Susur Lee

Continually striving to be cutting edge, this week’s batch of master chefs must cook for the most modern group in the entertainment landscape - the cast and crew of the hit TV series, "Modern Family." Competing to make classic dishes current are five top chefs from far ends of North America, including Debbie Gold (The American Restaurant), Jody Adams (Rialto Restaurant), Maria Hines (Tilth), Rick Tramonto (TRU) and Susur Lee (Madeline's).

The kitchen heats up as the top eight chefs advance to the Champions round and face-off for the ultimate title of Top Chef Master. In a quickfire repeat from season 6 of "Top Chef," the Masters are split into two teams for a blindfolded relay race to be judged by restaurant critic Jay Rayner. The atmosphere turns festive during the elimination round as the same teams are challenged to cater a wedding in San Juan Capistrano -- out of mobile kitchens.

Springfield comes alive on "Top Chef Masters" as Hank Azaria, Matt Groening, and Matt Selman - the voices and writers behind the critically acclaimed series, "The Simpsons" - drop by to judge the quickfire challenge based on their character’s appetites. In the elimination round, the seven remaining chef’s must combine exotic, and often unappetizing proteins in an appealing surf-and-turf inspired duo.

The game is on as the Masters are charged with the task of cooking one of the most difficult parts on any animal -- the leg. This quickfire round will be judged by Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Jason Lezak and food critic Jay Rayner. In the spirit of competition, the elimination challenge brings the chefs to a University of Southern California home football game where they must perfect the art of tailgating for the hungry fans.

In an entertaining penultimate episode, the remaining four chefs’ sense of humor is put to the test. A trip to the storied improv comedy club, the Groundlings, gives the chef’s 3 words of inspiration from which to create their dishes.