Spanish Chef’s ‘Ugly’ Dish Sparks Laughter and Debate on ‘Top Chef’
Madrid, Spain – A contestant on the Spanish cooking competition “Top Chef” caused a stir Monday night with a visually unappealing dish that nonetheless impressed the judges with its flavor, prompting a playful exchange and a viral moment. Roi Méndez, a chef known for his innovative approach, presented a plate that initially drew criticism for its appearance.
Judge Eva Arguiñano bluntly compared the dish to “nachos with cheddar cheese,” according to reports from 20minutos.es. Méndez, however, urged the judges to focus on the taste, drawing a parallel to the self-destructing Banksy artwork that famously shredded itself after being sold at auction. “I wanted to provoke the same thing as when the Banksy painting sold and immediately shredded,” he explained.
The tension broke when renowned chef Paco Roncero tasted the dish and admitted it defied expectations. “It’s a shame, because something so ugly is so good… it’s tasty and has a good texture,” Roncero said, before delivering a pun on Méndez’s name: “It’s very rich, but it’s a little… ‘distROI’ (destroyed).”
Méndez himself acknowledged the joke was “flojo” – weak – but laughed it off, a reaction that resonated with viewers. Fellow judge Arguiñano offered a lukewarm endorsement, stating, “Roi, I believe in you. Just barely, but I do.” The moment was punctuated by cheers from the kitchen, including a shout of support from Belén Esteban.
The incident highlights the growing popularity of culinary competition shows, which often blend technical skill with personality and humor. “Top Chef” airs on La 1, a major Spanish television channel, and consistently draws a large audience. The show’s ability to generate social media buzz, as evidenced by this playful exchange, underscores its cultural impact. The incident has been widely discussed online, with many praising Méndez’s willingness to take risks and Roncero’s quick wit.