4 Levels of Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Amateur to Food Scientist | Epicurious

We challenged chefs of three different skill levels - amateur Jerry, home cook Kit, and professional chef Saul Montiel from Cantina Rooftop - to make us a tangy and tasty pulled pork sandwich. Once each level of chef had served up their creation, we asked expert food scientist Rose to explain the choices each made along the way - both good and bad. Which pulled pork is pulling your attention?
Follow chef Saul at @chefsaulmontiel
Follow Kit at @iamkitwilliams
Find Jerry at @jmburgos2
Looking for Rose? Head to @rosemarytrout_foodscience
Level 1 - Jerry Burgos
Level 2 - Kit Williams
Level 3 - Saul Montiel
Director: Vanessa Moreno
Editor: Boris Khaykin
Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
Producer: Tyre Nobles
Associate Producer: Blake Jesse
Culinary Producer: Graciel Caces
Culinary Assistant: Pancho Gatchalian
Audio: Austin Rumsey
Post Production Supervisor: Stephanie Cardone
Associate Director, Post Production: Nicole Berg
Epicurious Video Team
Jon Wise
Ali Inglese
Dan Siegel
Rhoda Boone
Carolyn Gagnon
June Kim
Holly Patton
Myra Rivera
Billy Keenly
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[@fionabermudezmay6162]

Literally everyone: "We want to keep our fingers, be careful" Saul: "I'm going to close my eyes" hahaha

[@liliiih123]

I love Saul so muchhhh hahaha

[@Gandoan]

I mean.... I wouldn't say everyone. If you're using proper knife handling, you won't cut yourself even with eyes closed.

[@luxtek1116]

Saúl it's a absolute Chad no 🧢

[@MichaelAury]

he closed them so the onion wouldn't make his eyes tear up

[@bossmoves627]

U don't have to worry about me honey cause I don't want to touch u as long as I been on this earth

[@franklynjoseph9855]

" I saw an old lady do this way so that's how I do it " And that's when you know Saul cooks from his soul

[@derlurchi6243]

you know old latinas know how to cook when an 18 year professional chef changes his way of doing things just by seeing one do it

[@jonathannothling1826]

Saul really needs his own show. He's got such a great personality and I'm sure the stories he could tell will work our abs like no other.

[@dimitrimcgregor5876]

Saul: "what's better than pork?? ..... more pork! Lol

[@mrclueuin]

Shhh! The last time somebody said that We almost lost Frank! 🤐

[@keishaloves1762]

@@mrclueuin *le gasp*

[@Parker-dt5hb]

they should name it better call saul. oh wait

[@sakshamshukla4512]

Better cook saul??

[@xXxJinxed1xXx]

I need to see Frank and Saul cooking together - They are both great chefs and even nicer people! I reckon it would be 100% pure delight to watch them cook something epic together :)

[@geminidragonreads]

I second this!

[@evalonia]

I'd like them to switch ingredients. And then taste each others food.

[@DCLocal84]

I love this idea. I kinda want to see them judge the other level 3 chefs. I still remember when Frank kinda rolled his eyes after hearing about the one level 3s sweet interpretation of Mac n Cheese and it made me so happy to see him essentially be like "yeah, you don't need to do that to prove you know how to cook."

[@ayeshaahmed6518]

Yes

[@nyk175175]

Petition to add a panel of judges for a blind taste test. Also, we need more Saul content.

[@yachishairclips2250]

This needs to be a top comment

[@UCmDBecUtbSafffpMEN3iscA]

Exactly this!

[@MichaelOKC]

I volunteer to be on the panel!!!

[@stembuff]

Comment to make this comment top

[@stembuff]

Yes sur we need this

[@Youkaikaze]

My man Saul! I've talked with him a few times and almost got a job at the Rooftop Cantina, but getting in and out of NYC from NJ is more expensive than what I would have been making. Really awesome guy with a wonderful family. Solid to the core

[@samg461a]

Level two chef: I used avocado oil because it’s a little less in calories. Level three chef: I’m going to use five pounds of lard. 😂

[@Bariom_dome]

Yeah, Saul isn't pulling any punches 😂

[@1cicle.]

and thats why shes only a level 2

[@pazz1239]

Thats how you put your heart in cooking. All of it

[@hopeayuma493]

ha ha ha ha ha

[@fivemjs]

I loved him so much! Ha

[@Sl1ckG0ku]

Jerry: “I don’t like that much spice” Saul: “Only a Sith deals in low spice tolerance”

[@AccioFlower]

@TCG657 this comment is cancer

[@devanmcghee6123]

@TCG657 I think you need to find a way to cope with the unhappiness you have in your life 😂

[@krono9024]

Every time Saul cooks I’m dazzled by his personality

[@gk6387]

@John Syzlack you're a white person with no personality at all so shut up

[@intosly]

We need a Saul and Frank video !!

[@Mdi223]

I am Spanish too and I think he's witty and has great sense of humour. He doesn't come off as forced or awkward in camera either. The accent only adds to it.

[@bradsimpson8724]

He's my favourite. So many people here are practically worshipping Frank. Now don't get me wrong, Frank is pretty great, but Saul is my favourite to watch, and would be my first choice of the group of pro chefs to spend a day in the kitchen with. I think I could learn a ton from him, and have an absolute riot doing it.

[@sameerpradosimmons8277]

Agreed

[@kingbouncer1314]

Gotta admit, jerry made me chuckle. Just throw a bottle of sauce on the meat, chuck a little onion in there and let the machine do the rest.

[@ashleigh6192]

Saul being the only one to toast his bread hurt.

[@nancymarin4603]

Nothing wrong with that it keeps the bread from getting to soggy

[@ashleigh6192]

@@nancymarin4603 yeah that’s what I’m saying, it should be toasted( in my opinion) and Saul’s the only one who did that . It hurt seeing that beautiful brioche bun neglected like that. /j

[@yutannie8040]

@@ashleigh6192 i know right

[@hand__banana]

I know right ! /srs /j /lh /dream

[@syedali832]

@@hand__banana I love

[@nijr3731]

chef Saul is HILARIOUS soooo entertaining every single episode he is in he continues to impress me not only with his amazing cheffing skills and techniques but with his humour too!! massive fan of his

[@rassp3860]

I never realize how much I miss Saul until I see him and think to myself “it’s been too long Saul. Too long.”

[@adelamcginn6411]

Hahaha! I feel the same

[@marcogonzalez9296]

What happened to Saul?

[@panoskotoulas759]

Is Saul okay?

[@philiprobinson5647]

I made Kit's recipe today and it was ... absolutely mouthwatering!! Love the spiciness and tanginess and all the layers of flavor and texture 👏👏👏

[@iamkitwilliams]

And Kit appreciate’s your kind words be thrilled you tried it

[@evantaylor1962]

the one comment not about saul 😭

[@Ultimate.KairiStan]

wish she didn’t criticize just about everything that jerry did

[@hannalofgren7982]

*adds two peppercorns “I’m a bit spice sensitive” Saul: *sighs in Mexican

[@nonstopqs4188]

literally I laughed so hard. dude gets spiced out with just a little bit of pepper what 😭

[@AndersonFerrara]

yes, people have different spice tolerances. weird, isn't?

[@nonstopqs4188]

@@AndersonFerrara peppercorn bro, peppercorn.

[@artschool2213]

@@nonstopqs4188 brooooo chill he is joking

[@nonstopqs4188]

@@artschool2213 maybe he is, it still made me laugh lol

[@Shinnizle]

Saul is amazing. Him and Frank are my favorite level 3 chefs.

[@hctz1234]

“Try your ingredients, get to know your ingredients”. That was rather genuine and salud!!! 🍻😁😅

[@mnels5214]

He was adding a little bit of beerness to the recipe...

[@trevorpacelli8056]

I gotta embrace the ingredients! I gotta sniff the ingredients! I gotta lick the ingredients! I gotta wash the ingredients! I gotta date the ingredients! I gotta BE the ingredients!

[@Drnaynay]

"Get to know your ingredients" - swigs the beer. Then proceeds to open a Coke with a massive knife. I love this guy!!

[@anneguarino4638]

Can we acknowledge the injustice in the fact that they edited out the moment Saul opened the Coke bottle with a chef’s knife! Major skills

[@Redrockmtbiker]

Hahaha original!

[@DanBlabbers]

I noticed that. It was also a Mexican Coke. It’s a narrower taller bottle and tastes much better than standard because I believe it has natural ingredients and cane sugar

[@sebmitubeu]

At min 18:09 you’ll see him open the beer bottle with the knife

[@wait...what...]

@@sebmitubeu Thanks!

[@luxtek1116]

Latin default skills baby

[@arist0crat638]

Level 2 and Level 3 chef: *Intense lettuce and onion chopping to make coleslaw* Level 1 chef: Alright imma just go and buy a premix

[@jesusrojas5220]

Saul has one of the best personalities

[@jordanwagers9910]

Crunchy on the outside, but soft on the inside. Like my heart. I love Saul.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Saul Has a Day of the dead 💀 on his chef jacket. That’s got to be a great sign

[@theidiotictroublemaker2281]

Damn didn't notice it till now!

[@minimila3]

That's the design/logo for his restaurant

[@theidiotictroublemaker2281]

@@minimila3 ohh no

[@Linamushishi]

@@minimila3 The name of Saúl's restaurant is called Cantina Rooftop

[@chambersoveternalsuffering8065]

That’s called a sugar skull bro !

[@ClassicalMMAChef]

Didn't know Saúl existed, from now on I won't settle for less.

[@effinsheet]

Finally a realistic level 1

[@jennischindler]

I’ve never been a huge fan of solo chef cooking shows (they don’t hold my attention) but I would 100% watch Saul’s cooking show. His cooking is gorgeous and he is hilarious & oh so talented.

[@jennischindler]

And Kit is just a doll! This was just a fun bunch of chefs in general.

[@teresafan1]

Me wondering why Saul seems so familiar (besides the videos ofc) and I realize now I have literally been to his restaurant and its right by me in NYC! Small world :)

[@jordyjimenez1092]

What's the name of his restaurant I live in NYC as well

[@wait...what...]

@@jordyjimenez1092 Cantina Rooftop, can I come crash for a weekend? lol jk

[@SimplySarah93]

Omg I was gonna ask if anyone knew where his restaurant was because I need to eat this guys food it all looks so damn good

[@Piratearicat23]

Tell him I love him please

[@bear6407]

When Saul started cooking the peppers I eas like "This man is strong, he's not even coughing. He's got a grandmas lungs"

[@no6611]

"Find something that is crunchy from the outside and soft on the inside, like my heart."💖

[@RandomPerson-tw8mn]

A crunchy heart 😂

[@mariposaenperu5490]

Saúl's subtle, dry humor has made my day! He is the best!

[@robertnorris8367]

Ok so Saul’s winning this thing.

[@Platinum400]

Well yeah duh he’s the the professional lol

[@Princess_Aurora]

He even drunk on camera, that’s a cool person.

[@roninkoans6065]

Saul doesn't just win the cooking, he wins our hearts.

[@godisdead6611]

Level 1 literally just seasoned his raw meat with a “sprinkle” of pepper so it’s not spicy (???) and cheap bbq sauce, level 2 was good but still it’s Saul of course he’s gonna win

[@SkittleBurstsxoxo]

@@godisdead6611 she put that horseradish in and ruined her whole sandwich. I was so sad

[@EyAura-Rain]

Saul putting beer in his dish and drinking it "try your ingredients" : Cheers! HAHAHAHA

[@imperialglory7381]

Saul = favorite chef alongside Frank

[@jeshthaac]

Kit: I like something with a little crunch. Saul: *snaps*

[@zoltankotra2212]

There should be a "youtube addict who doesn't cook that much" category. It would be fun to see someone who has about as much knowledge about food as a level 2 but less practical experience than a level 1.

[@emilygillock3803]

Lmao me.

[@robbevanduppen4171]

The time I spend watching video's about cooking is like 10x the amount of time I spend cooking 😂😂

[@AM-kr4pv]

This called me out

[@kaonashiyakuza]

Hahahahaha literally me...mom tells me that if someone saw me watching that much of cooking and baking shows they would think I'm always making some in the kitchen.....i raaarely cook and I'm not proud of that....but the knowledge I've accumulated comes upfront when i RAAARELY COOK hhhhhhhhh

[@usedtabe]

This level one "washed" her meat so I would say we're already there.

[@TM9_]

Kit seems so sweet! Has she been on other videos? If not, I definitely need more of her!!

[@Lycanusvd]

Sweet? Try cringe

[@ladynikkie]

He has a beer and a soda to drink while cooking I would definitely hang out with Saul at a cookout lol

[@florcitabs]

Must be because the three chefs are super friendly, but this has to be one if not the episode I enjoyed the most. Thank you all :)

[@515aleon]

Love the "real" level 1 chef---mayo based cole slaw using cole slaw package and pulled pork uses barbeque sauce out of jar. Level 2 chef is great--but "I'm using avocado oil because it's less calories" Okaaay. I love the sandwich and the one I'd most like to eat. And Saul is a gem of course. Nice combo of chefs and interaction is so nice.

[@shrednivashtar2712]

I thought the level 2 chefs samdwich could rival sauls. Both were very entertaining to watch too

[@specteractual1]

Really the benefit of using avocado oil it has a very high smoke point so you can get the pan really hot and don't worry about burning the oil

[@godisdead6611]

What you don’t like her just because she prefers avocado oil? Oh no what a monster

[@rlando]

@@godisdead6611 No, it's because what she said is just wrong: avocado oil has as many calories as any other oil. Also she doesn't seem very good, Lorenzo is way better at cooking even though they should be at the same level

[@hand__banana]

@@godisdead6611 very important to save those 10-20 calories in comfort food! (besides from the fact that isn't the biggest advantage of avocado oil)

[@yule_ofc]

You can use Spanish onion, leftover onion... Saul you're the funniest!

[@stepawayful]

SAUCE: Jump cut of Level 1 making sauce Jump cut of Level 2 making sauce Jump cut of Saul drinking beer 🍻 🤣🤣🤣

[@robmimulus5102]

I totally believe the chef Saul when he says the rest will be his lunch. He looks like he can eat, and he said it with such delight.

[@gamerarts8455]

I love how most of sauls recepis come from his family

[@othnieljonathan6717]

Crunchy from the outside...soft in the inside 😭like my heart..I love that

[@KariThomasMiller]

"I'm going to use 5 pounds of lard" I've never heard something so enticing in all of these videos.

[@genivaldomambo376]

Saul is my fav chef on this show, more of him please, thank you.

[@13sampepper]

kit: always go slow bc we want to keep our fingers saul: im going to close my eyes

[@strawberrycourtclown]

A torta ahogada… Man! I sure as hell do miss that! The sauce can be spicy or not, you can tell the man “drowning” the sandwich if you want it spicy or not, so children can enjoy it too!

[@stefannicolas4222]

Chef Saul is slowly becoming my fav lvl 3 chef. Sorry Chef Frank

[@ramdhan.1]

Saul is like a mixture of Frank + Lorenzo

[@Piratearicat23]

Frank is busy raising his own pigs to make pulled pork one day, he had to sit this one out

[@ameyaborude5927]

I'm amazed by how casually he goes for the knife to open the cola 🤣

[@sickprophetvj]

Torta ahogada , mmmm veo que saul es un hombre de cultura

[@glowthatoncewasdim]

i will never ever get tired of chef saul

[@elizabethkeizner5712]

Loving Jerry and Kit! Both so charming and likable.

[@Tatar10139]

What’s better than pork? More pork -Professional Chef Saul

[@UCmDBecUtbSafffpMEN3iscA]

When he said "more pork" I thought he was referencing the three cooks themselves 🤣

[@kentvincentllano]

Hahahaha

[@HistoricHisterics]

"I like something with a bit of crunch" and then the instant cut to Saul breaking a giant chicharron. lol!

[@pattybear91]

Someone needs to tell Kit that to sear meat, the pan has to be super hot to start with. Also, as someone who lived in Tulsa Oklahoma, no decent food comes from Tulsa. It comes from people who already know how to cook when they move to Tulsa.

[@frenchvanilla7109]

Yep that was a bit worrisome

[@yanii6665]

It wasn’t even seared at the end of it🤣 I was like…okay so it’s grey…

[@chunkymonkey4644]

"Touch the meat, FEEL THE MEAT!" Yes ma'am, ON IT!!

[@robbevanduppen4171]

I knew he was kidding when he "cut himself" but still got jump scared by the scream

[@HayTatsuko]

Just gonna say, in this particular episode, all three chefs were next-level. There was nothing here that didn't look absolutely scrumptious!

[@SuaSponte75]

Other than Saul... I don't think you understand how real pulled pork should actually be done then

[@joans6497]

I find it funny how Saul had to explain the lemon situation 😂🤣

[@DrGlynnWix]

Saul, love that man. Hard from the outside, and soft from the inside, like my heart.

[@youngeshmoney]

I usually don't like the level 3's, but Saul is a mood LMAO

[@ua7234]

Saul opening that bottle of cola with a knife was level 99

[@beansly87]

Is this a food show or a sitcom? Every chef was so funny and likable! All 3 chef's food looks good too!

[@Kennythecomputerguy]

Saul is my favorite chef. He needs his own segment. Dude is funny and everything he makes looks incredible

[@jbondad66]

can we get all the chefs in one series? just them creating any dishes lol

[@4c_aperture]

them drunk asf just vibing, maybe burning something >>>

[@JB-xl2jc]

I can't remember what video it was but a year or two back they had a video where they asked everyone who ever was on the channel for this series a bunch of questions and "How would you do x" type tests and cut it all together, it was interesting to see who didn't know what was being asked of them (not knowing which tool was which or which to use for instance).

[@ByronStCyr]

Yes Kit!! I need to make your recipe!

[@jesusrojas5220]

Frank couldn't make it because he is still raising his pigs

[@pacc9116]

Yes ofc

[@pacc9116]

@Joshua McKay you sound like a fun person

[@howto-camden8659]

@@pacc9116 joshua is right it is an overused joke and I’ve seen this comment 3 times on this video already it doesn’t make him not a fun guy

[@pacc9116]

@Joshua McKay in your opinion

[@legendary548]

@@pacc9116yeah your right, people can see it fun in their own in someways.

[@basteala525]

I love that Saul is becoming a regular.

[@f1b0nacc1sequence7]

Saul absolutely ROCKS! I learned by listening to him, and was massively entertained while it happened.... I almost never enjoy the Level 3 chefs, but Saul was exactly what the doctor ordered. We need to see more of him....

[@soulparadise1106]

Idk when but I can only hope Emily and Saul will grace my screen in the same episode

[@Piratearicat23]

PLEASE THEY ARE EVERYTHING TO ME

[@blutstwitch5788]

I love each and literally everyone of your cooks on this show. Whenever someone new enters it, I kind of (unconciously) look if they "fit" in. And - oh boy - you guys have a good eye for people. I loooove Kit so much, she is so amazing. Please please please give her some more episodes! Amazing woman, amazing cook! Greetings from germany to best cooking show in the world ♥

[@b.zapala]

13:41 this man is GOATED 🤣 "like my heart"

[@shayneellam776]

I like how she said she browned her meat when it's the greyest thing I've seen

[@karumschlag]

Pan wasn't hot. Unacceptable!!

[@r.palmer]

She was horrible. Horseradish sauce, gray meat, very little salt. And to boot you don't wash meat. That's what caused bacteria

[@veggiebigboy8198]

Facts

[@hannahsmiraculoustextingstorys]

I would not be surprised if Saul pulls the trick where he pretends to slice his finger on his new students in culinary school on their first day just to screw with them

[@AmanKumarPadhy]

Honestly, this is kinda the first time, all the three levels did follow different procedures. Sometimes the diff bw lv 2 and lv3 is technique and aesthetic. Not this time eh?

[@eflarsen]

Saul deserves EVERYTHING i stan one man.

[@rodrigul3]

Saul love him, my best #3 chef he’s funny and very knowledgeable. Rose 🌹 😍❤️

[@VairyLeo]

Saul has an amazing personality and I love both him and his mother in law.

[@SanctusFammae]

Kit is my spirit animal. However, Saul is always my fave

[@neutrinoman4808]

Can we get more Saul please, this man is a gift.

[@bluetextonwhitebg]

saul comin' in hard with those dad jokes.

[@mina_bean]

Not surprised to see the Saul love, he had me smiling from ear to ear..

[@NaturalDarkChocolate]

I've been feeling sad and watching this episode, especially watching Saúl cook definitely put a smile on my face. I 💜 this series!

[@wait...what...]

6:11 "Trust the cooking gods" Yes, his name is Saul, he'll be back in a minute.

[@journeyandjoy]

I still can’t get over her name being Rosemary Trout.

[@darren8854]

Every time I watch these videos and I see either level 2 chef Julie or Level 3 chef Saul, I'm hooked. They're so entertaining 😊

[@TruuJones]

This is the best one in a minute, loved all the chefs but more importantly, all their DISHES!

[@kevinrosso8649]

"What's better than pork?" *Nods as he acknowledge the truth* "More pork!"

[@SarcastSempervirens]

Saul is the man! :D Jerry is doing a good job of what we all do, Kit is trying so hard to make a pork for Nobel, but Saul just chills, throws stuff cut in half into pots, yet knows exactly what to do :D

[@j3r3miasmg]

08:22 - "Because Mayo... " -- Also in the same plate: 12:31 07:10 - "You wanna keep your fingers.." -- A little bit later: 08:13 09:32 - We need more Saul

[@HispanicAt7heDisco]

I think this is the first time I've seen a Level 3 Chef's recipe and thought, "I HAVE to make that". It looks sooo good

[@SpecSavant]

First time witnessing this legend that is Saul and holy moly he’s a riot. I couldn’t stop laughing and enjoying this episode 🤣🤣

[@rodrigul3]

He drank the BEER! I love him. He’s a level 3 but his level 1 peeks through. 😂🤣

[@quientinmakeus3272]

Wdym? Thats a pro chef thing right there. It gives him insight on how things taste or if something tastes off so he dosnt ruin the dish

[@judyalta]

Clearly you’ve never been in a restaurante kitchen most of the chefs cannot function with out the “happy soda”.

[@thatdudedorian]

Saul is the best thing to ever happen in quarantine

[@odstethan15]

1:08 "and the rest is going to be my loonch" love it

[@SDXStudio]

I want that Saul guy to live with me and describe everything I do in the kitchen because he is such a pleasure to listen to/watch.

[@davidmyers-wakeman5515]

I really like Kit! More Kit please!

[@PSYCHROCKS5]

Truly love watching Saul cook.

[@xxPenjoxx]

There was something super satisfying about watching Saul's knife cut through that chunk of pork like butter