Willliam Shatner hosts this American version of the surprise hit Japanese import which became a cultural phenomenon through its airings on the Food Network. The world`s top chefs compete against the clock, using exotic ingredients to create unusual culinary masterpieces to be sampled by a panel of judges. This program compiles the two hour-long network TV specials--Showdown in Las Vegas and Holiday Showdown, featuring Todd English, Roy Yamaguchi, Jean Francois Meteigner, and Alessandro Stratta showing off their skills in the kitchen.