He’s a world-renowned chef who comes from humble beginnings, is well rounded and highly skilled in a multitude of different cuisines, has impeccable references, and has a mouth like a sailor. Yes, it is admittedly hard to find anyone these days who doesn’t know who Gordon Ramsay is. For those that don’t, it’s just a brief read away right here. Though Gordon is known for his earliest roots on Hell’s Kitchen, the chef ventured into a true form of reality TV when he produced and headlined Kitchen Nightmares.
Kitchen Nightmares ran from 2007-2014 with a total of 92 episodes spanning 7 seasons. The premise of the show is a simple as it gets:
Kitchen Nightmares ran from 2007-2014 with a total of 92 episodes spanning 7 seasons. The premise of the show is a simple as it gets: Gordon travels to restaurants across the United States to basically save restaurants from themselves, which in most cases means their owners. Each episode is approached with the same goal in mind: taking a restaurant which is failing on the inside and the outside, and bringing it back to life. This is often easier said than done. The concept is not a new one, and was initially adapted from the original British series similarly titled Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.
Of the many who already know Gordon, the expectations aren’t exactly heightened in any way. For those that don’t, here’s what can be expected: Gordon Ramsay is essentially, the Simon Cowell of chefs. He is blunt, sometimes harsh, to the point and by many varying opinions, often cruel. Some are taken back by this, but others are aware that the restaurant business can be a severe and unrelenting world, which could possibly be the reason behind his demeanour. Gordon is tough, there’s no doubt about that, but the farther one gets into the show, it is revealed that all of this is with a plan in mind. The older generations would call this ‘tough love’. He is clearly there to help, and sometimes getting to the truth is not the most enjoyable roads to travel. For many people, the truth makes them uncomfortable, and can often show as insulting, and as Gordon always tells the truth, drama almost always ensues. Naturally a show like this would appeal to American’s as overdramatizing scenarios have proven to show appeal amongst U.S. audiences.
Kitchen Nightmares also gives insight into how many restaurants across the United States are run, and just how unprofessional they can be. Gordon Ramsay does more than help with that reality, he exposes it. Often times he finds that these restaurants practices are not only poor but also downright deceptive. Examples include establishments who market that their food is fresh, when in fact it’s usually just frozen and then thawed. Other times they say that their food is homemade, but when the truth comes out it’s just the opposite whether or be store bought goods or even just heated up in the microwave. Other problems include owners neglecting their duties, mistreating their staff, paying them late or not paying at all, and all of this almost always comes with denial and/or misplaced blame. When Gordon Ramsay enters the chat, it all changes or it all fails.
This show is unscripted and off the cuff. Gordon is also a huge personality, so naturally it’s not rocket science in understanding why Fox would want to exploit him on their network. Much of what makes this show watchable is that he can cook, he’s an expert in food and beverage, and that we should all listen because he knows what he’s talking about. Most importantly is that Gordon cannot fake his credentials. His resume’ speaks for itself, so if nothing else a show like this a learning experience from one of the greatest chefs to ever put on an apron.
