakes and spiders. Upcoming guests include alums Sara Bradley and Joe Flamm, plus Emeril Lagasse and Southern Charm stars.
