Chef Ramsay travelled to Boston’s Little Italy where he was tasked with trying to turn around Davide, a once popular restaurant. On his way to the restaurant, Chef Ramsay learned from a trolley driver that Davide is not one of the restaurants that he recommends to his patrons even though it is on his regular route.
Two brothers, Frank and Anthony purchased Davide and were successful for a few years; until it was discovered that Anthony had been embezzling money. As a result, the responsibility of running the restaurant fell on Frank’s shoulders. Now, Frank has become a shell of his former self. He lost his confidence and passion for cooking.
It was funny to watch as Chef Ramsay ate the food for the first time. He was told that the past was handmade, but soon found out that it was made 3 weeks ago, then frozen. Who does that? Even if the pasta isn’t handmade, it takes what, 10 minutes to cook? The table-side Caesar Salad took 8 minutes to prepare and the dressing slid off the still wet lettuce. Andrew, the waiter, must have been nervous, he was fumbling as he prepared the salad and dropped a few things in the process.
I thought it was a nice idea when Chef Ramsay asked Anthony and Frank’s wife to tell Frank what they really think about him. It was touching to watch and I think it meant a lot to Frank. As that meeting ended, I could tell that he started to get his passion back. It was also the first step in rebuilding his relationship with Anthony.
Seeing the way that Chef Ramsay handled this one really inspired me. Chef Ramsay not only has to fix the food and management issues in the restaurants he visits; he also has to deal with interpersonal issues – many times among families. I think he’s doing a great job. He was able to encourage Frank to set aside his grudge with his brother in order to make the restaurant more successful. Anthony, in turn, has become even more committed to the restaurant and his brother.
