See you in Austin. Are you doing anything besides the Paramount show? I was hoping for a No Rez Austin.

Oh, and I agree with you about Ruhlman’s hair.

But Kitchen Nightmares -
I’m disappointed that the formula that worked so well in the UK version of the show was tampered with by our TV execs here in the US.
While the show is compelling, and the concept is excellent, the show has strayed from its roots. On the UK version, Ramsey spent time getting to know the principals of the restaurants, and really teaching them some bedrock principles of successful restaurant operations. The version we get is much more in the vain of “Ramsey yelling at people = good TV”
There doesn’t seem to be as much of the heartfelt, and honest interest in HELPING people that we saw on the original UK version. In the original, you got the impression the restaurant operators had gained something that would lead to success. The current iteration leaves the impression that the operators are given a makeover, and a new menu, but not really given the tools that they need for prolonged success.

I agree with Josh that the UK version of KN is superior, but, anything that puts Chef Ramsay on my television for an hour is allright with me. (Yes, I’m loving the US KN too!)

I’m happy that Next Iron Chef is all about the work and they don’t force us to watch the Chefs sleep in a dorm room. Just give us the cooking.

Too much of Fox’s Kitchen Nightmares is staged for the camera (vs. the BBC version). The American version seems to be a cross between Extreme Makeover and Mr. T’s I Pity The Fool (did you see what Mr T did to an Italian joint?). It’s as if these places are more than willing to play up their faults in order to get their free kitchen supplies. Doesn’t anyone clean their kitchen before the cameras arrive? It’s like Gene Simmons Family Jewels or Hogan Knows Best.

There’s too much gifting to take the show seriously. The first show had the place get an entire new kitchen. The second show was able to establish the Indian joint as part of Ramsay’s empire. One guy was able to get his place fixed up enough that he could sell it. Everyone is getting something for allowing them to be berated by Gordon. And why does he always have to show us his nipples during each episode? It’s not like he’s Steve Guttenberg.

It’s a fun show to watch, but it’s just Mary Poppins if played by a cussing Scot. The BBC version is more real – especially with Gordon’s voiceovers letting us in on his process.

When are you coming to Raleigh so I can treat you to dinner at the Underground?

And isn’t it just a bit disingenuous of you to be exhorting him to get a haircut when you know better than any of us that the filming was probably done a while ago?

Still, the JCS reference kinked my kilt and pinched my pipes

I had written off Kitchen Nightmares as derivative of HK. Looks like I’ll have to at least give it a look, what with the AB seal of approval and all.

So true. Kitchen Nightmares *is* great, even if I can tell what the problem is with the place in the first three minutes.

When will you do a Chicago “No Rez”? I met you here a couple of years ago at a bar called Jake Melnick’s — you were very gracious. Would love to watch you eat your way around this town (and get the renegade foie gras!).

I’m with Joe and Josh…too much of the US version seems staged. Especially the episode (I think it was the first) with the guy getting into a fight with a bill collector.

I also dislike the narrator in the US version verses Gordon’s narration. It really takes a lot of the personality out of the show.

Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares may be one of my all-time favorite shows on television. As a longtime restaurant flunkie, I get a perverse thrill out of watching him rip into these idiots, some of whom need to be publicly flogged for their hubris and general lack of concern for their guests. But then, that’s exactly what Ramsey’s doing to them. He also shows a bit of genuine humanity now and again, which I suppose is nice. I do miss the cussing that you with the BBC version, though.

ps
TB: I miss Siberia, from when it was in the subway on West 50th. Never be another like it. Too bad we always kept missing each other. I would have like to have had a beer with you, before you got famous!

But I agree, much better and less sponsor-full than Top Chef. I’m looking forward to having a smaller set of contestants, where we’ll get more details on what they’re actually cooking…

As a woman, I wasn’t offended when the first two chefs to leave Next Iron Chef were women, because from the get-go, they were the two least confident (at least in the edit they got) on the show. I know Traci is a great chef, but her presence and carriage (and edit, I know) didn’t display any confidence in what she’s doing. She came off as a wet blanket with no personality, which is unfortunate. And, Jill Davie, again talented at what she does, didn’t seem to have the presence or fortitude to be what FN wants an Iron Chef to be.

And lay off Ruhlman’s hair. If anything, it’s Besh that needs a trim. He’s starting to look like Bruce Jenner.

Please – I’ve had enough of Gordo’s physique, as buff and jocky and studly as Mr. Ramsay knows he is. BVDs in Boiling Point, arse in Nightmares (UK version), chest in EVERY freaking episode of EVERY show he’s done, and the weekly mention of his bollocks or sperm count (HK and F-Word). Yet, in My Last Supper, he goes for just an extreme close-up in B&W, and TONY goes for the full Monty (with strategically placed cow femur?. That’s a might big bone you’re packing, Tony.)

Logicalmind, I think Bourdain likes the SHOW (TNIC), but still loathes the network in principle. It’s not like we’re seeing Bourdain jump the shark and sign up for TNIC. As for Ruhlman – well, yes, he’s been critical of the network in terms of its programming, but maybe he’s hoping, with TNIC, that there will be more exposure of sushi-grade chefs and, consequently, more shows based around THEM, their technique and skill, rather than food-lebrities. Maybe?

Tony, you’re jealous of Ruhlman’s hair, dude – face it. His might be fine hair (and long and boyish), but you’re gelling yours now, capisce? Let’s not get into what 50+ year-old curly-haired men do when the curl (among other things) starts going. I’m just SAYIN’ (!)

Not sure why, but it seems that every restaurant that Ramsay visits in the new Kitchen Nightmare is run by some wanna-be Tony Soprano??

Also Bourdain, you better be all rested up for your visit to Austin. I spent $2 on tickets to see you, and I expect to be entertained damnit!!