Legendary chef and three-time James Beard semi-finalist, Texan John Tesar battles Sean "The Grill God" Brasel, a rising star from Florida. To make it to the quarterfinals, they'll face some lively mudfish along with judges Dale Talde of the Talde restaurant empire and Sue Zemanick of Gautreau's in New Orleans.

New York's own Ed McFarland of Ed's Lobster Bar is pitted against Seattle's Josh Henderson, founder of the Huxley-Wallace Collective of eateries. Judging this first round battle are James Beard award winner Sue Zemanick and Dale Talde of the Talde restaurant empire. With jellyfish on the menu, things are bound to get salty!