In the recent episode of tvN’s You Quiz on the Block aired on October 16, 2024, the winner of season one of Culinary Class Wars, Napoli Matfia, appeared alongside fellow finalist Edward Lee. Both chefs have gained significant attention for their inventive contributions in the widely popular cooking competition.
During the episode, Napoli discussed how he utilized his prize money of 300 million won (approximately $225,000) from the competition. When host Yoo Jae-suk inquired about his financial plans, Napoli disclosed that he promptly invested the entire amount in a rental property close to his restaurant. He explained,
“I prefer to keep busy and avoid laziness, so I didn’t want the money to be easily accessible. I immediately funneled the entire 300 million won into securing a rental property right next to my restaurant.”
He elaborated that this decision helped him sidestep impulsive spending while enabling him to focus on his culinary endeavors with a more convenient commute.
“It streamlines my work since it simplifies my travels. I feared that having the money in sight would be a source of distraction.”
Reflecting on his unexpected triumph, Napoli expressed his astonishment at winning and acknowledged that he often ponders the reasons behind his success. However, he confidently mentioned that he would feel ready to compete again in another season.
Recollecting the competitive trials, he fondly reminisced about the fierce rivalries and thrilling moments shared with other accomplished chefs.
Highlights from Napoli Matfia and Edward Lee’s Appearance on You Quiz on the Block
The thrilling finale of Culinary Class Wars, released on Netflix on October 8, 2024, captivated a global audience with its innovative format, splitting 100 chefs into two groups: the seasoned White Spoon chefs and the emerging Black Spoon chefs.
The series featured nail-biting eliminations and unique challenges that kept culinary enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
In the interview, Napoli revealed that the popularity of his restaurant surged following his win, resulting in a staggering waiting list of over 20,000 patrons for reservations. He shared,
“We have a reservation app with approximately 20,000 people queued up. I am immensely thankful, but it does come with some pressure. We manage reservations in limited quantities to ensure our guests have a high-quality experience.”
While expressing his gratitude for the rising demand, Napoli stressed the significance of providing an exceptional experience rather than merely focusing on revenue.
Edward Lee, who also competed on the show, humorously shared his aspirations to open a restaurant in Korea, inspired by the surge in popularity of Korean cooking programs. The host playfully nudged Lee about his achievements in the U.S., leading to a fun exchange regarding his future plans. Lee noted,
“Naturally, I’d love to establish a restaurant in Korea. It feels like a missed chance after being on TV here. The customer base in the U.S. is not as large.”
With Netflix announcing the renewal of Culinary Class Wars for a second season, anticipation is building for even more exhilarating culinary battles. Set to debut next year, season two promises to amplify the stakes and deliver even more excitement for fans.
Leave a Reply