4 Levels of Fish Tacos: Amateur to Food Scientist | Epicurious

We challenged chefs of three different skill levels - amateur Onika, home cook Alejandro, and professional chef Saul Montiel from Rooftop Cantina - to make us a plate of fish tacos. Once each level of chef had presented and tasted their creations, we asked expert food scientist Rose to explain the choices each made along the way to add some scientific context to the results. Which fish tacos can you imagine tucking into at a beachside cabana?

Director: Debra Remstein
Director of Photography: Jeremy Harris
Editors: Manolo Moreno
Talent -
Level 1- Onika McLean
Level 2- Alejandro Alba
Level 3 - Saul Montiel
Food Scientist: Rosemary Trout
Producer:Tyre Nobles
Culinary Producer: Mallary Santucci
Associate Culinary Producer - Katrina
Culinary Assistant - Stevie Stewart
Director of Talent: Cynthia Simpson
Line Producer: Jennifer McGinity
Associate Producer: Sam Ghee
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Cam Operator: Lucas Young
Audio: Rachel Suffian
Post Production Supervisor: Stephanie Cardone
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Video Copy and Recipe Editor: Vivian Jao



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[Sueiga]

You have to admit it, Saul throwing away the cap opener and just open the beer bottle with his knife was pretty badass, and his honest laugh always get me <3

[GeronaXxYT]

I am a simple man, I see Saul is on the video I hit like!

[oneshine]

Who can agree Saul is like every person’s favorite back yard barbecue uncle who all wants to be around him for his amazing food and flavors

[jalapenopapii]

Level 1s ain’t even level 1s anymore they all are skilled and Saul and Onika got a chemistry that’s hilarious 😂😂😂

[VerhoevenSimon]

it's always a treat when Saul is on the show.

[KamekazeKuban]

We got a bit of a history lesson from Saul!? Keep bringing him back! He’s great!! Always good seeing him on videos!!!!

[lilliamuribe]

I know him personally and let me just answer everyone in the comments with... YES HE REALLY IS LIKE THIS EVERYDAY! Best Chef ever 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 So lucky to work with him! Great Video Chef!

[phasamtasie]

I appreciate Saul saying there is nothing wrong with store bought. He doesn't judge and look down on it but simply, if you don't have the time or want to do all the work, you do you.

[Kyssifrot]

"If it tastes delicious, that's all that matters"

This should be on a painting in all restaurants. Thank you Chef Saul!

[ethanhorn]

Onika is absolutely 100% without question my all-time favorite level "1" chef. Everything she's doing is right straight out of my childhood. From her seasonings to how she handles the food and talks about the food. I am from Texas but "Creole" on something was shorthand for "literally" everything you need seasoning wise to make stuff taste good. Tony Chachere brand is the best.

[robertnorris]

The king is back. We all know he’s winning this. #teamSaul

[Yoojeenyah_]

Chef Saul needs his own show at this point! History lesson and jokes? What else can we ask for? #TEAMSAUL

[himemiya]

Saul talking to his fried fish, "Yes I'm ready!" was so adorable

[savannah]

i think my favorite thing about these videos is that all the chef's are always proud of what they cook, regardless of complexity or skill level :)

[rembertojimenez]

All three tacos look delicioius. Well done Onika, Alejandro, and Saul!!

[munkii]

Dude I just came looking for a basic fish taco recipe and got SCHOOLED, I am now going down a rabbit hole of this channels videos, my dream was to always become a chef, part of the passion is food science, and the culture and history, this video was MADE for ppl like me. Awesome job everyone, 11/10 ❤️

[sinclairbowman]

I love that the subtitles just assumed "Speaking Spanish" when Saul said Onika's name in exasperation lol

[catc]

Gotta love Saúl: “I like the sauces to be sweet and spicy - like me!” 😆

[eldibs]

Saul always seems like he's having a blast, I love it.

[LaizeeBunnee]

I love how in each one of these videos, there's like a explanation of what they used etc. Really helps you understand the food better