10 Things Top Chef Contestants Should Know Better By Now

After twelve seasons, you would think the rats Cheftestants would learn to avoid the traps by now.

10. Don't try to braise short ribs in less than 3 hours.

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Unless you've got a hook-up with a space-time continuum, you ain't gonna pull of a good braise in less than 3 hours. Guaranteed Padma will find the meat to be stringy.

9. Don't be a one trick pony.

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Jamie with the scallops, Nikki with the pasta, Kevin with the pork. This is Top Chef, it's not Top Scallops. Switch it up!

8. Be sure you have a dessert recipe that won't flop.

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Remember the time Padma spit out Ariane's dessert because it was too sweet? That was embarrassing.

7. Truffles are probably not the answer.

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Sometimes using truffles can be like adding the straw that broke the camel's back.

6. Remember how to count.

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We've seen Cheftestants go over and under on the challenges that require counting. It's like watching a slow motion train wreck. When they say five ingredient max, they mean it!

5. If you haven't used a pressure cooker recently, don't start now.

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That feeling when the Cheftestant doesn't even know how to put the lid of the pressure cooker back on... Keep it simple, stupid.

4. Don't get talked into being Front of House for Restaurant Wars.

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Especially if FOH isn't your thing (and even if it is), it's better to be in the kitchen for Restaurant Wars.

3. Beware of the Birthday Curse.

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If you are unfortunate enough to have a birthday go by while you're on the show, you will likely fall victim to the Birthday Curse.

2. Avoid making risotto at all costs.

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Cheftestants suck so bad at making risotto. It never ends well for them when they choose to make it.

1. Never disappoint Tom.

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"You couldn't think of a better thing to do with pickles than put them on a burger?!" Don't underestimate Chef Colicchio, he'll take away the prize money and send the whole team packing.