We have been bombarded over the last several years with reality television, everything from George Foreman to dog grooming. Cooking themed shows have become one of the most popular discussed around the office water cooler. As a chef I have a few that I enjoy watching and a few that I feel like we could do without.The exposure that the food industry is receiving is great, shows like Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen and The Next Food TV Star are giving cooks that chance to share their passion with a national audience.Each show has its pros and cons in my mind.
Top Chef is my favorite, I feel like this show provides the most talented cooks in comparison to others. The judges are well respected chefs in the industry, the cities they are shot in are legitimate "foodie towns" and they honestly put out some dishes that have inspired me to try their techniques and flavor combinations.
I also watch the Next Food Network Star. This show is not my favorite, but what I like about it is that these are people who aren't afraid to put their neck out there. Some of the shows that Food TV produces aren't just for chefs, some are geared for the busy mom or dad who wants to put a home cooked meals on the table. Guy Fieri is a great example of the kind of person that can talk food and entertain with the style to keep you watching. He is a past winner of this show and now has one of the most watched shows on Food TV.
I can't write this post without mentioning the show that no pun intended, makes my blood boil. Hell's Kitchen in my mind exemplifies how reality TV can go drastically wrong. Chef Ramsey is actually a very accomplished chef and restaurateur, but with a notorious temper. I can deal with the temper, but the talent and some of the ridiculous challenges they have on the show is where it suffers. I'm don't mean to rant, but the thought that he will pay one of the winners 250,000 and they will run a brand new restaurant that Ramsey owns is a joke.
Nourish the Thought would like to know your thoughts on reality cooking shows. Also, tell us about which shows you watch and why. We are looking forward to hearing about your favorites.
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