French-born and currently residing in London, Chef Novelli – along with his executive chef, Steven Kitchen, and pregnant fiancée, Michelle – comes to Los Angeles to establish his first American based culinary academy, which is renowned across Europe. The first order of business is for Chef Novelli and Mr. Kitchen to interview and screen potential students. As part of the admissions process, the hopeful students are asked to perform a simple, yet surprisingly nerve-racking task: cook an egg, any way they want.

Ultimately, nine students are chosen to participate in Chef Novelli's prestigious American culinary venture, and on the first day of class they are asked to create what they would consider their "signature dish." While this is only the first practice test for the students, Chef Novelli reminds everyone that failing three of the tests is grounds for automatic dismissal from his academy

As an introduction into the culinary world, each of Chef Novelli's students is presented with the honor of their very own embroidered chef jacket. Chef Novelli then gets down to business, teaching his students their first lesson on desserts. For their test, the students must recreate one of the desserts demonstrated by Chef Novelli. If the student passes, they are granted permission to attend the open house party at the academy. If they fail, they are asked to leave and only have two more chances to hold their spot at the esteemed Novelli Academy.

Chef Novelli also takes his students to a local farmer's market to inspire them on the fine art of purchasing fresh produce.

After a few days together in the kitchen, the students begin to get to know one another and obvious friendships are formed. At the same time, one student's hidden past is revealed and it shocks his fellow classmates.

With lessons in full swing, Chef Novelli teaches his students how to make the perfect risotto accompanied by his grandmother's famous tomato sauce.

This week, Chef Novelli's lesson for his culinary students is on the ancient craft of bread baking.

In their weekly test, the students are asked to recreate three vegetarian dishes.

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The culinary pupils partake in a meat feat when Chef Novelli challenges them to create a trio of meat-based dishes. The heat is on when they must also cook up one of the 15 recipes learned in previous classes.

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