Gordon Ramsey

Posted by Margalit

I've read the biography of Gordon Ramsey by Neil Simpson recently. Gordon Ramsey, the "host" of Hell's Kitchen, a reality TV show on Fox, is a famous British chef. He's famous for a couple of reason, his TV shows, and his many excellent restaurants. But what he's most famous for is his temper, which is volatile when he's working in the kitchen. On television, you see glimpses of Ramsey's other, softer side, the side discussed throughout this biography. Mostly you see him screaming expletives at the poor hapless fools who volunteer to be harassed in his kitchen.

Ramsey does have another side beyond the screaming, angry chef. He's the father of 4 children, including a set of twins. He's a dedicated husband to his wife of many years. He's a marathon runner, a former professional football (soccer) player, an attentive son to his elderly mother, and a concerned sibling to his recovering drug addict brother. He employs his father-in-law, supports his wife's business as an importer and shopkeeper of Indian decor, and he's a mentor to many younger chefs throughout England.

Ramsey's kitchen persona is one of demanding perfectionism. In fact, he is such a perfectionist that he's created some of the best restaurants in England and was one of the first chefs to turn the English food scene from boiled meats to gourmet meals. He did so from an unlikely background as the son of a depressed and demanding father who never had a kind word for Gorden. As an abused child, Gordon would constantly seek approval from his father, approval that never came before his father's untimely death at the age of 53. Because Gordon looked for approval that didn't come, he worked harder and demanded only perfection of himself. Which is exactly what he also demands of those working in his kitchens.

When you see him screaming on television, you only see a part of who he is. This is a man that is extremely supportive of the people working for him, seen in their loyalty to him. Many of his employees have worked for him for 10 or more years, which is highly unusual within the restaurant trade.

This biography has less to do with food, and more to do with the man behind the food. After reading it, I have a whole new respect for Gordon Ramsey, and an understanding of why he acts as he does on television.

TAGS: Books, Gordon Ramsay
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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1

dexie said:

I like him. I actually saw that softer side in a very tame version of Hell's Kitchen on BBC a couple of weeks ago. He tried to help out a restaunranteer imnprove his managing and cooking skiils along with the Maitre' D.

Posted at 06:32 AM, on June 18 2007

2

Jill from Western Australia said:

Gordon is as tough on himself as he is on the volunteers on the F Word and Hell's Kitchen. I admire his love for Tana and his 4 children and his passion for learning about how to raise animals for food. Unlike many "Top Chefs" he never sings his own praises, but is quick with compliments when they are deserved...go go go Gordon!

Posted at 01:12 AM, on June 21 2007

Gordon Ramsey

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