The Chef Show
It was in 2014 that Jon Favreau starred and directed the incredible and unassuming film Chef, which counted on the essential advice of Roy Choi, who was also executive produced for the film. The well-known chef who created the Kogi food truck was the real inspiration for the film's main character - Carl - a successful chef who decided to quit a glamorous job at a famous restaurant and create a food truck with his son and best friend to retrieve his sense of freedom and creativity in the kitchen. In a way, Chef is an autobiographical film.
From the artistic union of the two, a true friendship was created, that went beyond the cinema.
The passion for food united them on a new trip, this time on Netflix with The Chef Show - Netflix. I enjoyed a weekend at home and saw the first season in a heartbeat and I can assure you: it's one of the best gastronomic series on Netflix. The show runs away from the usual trends in which the viewer sees someone cook and taste each of the dishes and instead places two friends in a kitchen, with or without guests, cooking varied dishes from different cultures. It's a simple expression of pleasure for food.
Mistakes do happen and are remedied, there are doubts about portions, there is the possibility of having too much spice. It's a reality. This truthful insight gives us a sensitive look at the show, removing it from the pedestals of gastronomy.
After all, we are just seeing two people cooking.
Throughout the season, Jon and Roy go to other kitchens in other restaurants where they learn new techniques and concepts, cook for guests and sample delicious dishes made by others. They also count on visits of famous people like Robert Downey Jr, Robert Rodriguez, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
It was a real pleasure to watch The Chef Show. As the two friends say "making a meal is about more than just-food. It's about appreciating friends, family, and tradition. An opportunity to come together. To learn, to share and to celebrate different flavors, cultures, and people".