'Top Chef' hula dances to Hawaii for two-part finale

This week, a shocking "first" occurs at the judges table

It may be January, but temperatures are heating up in the "Top Chef" kitchen. Soon the final chef'testants will pack their knives ... and head to Maui, Hawaii, for the two-part finale, airing Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 10 p.m. 

Once in Maui, the final three will learn which chef from "Last Chance Kitchen" will be rejoining the competition. In what will be the closest finale in the series' 11-season history, who will take home the title of "Top Chef?"

On this week's episode of "Top Chef" airing Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 10 p.m., culinary legend Jacques Pepin tests the chefs' technique in a "Quickfire" based on one of his favorite dishes. For their "Elimination Challenge," the French and Spanish are battling it out in the kitchen as the chef'testants make meals to represent both cultures. Finally, a shocking "first" at judges table leaves everyone on edge.

Upcoming guest judges include actor/director Jon Favreau (Jan. 15), along with "Top Chef Masters" winner Douglas Keane, Grant Achatz and Andrew Carmellini (Jan. 22). Finale judges include Sam Choy and Peter Merriman (Wednesday, Jan. 29), and Paul Bartolotta, David Kinch, Takashi Yagihashi and Morimoto (Feb. 5).