Watch What Crappens: Episode #2818 – Top Chef S22E7: Pizza Party Behavior

Released on April 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #2818 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam dive deep into the culinary chaos of Top Chef Season 22, Episode 7: "Pizza Party Behavior." As always, Ben and Ronnie bring their signature blend of humor and critical insight to dissect the latest Bravo reality showdown. This episode not only recaps the intense pizza-making challenges but also provides entertaining commentary on the contestants' performances and the judges' often brutally honest feedback.

Overview of the Episode

The episode centers around the highly anticipated "Pizza Party Behavior" challenge, set against the picturesque backdrop of Niagara on the Lakes Ravine Vineyard. Contestants are tasked with creating innovative pizzas that spark conversation and debate, reflecting both creative flair and technical prowess.

Ben Mandelker expresses initial skepticism about the episode's premise:

"They are ridiculous and they're struggling with finding things to have spot like people to sponsor them. They're like, wow. Welcome to the garbage tie quick tie. Today we're gonna cook in 30 minutes the best meal we can make with garbage twist ties for the trash. Like, what the."
[05:00] Ben Mandelker

Ronnie Karam adds her amusement at the situational humor:

"The reality show minus the melodramatic music."
[00:14] Ronnie Karam

Contestant Performances

The challenge brought out a range of responses from the chefs, each reflecting their unique styles and personal struggles.

1. Vinnie Hunt
   Vinnie continued to grapple with overcoming personal trauma, which he attempted to channel into his cooking. Ben critiques Vinnie's lack of originality:

   "Vinnie, you are just a soulless human being at this point."
   [06:13] Ben Mandelker

   Despite his earnest efforts, Vinnie's dishes didn't resonate well with the judges, leading to pointed remarks about his reliance on past experiences rather than personal creativity.

2. Paola
   Paola stood out for her creative approach, likened to a cartoon film critic. Ronnie praises her imaginative flair:

   "I can imagine her, like, with a little pad and a pencil, like, emerging from a movie theater with her."
   [07:16] Ronnie Karam

   Her dish, an avocado salad, was met with mixed reviews, highlighting her attempt to refine a simple component into something more elaborate.

3. Lana
   Lana's meat sauce, aptly named "Eggs in Purgatory," sparked strong reactions. Ben humorously likens it to fashion purgatory:

   "It is like Gail's closet, which I call fashion purgatory."
   [36:16] Ben Mandelker

   Her dish was criticized for being overly rich and not aligning with the refined standards expected in the challenge.

4. Henry
   Henry delivered a standout performance with his Mochi Ball, a nostalgic nod to his upbringing. Ronnie commends his ability to blend tradition with innovation:

   "The mochi ball was very unique and very nostalgic."
   [49:07] Ronnie Karam

   His dish not only impressed the judges but also secured him a victory in the challenge.

5. Tristan
   Tristan focused on egg-centric dishes, specifically a Hollandaise Benedict, which failed to impress due to its unbalanced flavors. Ronnie notes Tristan's struggle to innovate beyond standard recipes:

   "You're just boxed in. Your walls can't cook."
   [10:56] Ben Mandelker

6. Massimo
   Massimo attempted a Clam Pizza, aiming to bring seafood into the traditionally cheese-heavy dish. While some appreciated the boldness, others found it incongruent:

   "Cheese and seafood on a pizza. Who would have thought?"
   [64:25] Ben Mandelker

Judges' Reactions

Eden Greenspan, the judge for the episode, provided candid feedback, often leaning towards the harsher side. Her critiques were both sharp and humorous, keeping the contestants on their toes.

"Eden, can you just shit on one more person? Yes, Caesar."
[44:38] Ben Mandelker

Her assessment of the dishes ranged from complimenting Henry's Mochi Ball to dismissing Paola's avocado salad as "barfy."

Elimination and Winner

The culmination of the episode saw Henry triumph with his Mochi Ball, earning him $10,000 from sponsor Finish Ultimate. Ben exclaims his unanticipated support:

"Henry's mochi ball was very unique and very nostalgic. Eden's like, guys, I haven't had a mochi ball like that since I was never so."
[49:18] Ben Mandelker

Meanwhile, contestants like Vinnie and Lana faced elimination, primarily due to their inability to break free from their comfort zones and deliver dishes that met the challenge's creative demands.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Ben Mandelker on Vinnie's emotional defenses:

  "When he makes a mistake, guess what he does my favorite thing. He whips out the trauma."
  [06:16] Ben Mandelker

• Ronnie Karam on Paola's potential as a film critic:

  "I can imagine her, like, with a little pad and a pencil, like, emerging from a movie theater with her."
  [07:16] Ronnie Karam

• Eden Greenspan on Henry's victory:

  "Henry's mochi ball was very unique and very nostalgic."
  [49:07] Ronnie Karam

Hosts' Final Thoughts

Ben and Ronnie wrap up the episode with a mix of praise and playful banter. They express excitement for Henry's win while maintaining their critical stance on other contestants' performances.

"I can't wait to go. Book now@virginvoyages.com or contact your travel advisor."
[01:48] Ben Mandelker

Their closing remarks emphasize the ongoing journey of Top Chef Season 22, hinting at future challenges and developments.

Conclusion

Episode #2818 of Watch What Crappens offers a thorough and entertaining recap of Top Chef S22E7: Pizza Party Behavior. Through sharp wit and in-depth analysis, Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the episode's key moments, contestant dynamics, and judges' critiques. Whether you're a die-hard Bravo fan or new to the culinary competition series, this summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, leaving you informed and amused.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Ronnie Karam on British TV:

   "It's the wardrobes, the witty little quips, the cute little villages where three people die a week."
   [00:14] Ronnie Karam

2. Ben Mandelker on Vinnie's Performance:

   "Vinnie, you are just a soulless human being at this point."
   [06:13] Ben Mandelker

3. Ronnie Karam Admiring Paola:

   "I can imagine her, like, with a little pad and a pencil, like, emerging from a movie theater with her."
   [07:16] Ronnie Karam

4. Ben Mandelker on Henry's Dish:

   "Henry's mochi ball was very unique and very nostalgic."
   [49:07] Ben Mandelker

5. Eden Greenspan's Harsh Feedback:

   "I hope it dies. I hope you choke on it and die."
   [44:28] Ben Mandelker

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