David Mitchell on rudeness and mainly "Come Dine With Me" and others

[chris2269]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zjjqh...

[breadchick]

Aww, but I like "Come Dine With Me." It was such a hoot. Alas, BBCA doesn't carrry it anymore.

I also miss that show that featured couples trying to win their own restaurant, can't think of the name, but a Chef Raymond was the judge. Chef was always encouraging and likeable.

[Harters]

The programme with Raymond Blanc was called "The Restaurant".

It was not commissioned again after the considerable criticism of the third series which was generally felt to have descended into farce.

[breadchick]

I think I remember the third season, didn't they end up in cafeterias in airports, etc, etc? Yes, not as entertaining as the first two. Thank you, Harters.

[Harters]

Yep. But the main issue was the growing realisation that the one couple who couldnt cook at all were the ones who were going to win (and did). Very much a farce that did little for Blanc's reputation (although not enough for us not to enjoy lunch at his restaurant last month - superb!)

[kukubura]

Last Restaurant Standing and the last season really was awful.

The Restaurant was the excellent doco show about Rocco's restaurant in NYC.

Edit: I'm going by the US names. Interesting since Mark Burnett produced both (I believe.)

[LulusMom]

I loved both these shows. I had heard that there was going to be an American (in other words, much worse and with people being much meaner) version of Come Dine with Me but that was over a year ago and no word since. Anyone else heard anything?

[chris2269]

I remember a thread a while back about the US version and did some research back then. The rights were bought for the American version but it crashed and burned before seeing the light of day. Though they I believe do some filming in the Chicago area..if I recall correctly.

[LulusMom]

Imagine a Canadian version of the show. Everyone being really polite until they're in private.

[breadchick]

I wish there was a link to watch old episodes. I know I missed quite a few and I don't think any links will work here in the States. Didn't you love how they actually would go through dresser drawers? Loved that guy that put the pop up snake in his, just waiting for the guests to get sneaky and mess with his undies.

[chris2269]

I could provide a link to an UK site. You have to be comfortable using torrents and register (its free). you can watch the current series plus old ones. Legal to they get put out on DVD then they pull them.

[Allegra_K]

Hah, LLM, there is a Canadian version of the show, and you've pretty much nailed it! Everyone is so polite and complimentary about the others' dishes until out of earshot. It's a riot, actually. I do kind of like the show, actually (hangs head in shame). Its one of my guilty pleasures that I enjoy after the offspring have gone to bed, spouse is at work, and I have piles of laundry to fold. It's a good time killer, if nothing else.

[LulusMom]

No guilt needed (or else you can come sneak into the room with me and we'll shut the door and snicker together). I wish we could get the Canadian version here. Any version.