A number of very complex and/or emotionally heavy television shows have returned to the airwaves of both premium cable and streaming services. With new arrivals like Chernobyl and returning hits like Big Little Lies, The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror, Stranger Things, and Orange Is The New Black, the story arcs for each of those shows can be daunting and heavy on one’s emotional state. That’s not to be taken as negative criticism toward the above-mentioned productions; each one of those is worthy of your time. However, once in a while, it’s nice to have something lighthearted, easy-going, and entertaining.
Enter filmmaker Jon Favreau, Chef Roy Choi, and their joint production The Chef Show.
Related – Review: Big Little Lies Season 2 Premiere: “What Have They Done?”
Favreau, the actor/writer turned visionary director who set the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, returns to the roots of his 2014 word-of-mouth fan favorite film Chef. Partnered with Chef Choi—owner of the Kogi food truck and the man who trained Favreau for his film—the two set out on an exploration of different food dishes and the cultures that influence them. Special guests are featured in each episode, including MCU alumni (Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Holland, producer Kevin Feige, and directors Joe and Anthony Russo), comedian Bill Burr, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, and chefs David Chang and Jazz Singsanong who come along for the ride.
What makes this series so appealing is how honest and straight forward it is in its delivery. While Favreau became a foodie during the filming of Chef, he is not immune to errors in the kitchen. There are plenty of moments of him needing assistance from Choi, which leads to some comical banter between the two. Additionally, the food they create together and with their guests look amazing. This writer suggests you watch the series while already eating something. Otherwise, you may suffer a bit of weight gain due to the sudden spike in hunger you’ll feel during each episode.
Most appealing for me are the moments Favreau and Choi have with the Avengers crew in Atlanta and Rodriguez in Texas—I’m a sucker for good filmmaking chats. With the Avengers group, topics include the big gamble it was making Iron Man and how soon Holland was in the Spider-Man suit after landing the role. Meanwhile, in Austin, Rodriguez discusses with Favreau and Choi his early love for film and how his $7,000 college project El Mariachi became his calling card, opening the door to his successful career. I nerd out over tales of an artist’s journey in the craft of filmmaking, and when the added feature is delicious cuisine being made before my eyes, you’ve won my praise.
If you’re a Favreau fan (like I am), a fan of cooking shows, or a fan of intriguing discussions between celebrity friends, artists, and an eclectic mix of chefs, The Chef Show is tailor-made for you. All 8 episodes are streaming now on Netflix. Have a seat and enjoy!
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