Do you mean one representative of the Top Chef MENA franchise? It might have to do with availability, numbers of seasons, and those who speak English (which is clearly a demand for all participants).
I haven’t read the pieces you posted, but I don’t see MENA grouping as unusual. It makes sense for nations that can be very small and don’t necessarily want to pay that much to purchase a format. Egypt would be the outlier since it has such a major and robust media industry. But shared language communities and cultural similarities make co-productions/ joint productions of this kind typical and practical. (There’s similar things that can happen in Europe-- Because of … oof, you know what? Before I tell you all about Belgian television, I’ll stop myself because you probably didn’t come here for a boring lecture on regional transnationalism from someone who should have better sense.)
I know! It was strange! I think I like this season so far, but I still much prefer the shows with the less seasoned chefs. I mean, one chef here has a Michelin star.
She has worn them before. Several times I think, but this is the only photo I could find. I find her fashions choices strange. Remember the dresses with the thickly padded shoulders?
Always slightly bugs me how the women have to get all glammed up and Tom looks like he was running errands before he popped in. Such is life I guess…
I’ve been watching the new season of Great British Menu on Daily Motion and have watched many other seasons and grown to really like Angela Hartnett. Was fun when she was one of the first judges. Lots of great food and restaurants in London so hopefully we will see lots of good British chefs.
I watched the first seasons on Amazon and then when that ended I discovered I could watch on Daily Motion, I’m in the US. It’s a video hosting website and legal to use.
I agree it does seem that a greater effort should have been made to get at least one UK contestant (chesfteststant seems so…).
OTOH, North America has 7 times as many people as the UK, and the advertising $ are here.
I thought about this, but I think the people watching this probably enjoy the diversity of people, techniques and flavors. Those who want American-centric shows would want America versus The Rest of the World. Whatever, I’m predicting at least one American in the finale, given how the odds are stacked.
Finally watched the first two episodes this morning . . . I think I’m going to enjoy this season. I loved the guest judge (and the other chefs dining) in the first episode. And I too was surprised there are no UK contestants.
I always find the first few episodes difficult to follow just because there are so many contestants\dishes. So no favorites yet. But the MENA chefs seem very strong and I like May(?). Not surprised at the two eliminated and I don’t expect the Mexican chef to go far–he seems like a hot mess.
The contestants are from the various Top Chef UK franchises. According to Wikipedia, there hasn’t been a ”Top Chef UK” so that explains why no Top Chef UK participants.
They do have one participant from Top Chef Brazil who lives in London.
Last chance kitchen starting.
