Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown - Episode Guide

Season 1

Don't Under-ESTIE-Mate Her

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Jul 23, 2015

Don't Under-ESTIE-Mate Her

Executive Chef Frank Otte tests his mettle against a team of five child cooking prodigies; from "finger foods" to a "technique trio," can this acclaimed executive chef hold his own against 7-year old child chef Estie? Master Chef Suzanne Tracht joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

Stop the Bull!

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Jul 30, 2015

Stop the Bull!

Frankie "The Bull" Terzoli does his best to stomp out the team of child cooking prodigies winning streak. When chef Emmalee is stymied by the perils of the menu board in the winner-takes all third round, will she "get the horns" or fight her way out? Founder of the "fo-nut" and celebrity pastry chef, Waylyn Lucas, joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

All's Fair in Love and... Food?

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Aug 6, 2015

All's Fair in Love and... Food?

Chef Tony learns the hard way that small can be very mighty as he takes on the team of child cooking prodigies in tonight's "fair-food episode". Master Chef Brooke Williamson joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

How Eggs-Centric

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Aug 13, 2015

How Eggs-Centric

Chef Katherine Humphus takes on the team of child cooking prodigies in this egg-centric episode - which revolves around a perennial favorite - eggs! World-famous celebrity chef, Hubert Keller, joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

Secret Garden

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Aug 20, 2015

Secret Garden

Executive chef Joel Miller is in the hot seat, placing his years of training and decades of experience on the line against the team of child cooking prodigies. Will he "rice" to the occasion in the "price is rice" round? Or get lost in the woods during the "Forage-Trio"? Master Chef CJ joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

Viva La France

Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Aug 27, 2015

Viva La France

Culinary and literal giant, chef Keith Breedlove muscles his way into the kitchen to see what all the fuss is about. But when he squares off against 7 year-old chef Estie in the "Poulet-Trois" will he crow like the rooster? Or run away chicken? Legendary Master Chef, Ludo Lefebvre, joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

South of the Border

Episode: 1x07 | Airdate: Sep 3, 2015

South of the Border

Chef Diana Stavaridis tests the team of child cooking prodigies in a Mexican standoff! From Ceviche to taco-trios, if you can't take the heat, you'll get thrown out of the kitchen! The round three special guest judge is known for single-handedly revitalizing Tijuana's food scene, master chef Javier Plascencia.

Game-ON!

Episode: 1x08 | Airdate: Oct 15, 2015

Game-ON!

Executive chef, Chris Tzorin, wants a piece of the action and competes against the team of child cooking prodigies. A culinary mash-up appetizer will test everyone's culinary creativity. Then it's going to be a knife fight, testing both sides in butchery skills - from making fresh sausage, to handling oversized cuts of game meat. Master Chef Karen Hatsfield joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

In for a Penny, In for a Pound

Episode: 1x09 | Airdate: Oct 22, 2015

In for a Penny, In for a Pound

Executive chef Penny Davidi steps up to the team of child cooking prodigies wearing a sleeveless chef coat more reminiscent of a karate gi, than a coat. And don't be fooled, it's not a style choice, it's a warning! From the start, she'll spit venom at the mini-masters to put them off their game. Will the prodigies cave to fear? Or will they make Penny "eat her words". Master Chef and restaurateur, Jeff Mahin, joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

Tough Luck

Episode: 1x10 | Airdate: Oct 29, 2015

Tough Luck

Chef Larry Monaco may be the toughest match yet for the team of child cooking prodigies. From an "amuse" challenge in round one, out to a "tough cuts only" entr e in round two and finally a "funghi" trio, this episode couldn't be any more foodie! Two-time Michelin star-rated Master Chef, Josia Citrin, joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

It Takes Guts!

Episode: 1x11 | Airdate: Nov 5, 2015

It Takes Guts!

Chef Augie Saucido wants to see what all the fuss is about as he competes against the team of child cooking prodigies. And, from the moment he steps in, it gets raw! Raw food preparation is on the menu in round one. From there it gets truly "offal" as the mini-masters get a "gut" check - turning "toss away" parts into fine dining dishes. Michelin-rated Master Chef, Sang Yoon, joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

Wild Enough to Be Shot At...

Episode: 1x12 | Airdate: Nov 12, 2015

Wild Enough to Be Shot At...

Chef Hop Fan crashes into the kitchen with his eclectic mix of "Ed Grimley" meets "Kramer" antics - is he a creative genius or a madman? Can the team of child cooking prodigies stay focused and take this chef down? From a sushi challenge to a street food trio, be prepared for amazing food and some kitchen comedy! Master Chef, Mary Sue Milliken, joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

Awww Shucks!

Episode: 1x13 | Airdate: Nov 19, 2015

Awww Shucks!

It's executive chef Justin Haefler's chance to put his years of training and decades of experience on the line for a chance to beat the team of child cooking prodigies in the kitchen! Live oyster appetizers will test their shucking skills in the first round. And if their hands aren't sore yet, they'll have to "break it down," but rather than dancing, their ability to take a whole protein and slay it to a filet is tested. Final round has them competing to create a trio dish, using three different types of protein from each earth environment. Celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso joins to blind taste and judge the winner takes all final round.

Season 2

Fish Out of Water

Episode: 2x01 | Airdate: Mar 17, 2016

Fish Out of Water

The prodigies will have to sink or swim when they face off against Executive Chef Drew Tsang, who takes them to task in three rounds that all revolve around seafood. Who's ready for some mouth-watering alligator picatta? Master Chef Jen Carroll presents and judges our third and final winner-takes-all round.

Decadent Delights

Episode: 2x02 | Airdate: Mar 24, 2016

Decadent Delights

It's Executive Chef Zoe Schor's turn to shore up the competition against the prodigies. With a theme like "Guilty pleasures" every round is sure to be absolutely delicious. But will our prodigies conquer with caviar? Or will Chef Schor shut them down with her Deadly Sin-inspired trio? Master Chef Antonia Lofaso presents and judges our third and final winner-takes-all round.

Danger Zone

Episode: 2x03 | Airdate: Mar 31, 2016

Danger Zone

Executive Chef Johnny "Danger" Zone enters the Man vs. Child kitchen to take on our mini-masters. "Comfort Food" may be the theme, but this culinary showdown will be anything but "comfortable". Will the prodigies be able to take down the professional with a grilled cheese trio that can wow Chef Eric Greenspan, the "God of Grilled Cheese" in the final, winner-takes-all round?

Mardi Gras

Episode: 2x04 | Airdate: Apr 7, 2016

Mardi Gras

Executive Chef Sevan Abdessian has no intention of being defeated in the kitchen by a team of children. Exploding into the Man vs. Child kitchen, Chef Sevan breaks out the big flavors in New Orleans-inspired challenges, from po' boys to crawfish. Can our fantastic five bring the heat, fun and flavor of Mardi Gras and come out with a win? 'Nawlins native Marcus Christiana-Beninger presents and judges the third and final winner-takes-all round.

The Mamas and the Tapas

Episode: 2x05 | Airdate: Apr 14, 2016

The Mamas and the Tapas

The child cooking prodigies take on Executive Chef Dustin Trani in three rounds of competition, loaded with Spanish flair. It will all come down to who's tapas are perfecto, in the eyes of Master Chef Perfecto Rocher.

Keep Calm and Curry On

Episode: 2x06 | Airdate: Apr 21, 2016

Keep Calm and Curry On

Chicago's Bib Gourmand darling, Executive Chef Jill Barron, takes on the child cooking prodigies in three rounds of Indian food inspired challenges. Right at the start, things get nuts as the prodigies work hard to top Jill's impeccable technique and flavor profiles. But can they curry favor with the judges for the win? Master Chef Maneet Chouhan presents and judges the winner takes all round.

Work of Art

Episode: 2x07 | Airdate: Apr 28, 2016

Work of Art

Armed with his steam punk goggles, Executive Chef Richie Farina brings his creative flair to the Man Vs. Child kitchen. From palette to palate, tonight's challenges are frame worthy celebrations of food as artistic expression. It's childlike imagination vs. Chef Richie's avant guard techniques. Who will ultimately triumph? Two Michelin star Master Chef, Dominque Crenn, presents and judges the final, winner takes all round.

Feast from the East

Episode: 2x08 | Airdate: May 5, 2016

Feast from the East

Executive Chef Jason Febres enters the Man vs. Child kitchen ready to take down the prodigies. Tonight's theme is all about Asian cuisine and with his expert fusion flavors, Chef Jason is not going go easy on our mini masters. Can the prodigies ultimately out bold Chef Jason's out of the box dishes? Tao Group's Corporate Chef and Partner Ralph Scamardella presents and judges the final, trios round.

Toast of the Town

Episode: 2x09 | Airdate: May 12, 2016

Toast of the Town

The prodigies take on Cali cool Executive Chef, Chris "Malibu" Crary in three rounds of competition. From a "toast" challenge in round one, to a "small fish" entree in round two and finally a "pickled and fermented trio," this episode is a foodie's dream. But while the prodigies may be hip to the latest trends, will it be enough to out cook the competition? LA's most sought after cooking duo, Master Chefs, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo present and judge the final round.

America the Beautiful

Episode: 2x10 | Airdate: Jun 30, 2016

America the Beautiful

Chef Melvin "Boots" Johnson takes on the child prodigies with American pride. In the first two rounds, they tackle classics such as hot dogs and pie. In the third and final round, Master Chef Bruce Kalman judges another American favorite--a trio of pizzas.

Roman Holiday

Episode: 2x11 | Airdate: Jul 7, 2016

Roman Holiday

America's favorite cooking prodigies take on Austin's up and coming Executive Chef, Roman Murphy in three rounds of competition. From prickly pears to burritos, tonight is all about the trendy foods of the Southwest. San Antonio's Tex Mex king, Master Chef Johnny Hernandez judges the final round.

Where There's Smoke…

Episode: 2x12 | Airdate: Jul 14, 2016

Where There's Smoke…

Things go south in the Man vs. Child kitchen, as the child cooking prodigies take on New York's Kelvin Fernandez in three delicious southern comfort themed challenges. Who'll bring home the bacon? Legendary Master Chef Jonathan Waxman judges the final round.

Cake Walk

Episode: 2x13 | Airdate: Jul 21, 2016

Cake Walk

Toss your saltshakers aside because tonight, Man vs. Child is diving into the sweet world of baking! She may not be a pastry chef, but Executive Chef Bev Lazo is bringing her years of experience to out "whip" the competition. LA's premiere chocolatier, Master Chef Valerie Gordon judges the final round.

A Chef's Life

Episode: 2x14 | Airdate: Jul 28, 2016

A Chef's Life

America's finest kid chefs take on Executive Chef Crystal "Pink" Delongpre in a rigorous battle of butchery, mother sauces and the elusive umami flavor. Chef Bruce Bromberg determines who will reign as champion in the final round.

It's a Family Affair

Episode: 2x15 | Airdate: Aug 4, 2016

It's a Family Affair

The country's best kid chefs face off against Executive Chef Susie Jimenez. The chefs will battle in three rounds based on family dinner classics, family recipes and a trio of holiday favorites. Chef Betty Fraser presents and judges the final round.

Back to School

Episode: 2x16 | Airdate: Aug 11, 2016

Back to School

The nation's best kid chefs take on veteran Executive Chef Larry Keck in a three-round "back-to-school" themed episode featuring upgraded cookies and milk, an elevated school lunch as well as a vegetable trio. Master Chef, Luke Thomas presents and judges the final round.

The Emperor Has No Stove

Episode: 2x17 | Airdate: Aug 18, 2016

The Emperor Has No Stove

The best child chefs in the US take on Executive Chef Mette Williams in a series of challenges only using old school ingredients and old school techniques. From upgrading the humble potato, to making a meal over an open flame and exploring history via a trio of dishes from the Renaissance, today's chefs are truly taking old school in all new directions. Master Chef Susan Feniger judges the third and final winner takes all round.

Home Cooking

Episode: 2x18 | Airdate: Aug 25, 2016

Home Cooking

America's most talented child chef prodigies take on Executive Chef Eli Kirshstein in a three round battle based on home cooking. Today's chefs will be featuring canned foods, then completely reinventing the TV dinner and finally, cooking a deep South trio for Master Chef and judge Art Smith.

Specials

Best of Estie Special

Episode: S02 Special | Airdate: Mar 17, 2016

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Estie Kung, breakout star of Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown, recaps her funniest moments, fiercest competitions and best recipes from season 1 in this one-hour special.

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