Watch What Crappens Podcast Episode #2883 Summary: Top Chef S22E13 - "Milan Dollar Baby"

Release Date: June 10, 2025

In episode #2883 of the "Watch What Crappens" podcast, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam dive into the exhilarating and often chaotic world of Top Chef Season 22, Episode 13, titled "Milan Dollar Baby." This episode offers a humorous and insightful recap of the culinary showdown set against the picturesque backdrop of Milan, Italy.

Introduction to the Episode

Ben and Ronnie kick off the episode by promoting their live shows and exclusive Patreon content before transitioning seamlessly into the heart of the discussion: the semi-final challenge of Top Chef Season 22.

Semi-Finale Challenge: The Ultimate Risotto Showdown

The focal point of this Top Chef episode is the semi-final challenge centered around the quintessential Italian dish, risotto. Set in the culturally rich city of Milan, the contestants are tasked with crafting their own unique interpretations of risotto within a tight timeframe.

Contestants:

• Tristan
• Cesar
• Shuai
• Bailey

Contestants’ Approaches and Culinary Creations

1. Tristan's Ambitious Risotto:

   • Dish: West African-inspired risotto with dressed heirloom tomatoes and charred buttered greens.
   • Strategy: Tristan emphasizes bold flavors and cultural fusion, aiming to infuse his Afro-Caribbean heritage into a traditional Italian dish.
   • Quote: (15:23) Tristan remarks, "I really want to bring melanin to Milan," highlighting his intent to celebrate his background through his cooking.

2. Cesar’s Experimental Take:

   • Dish: Celery root risotto substituting traditional arborio rice.
   • Strategy: Cesar attempts to innovate by replacing rice with celery root to maintain creaminess, though this approach risks deviating from authentic risotto standards.
   • Quote: (13:28) Ronnie comments on Cesar’s dish, "Cesar, listen, I like you, but you got to make a risotto dish."

3. Shuai’s Adaptation:

   • Dish: Spaghetti squash risotto.
   • Strategy: Anticipating the challenges of traditional risotto, Shuai opts for spaghetti squash as a substitute, hoping to balance texture and flavor.
   • Quote: (17:21) Shuai admits, "I didn’t practice risotto... so if I have to make traditional risotto, it’s gonna be garbage."

4. Bailey’s Traditional Approach:

   • Dish: Red wine risotto with Parmigiano and Taleggio, garnished with gremolata.
   • Strategy: Bailey chooses a more conventional path, focusing on simplicity and authenticity to appeal to the judges.
   • Quote: (16:10) Bailey asserts, "I just want to do something that was fairly traditional."

Judging and Critiques

Gail Simmons and a panel of guest judges, including four Olympians, evaluate the contestants' dishes with a blend of culinary expertise and comedic flair. The critiques focus on authenticity, flavor balance, and presentation.

• Cesar's Celery Root Risotto: Criticized for deviating from traditional risotto, lacking the essential rice component. Gail remarks, "There's no rice. It just feels like... it's water, pepper, butter, salt and pepper."

• Shuai’s Spaghetti Squash Risotto: Received mixed reviews for its innovative twist, though some appreciated the texture. Gail noted, "Why have you killed me?"

• Tristan's West African Risotto: Praised for its bold flavors and cultural homage. Gail comments, "This is a great example of risotto with bold flavors."

• Bailey’s Traditional Risotto: Commended for its authenticity but criticized for being overly heavy with cheese. Gail states, "Polenta should have a lot of I'm sorrys in it."

Notable Quote: (34:03) Ronnie hilariously summarizes Bailey's dish, "We show Bailey serving it when she was serving that, it just looked like glop."

Outcome and Elimination

Ultimately, Shuai emerges as the standout contestant, winning praise for his innovative yet respectful take on the classic dish. Tristan also performs admirably but falls just short of securing the top spot. Bailey and Cesar face elimination, with Bailey’s lack of confidence and overly cheesy risotto costing her a spot in the finals.

Final Quote: (66:37) Ronnie declares, "So Tristan does a cartwheel, which I was shocked," emphasizing his surprise at Tristan's continued excellence.

Concluding Thoughts

Ben and Ronnie wrap up the episode by reflecting on the unpredictable nature of Top Chef, highlighting the blend of talent, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck that determines the outcomes. They express excitement for the upcoming grand finale and encourage listeners to join their live shows and Patreon for exclusive content.

Final Quote: (83:28) Ronnie optimistically states, "I think it's gonna be Tristan. He deserves to win," underscoring her confidence in Tristan's capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity vs. Innovation: The episode underscores the delicate balance chefs must strike between honoring traditional recipes and infusing personal creativity.
• Pressure and Performance: The high-stakes environment of Top Chef tests contestants' ability to perform under tight deadlines and intense scrutiny.
• Audience Engagement: Ben and Ronnie's humorous and candid commentary provides listeners with an entertaining perspective on the culinary competition.

Final Thoughts

"Watch What Crappens" delivers a lively and engaging summary of Top Chef Season 22's "Milan Dollar Baby" episode, blending humor with insightful culinary critique. Whether you're a fan of the show or new to the Top Chef universe, this recap offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and triumphs that define the journey to culinary excellence.