Around the World in 80 Plates

Around the World in 80 Plates is a competitive reality television series born out of the creative minds at Bravo. The show made its on-air debut in 2012 with a unique take on gastronomy combined with world travel. This innovative and high-stakes show aimed to expose viewers to diverse culinary traditions while catering to the thrill of competition.

The premise of Around the World in 80 Plates is captivatingly simple and yet intriguing: 12 competing chefs embark on the extraordinary culinary quest of a lifetime that guides them across the globe to various international locations. Each episode is a unique journey to a new locale, where contestants face challenges that test not only their culinary expertise but also their adaptability, teamwork skills and their ability to survive in an unfamiliar environment.

The contestants' journey spans across nine countries in Europe, Asia, and South America, spanning tens of cities renowned for their rich gastronomic heritage. This journey presents the chefs an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the indigenous culinary culture and traditions of each new place they visit. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the tranquil villages of Italy, the chefs get an on-ground education about world cuisines while jostling for dominance in the competition.

Each episode of Around the World in 80 Plates begins with a challenge known as "The Course." This unique task requires the chefs to navigate the city of the week and explore the local food scene extensively. They must sample regional dishes, interact with local vendors, food producers, and understand the heart and soul of the city's gastronomy.

Following "The Course", the chefs then compete in the "Takeover" challenge, where they work in teams to recreate and serve the local cuisine they've just explored at a popular restaurant in the city. They are expected to make their dishes to the precise taste preferences of the local patrons. The twist here is that the locals themselves are the judges. Therefore, the stakes are high, and the chefs must use the knowledge they’ve learned from The Course to not only create delicious food but also to execute the carefully managed dining service.

The competitors then go through various eliminations, which are overseen by the show's presenters, who also serve as the main judges. This expert panel includes renowned restaurateur Curtis Stone and celebrated television chef Cat Cora. Their judgments accompanied by feedback from local diner patrons determine the chefs’ fate in the competition.

The struggle for supremacy in Around the World in 80 Plates is not just about gourmet mastery. Beyond the prowess in the kitchen, contestants need to prove their knowledge, adaptability, and shrewd decision-making. They are tested on their finesse and cultural acuity to handle not just the heat of the kitchen but also the pressure of pleasing a new and unfamiliar audience. It's not just about thriving in a high-intensity kitchen environment — it's about immersing yourself in a foreign culture, learning quickly, and winning over the local population’s stomach and heart.

One of the core attractions of Around the World in 80 Plates is the diverse assortment of chefs competing. These contestants come from varied backgrounds and varying levels of culinary experience. This diversity further enriches the flavors of the show as each contestant brings their signature style, infuses their personality, and executes their unique spin on the traditional local dishes.

Through its course, Around the World in 80 Plates ensures that it offers its viewers a unique blend of food, culture, and competition. It captures the nuances of the global culinary scene through the struggles and triumphs of its contestants and gives viewers a peek into a world of cooking beyond their kitchen. But the show is not just about food. It offers insights into what food means to different people and cultures around the world, presenting a richer narrative on a platter.

So whether you're a food connoisseur, a culinary student, a professional chef, a culture enthusiast, or a fan of high-stakes competitions, Around the World in 80 Plates is a feast for your sense. It truly is a thrilling global race where the ultimate victor is the one who skillfully ties flavor and culture with an edge of competitive zeal.