Heston Blumenthal: "The Bear" Triggers Me
Okay, so you're probably thinking, "Heston Blumenthal, the Michelin-starred chef, triggered by a TV show? What's going on?" Well, let me tell you, "The Bear" on Hulu has really gotten under my skin, and not in a bad way.
For those who haven't seen it, "The Bear" is this gritty, intense show about a young chef who comes back to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after his brother's death. It's a whirlwind of emotions, showcasing the chaos and passion of the restaurant industry. And it's got me reminiscing about my own journey as a chef.
"The Bear" Hits Close to Home
I've always been drawn to the artistic side of cooking, the molecular gastronomy, the scientific approach to flavor. "The Bear" is all about that, but with a dose of reality. It's not all fancy foams and liquid nitrogen. There's the grit, the sweat, the constant pressure to deliver. The show highlights the real struggles of working in a kitchen, the long hours, the demanding bosses, the constant need to adapt and improve. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's incredibly relatable for anyone who's ever worked in a restaurant.
The Power of Simplicity
One thing "The Bear" gets right is the power of simplicity. The show's protagonist, Carmy, is constantly trying to simplify things, to find the core of each dish. He's constantly questioning the status quo, asking "Why do we do it this way?". And that's something I've always strived for in my own cooking. Sure, I love playing with molecular gastronomy, but at the end of the day, it's all about the flavors. The best dishes are often the simplest, the ones that highlight the quality of the ingredients.
A Reminder of the Passion
More than anything, "The Bear" is a reminder of the passion that drives us as chefs. The show doesn't shy away from the tough realities of the industry, but it also celebrates the creativity, the artistry, the drive to create something beautiful and delicious. It's a reminder of why I do what I do, and why I continue to push myself to learn and grow.
So, if you're a chef, or you're just passionate about food, I highly recommend checking out "The Bear". It's not just a good show, it's a powerful reminder of what it means to be a chef. And trust me, it'll have you craving a good, simple sandwich.