Last night on Channel 4 the first episode of a four part series opened, Kitchen Impossible where Michel Roux Jr undertakes the training of eight young people with a range of disabilities, mental health issues and learning difficulties.
A project not for the feint hearted and a challenge that chef takes on with passion and empathy. Dan is a qualified chef who after recently losing his sight is trying to adjust, he is a cool young dude that understandably seems to be having some difficulty. The joy he shows towards the end of the show having done a good job in the kitchen and being recognised by chef for having done so, emphasises why the effort put in by Michel Roux Jr and the rest of the programme team is so worthwhile.
We are introduced to people who suffer from Asperger’s, Autism, Down’s Syndrome and Tourette’s Syndrome. Sophie is a young woman with Tourette’s and at two points in the show loses her battle with her ‘ticks’. Making her unable to work she seeks a quiet room where she lays on the floor and waits for the attack to pass. Michel Roux Jr follows her and sees first-hand what this young woman has to deal with. She is cared for by another member of the cast and he allows privacy, when the attack has passed he welcomes her back into the kitchen.
Michel Roux Jr seems to have just the right instincts for this personal challenge he has undertaken. Balancing allowing for the various disabilities with providing all trainees with a challenge and sincere encouragement.
We will follow all four episodes and reflect on all of the young trainees in the weeks ahead. We would like to congratulate everyone involved with the making of this programme, a joy to behold and a refreshing change in chef TV perspective. If you missed last night’s opening episode there are three more to follow in the weeks ahead, Thursdays 9pm Channel 4, we would encourage all readers to afford themselves the privilege of watching.
Chef Central is Sponsored by Grant Sous Vide
