Ep 23. Toppings

Unwrapped season 8 episode 23 takes viewers on a mouth-watering journey of irresistible toppings that adorn our favorite desserts, drinks, and snacks. From sprinkles to syrups, this episode explores the enchanting world of toppings that transform ordinary treats into extraordinary delights.

To kick off the show, host Marc Summers visits SnoWizard SnoBalls, where fluffy snow cones get decked out in an array of colorful syrups. With over 50 flavors to choose from, SnoWizard is a Louisiana-based company that has been producing exquisite syrups for over 80 years. Summers discovers the secrets of creating these drool-worthy syrups that take shaved ice to the next level.

Next up, viewers get to learn about the irresistible sprinkles that make our cupcakes and cakes look adorable. At The Sweet Life, a bakery in Philadelphia, Summers meets owner Gretchen Fantini, who reveals the vast array of sprinkle varieties that make her desserts stand out. From metallic to crystal sprinkles, Summers samples a rainbow of flavors and textures that add a festive vibe to any dessert.

Moving along, the show takes us to New York to meet with Diana Sabater, the owner of The Bronx Hot Sauce. Unlike any other hot sauce on the market, The Bronx Hot Sauce is made from locally grown serrano peppers from greenmarkets in the Bronx. To create this unique hot sauce, Sabater uses honey sourced from the borough's hives and spices from Westchester County. Summers samples the hot sauce with ice-cream, and the combination of sweet and spicy is surprisingly enjoyable.

The episode then switches gears and delves into the world of pizza toppings. At Lamonica's Pizza Dough Company, Summers finds out the secret to creating perfect pizza dough that is the foundation for an exceptional pizza. He then travels to Patsy's Pizza, a legendary pizzeria in New York City's East Harlem neighborhood. Here, Summers watches as the chefs prepare their signature pizza with a variety of toppings, including fresh mozzarella, basil, and spicy pepperoni.

As the show progresses, Summers visits a company that supplies indulgent ice cream toppings to restaurants and stores across the United States. At The Ice Cream Source, Summers discovers the art of creating dessert toppings such as caramel shell and hot fudge. He then tastes the toppings over a scoop of ice-cream and gives us a behind-the-scenes insight into the production of these scrumptious toppings.

Finally, the episode culminates with a visit to a Japanese restaurant in New York City's East Village, where Chef Seki serves up his exquisite sushi with unique garnishes. From edible flowers to gold flakes, Seki's attention to detail is awe-inspiring, and the presentation of his sushi with intricate toppings is nothing short of culinary art.

Overall, Unwrapped season 8 episode 23 is a tantalizing adventure that divulges the magic of toppings and the expertise that goes into creating them. Whether you're a fan of hot sauce or ice cream toppings, this episode will leave you drooling, and you'll be running to your nearest dessert place to try out some of these mouth-watering treats.