Professional Chef Reacts to The Bear S1 EP1

I've been getting calls and texts non-stop from friends, ex-coworkers, family members, etc., all asking me if I've seen the show The Bear. I've finally found some time to sit down and watch it to see what all the rage is about. I lived in Chicago for 12 years and have a culinary degree, and spent 15 total years in the restaurant industry, so I'm beyond excited to check this show out. I'm reacting live to this video and trying to give more insights into what is happening in the restaurant industry.

[SnailHatan]

So, you touched on it at the end here, but the reason Carmie calls everyone “chef” is *_because_* it’s a respect thing. He calls them Chef because he wants to elevate the level of the restaurant, and the first step to doing that is by respecting and believing in everyone working in that kitchen.

Can’t remember which episode he says that in. But it’s more of a personal stance on how shitty the industry can be and how he doesn’t want to be a brutal, heartless kitchen like everywhere else.

[TaurusWitchyWoman]

I really appreciate your perspective on the family meal scene bc I thought him saying he didn’t want to try it was a dig at her, but I love that it was Carmy’s confidence in Syd from the start

[mybrotherjames]

I was a gm, worked my way up, of a restaurant in the 00’s. Hiring, training, expo, customer interaction(positive and negative), inventory control, scheduling and payroll, literally every aspect of running a successful business was on my shoulders daily. When I left and went into the corporate world as a data analyst it was shock that there were entire departments dedicated to each specific thing I had been doing by myself for a decade.

[amydawson]

I have totally binged The Bear and loved it! Can’t wait for season 3!

[taylorlibby]

After I left culinary school I never called myself a chef until I got hired as a chef. Before that I was a line cook.

[chance]

so glad to read in another comment that you rewatch the episodes; i appreciate the live reaction but i know it can have a negative impact on the pace of the show when you’re watching for the first time. anyway, i enjoyed this first episode and i’ll definitely be following along with this series. thank you chef!

[alexwelsh]

Im actually about to start my culinary journey in the fall. Ive been a home cook and occasional line cook at the restaurant i work at for about 9 years, and i have found such a passion for cooking and taking care of people. The Bear was a part of motivating me to finally take the leap and become a chef. Seeing your perspective on this show really illuminated me to even more insight i didnt have so thank you! Got yourself a subscriber!

[akillersandwich]

I worked in kitchens for basically the first 13 years or so of my professional life...started young and always kept with it. Never went to culinary training of any kind...had close friends that did, and I always knew more than them, and to be frank...out-cooked them easily. Never once have I thought of calling myself a chef. My niece, when she was like 8, told her friends I was a chef...had to explain the difference to her, then and there lmao. Sad part is, nearly every chef and sous that I worked under told me "you're such a chef". Never got the opportunity...now I'm in a bakery 🫤 I suppose if I DO ever get the opportunity, I'll have some bread knowledge to instill in someone 😅

[mjohns]

The worst burn I ever sustained at the restaurant I work at is when I accidentally dunked my hand in the deep fryer while I was trying to wipe the edges clean. I spent the rest of the night with one hand in a bucket of ice. 😂

[jb]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Chef. Btw. Loved the photo of your beautiful family,

[realrussclarke]

Love the fact that Chef Bourdain is over your shoulder great video Chef

[newmanana]

“Meat plus three” is what he said for the family meal. He means meat plus three sides.

[ljrouse]

Show is absolutely incredible. Season 2 is a masterpiece

[MrJaoXsabaw]

just finish season one im trying to stop myself to watch the season 2 till the season 3 come out this is a phenomenal show CHEF!!

[matthewjamesduffy]

Great video chef, love hearing your perspective.

[sharonwilliams]

Meat and three usually means a meat and three veggies in diners and smaller family owned restaurants. I worked for an MLB baseball team and while the stadium had multiple restaurants, the particular area I worked in provided a family meal with a meat or pasta containing meat and one pasta without meat and three veggies (for the vegetarians and vegans).

[barbarakiebel]

I've been in the kitchen either helping my mom or cooking on my own for 50 years. Today I run a food and cocktail blog. I am the person who has everyone over for the big meals so cooking for people has been part of my life blood forever. But I have never called myself a chef. It kills me the people that do. The woman who went to cooking school for a year 'for fun' after she retired. The guy on Facebook who likes to cook at home and takes pictures of his meals. It's one of those job titles that people assigned to themselves without realizing what the job really is! That is one thing I love about this series, you get to see the down and dirty of the real job!

[tlopes]

Would give almost anything to hear Chef Parisi drop an F bomb, lol!

[miken]

Half a million subs, love the content cuz, keep it up!
-Michael

[briangbonnell]

This was great love the reaction Chef!!!