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'No way any state fair has risotto': Internet slams 'Masterchef' Season 13 contestant Wayne Lewis' group challenge dish

Entrepreneur and self-taught cook Wayne Lewis from Columbus, Ohio, received online criticism for his dish during a state fair-inspired group challenge

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On the latest episode of FOX's 'MasterChef' Season 13 Episode 5 titled "State Fair Food", the competition intensifies as the Top 20 home chefs step into the kitchen for their inaugural challenge, where they must create state fair-inspired dishes, with a twist -- the winner bestows immunity upon their entire region, sparing them from elimination. The contestants are also competing for an immunity pin that is not only going to save them from elimination but also their entire region! 

While state fairs typically celebrate fried and stick-based delicacies, a contestant named Wayne took a daring move by preparing a crunchy risotto dish, earning immediate criticism for his unconventional choice amidst a state fair-themed challenge.

Who is 'MasterChef' Season 13 contestant Wayne Lewis?

During his auditions, Wayne Lewis, a 51-year-old entrepreneur from Columbus, Ohio, proudly shared his passion for food and recounted his impressive 20-year journey of self-taught culinary expertise. As the founder and owner of 614 Media Group, hailing from the Midwest region, Wayne demonstrated his deep-rooted love for cooking, hoping to showcase his skills and make a mark in 'Masterchef'.

In the latest episode of 'Masterchef', renowned chef judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Aaron Sanchez make their grand return alongside the top twenty contestants. The stakes are high as the challenge winner not only secures their own safety but also grants their entire region immunity from elimination, with regions including the Northeast, the South, the Midwest, and the West. As the top twenty home chefs step into the studio, they are greeted by a carnival-themed setup, setting the stage for a fun-filled culinary showdown. However, Aaron emphasizes that this challenge is not an excuse for simplistic deep-fried creations, warning that the worst dish will lead to elimination.

Joe adds that the state fair-inspired dishes must showcase an elevated twist, taking them beyond the ordinary. Adding to the intrigue, Gordon reveals a massive twist in the season -- the contestants will be cooking alongside others from their respective home regions. With one hour on the clock to impress the discerning judges, tensions run high.

Wayne, a risk-taker in business, confidently opts for pumpkin risotto, believing he has what it takes to excel. The judges, ever observant, begin critiquing the dishes even before tasting them. Amid the intensity, Wayne's remark about letting "the risotto make love to the pan" elicits laughter, lightening the mood in the kitchen. 

'Crunchy risotto does NOT sound appetizing'

'Masterchef' enthusiasts wasted no time in calling out Wayne for his decision to make a pumpkin risotto. One Twitter user expressed their disapproval and wrote, "And we’re all sitting here knowing big mouth pumpkin risotto man should be hanging up his apron." Another exclaimed, "I’ve went to fairs in my state and I’ve never seen risotto being sold as fair food."

Questioning the authenticity of the dish in a state fair context, someone pointed out, "Idk but no f'ing way any state fair has risotto." Raising a valid culinary concern, another Twitter user asked, "But isn’t crunchy the opposite of what you’re looking for when cooking a risotto?"

Doubts were cast on Wayne's flavor combination, with a critique stating, "Pumpkin risotto with lobster....I don't know about that." Expressing surprise, another comment read, "I didn't know Risotto is state Fair food."