Watch Chef Academy

Name: Chef Academy
Genre: Reality, Food
Released: 2009-11-16
Cast: Jean-Christophe Novelli

2009
1 Season
7.1 (56)

In 2009, Bravo premiered the cooking competition reality show Chef Academy, featuring Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli as the lead instructor. The show followed nine aspiring chefs as they competed for the chance to learn from and work with Novelli at his restaurant in Los Angeles. Each episode of Chef Academy focused on a different aspect of culinary education, including knife skills, pastry making, and seafood preparation. The contestants were given specific tasks to complete, such as creating a three-course meal using only ingredients from a farmer's market or catering a high-end event. Novelli, along with a team of guest chefs and industry experts, would judge their performance and offer critiques. One of the unique aspects of Chef Academy was the emphasis on developing not only cooking skills but also restaurant management skills. The contestants had to learn how to work as a team in the kitchen and handle the pressures of a fast-paced restaurant environment. They were also given lessons on topics such as menu planning, cost control, and customer service. Another interesting aspect of the show was the diversity of the contestants. They came from a variety of culinary backgrounds and had different levels of experience in the industry. Some were recent culinary school graduates, while others had worked in professional kitchens for years. This made for a dynamic and competitive environment, with each contestant bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the table. Throughout the season, viewers got to know each of the contestants on a personal level. They shared their stories of how they got into cooking, their struggles with the challenges of the competition, and their hopes for the future. There were also brief glimpses into Novelli's own life, including his family and career trajectory. One of the most entertaining aspects of Chef Academy was the behind-the-scenes drama. As the contestants were put under more and more pressure, tensions would sometimes rise and there were occasional arguments and disagreements. Additionally, the contestants were all living together in a shared house, which led to some interesting dynamics and conflicts. Although Chef Academy only ran for one season, it was a memorable addition to the reality cooking show genre. With its emphasis on culinary education and restaurant management, it offered a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the food industry. And with Jean-Christophe Novelli's expert guidance and entertaining personality, it was a must-watch for any aspiring chef or foodie.

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Seasons

9. The Last Supper

January 11, 2010

The mood at the Novelli Academy is somber in the aftermath of one student leaving after failing three tests. But there is no time to dwell because Chef Novelli has announced for their "final exam", the students will collectively prepare a gala dinner for local esteemed chefs and other VIPs. Which student will Chef Novelli choose to be the head chef for the gala dinner?

8. Too Many Cooks

January 11, 2010

The mood at the Novelli Academy is somber in the aftermath of one student leaving after failing three tests. But there is no time to dwell because Chef Novelli has announced that as their final, the students will collectively prepare a gala dinner for local esteemed chefs and other VIPs. Chef Novelli chooses one of his students to be the head chef for the gala dinner. In an attempt to complete some of the more arduous tasks prior to the dinner, the students gather the night before the gala for prep work. However, two students have a problem with their assigned dish thus the entire class falls behind. With graduation at stake, tensions arise between two students in particular, and everyone is worried about the final outcome of the dinner, especially the head chef. The result of this meal will determine who graduates, and who does not.

7. Meat Your Maker

January 4, 2010

Chef Novelli must decide who fails and who passes this test.

6. Squid Pro Quo

January 4, 2010

The students are taught how to catch fresh fish, which leads to a lesson about seafood dishes.

5. Naked Lunch

December 14, 2009

A student begins to get on everyone's nerves; the test is to recreate three vegetarian dishes.

4. A Bun in the Oven

December 7, 2009

This week, Chef Novelli's lesson for his culinary students is on the ancient craft of bread baking. With the imminent arrival of Chef Novelli's new baby, Suzanne decides to throw his fiance, Michelle, a baby shower at her home in Mission Viejo. She ropes her fellow students into helping with the shower, and together they create food for the party.

3. Basic Training

November 30, 2009

With lessons in full swing, Chef Novelli teaches his students how to make the perfect risotto accompanied by his grandmother's famous tomato sauce. For their end of week test, the students are asked to recreate the Chef's risotto and tomato sauce dish under strict time constraints. While three greatly exceed expectations and are invited to join Chef Novelli, Steve, and Michelle at a Malibu red carpet party, the other students are left waiting to hear the results of their test until after the weekend.

2. Bitter Sweet

November 23, 2009

As an introduction into the culinary world, each of Chef Novelli's students is presented with the honor of their very own embroidered chef jacket. Chef Novelli then gets down to business, teaching his students their first lesson on desserts. If the student passes, they are granted permission to attend the open house party at the academy, but if they fail, they are asked to leave and only have two more chances to hold their spot at the esteemed Novelli Academy.

1. Coming to America

November 16, 2009

French born and currently residing in London, Chef Novelli - along with his executive chef, Steven Kitchen, and pregnant fiance, Michelle - comes to Los Angeles to establish his first American based culinary academy, which is renowned across Europe. The first order of business is for Chef Novelli and Mr. Kitchen to interview and screen potential students. As part of the admissions process, the hopeful students are asked to perform a simple, yet surprisingly nerve-racking task: cook an egg, any way they want.

Description

Each episode of Chef Academy focused on a different aspect of culinary education, including knife skills, pastry making, and seafood preparation. The contestants were given specific tasks to complete, such as creating a three-course meal using only ingredients from a farmer's market or catering a high-end event. Novelli, along with a team of guest chefs and industry experts, would judge their performance and offer critiques.

One of the unique aspects of Chef Academy was the emphasis on developing not only cooking skills but also restaurant management skills. The contestants had to learn how to work as a team in the kitchen and handle the pressures of a fast-paced restaurant environment. They were also given lessons on topics such as menu planning, cost control, and customer service.

Another interesting aspect of the show was the diversity of the contestants. They came from a variety of culinary backgrounds and had different levels of experience in the industry. Some were recent culinary school graduates, while others had worked in professional kitchens for years. This made for a dynamic and competitive environment, with each contestant bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the table.

Throughout the season, viewers got to know each of the contestants on a personal level. They shared their stories of how they got into cooking, their struggles with the challenges of the competition, and their hopes for the future. There were also brief glimpses into Novelli's own life, including his family and career trajectory.

One of the most entertaining aspects of Chef Academy was the behind-the-scenes drama. As the contestants were put under more and more pressure, tensions would sometimes rise and there were occasional arguments and disagreements. Additionally, the contestants were all living together in a shared house, which led to some interesting dynamics and conflicts.

Although Chef Academy only ran for one season, it was a memorable addition to the reality cooking show genre. With its emphasis on culinary education and restaurant management, it offered a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the food industry. And with Jean-Christophe Novelli's expert guidance and entertaining personality, it was a must-watch for any aspiring chef or foodie.

Chef Academy is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on November 16, 2009.

Where to Watch Chef Academy

Chef Academy is available for streaming on the Bravo website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Chef Academy on demand at Apple TV and Bravo.