In a surprising twist, Meghan Markle‘s highly anticipated cooking show on Netflix has quickly become the target of scorn from some of the most respected chefs in the industry.
Initially designed to highlight Meghan’s culinary skills, the series has instead drawn sharp criticism and ridicule from award-winning chefs who have taken to social media to express their disapproval.
The backlash erupted almost immediately following the show’s premiere.
Renowned chefs, particularly those honored by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, didn’t hold back in their assessments.
Many labeled the program as “trash” and even went so far as to call it a “catastrophe.”
The sharpness of their critiques underscores the disconnect between the show’s intentions and its reception.
Anthony Bourdain, the late chef and cultural icon known for his blunt honesty, was especially vocal in his criticism.
Through a series of blog posts, he slammed Meghan for what he perceived as her attempt to leverage her royal status for unwarranted acclaim in the culinary realm.
Bourdain didn’t mince words; he pointed out flaws in both the production quality and the simplicity of the recipes, ultimately questioning Meghan’s grasp of cooking fundamentals.
“She’s trying to ride the coattails of her royal status to gain attention,” Bourdain wrote, emphasizing that true culinary experts are less than impressed.
His sentiments resonated widely, leading to a chorus of similar critiques from other culinary professionals.
Suveer Saran, the owner of the acclaimed Devi restaurant in New York City, chimed in on Bourdain’s blog, suggesting that the James Beard Foundation needed to elevate its credibility and support for the culinary arts.
His comments reflect a broader frustration within the industry regarding the standards of culinary media representation.
The criticism extends beyond just chefs.
Kat Kinsman, a respected food writer, also weighed in, calling Meghan’s show a “farce” that overlooks the real challenges faced by the culinary community.
Kinsman highlighted the importance of acknowledging the hard work of farmers and cooks, emphasizing that many food journalists engage deeply with these issues.
For Meghan, the intent behind her cooking show was to share her love for food and promote diversity and inclusivity within the culinary space.
However, the backlash has thrust her into a contentious debate, raising serious questions about her credibility and expertise in the kitchen.
Despite the wave of negativity, Meghan remains committed to her vision for the show.
She has expressed a desire to continue using her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the culinary world.
Yet, the intense scrutiny from award-winning chefs poses a significant hurdle to her aspirations.
As the show continues to air, it faces an uphill battle to win over audiences amid the storm of criticism.
Whether Meghan can navigate this challenging landscape and turn the tide remains uncertain.
Her culinary journey, once seen as a promising venture, is now shrouded in controversy and skepticism from the very industry she aimed to celebrate.
The culinary community is watching closely, and it will be interesting to see how this saga unfolds.
Will Meghan rise to the occasion and prove her critics wrong, or will the backlash ultimately overshadow her efforts?
