Of all the various American cooking shows I've seen, this show stands out in a great way. First of all, cooks from a variety of venues are invited to compete, so it's not just the sous chefs from NY hotspots. The contestants are the most humble I've seen in a professional cooking competition. Their focus is on lifting each other up, learning from the experience, and growing their personal skills. Not bragging about how they'll slay.
Of course we know they want to win the prize money to further their dreams, but the prize was only mentioned once and no one talked about it again. Instead, they focus on the challenge ahead and cheering each other on. Even the judges cheer on their accomplishments, encourage their dreams, and lavish praise where it is due.
To add to a show that celebrates rather than continually shames is a subtle score-none of the jarring or tension building music so prevalent in American competitive shows.
I'm happy to see a professional cooking competition show that reminds us that professional chefs are real people and that it's their love and passion for food, giving of themselves, and serving people that brought them to their profession rather than how many Michelin stars they can rack up or when they will become the next celebrity chef. Great job!
