The renowned British chef Gordon Ramsay made a visit to Cuba amid the country's ongoing food crisis, in search of the island's authentic cuisine and flavors. The teaser for the episode dedicated to Cuban food has stirred much discussion on social media, with some netizens claiming that the chef will portray an unrealistic image of Cuba.
His trip to Havana was part of the fourth season of the television series, "Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted," produced by National Geographic. The Cuban episode is set to air on June 16 and features Ramsay diving into the island's rich culinary culture, using ingredients that are not commonly consumed by locals due to the exorbitant cost of food in the country.
"In search of the authentic Cuban cuisine," Ramsay visits various locations on the island. In a quirky scene, which in the Cuban context could be seen as both surreal and humorous, the chef had to dive into the sea to catch fresh ingredients and prepare them using local cooking techniques.
This famous chef is known for his passionate approach, versatility in the kitchen, and his casual way of presenting dishes, making complex recipes look easy to prepare. However, in the case of his visit to Havana, many Cubans would prefer to see him cook with what is actually available in the refrigerators of local families.
High Expectations for the Episode
There is great anticipation for the program as Ramsay will explore markets in Cuba that are often empty. The aim is to highlight the creativity and ingenuity of local cooking, but many people doubt the chef will offer a genuine critique of the current food situation in the country.
In Cuba, an increasing number of people live without access to essential foods such as bread, coffee, milk, eggs, fish, meat, and vegetables. Recently, UNICEF reported that 9% of Cuban children suffer from severe food poverty.
"Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" is a culinary adventure series where the chef travels to remote locations around the world in search of inspiration and unforgettable experiences. It premiered on July 21, 2019, and is directed by Jon Kroll. The series has captured the attention of food and travel enthusiasts. The fourth season takes Ramsay not only to Cuba but also to explore the ancient culinary traditions of Spain and Hawaii.
Ramsay is famous for his shows "Kitchen Nightmares" and "MasterChef." He also hosts a TV show featuring recipes with only five ingredients, which could be particularly useful for Cubans who need to optimize their kitchen supplies.
Gordon Ramsay's Cuban Culinary Exploration FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding Gordon Ramsay's culinary journey in Cuba and the broader implications of his visit.
When will the Cuban episode of "Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" air?
The Cuban episode is scheduled to air on June 16.
What is the focus of Ramsay's visit to Cuba?
Ramsay's visit focuses on exploring the authentic cuisine and flavors of Cuba, despite the country's severe food crisis.
What challenges did Ramsay face during his culinary journey in Cuba?
One of the challenges included sourcing fresh ingredients, which led Ramsay to dive into the sea to catch them himself.
Will Ramsay address the food crisis in Cuba during the episode?
While the episode aims to highlight local culinary creativity, many doubt that Ramsay will provide a genuine critique of the food situation in Cuba.