The students get their first impressions of each other and the school in the series premiere of Chef School. The group moves into their dorm house and fight over who gets the best rooms, discovering Alex's bad attitude. They also get a taste of what they're made of at school as they are partnered up and cook for the first time together in a classroom setting.
The students enjoy high tea with Jim and Eleanor and begin to get comfortable in their new setting. Alex is put in his place by a guest chef who is known as Toronto's "bad boy".
It's the first exam week. The students are frantic, anxious, stressed beyond belief. They face Eleanor in one-on-one evaluations. They find out their grades and get individual feedback on their progress so far.
In the Library for hot toddies by the fire. Jacques Marie discusses the finer points of bourbon - a subject guaranteed to spark interest in quite a few of our students. Guy Rubino (Rain, Luce) is the guest chef at panel evaluation. A true artist and innovator, Chef Guy challenges Ben; who only sees food as his ticket to fame and fortune.
Brunch with Jim and Eleanor - poached eggs and Bloody Marys. A mixologist teaches the students how to make the perfect Bloody Mary. The students are thrilled. This is how to start the day! Panel evaluation and student coaching from a guest chef.
It's Christmas. The students present a special holiday surprise. Jim and Eleanor do Christmas - eggnog, rum balls, tourtiere and, of course, the proper way to decorate the tree. It's the second exam week. Who is rising to the top, and who is beginning to unravel?
Brandy and billiards with Jim and Eleanor. Much appreciation from the students, but proper games room etiquette is still expected. Panel evaluation. This is the last chance for a lucky pair of students to get professional coaching from a guest chef.
Jim hosts a "sambuca soiree". The students loosen up. The vibe is pure cocktail lounge. The students are evaluated and the first stage is awarded. There are only two more chances to win one of these coveted apprenticeships.
"Mid-winter Mix and Mingle". It's party time, but in typical refined Stratford style. An instructor teaches the students how to dance ... properly, of course. The second stage is awarded. Only one chance is left.
Eleanor hosts a glamorous indoor picnic in a magnificent ballroom. But there's no rest for the weary, the students must learn the proper way to pack a picnic basket. It's the third exam week. It's becoming clear who's got it - and who doesn't. The students are beyond exhausted, their brains fried. Is there anyone left with an intact nerve ending?
Flowers and Frangelico with Jim. The students may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but nobody's leaving until they learn proper flower arranging. Competition is fierce as the last stage is awarded.
A Cotillion. It's final exam time, most of the students are on the brink of a nervous breakdown - but elegance is the order of the day. Final exams. This is it - the last chance the students have to prove themselves. Will they all make it to year two?
A year ago, 12 students arrived in Stratford to begin the two-year program at an internationally recognised culinary academy. Now there are only nine in the group and in their first days back they realise the challenges are greater than ever before.