It seems to Kitchen Rat that Hell's Kitchen this year is much more about celebrity squabbling than the cooking.
Last year we were impressed by the creative menu tackled by the celebrities but when dining there last night the meal left the Rat feeling uninspired although the individual elements were well executed.
It was Danielle's turn on the pass as our check was called and she either had a magic wand or a great deal of prep had been done in advance as our starters - asparagus and Hollandaise, potted shrimps, and two paté de foie gras - arrived almost before we ordered them.
The main courses followed swiftly and while the Rat's generous portion of lamb was nicely caramelised on the outside and pink on the inside, both it and the companions' veal came with just a large dollop of mash as an accompaniment - no greens in sight. Oh to have saved some of the asparagus from the first course.
KR was also shocked to find lamb sprinkled with cockles. One has heard of surf 'n' turf but that's taking it a bit far.
Service was slick throughout and a neighbouring table - relatives of one of the celebrity trainees - had their request for a bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup granted in no time, though KR has no idea what they might have put it on as no one on that table ordered the steak tartare which came with chips.
Disappointingly, desserts weren't prepared by the celebrity brigade but arrived on a trolley and mainly consisted of a selection of tarts. Which leads KR to the celebrity diners with the obligatory sprinkling of reality TV 'stars' wearing too much make up and too little clothing.
Other, more suitably-attired diners included 'Dr' Neil Fox, Nik Kershaw, several members of Steps and Eastenders' Charlie Clements.
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