Hell's Kitchen USA

[drunken monkey]

Ok, i've just caught an episode of this on UK telly and well, was just wondering what you guys in the states think of the program and the man beast that is Gordon Ramsey.

Do you have such a thing as a celebrity chef?

Come to think of it, what is the restaurant industry like over there and just how accessible is "quality" food to the every day joe?
I mean, do you guys even know who this guy is with respect to the European Restaurant industry?
Perhaps I'm a little spoiled by being so close to central london but i don't earn a huge wage and eating at 2-3 Michelin starred restaurants isn't that far out of my grasp (if i have the patience for the reservations waiting lists...).

DM

[00accord44]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

...was just wondering what you guys in the states think of ...the man beast that is Gordon Ramsey.

I've never seen the show. I don't really watch much TV anymore so the fact that I recognize that name must mean he's done something significant.

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

Do you have such a thing as a celebrity chef?

First guy to come to mind would be Emmerill Lagasse, but I don't think he was even born in america so I don't know if we can really claim him.

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

Come to think of it, what is the restaurant industry like over there and just how accessible is "quality" food to the every day joe?

I think its up to interpretation. I live in Chicago so of course there are plenty of top retaurants with "high quality" foods in the area. But at the same time, I seem to find the best food at smaller rastaurants or family owned places. Sometimes those places are in the small cities and communities. The food may not be perceived as "high class/ high quality" but the taste is what really matters imo.