Podcast Title: Watch What Crappens
Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Episode: #2871 - Top Chef S22E12 Part Two: The Forage Seasons
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In episode #2871 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the latest escapades of Top Chef Season 22, Episode 12, titled "The Forage Seasons." This two-part recap serves as a humorous and incisive dissection of the culinary challenges and dramatic moments that unfolded during the competition.

The Foraging Challenge

The episode kicks off with the chefs engaging in an intense foraging competition, tasked with sourcing unconventional ingredients from the surrounding wilderness.

• Tristan's Strategy:
  Tristan attempts to craft a Canadian version of jerk pork, emphasizing the use of foraged items.
  “I'm doing a Canadian version of jerk pork... I'm just going to use all the foraged items,” Tristan explains at [03:13].

• Unusual Ingredients:
  The chefs incorporate a variety of unorthodox ingredients such as poplar bark, yarrow, thyme, rosemary, rose hips, and even ants.
  “It's like poplar barks... I can use that kind of for cinnamon. Yarrow. Using yarrow. That's good,” Tom Colicchio remarks at [03:28].

• Creative Challenges:
  The complexity and novelty of the ingredients lead to both innovative dishes and comedic mishaps.
  “What are we supposed to do with it?”, Padma Lakshmi questions at [34:44], highlighting the confusion surrounding some of the foraged items.

Judges' Feedback

As the dishes are presented, the judges provide their critiques, blending genuine culinary assessment with the show's trademark humor.

• Positive Reception:
  Cesar lauds his own dish with a mushroom trompeau and toasted ants, describing it as a fusion masterpiece.
  “It's like a fusion between pastor tacos...,” Cesar enthuses at [19:35].

• Constructive Criticism:
  Bailey faces scrutiny for her "glam rock lamb spadino speedo," with critiques focusing on the unusual combination of cow peas and poplar syrup.
  “Can you send this back? It tastes like the land,” a judge comments humorously at [17:01].

• Humorous Remarks:
  The hosts infuse humor into their feedback, mocking the overly complex and sometimes incomprehensible culinary creations.
  “But what happens when massive hype turns major fiasco,” Misha Brown's interlude at [01:16] sarcastically underscores the theme of the episode.

Elimination and Drama

The tension heightens as the judges deliberate over the dishes, leading to the elimination of one of the contestants.

• Massimo's Dish:
  Massimo's straightforward approach with mustard-based dishes stands in contrast to the more experimental dishes of his competitors.
  “You went for the easiest forage thing... Mustard greens are a thing,” Padma Lakshmi critiques at [32:37].

• Final Decisions:
  Ultimately, the decision falls on Massimo, whose dish, while visually appealing, fails to impress entirely upon execution.
  “Massimo is out of here,” announces Tom Colicchio at [47:30].

• Bailey's Struggles:
  Despite her adventurous spirit, Bailey's dish leaves the judges puzzled.
  “Can I not eat your trauma? Like, please?” she exclaims at [25:48], reflecting her frustration.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts summarizing the intense competition and the elimination outcomes. Ben and Ronnie maintain their comedic lens, highlighting both the triumphs and the follies of the season's final challenges.

• Final Thoughts:
  “This was an exceptional day all around,” Padma Lakshmi concludes at [46:12], acknowledging the remarkable efforts of the remaining contestants despite the chaos.

• Looking Forward:
  The hosts tease future episodes and invite listeners to engage with their content on platforms like Patreon and the Wondery App, ensuring fans stay connected for more laughs and critiques.

Notable Quotes

• “I'm going to do bannock cooked on rock. I'm excited. I love this. I love this. Foraging forests.”
  Tom Colicchio at [02:58]

• “The way that you plated that cracker, the bana cracker, I didn't think to dip it. I thought it was a hat.”
  Padma Lakshmi at [36:57]

• “I'm just gonna make a... I made a bunch of. I found a bunch of Cecil roots, and I'm gonna make a stock.”
  Shuai at [08:01]

• “Workers in your restaurant should never have to eat anything without a sauce on it.”
  Brenda at [36:28]

Final Thoughts

Watch What Crappens masterfully balances insightful commentary with sharp humor, providing listeners with an entertaining and thoroughly engaging recap of Top Chef's dramatic finale. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a fan of reality TV antics, this episode delivers a perfect blend of critique and comedy, ensuring you stay informed and entertained.

Stay tuned to Watch What Crappens for more hilarious takes on your favorite Bravo shows and beyond. Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/watchwhatcrappens for exclusive content and bonus episodes.