Top Chef
Puckerbutt
Season 23, Episode 2 · Aired 2026-03-16

Synopsis
For this week's Quickfire Challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating a savory dish inspired by a sweet treat. Then the chefs head to PuckerButt Farms for a pepper tasting with Ed Currie, the inventor of the world's hottest pepper. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs are split into two teams and must create a progressively hotter menu. "Top Chef" season 12 winner Mei Lin joins Kristen, Tom and Gail at the judges' table.
In the series
This episode is part of Top Chef (2006–present) on Bravo.
Pack your knives — culinary competition as prestige unscripted.
Key cast
- Padma Lakshmi as Host
- Tom Colicchio as Judge
- Gail Simmons as Judge