137 replies to this topic

[TWoP Nikita]

From Zap2it:

When Gordon visits a Westhampton, N.Y., restaurant where the head chef, the owner's son, makes everyone unhappy, he makes drastic changes that could affect the family forever.

I find myself somewhat disappointed they didn't spell the restaurant name Fionn mac Cumhaill’s.

[mysticowl]

"I've never ever ever seen something like that" - Oh, Gordon, did you miss that part where Jen tried to recook pasta out of the trash? 212 kills the bacteria, don't you know.

Brian can say he doesn't want to work there anymore and throw hissy fits, but I'm sure he knows no one else would put up with his shit. The whole "oh, no one realized how hard poor little Brian's job is" was bullshit. The fact that a job is hard is not an excuse to do it badly. If Brian was a half decent cook, then I'd be on his side, but I'm supposed to feel sorry that his dad yells at him when his "shepherd's pie" sends Ramsay to the bathroom to throw up? Brian needs to forget that Buddy's his dad while he's at work and realize he's his boss.

Family restaurants feel like such bad ideas to me. Families are complicated, add money and a tough industry into the mix and it's just a bad idea.

The sign was much better than the Old Stone Mill one.

Edited by mysticowl, Nov 14, 2007 @ 10:00 PM.

[Spooneroonie]

I agree that that sign was much better than the Olde Mill. I didn't like Brian....asshole personified, although he's not as assy as Sebastian or Orangerino. He needs to loose the Lucky Charms beard, it looks awful on him.

How old was that "food critic"? She looked about 12.

[mtvcdm]

9:30: "I quit!" "Oh no! We have no chef temporarily!"
9:52: "DEATH! CHAOS! UNHAPPY! DAMN YOU, GOLDSTEIN! WE'RE REALLY IN THE SHIT NOW!"
Me: "Yeah, I'm not even buying it anymore."
9:55: "Magical spell is Ai-Ai-Poo!" "EVERYTHING'S WONDERFUL NOW! HOORAY!"
9:58: "If you run a shit restaurant and have no idea what Gordon Ramsay is going to do to you despite you having just watched same, apply for our show and help us screw those damn strikers good!"

[ReiMehari]

Now this felt a lot more like the UK version. Not bad.

[Tresjolie9]

Okay, back to Long Island, now we are on Westhampton, what is the next town over after Westhampton on the LIRR Montaulk branch?

This place was found because Brian tried out for Hell's Kitchen, but didn't make it, it also wasn't as bad off as some people say it was,
according to the NY Post

Also people should be advised, this isn't the only FinMcCools on Long Island, there is more well known one, known as Finn MacCools in [url="http://www.finnmaccoolsny.com/""]Port Washington[/url]

Edited by Tresjolie9, Nov 16, 2007 @ 5:22 PM.

[OmahaMtLion]

"I've never ever ever seen something like that" - Oh, Gordon, did you miss that part where Jen tried to recook pasta out of the trash? 212 kills the bacteria, don't you know.

Gordon didn't actually see Jen pull the pasta out of the trash. He did additionally mention that he was shocked that the food was being served (although I'd hope he pulled it before it actually went out). Jen's pasta wasn't served and he didn't know about it until after the service was over. So he was technically correct; he's never seen anything like it. Heard about it, sure.

[ZoeMc]

I actually thought this was the best US episode so far -- a family to root for, a psuedo-chef that gave some early-on drama before drinking Chef Ramsey's Kool-Aid, and a successful relaunch. I was happy to see this family come together and succeed, as I felt they really wanted and needed this business to work.

[shalomsteph]

I love Shepherd's pie. No one else in my family does, though, so I never make it. If I am ever in the Hamptons (yeah, right) I know where to go.

I actually thought the ending was sweet, but I would never, ever get involved in a family business. The stress dad was under was enormous...he is responsible for his son's livelihoods, and that is too much pressure.

[tominboston]

I enjoyed that episode (even if it did bring us back to Long Island for the umpteenth time) because Buddy seemed like a good and hard-working guy and I wanted to see his restaurant succeed. But about that casting call at the end -- I mean, you're basically asking for people who run money-loosing restaurants with bad food and a disfunctional staff and who want to have the mess exposed on national television. I shudder to imagine what sort of owner hears that and says, "yep, that's my place!".

[LolaLilaLilly]

This showis so damn formulaic I'm thinking it should be called "Smallville" all they need is to have GRrrr open up an oven and find a chunk of kryptonite.

Brian walks out and then everyone realizes how "tough" his job is so now it's OK he's a lousy cook and an asshole to everyone, I guess.

His arrogance about Chef "Dosen't Know What He's Talking About" Ramsey is the icing on the cake and I almost threw-up myself looking at him spoon the "Shepard's Pie" out of the tin before serving it.

[bursell]

Did the "food critic" actually say that only 5 restaurants in the country could make a good Shepherd's pie? WTF?

And didn't she seem like an arrogant little snot?

ETA: Because a country is bigger than a county.

Edited by bursell, Nov 15, 2007 @ 10:04 AM.

[Tresjolie9]

Spooneroonie Wrote:

How old was that "food critic"? She looked about 12.

Yes, I was wondering that as well? Did anyone hear what newspaper she was from? Was it the local High School's?

Edited by Tresjolie9, Nov 14, 2007 @ 11:07 PM.

[taocpa]

Definitely much closer to the UK version. It's about time.

An episode when you can cheer for everyone, including the a$$hat chef. He turned out okay.

The only person I found myself disliking was the food critic. What a whining, sniveling, arrogant, self-centered twit. She really thought she was important. Honey, when I go to Starbucks, it costs me around $3.25 for a tall cafe mocha. What do they charge you? I bet it's the same.

[LolaLilaLilly]

It's been my experience that (real) food critics don't make their identies known. So that when they go out to eat their experience isn't tainted by, oh I don't know, someone saying "Hey! There's [the food critic]! Let's make sure she has an exceptional time so we get a good review!"

[GenieinTX]

And didn't she seem like an arrogant little snot?

OMG, Little Miss Food Critic was a little drunk on her small amount of power, wasn't she? Wow, arrogant much? I was pissed off at the "angry mob" people whining about not getting seated. If the whole damn town hits a restaurant in one night, it's going to be tough to get a table. You are going to wait. You all went just to see Gordon Ramsey or to be on tv. You weren't there supporting that family. Shut your whining.

[AwNutz]

Did the "food critic" actually say that only 5 restaurants in the county could make a good shepherd's pie? WTF?

And didn't she seem like an arrogant little snot?

Actually, I was thinking more entitled, self-centered bitch. She looked to be all of 16 years of age, and might not live to see 17 if she doesn't watch that attitude. Don't most real food critics like to be a bit less, um, conspicuous? I know of several in the Chicago area that won't let themselves be photographed and review under pseudonyms so that they get the real customer experience in the restaurants they review. They don't shine a spotlight over their own damn heads to make themselves look all important.

As for asshat cook (who I actually don't think was a terrible cook, just a lazy one), I'm more worried about the signs of budding alcoholism he displayed in the show. Did anyone else notice he didn't drink during the re-opening? And that was his best night cooking. Think there might be a connection?

I really found myself liking these people and hoping they succeed.

ETA: The fire chief seemed like an arrogant ass, too. As someone else pointed out, when the whole town goes to the same restaurant on the same night, you're going to have to wait. Suck it up and shut the hell up. You're not THAT important. Asshole.

Edited by AwNutz, Nov 14, 2007 @ 11:01 PM.

[bgirldeb]

Yes, this was definitely the best American Kitchen Nightmares so far. Much closer to the UK version.

Found a GR Shepherd's pie recipe: http://www.youtube.c...h?v=noK4X_vqzn8

[ReiMehari]

I already started making that as soon as I did some research and found that. I'll tell you how it tastes in a bit.

[mtlchickie]

I enjoyed that episode (even if it did bring us back to Long Island for the umpteenth time) because Buddy seemed like a good and hard-working guy and I wanted to see his restaurant succeed.

Agreed. I think I've seen the UK version once or twice but this seem more in the vein of what I first saw. I think this was a family that was way over their heads and Gordon seemed to like Buddy much more compared to the meatheads/actors/"owners" of other restaurants so far. And while Brian was a bit of a snot at the start, he did seem appreciative at the end. What I could have done without was that bitch of a critic and to an extent, the whiny patrons. Gee, you had to wait 2 hours because a WORLD FAMOUS CHEF WAS FILMING A SHOW HERE. What, were you expecting no lineups and crickets chirping in the silent night? Cripes.

[RXcowbelle]

Finally, something I can root for. Buddy, offspring Jason?, and Jason's? wife really wanted the restaurant to succeed. They knew what the problem was - and its name was Brian. It was pretty clear that GRrrr had 3 options facing him:
1. Fire Brian, save the restaurant, and potentially lose the family.
2. Let Brian keep doin his thing, lose the restaurant, and probably lose the family.
3. Make Brian take care of his shit, save the restaurant, and all live happily ever after.

Option 1 would be a 15 minute episode, so we got Option 2.
I liked Buddy, Jason& Jason's wife all along (although I do hope Buddy would fire Brian if push came to shove, even if it was painful.) By the end, I was tolerating Brian, too. For Buddy's sake, I hope it all works out, his kids do what they need to do to make the restaurant successful, and that Buddy never has to make the tough decision of cutting one of his kids loose from the restaurant.

And I totally wanted to do naughty things involving GRrrr and the whipped potatoes piping bag.

Edited by RXcowbelle, Nov 14, 2007 @ 11:27 PM.

[bgirldeb]

Here is the review from the restaurant critic:

intro:
http://www.danshampt...e48_2007/6.html

actual review:
http://www.danshampt...48_2007/32.html

It puts an interesting perspective on things:

Last Thursday, my colleagues and I were asked to review Finn McCool’s in Westhampton Beach, during the taping of a reality TV show. We arrived at 7 p.m., as per the producer’s instructions and although she told us that we would be seated immediately, when we finally found the restaurant manager, he told us that it would be a two-hour wait. Then the cameras appeared and the producer asked us to “act upset” and “talk about how the long wait will affect your review.” Like good reality TV actors, we did as we were told, playing the part of irate food critics. Because this is a restaurant review, not a critique of inept producers, the most difficult part of reviewing Finn McCool’s is separating the successes and failures of the staff from those of the production company.

[Crabcake]

I liked the episode and it did feel a bit more like the UK version. I remember a tableside chicken cutting on that one...never seems like a great idea to me, but I don't work in a kitchen.

The food looked so much better at the end. I guess it always does, but I really like good Irish pub food.

The initial tasting with Chef Ramsay was particularly awesome. The spring rolls looked lame and not particularly original. I'm surprised they didn't bust out the "Irish Nachos." Enough with Balsamic reductions! And that disgusting shepherd's pie. Not since the bad scallop have I seen Ramsay get sick.

Poor Buddy: "I don't think he even likes the water." Snerk.

[dawnderer26]

Did the "food critic" actually say that only 5 restaurants in the county could make a good shepherd's pie? WTF?

And didn't she seem like an arrogant little snot?

I thought so too. I cursed at the screen everytime I saw her. Who is she anyways?

I laughed so hard when everyone was enjoying Grrr's Shepherd's Pie and he brought Brian's pathetic effort out and set it beside it. I couldn't believe it. Grrr, that wasn't right, dude (LMAO anyway). So glad that Brian learned how to make the dish!

Brian was an idiot, but I like how Grrr worked him out. I've always believed that Grrr is awesome when he addresses people as "Chef" and he introduces himself as Gordon. Grrr rocks, what can I say?

[takeachip]

Like good reality TV actors, we did as we were told, playing the part of irate food critics.

I fully believe that the producers intervened to ratchet up the drama, especially bc 1) this review was written before the episode aired and 2) the critic seemed really awkward and unnatural when she was griping.

My question is . . . why, why, why? Why do people follow the producer's instructions to portray themselves as total asshats? Oh, I know the answer. They wanna be on tv. I simply can't imagine wanting to be on tv badly enough to play along and make myself look like an idiot.

[diggitydot]

Actually, I was thinking more entitled, self-centered bitch.

So much word.

I seriously wanted to smack her every time she was on screen. I don't care what the producers asked her to do. Anyone with two functioning brain cells to rub together should realize that ANY behavior caught on camera for a reality show is fair-game to end up on national TV. What a twit.

[Teague]

My first reaction to the food critic was exactly what most of you are saying: arrogant little snot.

My second reaction, upon reading her actual "review"? She's an arrogant little snot who can't write for shit.

Seriously, my students write better pieces than that. That must be a damn small newspaper market to hire someone who knows as little about a) how a food critic operates (the good ones never let on that they're a critic...though to be fair, she was invited specifically because she was one...still, that doesn't mean you need to try to toss your miniscule weight around) and b) how you put together a decent restaurant review. Sheesh.

The fire chief was a bit of a primadonna, too, wasn't he? Again, maybe he was invited to be an asshole...but that sort of begs the question as to why people are so ready to be an ass just because someone asks them to be.

Enjoyed this episode, though. Buddy seemed like a really good guy. I hope they make it.

[MissFancy]

Dans Paper looks like a hometown paper and is read by just about everyone in the Hamptons, summer people and year-round residents alike. That's probably why the teeny weeny, self-satisfied food critic thinks she's a Very Important Person. Whether she acted pissed because the producers told her to or because she's an entitled little bitch, she looks bad either way.

I know the producers have those grand re-openings for the drama factor, but it would be nice to see them do what new restaurants in the real world often do: have a "soft" opening with invited guests. That way the kinks can be worked out before the public comes through the doors. When the Quilted Giraffe (a great restaurant in New York, now gone) was about to open in the Sony building they had several days of soft openings. I knew the designer and was lucky enough to attend one night.

[Legion242]

Werd, and ITA that the sad excuse for a 13 year old food critic was one stand out feature of this epi.
But at least this finally felt like a UK KN, where GRrr gives some really good positive feedback to the chef.

[Mysteris]

Family restaurants feel like such bad ideas to me. Families are complicated, add money and a tough industry into the mix and it's just a bad idea.

Word. The idea seems like a good one, but, just like with Olde Stone Mill and Peter's, too many family dynamics can screw up the working relationships and the resturant.

I wonder what it was about the critic and her friend. I thought the friend was 12 or something and was her daughter. I thought the critic was cute, but her self-aggrandizement (whether natural or egged on by producers) ruined that. I didn't realize that food critics usually go incognito.

Fire chief? Yeah, somehow I doubt that 60 people all came out just on his word alone. Someone thinks a mite highly of himself.

I worry a bit for Buddy. He seems like a great guy and I really hope that everything works out for him. That said, with the health problems that kept getting brought up, I'm not so sure it's safe for him to be out gladhanding the clientele and keeping his loudmouth boy Brian in check in the back. Maybe Jason could come out from behind the bar and do more of the schmoozing and damage control.

Speaking of damage control: how do they possibly avoid a visit from the Health Inspector after cameras caught the half-deaf sous chef picking up a wing from the nasty-ass floor and putting it back with the rest of the food? Even after cleaning out the botulism farm that was that storeroom, wouldn't the dropped/recooked food alone be enough for a citation?

Brian's turnaround was less than awe-inspiring. Unlike Peter or Sebastian, I think it might stick a bit longer though.

A sign your food is nasty? It makes Gordon Ramsay, survivor of Dillion's and three seasons of Hell's Kitchen, hurl.