Gordon Ramsay.
You might be thinking "no kidding", but it's not that simple. There are plenty of chefs out there considered "celebrity", and plenty with their own accolades. But without Ramsay's perfect blend of mastery, personality, hilarity, and humanity... this show could not work.
Obviously it's not a real kitchen; it's a soundstage. I'm not sure they COULD do this in a real working kitchen with all the food Ramsay throws on the ground and walls when someone messes up for the 7th time.
During service, Ramsay is one tier above god, with the temper to match when necessary. But he isn't mean just to be mean. He only flips his lid when it's appropriate. During challenges and rewards, he's one happy and funny bloke. My favorite line so far is a tie between 1) when the Jenner's meal was delayed he remarks "I don't want my guests eating on an installment plan." Their reaction was gold. And then when a cook mentioned cameras he barked: "mention a camera one more time and I'll shove a Go-Pro up your a** to show you what s**t you are."
I have two main critiques of HK: 1) When food makes it out into the dining room and is sent back for one issue or another, Ramsay is wrong for then blaming the contestants. Those mistakes are on him, or the Sous Chefs. 2) When certain people are able to skate by either on their cooking alone and/or the ratings their drama brings in. Elise (seasons 9 and 17) had a cancerous attitude. Ramsay isn't looking for a line cook. He's looking for a leader. So "being able to cook" isn't enough. Not all drama is entertaining. (Dis)honorable mentions: Josh, Frank, Russell, Johnny, Paulie, and Jackie.
You might be thinking "no kidding", but it's not that simple. There are plenty of chefs out there considered "celebrity", and plenty with their own accolades. But without Ramsay's perfect blend of mastery, personality, hilarity, and humanity... this show could not work.
Obviously it's not a real kitchen; it's a soundstage. I'm not sure they COULD do this in a real working kitchen with all the food Ramsay throws on the ground and walls when someone messes up for the 7th time.
During service, Ramsay is one tier above god, with the temper to match when necessary. But he isn't mean just to be mean. He only flips his lid when it's appropriate. During challenges and rewards, he's one happy and funny bloke. My favorite line so far is a tie between 1) when the Jenner's meal was delayed he remarks "I don't want my guests eating on an installment plan." Their reaction was gold. And then when a cook mentioned cameras he barked: "mention a camera one more time and I'll shove a Go-Pro up your a** to show you what s**t you are."
I have two main critiques of HK: 1) When food makes it out into the dining room and is sent back for one issue or another, Ramsay is wrong for then blaming the contestants. Those mistakes are on him, or the Sous Chefs. 2) When certain people are able to skate by either on their cooking alone and/or the ratings their drama brings in. Elise (seasons 9 and 17) had a cancerous attitude. Ramsay isn't looking for a line cook. He's looking for a leader. So "being able to cook" isn't enough. Not all drama is entertaining. (Dis)honorable mentions: Josh, Frank, Russell, Johnny, Paulie, and Jackie.