Gordon Ramsay's Netflix Series: A Six-Hour Brand Advert or Culinary Drama?
Netflix's new documentary series, Being Gordon Ramsay, spans six episodes and follows the renowned TV chef as he embarks on his most ambitious venture yet: launching multiple restaurants simultaneously on the top floors of 22 Bishopsgate in London. This extended brand advertisement, which some critics question as necessary, delves into the high-risk, high-reward world of fine dining, with Ramsay describing it as "one of my final stakes in the ground" and warning, "If it fails, I'm fucked." The project includes a 60-seat rooftop garden with a retractable roof, a 250-seater Asian-inflected restaurant called Lucky Cat, a Bread Street Kitchen brasserie, and a culinary school, creating a complex web of logistical challenges.
Family Dynamics and Perfectionist Drive
The series opens with a glimpse into Ramsay's personal life, showcasing a family scene where his youngest children enjoy pancakes. Ramsay critiques the pancakes as too thick, preferring crepes, leading his wife Tana to gently urge him to "give it a rest." This moment highlights Ramsay's defining trait: an inability to relent, a characteristic shared by many Michelin-starred chefs. Despite his demanding nature, Ramsay is deeply involved with his six children, from planning weddings with the older ones to playing with the younger, demonstrating an inexhaustible energy that his family clearly adores, even as they manage his intense personality.
Work Ethic and Culinary Excellence
At work, Ramsay commands respect from his team due to his proven track record and relentless pursuit of perfection. The documentary saves itself from being dismissed as mere self-promotion by focusing on the abstract ideal of working to the highest standards at all times. Viewers are treated to the simple pleasure of watching chefs construct mouthwatering dishes with exceptional skill, offering a visual feast that underscores the dedication required in high-end cuisine. The attention to detail is meticulous, from menu tastings—where a rum baba must not be too small to aerate properly—to practical decisions like removing apron pockets to maintain staff neatness.
Business Realities and Viewer Reactions
With six hours dedicated to the dramas of launching five businesses at once, including designing from scratch and adding a retractable roof, the series provides an in-depth appreciation of the complexities involved. Ramsay's decisions, such as vetoing leather seating to save space for two covers worth £300 per night, are driven by logic rather than rudeness, though his direct approach requires confidence from those around him. As a Marmite proposition, Ramsay elicits strong reactions, making him a potential subject for sociological study. The series blends fluffy entertainment with occasional insights, leaving viewers to decide whether to enjoy it or not, as Ramsay himself likely has "better fucking things to worry about." Being Gordon Ramsay is now streaming on Netflix, offering a mix of family moments, culinary artistry, and business acumen in a package that challenges perceptions of celebrity documentaries.
