Saturday Kitchen

Having watched Saturday KITCHEN several times over the last few months, I am still at a loss to work out precisely what the point of the show is. It doesn't really aim to provide a series of recipes for viewers; it doesn't really have any particular theme - for example, looking at different types of cuisine; nor does it really tell us much about particular chefs and their styles of cooking. Its sole purpose seems to be to provide a forum for chefs to show off their culinary skills - which most of them undoubtedly possess - while cracking a series of increasingly wearisome jokes. The atmosphere of perpetual jokiness becomes wearing in the end; one wishes they would just pipe down and get on with their cooking. Despite long experience of presenting the program, James Martin still looks embarrassed in front of the camera; he is palpably reading his lines from the autocue. No doubt the program will continue to run and run, but it definitely doesn't appear to have much point.

Matt Tebbutt is a great host, I love the banter among the guests and the chefs and of course the recipes from all the celebrity chefs. It provides a perfect start to the weekend and great for all the family to enjoy. The kids can learn about food and recipes as well. The new segments are also great, along with the new specials they've started to do for other religious festivals. I didn't think the programme will survive when James Martin left but Matt Tebbutt has actually turned out to be better, he is funny and charismatic and provides the perfect platform for the guests to interact. There are always new recipes with seasonal ingredients and new ideas.

Now, I have to say that I didn't watch the old episodes with AWT but did see James Martin's first episode and probably two thirds of the ones since. His delivery has improved immensely and the programme is incredibly enjoyable. I have also watched AWT on his ITV show and find James to now be the better presenter.

James also has a better reputation among the top chefs than AWT (Michael Winner said that AWT cooked the worst meal Winner had ever had at a restaurant) and is a better chef.

The omelette challenge is superb (remember one of the Roux brothers, I can't remember which, taking 2 minutes to make his omelette and topping it with caviar!) and the addition of clips from Floyd Stein, the two fat ladies et al makes it a great show.

The ingredients can be expensive, but if you want cheap decent fare then watch Simon Rimmer on Something for the Weekend.

Saturday Kitchen 06 August 2023 10:43 As dietician and cook, I enjoy cookery shows like Saturday Kitchen.

However, part of home economics (studied at high school) involved health & safety. In a kitchen, I trained to wear apron and keep surfaces clean and more.

Therefore, lost interest in cookery shows as presenters and guests do NOT use aprons.

In addition, food preparation and cookery are not all that's done in kitchens.

Suggestion: introduce snippets featuring reminders, advice and warnings for 1. Cleaning tips. 2. sterilizing tips 3. Hygiene (wash hands) 4. Un share different foods when using cutting utensils & boards. 5. recommend, present advise and options about kitchenware

Reduced viewing as footage omits food safety instructions learned at high school. Average dialogue, easy listening soundtrack. However, inappropriate for smart citizens.

This is the best thing i've ever seen, 10's across the board