Chef Cary Wolfson
aka Le Grande Fromage

Look, I don’t like “Top Chef.” Nor do I care for “Next Food Network Star” or Hell’s Kitchen.” (Well, ok, I do like Gordon Ramsay’s BBC shows - the are much more realistic and less overacted) I liked the tongue in cheek self mocking feel of the Japanese “Iron Chef,” but find that “Iron Chef America” takes itself way too seriously.

After spending the last 30 years in professional kitchens, I find these so called “reality” shows have nothing to do with the combination of routine and repetition, blended with pressure, rush and inspiration that’s existed in all of the real kitchens in which I’ve worked. So when I braved a summer matinee showing of Disney/ Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” I was pre-disposed to disappointment.

And was very pleasantly surprised. The representation of the hierarchy of the traditional French brigade was spot on. The over the top caricature of the crazed French chef and quirky personalities and backgrounds, sometimes criminal, of the kitchen staff serves both the ring of truth and the need for comedy.

The movie also strikes a “true” note with regard to cuisine. I particularly liked that one of the first things Remy taught Linguine, the all-thumbs aspiring chef, was an omelet. What a great item to show basic but vital cooking skills and technique that often separates the deft, capable cook from the dabbler!

It’s funny - when we dreamed up ChefsLine a number of years ago, one of our first logos was a little chef with wings on the phone. Some of our company name ideas included Chef on My Shoulder, Guardian Chefs, Chef Angels and an array of other cute and fuzzy concepts. During the movie, I couldn’t help but laugh every time Gusteau floated into the frame with encouraging bits of wisdom and direction. I feel a kinship with Gusteau but alas, realized that our job is to be the rat. We are the reality show playing in your kitchen and ours. And, I’m glad I don’t have to answer the culinary hotline with, “Hello this is your Chef Angel, Cary.”

I recommend you take the kids and have fun with the story of great cuisine. Then, go home and cook up a storm together. If you need any help, just give us a call!