PO‘IPU — Merriman’s Fish House in Po‘ipu is the locale of the next episode of “Chef Hunters” on the Food Network airing at 5 p.m. today. “Chef Hunter” is a new reality series hosted culinary recruiter Carrie McCully that features
PO‘IPU — Merriman’s Fish House in Po‘ipu is the locale of the next episode of “Chef Hunters” on the Food Network airing at 5 p.m. today.
“Chef Hunter” is a new reality series hosted culinary recruiter Carrie McCully that features a few promising out-of-work chefs competing for the position of executive chef at top restaurants around the country.
In each episode, chefs are put to the test as the restaurant’s general manager and owner challenge their culinary skill, business acumen and tenacity. The chosen chefs then get the chance to run the restaurant for a night. The winning chef is offered the position of executive chef of the establishment.
“Each chef is given a night to do a dinner service and a menu,” McCully said. The chefs chosen for the Merriman’s competition sourced their ingredients locally, she said, and they got to know local purveyors, such as farmers and fishermen.
“I think what makes the show special is that unlike any other on TV, they’re not going to cook for a cash prize,” McCully said. “They were willing to move their family to that location, change their life and be involved in a culture different from their own.”
The winner is chosen based on experience and how well they fit the niche environment.
Locations for the six episodes included restaurants in Los Angeles, New York City, Charlotte, N.C., and Chicago, as well as Kaua‘i.
“Chef Hunter shows a side of the restaurant industry that people rarely see,” Bob Tuschman, general manager and senior VP of programming and production for Food Network, said in a news release. “The series gives you an insider look at the stress, drama, creativity and broad skills involved in overseeing the daily operations of a top restaurant kitchen.”
