Season 23 of "Top Chef" is officially airing on Bravo every Monday evening, and to celebrate the season of the Carolinas, GVLtoday's Senior Editor Danielle + CLTtoday's Editor Maria will discuss each episode, behind-the-scenes fun facts, and all things dining in Greenville and Charlotte. Don't worry, there won't be spoilers.

Episode 7: "Desserts Fit for a Queen"

Danielle's taking some well-deserved time off, so Maria's here to recap our seventh episode in Charlotte, including:

North Carolina's love of Cracker Barrel
Charlotte's namesake
Sweet treats that should be NC staples, including a barbecue spot with Maria's favorite banana pudding

Episode 6: "Going Whole Hog"

In our favorite episode yet, Danielle and Maria dive into Carolina barbecue traditions as the Cheftestants try their hand at cooking a whole hog, East- versus West-style. We're breaking down:

The tradition of whole-hog barbecue
The pitmaster royalty featured on the episode
Our favorite barbecue spots across North and South Carolina
How you can sample some of the best barbecue in the Carolinas this weekend

Plus, Maria watched the episode with three of the Cheftestants — and got to try their food from the episode.

Episode 5: "Improv Interpretation"

Joe Kindred (left) joined the judges this week. | Photo by Paul Cheney/BRAVO

The Carolina humidity was front and center as the cheftestants enjoyed some outdoor recreation at one of Charlotte's biggest attractions. Maria is back from vacation as we break down:

Comedian Fortune Feimster's NC roots after her appearance in the Quickfire Challenge
The US National Whitewater Center — aka the site of this week's elimination challenge
Guest judges Joe and Katy Kindred's growing legacy in Charlotte's culinary scene

Episode 4: "Pick a Side"

Learn more about Durham's own Chef Oscar Diaz (pictured left). | Photo by Paul Cheney/BRAVO

The NC pride continues to shine in this week's "Top Chef: Carolinas" episode, and Danielle's back to talk more about...

North Carolina being First in Flight — inspiring the first ever flight challenge
James Beard finalist Chef Greg Collier making Southern sides to inspire this week's Elimination Challenge (and the Carolina nominee from 2026 we may see later this season)
The local urban farm that got a shoutout and where you can shop its produce
Plus, some spoilers at the end as we look ahead to the first "Last Chance Kitchen."

Episode 3: "True Colors"

Charlotte's own Cheftestant Brittany Cochran diving right into the livermush. | Photo by: Paul Cheney/Bravo

Danielle is back and she's putting on her history teacher hat as we dig into...

Livermush and its NC roots
The Carolinas' textile history
Our Q+A with guest judge Jamie Brown of Supperland — the site of this week's elimination challenge

Episode 2: "Puckerbutt"

Things are heating up on Top Chef with a Carolina Reaper challenge. | Photo by Paul Cheney/Bravo

Maria's taking some well-deserved time off, so Danielle's here to recap our second episode in Charlotte, including:

Her first sighting of a Duke's Mayo jar
All about Puckerbutt Farms
Moments from the two Carolina Cheftestants that left her "wowed"

Episode 1: "Carolina Roots"

Episode one featured a hot challenge at Charlotte Motor Speedway. | Photo by: Paul Cheney/BRAVO

In episode one, we discuss:

The top vegetable grown in North Carolina — an ingredient judge Gail Simmons can't get enough of.
How a hot day at the Charlotte Motor Speedway inspired Host Kristen Kish's new tattoo.
Fun facts we know about the restaurants, chefs, and more as local experts in our cities.