Chef Gordon Ramsey

[jdawg]

I know there are some members here that have interests in culinary and love to cook! I being one of them.

I was wondering what opinions people have about Chef Ramsey. Personally, I think the guy is brilliant. I can't get enough of him. He has really become the biggest chef personality in the States.

I watch his shows all the time, Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares (here and on BBC).

Any thoughts? This is probably a silly thread to start, but just wondering what opinions are out there. Especially, since he is from the UK.

I have not had the opportunity to visit one of his restaurants yet, but hope to do so soon.

[spivy]

I think his food if good, and great at times. But there is no way he is the biggest chef personality in the states. He is widely known, but he does not have anywhere the following that Puck has. Not to mention the other Food Network personalities.

I have been to his restaurant in London and it was good. By no means worth the price tag if i were to compare it to other restaurants in the same price points.

My favorite chef would probably have to be Daniel Boulud.

[jdawg]

Maybe, I should rephrase. I didn't mean the biggest chef personality as of following. I meant as recent media attention, growth, and awareness.

The guy is everywhere on the tele.

[moidoid]

I think his TV schtick has worn a little thin in the UK. I doubt viewing figures for his last series were that good.

In any case, once you've seen Marco you have less time for his apprentice.

[Lee Nub]

Ilike the guy, he's entertaining but there are better chefs out there. He has done well in creating the brand around his name but that's what it really is these days, promoting his brand.

Wasn't he found out a while ago to buying in frozen meals for one of his restaurants?

But whatever he's done, fairplay to the bloke, he's made his millions

[Robusto]

I was talking about Gordon Ramsey when in the States recently because he came up in conversation. I imagine all his "fucks" are edited out in the States, and his constant swearing seems put on and puts me off him. He knows how to cook, though!

[eggopp]

I quite like Gordon Ramsey, used to be an Army Chef myself,,, thus my nick name being my old army call sign when attached to the infantry.

I certainly wouldnt want to work for him though lmao

[celsis]

I remember when he played foorball for Rangers. He was gonna be the next best thing until he got an injured knee. To me, he talks like a footballler!

[EugeneSax]

Wasn't he found out a while ago to buying in frozen meals for one of his restaurants?

I think he had or has a centralised kitchen which prepares/d some dishes for his London gastro pubs. I don't think any of his pukka restaurants were "served" from there.

Never eaten in one of his restaurants but my strong impression is that he's very good, if not a great chef. I don't particularly like his telly programmes - especially the F Word & Hells Kitchen but his UK Kitchen Nightmares was quite good (I find the US version too 'orchestrated') - probably the best use of GR outside of a restaurant kitchen.

[Kdot]

I remember when he played foorball for Rangers. He was gonna be the next best thing until he got an injured knee. To me, he talks like a footballler!

Was gonna mention that myself! plus he's also Scottish!

[monkey66]

I think he is a great chief (one of the worlds best) but a questionable public persona ..how much alpha male can we take. I have eaten in several of his restaurants and they have all been excellent.

His books are hit and miss (probably as he has publishes too many) but his tome Three Stars is great (although not as good as Kellers 'French Laundry' or Hestons 'Fat Duck' books).

IMHO - Ignore the public profile (if one can) and enjoy one of the best chefs of our age.

[Boss Hog]

If he had stuck to cooking and not sold out to TV he could of got better, but there are many far better chefs out there that dont do the tv thing either at all or very little.
The likes of Ferran Adria, Pierre Gagnaire, Eric Ripert, Ren? Redzepi, are miles above what he is doing but little heard of in the public eye.

[Soulmanure]

My wife and I were pretty addicted to his show for a bit, but it did, as some have pointed out, become highly formulaic, and I hear the recent season is worse.

I went back and watched some of the early England-based shows, and they were much more interesting because you actually saw the ins and outs of cooking. The U.S. version is basically emotional porn, like all of our reality t.v. shows.

If I have to watch a food show that is personality based, I prefer Anthony Bourdain.

[Lou3]

I too got sick of the reality TV silliness. It's all so orchestrated.

I haven't eaten at any of GR's restaurants and have no insight into where he might stand.

I second the nod to Anthony Bourdain.

[Soulmanure]

I too got sick of the reality TV silliness. It's all so orchestrated.

My wife watches The Bachelor--when it's on, I'm gone.