America's Culinary Cup: Four Chefs Eliminated in Season 1 Night 1 Showdown
America's Culinary Cup: Four Chefs Eliminated in Season 1 Night 1 Showdown
Paulette CohnThu, March 5, 2026 at 4:00 AM UTC
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(Photo: Jackie_Brown/CBS)
It’s not just how well the chefs cook on CBS’ latest entry into unscripted TV with America’s Culinary Cup, hosted by Padma Lakshmi, but it also matters how well they play the game.
The invitation-only lineup of America’s most elite chefs will compete in the ultimate culinary arena as they attempt to survive the 10 Culinary Commandments challenges, with chefs Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne serving as judges.
The 10 Culinary Commandments – meat, vegetables, sauces, dessert, innovation, flavors, sustainability, world cuisine, consistency, culinary science and technology – are the very principles that define greatness in the kitchen. The America’s Culinary Cup winner will be awarded the biggest cash prize in culinary history: $1 million dollars.
Here's a spoiler-filled recap of the premiere, including who went home.
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Who went home in America’s Culinary Cup premiere tonight?
Phillip TessierBocuse D’Or Gold Medalist
Rochelle DanielJames Beard Nominee
Russell JacksonJames Beard Nominee
Sol HanJames Beard Nominee
Advancing contestants tonight on America’s Culinary Cup
Beverly KimMichelin Starred Chef
Buddah LoMichelin Starred Chef & Two-Time Top Chef winner
Cara StadlerJames Beard Nominee
Chris MorganMichelin Starred Chef
Diana DávilaJames Bead Nominee
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Emily YuenJames Beard Nominee
Katie ButtonJames Beard Winner
Keith CorbinJames Beard Nominee
Kim AlterJames Beard Nominee
Malyna SiMichelin Starred Chef
Matt PetersBocuse D’Or Gold Medalist
Michael Diaz De LeonMichelin Starred Chef
What was the first challenge on America's Culinary Cup tonight, and who won it?
The first challenge was anything goes as the chefs were asked to prepare their best dish. They were paired in twos. One chef’s name popped up on the ACC board and then that chef had to select who they wanted to cook against. The interesting end result was five out of the eight chefs who selected their competitor lost to them.
Judges Padma, Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne awarded points. There was a total of 60 points possible: 15 for Taste, 15 for Creativity, 15 for Presentation and 15 for Technique.
Here are the results:
Malyna (26) vs Diana (40)Beverly (38) vs Cara (44)Michael (38) vs Rochelle (36)Chris (27) vs Katie (51)Russell (25) vs Kim (43)Sol (29) vs Keith (50)Emily (49) vs Phillip (47)Matt (51) vs Buddah (52)
What was the elimination challenge on America’s Culinary Cup tonight, and who lost it?
The elimination challenge, which was going to send home four chefs, was again a paired competition. The chefs had one hour to prepare a classic dish. The twist was that the winning chefs from the first challenge decided who was paired with whom and what dish they were making, and there was definitely some politics involved.
Malyna vs Rochelle on Fried ChickenRussell vs Chris on Clam ChowderPhillip vs Matt on Beef StroganoffBeverly vs Sol on Shrimp & Grits
The losers were Rochelle, Russell, Phillip and Sol, which meant that Malyna, Chris, Matt and Beverly rejoined the competition for next week, when the 10 Culinary Commandments will begin.
America’s Culinary Cup airs Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Streams next day on Paramount+.
Related: Padma Lakshmi’s Love Life: From Ex-Husband to Possible Mystery Romance with 'Top Chef' Winner
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
