My Kitchen Nightmares Experience
Crazy Amy and Nutso Samy
I have always been a fan of Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares. When I found out that he was filming in nearby Scottsdale, AZ, I wanted to see what the show was really like.
I made reservations for two at the restaurant he was trying to save, and Kristina and I went to Amy’s Baking Company for dinner. For the show when you make reservations you have no idea if it’s the before or the after and what type of experience you are in for. We were definitely the before.
I had heard of Amy’s Baking Company, not because of their cuisine but because of their epic Yelp social media meltdowns. [Here’s a link to the original Yelp thread that started it all off.]
We went with open minds in hopes of having a decent meal.
First off, there were cameras everywhere capturing everything. With this being reality television, I knew there would be, but not sure about how natural it would feel. It was quite unnatural.
As much as you try not to notice the cameras, it’s close to impossible.
The service was ok, the food was ok, the owner’s behavior was shocking in the respect that he was insane.
We ordered some appetizers and I asked for a side of marinara sauce and he rolled his eyes at me and said it would be $2 extra. BFD. Just give me what I want and let’s not make a big deal out of it.
The dinner was ok — just ok for $80. I found the introduction of jalapenos into Italian food was odd, but whatever. (Ramsey actually makes a similar comment in the show.)
Now for the good part: We did witness the couple sending back a salad, which made Samy insane. This behavior that you see (or will see) on the show is 100% true to form and not doctored for TV.
There is an epic blowout about a pizza that we must have left right before it happened because we recognize the diners.
I was contacted via email to go to a meeting with Chef Ramsey to discuss our dining experience as a group, but it was abruptly cancelled the morning of the meeting and now I know why.
These restauranteurs are crazy and I was blown away how they treat their employees. Their food is ok (at best.) Amy & Samy can call me a moron for saying so, but it is what it is.
Watch this episode here on FOX when it airs and see for yourself.
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