As you know, I’ve been covering Gordon Ramsay’s shows for awhile now. And a lot of you have said that although you like watching cooking competitions, he just makes you too nervous. Well! Here’s the solution … Masterchef!
Masterchef premiered Tuesday on Fox, and while it’s not a new concept (versions of the show have been aired on the BBC since 1990) the idea has finally come across the pond.
The premise is this: ordinary American people with absolutely no cooking background come together and compete for the eventual title of Masterchef. With that title comes 250K and their very own cookbook deal. In interviews, executive producer Gordon Ramsay says the show is about “creating a dream.”
It’s a great idea, and Ramsay shares the judging duties with Italian restaurateur Joe Bastianich, and the youngest four star chef ever, Graham Elliott. (If you’ve seen the episode already, you’ll know why I now think of these two as Joe Basterd and Glasses Guy. That’s just until I get to know them better, you see.)
I have to admit, I teared up a little bit (twice really) watching the premiere episode. The contestants are brought into a room with a cooking area in front of the three judges. There, they are grilled on their background, and what dish they will be presenting. Sometimes, the food is out and out terrible. But even in these cases Gordon is nowhere near as hard on them, as he is on the contestants of say Hell’s Kitchen.
I took part in a conference call on Monday with my Gordon (see my former reviews for that reference) and he said he realizes these people are not like the contestants on Hell’s Kitchen. They’re your average Joes, so he doesn’t criticize them as fiercely. Which will be a relief to my sister, who has a panic attack every time Gordon lays into someone.
Joe Basterd on the other hand, can be quite nasty and waaaay dramatic. He actually approached a crying contestant and looked the guy in the eye asking, “Are you going to bring it?” over and over, until the poor dude was practically a wet puddle on the floor. That’s not when I teared up though. I’m not that easy!
No. For me it was Tracy from Atlanta. She’s a doctor in real life, and her mother was a great cook who died suddenly three years ago. Tracy took all of her mother’s signature recipes and began to cook after that, the tastes on her tongue bringing her Mom back to her for a little while. By the time she finished her story, and presented the judges with her Mom’s recipe for smothered chicken, I was rooting for her big time. And she moved on too. After an inspiring speech by my Gordon.
At this point I have to say something. Masterchef can get quite over the top and ooey gooey at times. But! That’s all part of watching people like you and I take part in a competition. At this stage they are half way through narrowing the field to 30. Next week, the final fifteen. If you missed it, you can catch it here. Meanwhile, I hope you’ll be there along with me for the ride. I think we’re gonna like this show.
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Jul 28, 2010 @ 17:38 EST5EDT
. . . . .
I’ve never heard of Joe Bastianich before, but I can tell you this: The dude kinda creeps me out.
He’s got an outstanding poker face. Loved it when he told dungaree-wearin’ bloke if he could do something about the presentation of his dish:
“What do you mean?” Dungaree Man asked.
“Exactly what I said” Joe replied.
Damn. You could feel the ice water running through his veins.
For what it’s worth, my wife noted she enjoyed this show much moreso than Hell’s Kitchen. I think this will be a fun one to watch . . . . .
*POST AUTHOR*
Joe Basterd has been stereotyped already as the “Simon Cowell” of the show, Michael. But I like Simon. This dude’s gonna bug me. I can tell.
Whenever I traveled to the UK, I would watch this show. It’s addictive.
*POST AUTHOR*
I can see how it would be, Ruby. But then again … I am addicted to all things “Ramsay.”
The original version and the recent remake of the show in the UK have no connection to Gordon at all Tara but are still mildly entertaining (the original show in the 90s was amazingly posh and overworked in a good way). The best of the versions currently broadcast in the UK is Masterchef Professionals where they have young chefs competing in real culinary challenges (reproduce a classic dish, make two dishes with set ingredients, create a signature menu for food critics, do a service in a high end restaurant etc) with a michelin starred chef Michel Roux jr. (son of the famous Albert Roux who along with his brother Michel Roux bought great cuisine to British TV and England in the 80s – many great videos of them here: https://www.youtube.com/user/grantmk999#g/u) judging them fairly and with great insight rather than any kind of bluster.
Just as an extra treat for you I’d like to post Gordon’s official channels for all his major UK shows. They are nicely split up into clip form so you can see just how nice, jovial and useful his shows can be! (I have posted similar info before but I’m sure you forgot during your move and other stuff)
https://www.youtube.com/TheFword
https://www.youtube.com/kitchennightmares
https://www.youtube.com/gordonramsay
Hi Tara, I do weekly recaps over at the L.A. Times, and I just have to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed your recap. It made me laugh out loud several times, you captured it all succinctly. Nicely done.
*POST AUTHOR*
Rene! You made my day with that compliment! Thanks so much …
Hi newmi — I am aware that the Masterchef shows are different than this one. But as I said “versions” of the show have been aired in the UK since 1990. But the original UK concept involved amateur cooks, as well as this one does.
Thanks so much for the links! You’re right, the move has jarred me to the core. But I’m regrouping!