Knife Fight

Watch Knife Fight

  • 2013
  • 4 Seasons
  • 6.2  (132)

Knife Fight is a cooking competition show that premiered in 2013 on the Esquire Network. Hosted by chef Ilan Hall, each episode features two chefs going head-to-head in a culinary battle for bragging rights and a $2,000 prize. The show is set in a small, dimly lit kitchen with no fancy gadgets or appliances. The contestants are given a set of ingredients and a time limit to create a dish that will impress the judges: Hall, professional skateboarder and food enthusiast Giovanni Reda, and a rotating guest judge. The judges taste both dishes blind, not knowing which chef made each dish, and then declare a winner.

While the show's format may seem familiar to fans of other cooking competitions, Knife Fight sets itself apart with its gritty and unpredictable tone. The kitchen is purposely small and cramped, forcing the chefs to work in close proximity to each other and increasing the likelihood of accidents and mishaps. The show also encourages the chefs to take risks with their dishes, with Hall frequently reminding them that there are no rules in Knife Fight.

One of the most notable aspects of the show is the caliber of the chefs who compete on it. Though not all are well-known, each has an impressive resume and a unique cooking style. Kris Morningstar, a Los Angeles-based chef who has worked in some of the city's most famous kitchens, is a frequent guest judge and mentor on the show.

Knife Fight also features a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that goes into each dish, with close-ups of the ingredients being chopped and sautéed, and the contestants' hands working to plate their creations under the pressure of the ticking clock.

Throughout the show's four seasons, fans have praised its refreshing take on the cooking competition format, with many saying that it feels more authentic and true to the world of professional cooking than similar shows. The grittiness of the kitchen and the intense, fast-paced nature of the competition have made for some truly exciting television moments.

Despite its cancellation in 2015, Knife Fight remains a cult favorite among foodies and reality TV fans alike. Its unique format and emphasis on the craft of cooking make it a standout in a crowded field of cooking competitions, and a must-watch for anyone looking for something a little different from the standard fare.

Knife Fight is a series that ran for 4 seasons (71 episodes) between September 24, 2013 and on Esquire Network

Knife Fight
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Seasons
Final: Whole Ostrich
14. Final: Whole Ostrich
December 29, 2015
Finalists Angelo Sosa and Quino Baca face off for the ultimate title of "culinary master of the universe".
Semifinals: Raccoon
13. Semifinals: Raccoon
December 22, 2015
In this semifinal Battle of the Boroughs, Chelsea's Spanish star Luis Bollo confronts the calm, cool Quino Baca of Brooklyn. Judges Edi Frauneder and Dale Talde decide who is moving on to the Final. Raccoon - it's what's for dinner.
Quarterfinals: Live Black Sea Bass
12. Quarterfinals: Live Black Sea Bass
December 15, 2015
Harlem's own JJ Johnson of The Cecil returns to take on Sean Brasel of Miami's Meat Market. Judging this quarterfinal round are culinary experts Edi Frauneder & Dale Talde. Tonight, the pressure will have both chefs squirming like a fish out of water.
Quarterfinals: Duck Fries
11. Quarterfinals: Duck Fries
December 15, 2015
Find out what part of a duck the "fries" come from when Josh Henderson of Seattle's Westward returns to challenge first round top dog Angelo Sosa of NYC's Anejo. Edi Frauneder & Dale Talde get the ball rolling as judges in this quarterfinal bout.
Quarterfinals: Lamb Brains
10. Quarterfinals: Lamb Brains
December 8, 2015
East coast versus West coast- which is the best coast? Watch as Luis Bollo of NYC's Salinas goes to war with Round One victor Kim Alter of Nightbird in San Francisco. Judges Edi Frauneder and Dale Talde determine who uses their (lamb) brains best.
Quarterfinals: Live Sea Eel
9. Quarterfinals: Live Sea Eel
December 8, 2015
In this Battle over Brooklyn, Chris Cheung of East Wind Snack Shop and Quino Baca of The Brooklyn Star return to The Gorbals kitchen to face one another and some live sea eels.
Round 1: Scorpion Fish
8. Round 1: Scorpion Fish
December 1, 2015
Denver chef Carrie Shores of the WOW Kitchen brings it to Brooklyn to take on Harlem's own JJ Johnson of The Cecil and Minton's. Our judges, James Beard Award winner Sue Zemanick and Dale Talde, chef/owner of Talde, decide who moves on to the quarterfinals.
Round 1: Scungilli
7. Round 1: Scungilli
December 1, 2015
New York native Gary Anza of Bowery Bay Bar takes on San Francisco's Kim Alter of the new restaurant Nightbird. Chefs Dale Talde and Sue Zemanick judge this first round test of skill.
Round 1: Jellyfish
6. Round 1: Jellyfish
November 25, 2015
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!
Round 1: Turkey Parts
5. Round 1: Turkey Parts
November 24, 2015
New York sushi master John Daley matches knife skills with Brooklyn Star chef Quino Baca in a special Thanksgiving throwdown. Judges Dale Talde and Sue Zemanick talk turkey and decide who moves on in the tournament. When the cutlery comes out, which chef will be left standing?
Round 1: Live Mudfish
4. Round 1: Live Mudfish
November 17, 2015
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.
Round 1: Pickled Herring
3. Round 1: Pickled Herring
November 17, 2015
Brooklynite Bao Bao brings her unique Southeast Asian flavor to battle against the classic Chinese cuisine of New York native Chris Cheung. Will the pickled herring lead them astray? James Beard award winner Sue Zemanick and chef/owner of the Talde restaurant empire, Dale Talde, judge this Round One competition.
Round 1: Live Soft Shell Crab
2. Round 1: Live Soft Shell Crab
November 10, 2015
Dallas-based food competition all-star Tre Wilcox matches wits with Spanish chef extraordinaire, Luis Bollo of Salinas in NYC. Judges Sue Zemanick of Gautreau's in New Orleans and New York's resident restaurant mogul Dale Talde determine whether the Texan triumphs or the Spaniard advances to the next round.
Round 1: Jamon Iberico
1. Round 1: Jamon Iberico
November 10, 2015
Brooklyn's own Jason Marcus takes on the boundless energy and bold style of Top Chef finalist Angelo Sosa. In this season 4 premiere, it's all about Jamón Ibérico. To advance in the tournament, the chefs must impress our judges: James Beard winner Sue Zemanick and Dale Talde, head of the Talde restaurant empire.
First Look: Knife Fight 403
100. First Look: Knife Fight 403
November 14, 2015
An Asian food competition between chef Bao Bao from Brooklyn and Chris Cheung from New York.
Description
Where to Watch Knife Fight
Knife Fight is available for streaming on the Esquire Network website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Knife Fight on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 24, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    6.2  (132)