Ramsays Kitchen Nightmares - Ever Been?

[gscrym]

Has anyone ever been to these places either before or after they were on? I can imagine sitting down to watch it and thinking OMG I was there!

Yes I went to the Walnut Tree Inn before it was shown - the place near Abergavenny run by the Italian guy who wouldn't keep out of the kitchen - first series I think. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the meal!! It was pricey though - which was the main problem with the place I think, rather than the actual food itself. I'm very glad I hadn't been to the place that served the rancid shellfish...

A couple of weeks ago a place in our (v small) town was on. A few friends had been and thought it was OK, but I think the main problem wasn't so much to quality of the food but the fact no-one knows they're there! This hasn't really changed since the programme-- if we wanted to go out it just wouldn't cross my mind to go there.

I was so surprised to see the Walnut Tree on this programme - it used to have an amazing reputation. It even used to have its own cookbook, iirc! Guess it went downhill when it changed hands.

When I was a student in Aberystwyth I always hoped my then-boyfriend would take me there - he never did, surprisingly

I'd like to go to Momma Cheri's though. Anyone know how that place is doing?

V. well apparently, RZ. there was an article about it in the paper a couple of weeks ago. It looks great.

I'm glad. She had such personality.

Must try and drag myself down to Brighton at some point (difficult with babies and dogs and the such like...)

We went to the Walnut Tree and it was crap and overpriced and we had dinner with the people next to is as the table was 2cm apart!!

Couldnt even talk to DH!

Dh used to work with the plonker that GR fell out with and he was an idiot years ago as well!!

Wasnt the chef awful on Tues night? We were embarrassed as we watched it!

Is Momma Cheri the only woman he's had on as the chef/cook? Most of them see to have no clue at all about food. Feel like grabbing them and telling them where to go. Have they never read a cookery book? That fish dish the chef made this week made me want to vomit.

We went o Moma Cheries, its doing very well and the food was very moorish . She was looking for a bigger premises when we were there. We also had breakfast there, but that wasnt very good.

What did Momma Cherri's breakfast consist of? I'm thinking that if it was Southern stuff, you'd have French toast, beignet and the such like.

The chef this week was indeed truly dreadful. How could he possibly think it ok to serve up fish with the scales still on?? You're making the meal inedible from the off.

I am embarrassed that they have GR there and dont even make an effort! How embarrassing to have powdered soup and Smash potato in the stores and for GR to see it!

i asked DH if he would be embarrassed by his stores in the restaurant if GR looked in it and he said not at all!

I went to La Lanterna in Letchworth a couple of times, but long long before it featured on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. Actually thought the food then was very good, and it was packed out.

I think the owner featured on the show (arrogant young lad with flashy car) subsequently bought the business. The restaurant is now closed - I think he went bankrupt. Also seem to remember reading an interview with him in which he bemoaned how Gordon had "ruined" him. Err no, he simply pointed out your failings AND advised you how to rectify them (advice for which you'd have to pay £100s an hour if employing Mr Ramsay on a consultative basis). Your fault if you don't take that on board.

Forgot to add ..... think Gordon had commented on the appalling hygiene saying it would attract rats. Flash Harry complained that this had told the public he actually had rats, thereby meaning no-one would want to come. I don't think he accepted any personal responsibility for why things had gone wrong.

Yes French toast, corn bread, eggs, bacon etc. It took ages, and was cold, and the breakfast staff seemed disorganised.