Series Overview
Bravo’s “Around the World in 80 Plates” took viewers on a globetrotting culinary journey, combining the thrill of travel with the intensity of a high-stakes cooking competition. Premiering in 2012, this innovative series redefined the culinary landscape on reality television, showcasing the talents of renowned chefs navigating international kitchens in a race against time.
A Gastronomic Odyssey: The Unique Concept
Inspired by the classic adventure novel “Around the World in Eighty Days” by Jules Verne, this Bravo series elevated the cooking competition genre by adding a travel element. The show’s format revolved around a group of chefs embarking on a gastronomic odyssey, attempting to conquer culinary challenges in different countries across the globe. Each episode brought a new destination, presenting chefs with local ingredients, traditions, and the pressure to deliver exceptional dishes.
International Flavors: Culinary Challenges Beyond Borders
One of the standout features of “Around the World in 80 Plates” was its celebration of global cuisine. The chefs faced challenges that ranged from preparing traditional street food in Bangkok to mastering intricate dishes in Barcelona. The series tested their culinary skills and required them to adapt to diverse cooking techniques, ingredients, and cultural nuances, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for both contestants and viewers.
Celebrity Chef Mentors: Guiding the Culinary Journey
Adding another layer of excitement, the show enlisted celebrity chef mentors to guide and challenge the contestants. These culinary luminaries, including Curtis Stone and Cat Cora, brought their expertise and high expectations. Their role was to judge the dishes and provide valuable insights and mentorship, shaping the contestants into well-rounded international chefs.
Race Against the Clock: Culinary Drama Unfolds
The competitive nature of “Around the World in 80 Plates” was heightened by the race against the clock. With limited time to explore local markets, decipher unfamiliar recipes, and execute dishes under intense pressure, the chefs faced constant challenges. This real-time intensity added a layer of suspense and urgency to the show, captivating audiences as they watched the culinary drama unfold in various corners of the world.
While the heart of the show was undoubtedly the culinary competition, “Around the World in 80 Plates” also offered glimpses into the cultural richness of each location. From exploring bustling markets to interacting with locals, the series showcased the chefs immersing themselves in the vibrant tapestry of global gastronomy, making it a travel and culinary adventure.
Legacy and Impact: A Culinary Expedition to Remember
Although “Around the World in 80 Plates” had a single-season run, its impact resonated with viewers who appreciated the fusion of travel, culture, and culinary expertise. The series demonstrated that the intersection of food and travel could be a winning formula, paving the way for other shows to explore the connection between global exploration and gastronomy.
List of Cast Members
Following is a list of the primary cast members for the show.
- Curtis Stone (Host) – Curtis Stone is a renowned Australian chef and television personality. With a warm and approachable style, he gained fame through various culinary shows like “Take Home Chef” and “Top Chef Masters.” Stone’s culinary expertise and passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients have earned him a stellar reputation in the gastronomic world. He also owns and operates successful restaurants, showcasing his innovative and flavorful dishes.
- Cat Cora (Host) – Cat Cora is a prominent American chef, author, and TV personality. She was among the first female Iron Chefs on “Iron Chef America.” With Greek-American heritage, Cora’s cooking often incorporates Mediterranean influences and is celebrated for her creative fusion of flavors and techniques. She has become an inspiring figure in the culinary world through her culinary endeavors and philanthropic work.
Contestants
- Clara Moore (St. Louis, Missouri)
- Sai Pituk (El Paso, Texas)
- Keven “Cheven” Lee (Chatsworth, California)
- Chaz Brown (Voorhees, New Jersey)
- Gary Walker (Detroit, Michigan)
- Nick Lacasse (Burlington, Vermont)
- Jenna Johansen (Boulder, Colorado)
- Nicole Lou (San Jose, California)
- John Vermiglio (Clinton Township, Michigan )
- Steve “Nookie” Postal (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
- Liz Garrett (Los Angeles, California) Runner-up
- Avery Pursell (Los Angeles, California) Winner / Fan Favorite
List of Episodes
Around the World in 80 Plates ran for one season and included ten episodes.
Season 1
- Episode 1: London Calling – The first episode starts in London, England. The chefs race in a pub crawl to win the Exceptional Ingredient. The task becomes challenging when one team gets lost along the way. Next, the cooking teams go to Gastropubs and serve authentic British meals. Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson joins to help choose the favorite.
- Episode 2: Forget Paris –
- Episode 3: Something Smells Fishy –
- Episode 4: In and Out of Africa –
- Episode 5: A Tale of Two Villas –
- Episode 6: Ciao Down –
- Episode 7: Thai Breaker –
- Episode 8: Feeding the Demon –
- Episode 9: Cry for Me Argentina –
- Episode 10: A Winner Comes Home –
Executive Producers
The executive producers of the show are Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz.
Production Company
Magical Elves Productions is the production company.
Filming Location
The show is filmed in Argentina, China, England, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Thailand, Uruguay, and the United States.
Facts and Trivia
Following is a list of little-known facts and trivia about the show and its cast members.
- The show’s opening theme is composed by Robert ToTeras
More Information
Bravo’s “Around the World in 80 Plates” left a lasting impression as a unique and captivating culinary adventure. From exotic locales to intense kitchen battles, the show brought the world’s flavors to the forefront, inviting viewers to a global feast for the senses. As a pioneering concept that blended travel and gastronomy, the series remains a testament to Bravo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of reality television.
For more information about the series, its cast members and the season episodes, please visit the Around the World in 80 Plates Official Website or the show’s Wikipedia Page.
Questions & Comments
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