Next Gen Chef

OK, first, I have to say, I am french, my passion is cooking and I love French, Indian Italian, Japanese and Thai food. I have to make a statement here: In the show, the CIA is presented as the worl'd premiere culinary college. Personnally, I have never heard about it so I checked and it is obviously a known and respected institution in the North America. But it certainly is not as renowned as the French schools in the world. In 2010, the "gastronomic meal of the French" was officially added to UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. That said, I enjoyed watching the first episode...entertaining.

The hosts are a newer versions of Padma, Tom and Gail of Top Chef. Same EP's so I guess they thought they'd found a format that worked and that it could be "wash, rinse and repeat". This production, despite its sumptuous palace of CIA, is predictable and ultimately disappointing.

Yes, it's a competition and yes, the chefs are competent but anywhere of the level in the neighborhood of Top Chef caliber? No. Is it a must-watch? No. Will I watch Season 2? Probably. But I won't set the alarm.

This show was made for me. I absolutely love a cooking challenge with qualified chefs and big stakes. I thought the weekly challenges were a little clunky, could have been better thought out by production. Biggest problem was the host. Why was she chosen? What qualifications? Makes absolutely no sense. We have plenty of people at our resources and they choose someone void of talent? She literally thought a cast members relative was dead when they were not. Her face is alarming and uncomfortable. Help.

It seems like it's a knock off of Top Chef. Why is Olivia Culpa hosting? She is not able to provide any comments about food. In one of the episodes, it seemed like she doesn't try one of the dishes. Licking a dish and being grossed out by it. She laughed at some of the food as if she was scared of trying it. She does not seem like a foodie or has any knowledge regarding it. At least Padma Lakshmi tried all the foods and could comment on food. Culpa needs to be replaced as host. It's honestly painful to watch.

This has very good potential as a culinary series. However, the host could definitely be replaced by someone who has knowledge of the different cuisines around the world. Someone who is a foodie and can't wait to try the final dishes!

The other pet peeve of mine is please chefs, put your hair out of your faces! It's so unappealing when I see this. Also, if you are not going to wear gloves to prep your dishes, remove your dirty rings and jewelry. It's just all over the food that is going to be consumed and is a non professional look for all. The staff of CiA looked great and professional.

Some contestants need to clean up their act.

Would love to see more of the prep work involved with each episode.