TV Review – The Restaurant – The Final, BBC Two, Wednesday, 8pm

By mofgimmers on October 18th, 2007 12 comments

Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. Last night, in the grand final of The Restaurant (BBC Two, Wednesday, 8pm) Jess and Laura were not chosen as winners. The anticipation in the build up to the show was almost unbearable in my house. There was pacing and jittery knees. I started turning switches on and off repeatedly. I was a nervous man. This morning? I’m all depressed.

You see, with Jeremy and Jane’s win and embrace from the marvelous Raymond Blanc, I felt somehow cheated. As it turns out, it’s not that I like liked everyone else better, rather, I didn’t like Jeremy and Jane at all. Well done Mof, you’ve talked yourself out of a potential interview with them there. However, it doesn’t matter. I don’t know what I’d say to them that would be nice. So this morning, I’m lost in some needless grief strickery because the people I preferred didn’t win. Sad ain’t it?

With Jeremy and Jane’s win, I was reminded of Chelsea’s recent wins in the league (stick with me on this one). There’s no doubting about their deservedness… but that doesn’t make it fine and dandy. Like Chelsea, there was something about the pair that said unfair advantage. Jeremy had cooked with Gordon Ramsay for a kick off. Chelsea won the league by playing functional and unattractive football, grinding out win after win. Of course, come the end of the season, the points didn’t lie and everyone begrudgingly accepted their victory. However, everyone would have preferred someone with a bit more flair or depth.

Last night’s final left me sad that Jeremy and Jane had won. Raymond and his sidekicks all opened their eyes wide and noted the couple’s clear passion for cooking and the restaurant game. However, I couldn’t see it at all. Seriously. To me, they’ve always seemed like they were playing at it a bit. Another mistake (in my book… and let’s always keep in mind that I’m no expert in the restaurateur field) is to hire a couple as opposed to family.

With Jeremy and Jane’s penchant for bickering and sniping and, of course, Jane’s penchant for trying to cry all the water out of her body, it seems strange that Raymond should opt for someone who could suffer from the ol’ D.I.V.O.R.C.E. Of the two, for a solid foundation, Jess and Laura were your best bet. Blood is thicker than water after all (mind you, cake mixture is thicker than blood so should Monsieur Blanc hire a scone?).

Naturally, I’m being a bit pithy, but that’s testament to the show and how much I’ve been sucked into it. The pace of the show has been excellent throughout. Like some fish who thinks it’s smarter than the angler, I’ve gleefully thrashed around thinking that I’m somehow in control of things when, in actual fact, I’m continually being reeled in… then out… then in again. Being intent on the continued use of a frankly terrible analogy, if I was a fish, then my climax, instead of swimming freely upstream, I found myself slowly gulping in a net on the river bank with Jeremy stood over me with a knife. Jane would probably be stood further down the river topping it up with a flood’s worth of sobbing.

Still, as I’ve acknowledged (both here and previously) The Restaurant has never been a popularity contest. There’s no doubt that throughout the show, Jess and Laura have been the favourites of the British public. Grant and Laura, Martin and Emma were also hugely loved. Aside from the first couple who were given the chop and that lad with the American wife, I can’t think of anyone less likeable than our winners. As PR for a new eaterie, it doesn’t bode well. However, they’ve got Raymond Blanc’s seal of approval which is undoubtedly more important than my rants.

So, the show is over… which is bad news. It has provided thrilling battles of wits, moments that genuinely touched and, most of all, wheel barrows of fun. If reality TV’s achievements lie in watching people go on a journey, then The Restaurant was an unprecedented success. I’m not sure the format will be repeated, what with Raymond Blanc being generally quite a busy lad. However, with quite a few of the show’s contestants going into the food world in one way shape or form, the story hasn’t quite finished yet…

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Category: BBC 2, Reality TV, TV Reviews
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http://www.burntthebook.com Steve Barton – Author of Burnt! Food, Feuds and Failures

A shock and a pleasant surprise.

I have to admit I’m chuffed Jeremy and Jane won. Not that necessarily I think they were the best couple over the entire series, but they were so passionate and for me displayed enormous resilience throughout. Jeremy’s final speech on his eight course menu when he was unable to pick any course that he way happy with, even though it had received praise from Raymond Blanc and more importantly Raymond’s Mum, for me just illustrates his passionate approach to his food.

But I just want to advocate for each and every couple that entered this competition. The thing that made The Restaurant such compelling, entertaining viewing, is where other reality TV shows failed, it was exactly that: Reality. And I know this from bitter experience. Every customer complaint and every messed up order, each mistake, each badly cooked dish, each accident and every single stressful teardrop I myself at one time or another have experienced when I ran my restaurant, and have shared again week in and week out.

I know this show is all about someone winning a fantastic opportunity to win a restaurant backed by the fabulous Raymond Blanc, but I also truly hope that it will serve to highlight to people just how much passion and hard work goes into running a restaurant, and just maybe people will stop for a moment and consider this the next time they complain that their food is a ‘little bland’ in a futile attempt to make themselves look big and clever.

Just think for a moment if you cooked for someone and they didn’t enjoy it, how would you feel? Or indeed if you received criticism about anything that you had put pride and effort into, be that drawing, music, or whatever you were passionate about? Of course you’d feel hurt and saddened and your confidence would be knocked, and that’s exactly how chefs, restaurant owners feel. When I was cooking in our restaurant, each and every time I sent out a plate of food, my heart and soul went with it as garnish. And when the plates came back I found myself obsessively inspecting them for leftovers. An empty plate ensured a good night’s sleep, too much waste, and I was heart broken. And this is the same for all chefs, kitchen staff, waiters and restaurant owners. Regardless that you are ‘paying good money’, Please spare a thought and think is your complaint really justified, or are you just being an arse?

A shock and a pleasant surprise.

Congratulations to Jeremy and Jane, and commiserations to Jess and Laura.

I have to admit I’m chuffed Jeremy and Jane won. Not that necessarily I think they were the best couple over the entire series, but they were so passionate and for me displayed enormous resilience throughout. Jeremy’s final speech on his eight course menu when he was unable to pick any course that he way happy with, even though it had received praise from Raymond Blanc and more importantly Raymond’s Mum, for me just illustrates his passionate approach to his food.

But I just want to advocate for each and every couple that entered this competition. The thing that made The Restaurant such compelling, entertaining viewing, is where other reality TV shows failed, it was exactly that: Reality. I know I have ranted on a couple of weeks when challenges have perhaps moved away from the real Running a Restaurant theme, but on the whole it has been spot on. And I know this from bitter experience. Every customer complaint and every messed up order, each mistake, each badly cooked dish, each accident and every single stressful teardrop I have experienced previously and have shared again week in and week out.

I know this show is all about someone winning a fantastic opportunity to win a restaurant backed by the fabulous Raymond Blanc, but I also truly hope that it will serve to highlight to people just how much passion and hard work goes into running a restaurant, and just maybe people will stop for a moment and consider this the next time they complain that their food is a ‘little bland’ in a futile attempt to make themselves look big and clever.

Just think for a moment if you cooked for someone and they didn’t enjoy it, how would you feel? Or indeed if you received criticism about anything that you had put pride and effort into, be that drawing, music, or whatever you were passionate about? Of course you’d feel hurt and saddened and your confidence would be knocked, and that’s exactly how chefs, restaurant owners feel. When I was cooking in our restaurant, each and every time I sent out a plate of food, my heart and soul went with it as garnish. And when the plates came back I found myself obsessively inspecting them for leftovers. An empty plate ensured a good night’s sleep, too much waste, and I was heart broken. And this is the same for all chefs, kitchen staff, waiters and restaurant owners. Regardless that you are ‘paying good money’, Please spare a thought and think is your complaint really justified, or are you just being an arse?

Good luck for the future to every contestant. If after this experience you decide not to open a restaurant after all; well I wouldn’t be in the slightest bit surprised, but if you do, please drop me a line. I’d love to visit. I will spend an obscene amount of money on wine. And I will never, EVER complain.

Running a restaurant: It’s a stressful and emotional ride. I’m glad that this time, I was just a passenger.
http://www.burntthebook.com Steve Barton – Author of Burnt! Food, Feuds and Failures

A shock and a pleasant surprise.

I have to admit I’m chuffed Jeremy and Jane won. Not that necessarily I think they were the best couple over the entire series, but they were so passionate and for me displayed enormous resilience throughout. Jeremy’s final speech on his eight course menu when he was unable to pick any course that he way happy with, even though it had received praise from Raymond Blanc and more importantly Raymond’s Mum, for me just illustrates his passionate approach to his food.

But I just want to advocate for each and every couple that entered this competition. The thing that made The Restaurant such compelling, entertaining viewing, is where other reality TV shows failed, it was exactly that: Reality. And I know this from bitter experience. Every customer complaint and every messed up order, each mistake, each badly cooked dish, each accident and every single stressful teardrop I myself at one time or another have experienced when I ran my restaurant, and have shared again week in and week out.

I know this show is all about someone winning a fantastic opportunity to win a restaurant backed by the fabulous Raymond Blanc, but I also truly hope that it will serve to highlight to people just how much passion and hard work goes into running a restaurant, and just maybe people will stop for a moment and consider this the next time they complain that their food is a ‘little bland’ in a futile attempt to make themselves look big and clever.

Just think for a moment if you cooked for someone and they didn’t enjoy it, how would you feel? Or indeed if you received criticism about anything that you had put pride and effort into, be that drawing, music, or whatever you were passionate about? Of course you’d feel hurt and saddened and your confidence would be knocked, and that’s exactly how chefs, restaurant owners feel. When I was cooking in our restaurant, each and every time I sent out a plate of food, my heart and soul went with it as garnish. And when the plates came back I found myself obsessively inspecting them for leftovers. An empty plate ensured a good night’s sleep, too much waste, and I was heart broken. And this is the same for all chefs, kitchen staff, waiters and restaurant owners. Regardless that you are ‘paying good money’, Please spare a thought and think is your complaint really justified, or are you just being an arse?

A shock and a pleasant surprise.

Congratulations to Jeremy and Jane, and commiserations to Jess and Laura.

I have to admit I’m chuffed Jeremy and Jane won. Not that necessarily I think they were the best couple over the entire series, but they were so passionate and for me displayed enormous resilience throughout. Jeremy’s final speech on his eight course menu when he was unable to pick any course that he way happy with, even though it had received praise from Raymond Blanc and more importantly Raymond’s Mum, for me just illustrates his passionate approach to his food.

But I just want to advocate for each and every couple that entered this competition. The thing that made The Restaurant such compelling, entertaining viewing, is where other reality TV shows failed, it was exactly that: Reality. I know I have ranted on a couple of weeks when challenges have perhaps moved away from the real Running a Restaurant theme, but on the whole it has been spot on. And I know this from bitter experience. Every customer complaint and every messed up order, each mistake, each badly cooked dish, each accident and every single stressful teardrop I have experienced previously and have shared again week in and week out.

I know this show is all about someone winning a fantastic opportunity to win a restaurant backed by the fabulous Raymond Blanc, but I also truly hope that it will serve to highlight to people just how much passion and hard work goes into running a restaurant, and just maybe people will stop for a moment and consider this the next time they complain that their food is a ‘little bland’ in a futile attempt to make themselves look big and clever.

Just think for a moment if you cooked for someone and they didn’t enjoy it, how would you feel? Or indeed if you received criticism about anything that you had put pride and effort into, be that drawing, music, or whatever you were passionate about? Of course you’d feel hurt and saddened and your confidence would be knocked, and that’s exactly how chefs, restaurant owners feel. When I was cooking in our restaurant, each and every time I sent out a plate of food, my heart and soul went with it as garnish. And when the plates came back I found myself obsessively inspecting them for leftovers. An empty plate ensured a good night’s sleep, too much waste, and I was heart broken. And this is the same for all chefs, kitchen staff, waiters and restaurant owners. Regardless that you are ‘paying good money’, Please spare a thought and think is your complaint really justified, or are you just being an arse?

Good luck for the future to every contestant. If after this experience you decide not to open a restaurant after all; well I wouldn’t be in the slightest bit surprised, but if you do, please drop me a line. I’d love to visit. I will spend an obscene amount of money on wine. And I will never, EVER complain.

Running a restaurant: It’s a stressful and emotional ride. I’m glad that this time, I was just a passenger.
Tone

I was rooting for the twins – Jeremy may have been the best cook of the whole competition, but his smug arrogance made me really dislike him. And his wife?! Flaky-bakey, no?
But that comment was based on personality only, and I suppose le grand fromage was looking for a business, and I really thought that the twins let themselves down in the final interview.
When Raymond told them that he questioned their passion, what they should have said in the final “why should I give you restaurant?” questions was something like: “This has been our dream forever and we really, REALLY want this.” Not talk about putting newspapers in the toilets.
But still.. terrific show. Absolutely urinated on The Apprentice, for one good reason – Raymond Blanc. While Sugar is head of Amstrad (a not-very-good company), Blanc is genuinely at the top of his game, and doesn’t go in for all this shouting and nonsense!
mary

I knew Jeremy and Jane were going to win weeks ago.
Jeremy and Jane were in a challenge (sorry cannot remember against who). They clearly lost the challenge and Raymond kept them; Jeremy shed some tears that time.
I didnt want to watch anymore I knew the winners were already picked. Jeremy and Jane made money; who know how? over priced drinks? over priced food?
The best team lost.
Lucy

I ate at “8 in the country” and the food was suberb! We has the 8 course menu – it was delivered swiftly and was entirely delicious. Jane was also a great hostess and made us all feel very welcome (and didn’t cry at all)! I think a lot has to be said for editing, I don’t think they were edited in a very good light. I also ate at The Treacle Well (the brothers restaurant) and that wasn’t nearly as good. I have been rooting for Jeremy & Jane since that lovely meal!
Felicity

I felt so cheated. Raymond is a wonderful man – I’ve worked with him – but what he bought into was the concept, not the couple. The taster menu is better suited to his reputation than the simpler food and restaurant the twins would create but, annoyingly, smug Jeremey and must-be-soon-to-be-ex-wife Jane won. She lied about being in control when, in reality, she’d fallen apart and the new staff saved the day. He hadn’t been passionate enough to prepare (or even think about) the menu or tablecloths ahead of time – unlike Jess and Laura. And he couldn’t cope because he hadn’t prepped the food or chosen a combination of hot and cold dishes which would have given him some much needed time. Jeremy is just appalling and I wonder just how he and Raymond will mix – remember Jeremey dismissing local, seasonal food, something which is at the heart of Raymond’s ethos? Good luck twins, let’s hope Lee offers you a chance to open something simply wonderful…
Anonymous

what a set up, the twins should have won
http://www.hippyshopper.com Abi

Blanc did what was right and went for the people with passion.

Sure, they were perfectionists to a fault, but that was far more in keeping with his ethos than the careless attitude of the twins (‘we’ve run out of lamb? Oh well, beef will do. WHATEVER’). I was just amazed they’d got that far. The two winners suffered for their art, and I think they deserve credit for that.
joe

unbelievable result, based on the show(and maybe the editing was skewed), these two will be divorced in the next year and the restaurant will fold. Assume Raymond doesn’t really have any skin in the game with this lunatic result!
mof gimmers

It’s worth remembering that Blanc chose a couple that he felt best suited for the job as opposed to the most likeable.

Jeremy and Jane made a stupid amount of money at their restaurant… and money talks in the food game.

In saying that, there are still many questions raised by his choice.

Mof Gimmers
TVScoop
Annette

well Monsieur Blanc you have finally brought yourself down. If you think the two clowns you chose last night will make you money I suggest you dress them up as a comedy duo and people will come to your new restaurant – not to eat (maybe to drink their silly cocktails) but to see the comedy duo. I think you made a big mistake in selecting them. The other guys could cook and improve and you could create a style with them as you had good basic ingredients, but these two jokers…… well I think you will open and close your own restaurant within the year with these two. Very sorry for the others….
and I dont think the viewers will want to want another series after this. I know that you took over the reins at the pub in Standlake, but that was different – being French you had a better idea of basis cooking….
monsieur blanc u ‘ave lost your marbles…
David

It really is beyond belief that these two chinless wonders (and believe me that’s a compliment!) managed to pull off the unthinkable and win through last night.
Concept? Raymond are you having some kind of a Gallic laugh? My eight year old son has more idea of planning a meal than these idiots. Perhaps JJ could capitalise further and bring out a book “101 ways to serve a Scotch Egg”. I’d like to know just who Monsieur B expects to turn up to the opening of his new establishment? Most people buy their savoury snack food at the supermarket deli counter not in overpriced restaurants! True, this series has been very entertaining in places – notably the Aeroplane cake fiasco but after last nights farce I for one will not be watching any more of this pretentious clap-trap.