$317 vs $13 Quesadilla: Pro Chef & Home Cook Swap Ingredients | Epicurious

Pro chef Saúl Montiel from Cantina Rooftop and home cook Jon are swapping recipes and hitting the kitchen to make a quesadilla. We provided Jon with all the ingredients necessary to make chef Saúl’s over-the-top $371 quesadilla recipe, sending only $13 worth of your typical, store-bought stuff back the other way. Will Saúl elevate Jon’s more modest materials into something gourmet? Can Jon keep up with the demands of Saúl’s recipe? Which quesadilla looks better to you?
Director: Isabel Alcantara
Director of Photography: Brandon Yoon
Editor: Michael Imhoff
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Producer: Isabel Alcantara
Camera Operator: Caleb Weiss
Culinary Producer: Mallary Santucci
Culinary Associate Producer: Leslie Raney
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Amanda Broll
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Audio Engineer: Brett Van Deusen
Production Assistant: Justine Ramirez
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
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[@jkuhl2492]

I love that Chef Saul makes tortillas . . . out of tortillas.

[@Harrier42861]

Making something out of itself has become his signature move on this series.

[@indysgill]

Tortillaception.

[@LeBeren]

Meta af

[@Zraknul]

It's nice of him to give the ingredients a second chance to be great.

[@eonbart]

You just have to love Saul. Such an nice person and his creativity is unmatched. Pure magic what he did here with these ingredients

[@FortunePayback]

That, and I just love how humble he is!

[@HexIsme]

I judge people who don't like Saúl

[@JarekTank]

Of course i love Saúl.

[@derrickakomeah]

I completely agree but the grasshopper is making me feel uncomfortable 😂

[@rodebataille6752]

so is eating any animal we do LOL like pig is an interesting concept@@derrickakomeah

[@hangluex]

“why everything I do is so pretty? If you don’t believe me, look at my kids” 17:20 my heart, how can someone be that wholesome ?🥹❤

[@wendycarballo7092]

My favorite line too!

[@djsaintmusic7819]

Saul is a treasure

[@khaldoon_r8865]

Get your money up not your funny up lil bro 🙏😭 stop glazing him ong ong

[@rigo2real259]

@@khaldoon_r8865 this isn’t ig reels 💀

[@chikkinator]

@@khaldoon_r8865 easily the corniest comment I’ve seen all day

[@TheAvgCookTX]

Obviously chef Saul needs his own series but I loved these 2. MAS POR FAVOR

[@SanDukey]

Saul and Frank need to collab on something

[@bobsaul4568]

Yes and get rid of Lish appearances

[@richmondvand147]

honestly though, he's probably a busy dude

[@toolrocks10]

I agree

[@RONDESANTISFORISRAEL-ub1vj]

Mexicans can’t be chefs he isn’t a real chef

[@DreOrozco]

I loved when they yelled at Jon to not throw the tequila onto the pan. 😂 This episode felt more chaotic than usual.

[@carialv]

Need time stamp

[@noeljones386]

@@carialvAround 9:46, need the volume up a little

[@IuliaOana88]

do you know what's his @ ?

[@IuliaOana88]

​@@carialv9:43

[@dreamsofmusicbutalasdayjob5920]

@@IuliaOana88jonthewiggles

[@user-ng2qx4xd1b]

Chef Saul is the funniest. "Why do they call this mexican? Because a mexican is using it" lol. as a mexican i find that too funny.

[@mindybee96]

"Saul-dried tomatoes" is the best pun ever, I love how he keeps using it 😂😂

[@gustavocastro5194]

It was a nice pun, Sun in spanish is Sol which kinda sounds like Saul

[@way9883]

​@@gustavocastro5194that's actually making this funnier

[@S_047]

I can't get enough of Chef Sau’l . He has that super wholesome vibe

[@biggulppearson7324]

Saúl

[@carlos_herrera]

​@@biggulppearson7324saưl shmaül. Wholesome is absolutely correct, no matter the diacritics.

[@archsys307]

Blud spelled his name like a whole lord of the rings monster 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@danielafierro6564]

i love how saul is always so supportive to anyone who does these with him!

[@eddiej9270]

I mean, what do u expect ppl to react to on television?? Even if not on television, mostly ppl are nice to strangers or not so close friends.

[@LorenIpsem]

@@eddiej9270 have you ever watched Martha Stewart with her guests? She was an ogre and a tyrant! 😂

[@Gorgathor]

Saul's recipe is the most creative take on cheap ingredients I've seen on this channel. Wonderful and inspiring stuff!

[@wateasa]

I agree! And not a lot of crazy tools. Very doable

[@winningsince1992]

But also a lie. Idk why people feel the need to lie about the price.

[@supernicral]

​@@winningsince1992 well normally they adjust the price based on the portions being used. Like you dont use all the sour vream for instance.

[@winningsince1992]

@supernicral okay but how long is a chopped tomato going to last you? Or jalapeño or chicken you didn't use and so on. Also they tend to only account for portions on the cheap side, I'd have to rewatch the video to see if they did that here. If so then it's more like a 50$ vs 300$ which is a big difference in price still but honest

[@supernicral]

@@winningsince1992 Yeah I mean they make the prices as cheap as they can seem cause it's better for content

[@vivapancakes]

Was in theater with Jon in college, he's as wholesome and awesome as he seems. What a great duo!!!

[@puckplayer219]

I absolutely love Saul. Funny, friendly, and obviously a brilliant chef. He'd be phenomenal with his own series, eh Epicurious?

[@thaliafaudith9387]

Well he still has his own restaurant to take care of, and we know chef saul; he doesn't compromise with quality

[@chhavibaranwal]

“Why everything I do is so pretty? If you don’t believe me look at my kids.” LMAO💀

[@AleshaBales]

I am really liking the new format! Having the chefs meet each other and try the dishes is awesome!

[@JRiddelle]

That's how they did it pre-pandemic too, but obviously there were a couple of years where that couldn't happen.

[@pm9625]

Yeah agreed its exactly how i want it to end!!!

[@vickyskye8492]

honestly best part of this video is how modest these guys both are. Especially how the Chef complimented and pep talked the young guy

[@xxPenjoxx]

Chef Jon seemed like a real level 1...he didnt have a lot of experience but was open to trying everything. Really nice match up with Saul (Chef Wholesome). Love this show series.

[@mackennaomara4868]

Favorite part was definitely Jon almost making a vegetable flambé

[@tiaaustin9351]

suggestion!! you should make the grocery list in order of least expensive to most. The bottom of the list always gets a few more seconds on the screen and it would allow us to see what ingredients make the dish sooo expensive.

[@briancoleman9330]

I love how Saul is so supportive, but also full of light hearted jokes.

[@tomwhite7983]

Saul is a treasure. To be able to cook with him would be nothing short of a privilege.

[@mon6745]

I like this new level 1 chef jon- he's adorable

[@Thurstoner]

He was great. Definitely level 1ish too so looking forward to his level 2 journey

[@lep99]

Such a cutie patootie

[@adamjeffries7235]

jon is the only one who really looks like a new student

[@IuliaOana88]

what's his @?

[@NeonDarkness]

"Why is this Mexican cheese?" "Cuz a Mexican is using it" Can't argue with that

[@burningbelow4424]

This was one of the best most wholesome vs videos I've seen you guys put on. I love Chef Sàul!

[@Qjamz]

I miss Rose informing the new chef 'what to do' with the unknown ingredients. But I like that Chef Saul gave the newbie directions and insight. I love this show😂

[@Opensourcerer12]

This guy Jon is an absolute pleasure to watch, comedy is awesome. You guys should have him on more often!

[@niza4953]

Jon seems fun to have on the show! More Jon plz!

[@MeegMaster]

Chef Saul is a national treasure. Amazing camera presence!

[@ericthompson3982]

The little cheese illustration was sooo freaking wholesome.

[@benjaminmurray455]

Saul is still our national treasure.... love his wholesome vibes and Jon is such a chaotic ball of energy. 😄😂😂 I love their quesadilla dish! 😍🥰

[@MGD313]

The true dollar amount of anything Chef Saul makes? Priceless.

[@nayeemali2449]

Chef Saúl is the funniest and most creative chef ever. He is so wholesome.

[@Angel-xu8eq]

I wish all my teachers were like Saúl

[@christinaparra2240]

Quesadillas are really easy to make and really easy to mess up. This could’ve gone the other direction. 😂

[@georgemonroe]

Saúl is top Mexican tío (uncle) humor and i'm here for it, my dude needs his own show!

[@be7ue]

I just watched Jons double take on grasshoppers 15 times in a row. I'm dead lolol

[@yaskynemma9220]

Chef Saúl is very creative, his recipes are awesomr but sometimes the recipes he invents with the ingredients given to him are more impresive. I would put the chapulines inside of the quesadilla, so you get that salty flavor in random bites of the quesadilla

[@thehappypolybunch5791]

When Jon almost put tequila instead of oil and the crew was like nOnOnoO JAJAHAHSHAHA

[@ntielman2072]

Jon was so funny and relatable. would love to see more of him 🤗❤

[@way9883]

yup and it doesn't hurt that he's cute

[@Justvibingtasty]

Yea did u find him on any social media?

[@dreamsofmusicbutalasdayjob5920]

@@Justvibingtasty @jonthewiggles

[@andrewcrighton4325]

Saul is my favorite chef on this series, I love seeing the cuisine he specializes in.

[@dianahellman9254]

This was a terrific episode! Also, I absolutely loved the spoon drop!

[@jbohlinger]

HOLD MY CALLS! EPICURIOUS POSTED A CHEF SAUL VIDEO!

[@alexcampbell7685]

As soon as Jon said “HAIR-loom” tomato I was worried for him 😅

[@QuintinMassey]

Wow mucho props to Saul. That was petty amazing to see how he transformed all those ingredients. I got taken to school today without knowing it was gonna happen.

[@user-gm8lj6cg2i]

jon is the only one who really looks like a new student. Favorite part was definitely Jon almost making a vegetable flambé.

[@glodeshe7905]

I love when Jon says "the only words I unerstood are and and with", this basically sums up when my bilingual friend talks to me 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@terrybradford3727]

I am enjoying the evolution of this series. It is almost like if I was trying to make the recipe after watching him make it.

[@saucinwithsean3331]

This is an awesome video because a lot of us relate to the $13 ingredients. So it’s nice to see different ways to elevate the flavor of cheaper stuff

[@ataliaferro96]

I love watching this chef, he’s my favorite he’s the reason why I’ve watched EVERY video in this series 😂 spoon drop gets me everytime

[@MckailaShiloh]

I won't rest until Saúl has his own show 😭😍

[@anushksharma9900]

16:29 the reason why no one likes fancy food the tortilla broke but there was a cut in the video and had magically been repaired

[@glossaria2]

LOL I love when Chef Saul does a spoon-drop. He's a total rock star.

[@karlisgama7316]

La personalidad de Saul en este video es fabulosa como sus quesadillas. Gracias por poner muy en alto nuestra gastronomía.

[@_stephanie]

This is great! Saul is so sweet to everyone who he does these with, he needs his own show!

[@susanavenir]

I have such a crush on Saúl.

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

Hair-loom! omg, i'm dying

[@cerosis]

Chef Saul is always such a treat to watch😊

[@4k1r3]

Saul ingredients in Mexico would have cost less than the half of that lol, the only expensive thing there was the tequila. Those are everyday ingredients here xD

[@SaltMagazine-kt6fj]

“I used the tortillas to make the tortillas.” -Saul

[@rationalbacon5872]

Chef Saul is worth his weight in gold. He always makes me smile.

[@rednaxela7875]

1:48 "I'm going to play the lotto today" is hilarious

[@Hexinvir]

I wish his restaurant was near me so I could try some of Chef Saul's food for myself. He is very creative with his dishes, uses terriffic technique, and has a great personality. Kudos Chef!

[@ScrausScrauas]

When Saul plated that and i saw it all finished i said “GAHDAMN” so loud that’s insane artistic ability

[@SchecterWolfe]

We demand more chef Saúl! His personality makes him so much fun to watch!!

[@markgaley6169]

Is no one else going to mention the edit where Saul dropped his spoon and it came in on Jon's frame. Excellent bit to keep up with

[@toregenekhatun480]

Such an enjoyable episode, great job!

[@saivixpw7589]

"Everything I do is so pretty, if you don't believe me? Look at my kids." Just punched me in the brain and told me to laugh 😭

[@Maineabeast]

Chef Saul with one video showed it is possible to be creative with any ingredients you have. That was some magic fr

[@donnalisinski1036]

Love the pro chef, hes great for this type show. Great personality I watch every time hes on. Great job to both chefs.

[@rivalstorm120]

If we dont see Saul after this video.. he definitely won the lottery

[@rowobin]

i really like Jon!!! he looks very sweet and funny

[@myusernamehere]

They are both so respectful and awesome people! ❤😊

[@Shamlezzz]

Chef Saul reminds me of a buddies dad I knew. Instantly makes me love the guy. I watch every one of his videos lool

[@lil_soum]

Such a great video well done guys 🥂🔥

[@caroltavares84]

I absolutely love Chef Saúl's energy!

[@zomgoat5333]

Saul made tortillas out of tortillas! That was so creative

[@svodkosci]

the homecook is so cute thooo

[@GabellaCastellanosThomas]

This may be one of my favorite episodes so far ❤

[@casterbutters3370]

I've never heard of this show before. I watched for the title chef. Saul was really great and kind-hearted, but Jon really kept me watching cause it was really relatable reactions to things and had natural comedy come out of him.

[@chrissandoval7675]

nothing reminds me of my complete lack of personality like a chef saúl video. love him.

[@patotinaaah7447]

My favorite part 9:15 HAHAHAHAHA Especially 9:26

[@nubiameryhor369]

This episode was so cool. I love the creativity and science of the chef

[@heidiallen824]

Chef Saul in this video? Instantly watching.

[@Arcenia13]

Woah! This was incredible!! Both we’re definitely funny and enjoyed the challenge! I liked watching them both!!

[@purpleunicorn9977]

Saúl Montiel is the most entertaining chef I have ever seen! he makes me laugh and he is so charming! I want to see him do his own Mexican cooking show!

[@roniqueasia]

Chef Saul is hilarious. Haha I'm loving this series

[@DSzaks]

I love Saul, he so fun and lively. Epicurious just has such a great bunch of presenters, they're all great and always seem like they are having fun. Jon also did very well on this. He didn't even have to consult Rose once (that we know of)!

[@dianaharper3853]

That was amazing. I would like to see you guys make a spaghetti pie too

[@gozdeuysal7374]

Chef Saúl is a fantastic human being who came to this life to spread light and sunshine 🍀💖

[@jinxarcade1257]

soul has top be one of the best dads. look at him. even on youtube he is proud to show his love for them.

[@MrCloud254]

Saúl seems like a really amazing teacher!

[@jellyally8630]

Honestly if Saul got the ingredients I use he would be so disappointed cause I only use tortillas cheese and sour cream 💀

[@falsenames]

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he came up with a three course meal out of that.

[@jellyally8630]

@falsenames fr though 💀

[@asophiez5265]

I just love Saul, he makes me happy

[@calebmcmillian6397]

It’s crazy how you found two of the most charismatic people on the planet to star in this video for you lol

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

*I love Chef Saul so much!!!!* He is brilliant and hilarious, too! 🤣😂😅

[@Rafa-pj4os]

what stood out to me is how well this video is made

[@jacobsutton9528]

How is it that everyone in the world has a podcast except for Chef Saul (and Chef Frank) for that matter??

[@nawafuu2245]

need more of saul. as for the other guy, i like how he is down to earth despite not being the best

[@peadar-o]

It’s like a proud uncle versus nephew cook off ❤

[@robertnavarro761]

these guys might be my new favorite combo! 😂