Food for thought

Chef Gordon Ramsay has made a name for himself as a rude, opinionated jerk in the U.K. and the U.S. with his programs Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, Master Chef and the new Hotel Hell. 

The screams and profanity which accompany him often make me wonder who would invite him through their doors.

But somehow this summer I’ve been sucked into his Master Chef.  And I’ll admit it was the food that first got me.

I don’t understand half the terminology these amateur at-home cooks use in their creations.  And I certainly will never attempt any of it in my own kitchen. 

Yet, each week I’m drawn in by the pretty plates and flavour descriptions like a window shopper at Tiffany’s.

Even Ramsay, himself, seems to have a softer side with his fork in hand. Belly full, he’s supportive, instructive, but still honest. Who knew there was a nice guy behind the bluster?

But who I’ve really come to love are the contestants. They’re students, accountants, lawyers – you name it. They’re people who have changed their lives to take a stab at their first love – cooking. 

For me, this season’s stand-outs include two ladies: Monti Carlo (nope, not making that up)  and Christine Ha.

Monti is a recently divorced mom whose self-esteem had taken a beating. She was a woman who cooked on a budget for her little boy.  What did she know about fine cuisine? Many felt she just memorized recipes but had no flare.

However, anyone who’s ever had to cook healthy food for a fussy child on a single income knows how to get creative. 

It’s that creativity and adaptability that took her to the top five.  And it was that heart she wore on her sleeve that made me root for her every week.

Christine Ha was another surprise – because she’s blind. Of course I believe everyone can overcome their limitations. 

But how do you cook when you can’t see the colour of the browning food? 

How could she duplicate a Master Chef dish – including its presentation on the plate – when she can’t see the original? 

How would she walk into a restaurant kitchen and not be a hindrance – or a danger – amid the chaos that surrounds the dinner rush?

Yes, these were all challenges she faced. And yes, she didn’t just manage them, she triumphed!  And amazed the judges with her skills and palate – judges who couldn’t understand how she did it all without sight. 

In fact, after one particularly successful dish, a stunned Ramsay asked, “Am I being Punk’d?”

These are just two of the contenders for the title of this summer’s Master Chef.  I’ll be sad when the finale arrives. 

Not because of the end of the show.  But because I want to know what these at-home cooks – no, chefs – have planned for their next course.