Gordon Ramsay, the famously fiery chef, is here to share his essential tips for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience. With a culinary career spanning over two decades and a total of 17 Michelin stars awarded to his restaurant group, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, Ramsay is undeniably an authority in the kitchen.
The 57-year-old chef, renown for his blunt critiques on shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares, recently revealed his three ‘golden rules’ for eating in a restaurant during an episode of the High Performance podcast. Host Jake Humphrey posed a question about Ramsay’s TV persona, to which Ramsay responded candidly: “I didn’t, I didn’t give a s**t.” He emphasized that his on-screen persona was natural, spurred by the immediate success and public curiosity following his early TV appearances. “Remember the first program it was 5.8 million viewers on Channel Four,” Ramsay recalled.
In a discussion with the Daily Mail, Ramsay elaborated on what he’s learned about dining out effectively. He advised caution against restaurants that brag excessively about their offerings without substantive proof. “If you hear a restaurant claim to be ‘famous’ or ‘the best in the country’ without evidence, it makes you question who actually said that,” he explained.
Ramsay also offered a savvy tip for wine lovers looking for a great deal. He suggested asking for the ‘bin end’ list, which includes bottles that may have damaged labels or are otherwise not selling well. “You can often find a hidden gem for no more than $30,” Ramsay noted, highlighting an opportunity to enjoy a quality wine at a fraction of the price.
However, his most crucial advice pertains to the menu’s specials board. Ramsay warned that if a restaurant lists an extensive array of specials, it’s likely not as special as it seems. “Specials are there to disappear throughout the evening. When they list 10 specials, that’s not special,” he cautioned.
There you have it, straight from the expert himself. Next time you’re dining out, keep Ramsay’s golden rules in mind for a truly special meal.