It’s not unreasonable to expect a television show that invites people to dine with cameras and lights in their faces will pick up the tab, right? Apparently this doesn’t apply to Gordon Ramsay, whose empire has been hemorrhaging money across the globe lately. Of course, hair plugs aren’t free, so apparently Gordo’s Kitchen Nightmares has taken to charging diners when their meal is through, despite it never being mentioned beforehand by the production. This scenario played out last night at Sherman Oak’s La Frite, according to one of our blogging brethren, a trusted source who wishes to remain anonymous. What did he tell us?
In a letter to Grub Street, the writer lashes out: “I stupidly went to a dinner tonight at La Frite in Sherman Oaks as part of the taping for an episode of Kitchen Nightmares. Several parties didn’t realize they had to pay and one of them left without paying and then the waitress and camera crew chased them down outside. It wasn’t very hard as they were smoking right on Ventura Blvd, right outside the restaurant. The producers had not been clear about the fact that they expect you to pay to be on their show. So cheap … I consider this a warning to you and your readers about participating in KN.”
We understand that one has to pay the trashmen and the taxmen every now and again, but really, who expects to pay for a substandard meal during the taping of a show? For shame, Gordo, for shame!
Feel free to comb the reservation confirmation for Kitchen Nightmares below, which prepares just about everything but your wallet for the taping:
WELCOME TO “KITCHEN NIGHTMARES”
We are happy to confirm your reservation to join us in Kitchen Nightmares!
PLEASE NO CAMERAS IN THE RESTAURANT!!! IF THEY’RE SEEN YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE, PERIOD!!! Please turn cellphones off before entering the restaurant.
Your reservation date is: Wed. 1/5/11
Your reservation time: pm Please arrive ten- fifteen minutes before your reservation time (pm).
Number in Party:
Restaurant Address*:
La Frite Café (Sherman Oaks)
15013 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA. 91403
*We suggest you Yahoo Map and/or MapQuest this address.
The information below is very important. We ask that everyone in your party receives and reads this!
Please remember to forward release (attached) to all members of your party and have those filled out upon arrival.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Ø IT IS VERY IMPORTANT YOU ARRIVE 10-15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR RESERVATION
Ø SEATING IS LIMITED. WE ARE SHOOTING A TELEVISION SHOW SO THERE MAY BE A LITTLE DELAY IN GETTING YOU INTO THE RESTAURANT.
Ø PLEASE BRING A JACKET OR COAT AS IT MAY GET CHILLY WHILE YOU WAIT.
WARDROBE INSTRUCTIONS:
Ø NO LOGOS OR ARTWORK OF ANY KIND ON YOUR CLOTHES.
Ø NO ALL WHITE OUTFITS.
Ø PLEASE TRY TO AVOID STRIPES, PATTERNS, AND LOUD CLOTHING!
Ø YOU WANT TO LOOK YOUR BEST, AS YOU WILL BE ON CAMERA!
All participants will be required to sign a participation release, which includes a NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT, APPEARANCE RELEASE AND LIABILITY WAIVER.
Please remember this is a television show so there will be a check-in process and a waiting period before entering the restaurant.
NO CAMERAS, CELL PHONES or RECORDING DEVICES WILL BE ALLOWED INTO THE RESTAURANT! Please leave your cellphone in the car or turn it off before entering the restaurant.
Please contact us ASAP if you are unable to fulfill this reservation. You can either call us 323-351-3684 or email us at Shermanrest@gmail.com (please put “PATRON CHANGE” in the subject line).
Thanks! We look forward to dining with you!
KN Staff
