Season One of Top Chef, hosted by Katie Lee Joel, features twelve aspiring chefs who head to San Francisco for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title of "Top Chef" and a culinary prize package that includes $100,000 and a feature in Food & Wine magazine. Season One showcases some of the brightest up-and-coming talent in the culinary world, and the competing chefs hail from varied backgrounds including culinary graduates and students, personal celebrity chefs, a Sous Chef, a line cook, a nutritionist, a Tournant Chef, and a self-taught mother of three. But what they all share is a passion for the culture, preparation and service of gourmet cuisine.