Johnny Iuzzini

'Top Chef' is a juggernaut, with cheftestants competing for huge prizes and culinary glory going on nine seasons now. But one thing has been a constant on 'Top Chef' and its spin-off 'Top Chef Masters': desserts can send even the most talented chefs off to pack their knives and go.

Pastry is full of complicated, mathematical equations that savory chefs don't often bother with, and if a dessert fails, it's not usually a simple fix. The recipes call for much more time and patience, a luxury not usually given in reality TV competitions.

Which is why I was so thrilled that 'TC' got another spin-off last year: 'Top Chef Just Desserts.' While Season 1 delivered on drama, it left too much to the imagination when it came to the food, but they've kicked it up a few degrees with Season 2 (Wednesdays, 10PM ET on Bravo).

I caught up with the show's head judge and chef mentor, James Beard award-winning pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini. Iuzzini's ditched his buzzed-about pompadour and chops from last season and is putting all his opinions and personality in his cryptic facial expressions. Let's just say if you're a chef on the show and you're questioning your dish, an eyebrow-raise from Iuzzini will drive you insane wondering if you've failed or triumphed.

On the new 'Top Chef: Just Desserts' (Wed., 10PM ET on Bravo), the contestants had a passion for fashion. In honor of LA Fashion Week, the chefs had to create 'edible dresses,' which would be shown at a party for industry insiders. And if that wasn't glamorous enough, there was a sudden twist -- in the form of an unexpected prize for the winner.

[Warning: Spoiler alert.]

The challenge was to make dresses of all-edible materials, to go with pairs of designer shoes. Everyone was excited to be part of the high fashion world -- but one chef was excessively into it. Zac Young clapped and squealed with delight when he saw all the shoes.