Kitchen Confidential

They made a series of Tony Bourdain's book, or rather used it as inspiration for a series, and only part of it was apparently broadcast.

The whole series including the unbroadcast episodes are now available on DVD for a measly $15. Highly recommended. Stars Bradley Cooper (recently in Limitless).

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Confidential-Complete-Bradley-Cooper/dp/B000OCXLA0/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1324735718&sr=1-1

[Jenise]

I didn't know about this! Cannot imagine Bradley Cooper playing Bourdain. Can't imagine him being so tough, so gritty. It works, though?

Yeah, it actually works very well. I was a bit surprised.

His character, Jack Bourdain (!), is on the wagon after his drug and alcoholic days, and makes a nice counterpoint to the other characters still indulging.

Some pretty funny episodes - the Hispanic dishwashers see the face of the Holy Virgin on the last lobster that Jack has to cook for a restaurant critic, Jack has an amorous episode with what turns out to be the mistress of his owner (played by Frank Langella, who is is excellent). Jack talking to the ditzy blonde hostess - "Jack Bourdain: Tanya, let's talk. Let me start by saying you're very sweet and stylish. One might say that you... you put the "ho" in "hostess."
Tanya: Why, thank you!" The night the rabbits show up - alive instead of dressed out.

I laughed a lot! Having an interest in the workings of a commercial kitchen helps, but I think this would appeal to lots of people. No idea why they cancelled it.

Might as well stick in this one for anyone that doesn't knowo it. I love the series - 3 seasons - of British foodie humour starring Lenny Henry, called 'Chef!'

http://www.amazon.com/Chef-Complete-Collection-Lenny-Henry/dp/B0009NSCTY/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1324746940&sr=1-1




I am due to rewatch this one - it gets me laughing out loud every time, no matter how many times I've seen it before. If you want a taste, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oslqvmsdDRU

[Robin Garr]

Might as well stick in this one for anyone that doesn't knowo it. I love the series - 3 seasons - of British foodie humour starring Lenny Henry, called 'Chef!'

Mary and I watched the entire series on streaming Netflix. Very funny indeed, although the breakup of his relationship in the last season changed the tone, and his character, in ways that made it more serious.

[Jenise]

Hmm...watched a few minutes of that new one, Bill. And though I can see some potential, I found the laughtrack totally obtrusive and offputting. It makes me NOT laugh at things I'd otherwise find funny. (And no, I don't watch ANY American programs that include laugh tracks either. Definitely not used to it.) Sorry!

[Robin Garr]

Hlaughtrack

Sad but true. Maybe I'm just lucky that I naturally tune laughtracks out rather than being blockaded by them. The script really is funny, and is clearly written by someone who knows his way around a restaurant kitchen and the hospitality business.

Yeah, I hate laugh tracks too, but like Robin, I can ignore them and watch the show. That one is worth the effort.