agers-83796

I don't think anyone watched Kitchen Nightmares and thought "I wish they would spend more time in the absolutely vile kitchens", but that's exactly what this is! More digging through filth, and less of the first performance in the remodeled restaurant.

I did always wonder in Kitchen Nightmares why Gordon would eat the food prior to the kitchen inspection, but that revolved more around the order of operations, not a desire to see more grime and critters! Generally I like watching Gordon Ramsay shows while eating something so I don't get hungry with all of the food footage, but this had the absolute opposite effect.

As for the rest of the show, they try to inject drama by hyping up and revealing an insider who is helping Gordon. For me, I couldn't care less. It just creates a lot of work to do to introduce people, hype up this drama, and then when everything's fine reveal who it was. Might as well just do Kitchen Nightmares, this only detracts and doesn't add any value.

I wanted to like this more than I do. I wasn't sure how enthralled I'd be with business challenges, and I'm enjoying that aspect more than expected. The low point for me is that the contestants are already very successful. Even if eliminated, they all go back to an already thriving business. It's on par with how Hell's Kitchen already has seasoned chef - however professional chefs don't have excessive money and the prize would be life changing. I admit that I don't know the exact financials of the Food Stars contestants, but the way they've been presented is that they are all doing quite well. I would much prefer to see this type of show with business people who have a solid idea, but don't yet have their foot in the door.