the chopping block

If you're a fan of reality cooking shows, you may have heard about NBC's upcoming show, Chopping Block, which airs March 11. The show stars Marco Pierre White, the UK's original bad-boy chef, who has been known to make even Gordon Ramsay cry.

When I spoke to White today, the Chopping Block host was, in stark contrast to his deviant reputation, incredibly gracious, even-keeled, and — dare I say it — sentimental. He denounced bad behavior in the kitchen and on his show ("I will not tolerate bad language or anybody raising their voice") and insisted on being called by his first name ("Marco's my name; chef's my trade"). The one negative thing he had to say, however, was about Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay's reality cooking show. Get to know the chef when you read more

If you're a foodie with access to BBC America (or BBC regular), then you've probably caught an episode of Last Restaurant Standing. The reality show pits couples — many with little or no professional cooking experience — against each other as they compete to open a restaurant. The BBC version is hosted by Raymond Blanc, a two-star Michelin chef and food personality. I've caught a few episodes, but can't quite seem to get into it.

I wonder then, will I give it a chance when its Americanized version begins? NBC has just announced that Marco Pierre White will be hosting a new show called The Chopping Block. The show will feature eight couples running two neighboring restaurants, and one will be eliminated each time. It's a little bit different, but the bones sure do look like Last Restaurant Standing.

If you're wondering who Marco Pierre White is, it should be noted that he's tough enough to make Gordon Ramsay cry. He's one of Britain's original celebrity chefs, and the current host of the UK version of Hell's Kitchen. I imagine there's going to be a lot of swearing and yelling in his new show. Maybe this less-civilized version of LRS will be more fun?

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