The Restaurant

I've just finished watching the third series of the BBC show The Restaurant. Like many others, I'm embarassed by how upset I got at the result of this competition. After all, "it's only a game"!

Setting entertainment value aside... what this series actually showcased was the values and differentiating features of a man who has been recognised for achievement within our culture - Raymond Blanc. I therefore argue that this competition is something which is worth taking seriously. Aside from entertainment value, the show is about our moral values, and what we believe goes into making a great person. The fact that the show is named The Restaurant belies the fact that it focuses attention on the values of the celebrity around which it is formed.

Those of you who watched it know that in the final instance, the "prize" was awarded to a couple who consistently failed to produce good food - a quality which one would have thought remains an important part of providing such a service! In making his judgement, it became clear that Raymond was not making a judgement based on excellence of service, but rather on the viability of a business proposition.

I know that in our economic system, business success is not determined by excellence, but rather by the greatest appeal made to the consumers, without regard to the effect. Nonetheless, haven't we at least started to learn that this short-term outlook is a bad strategy for success on any level?

I'm so disappointed that the celebrity chef who showed amazing capabilities to inspire, teach and guide is instead just another business man - great at what he does, but having betrayed the true calling which is so obvious in his demeanour, charm and so impressive when expressed without the chains of today's business culture constraining it.