Former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn packed the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on Sunday, the first night of Hanukkah, for a lesson in latkes. At Latke Mania, the reality TV personality turned Good Stuff Eatery burger slinger earned laughs lighting a menorah with a butane torch, struggling through candle lighting prayers he said he stayed up all night learning, and bantering with his sous chef for the evening—his mom.

It was clear to see where Spike’s outsized personality comes from. Spike’s mother Catherine largely stole the show from her son. The two play off each other like a pair of pros who’ve honed their stage act after weeks on tour. Spike can’t even outshine his mom with his headgear. While he is rarely seen in public without his branding signature—a hat on his head—his mom was resplendent with ruby red hair.

Over the course of an hour filled with five recipes to teach, the two argued over stove temperature. To stew her “Original Yummy Applesauce,” mom said use a medium heat, then turn it to low. Spike said start low, then go high, but that prompted “the look” from mom. Both agreed the kitchen may not be big enough for the both of them. Either way, don’t forget to use fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg. And a tablespoon of red Jello powder!?

Things mom and son do agree on? Red bliss potatoes work better for latkes than Yukon golds. Neither likes to measure too precisely (her serving spoon stands in for a tablespoon of yogurt while his fistful of salt stands in for a teaspoon). Both are eager matchmakers for Spike’s sister, Jill, with the hatted one asking, “how many single Jewish men in the house today.” He got several replies.

Photos by Bruce Guthrie