The new documentary "Rise of the Rockstar Chef" delves into the early career and impact of renowned chef Marco Pierre White, featuring tributes from notable culinary figures including Gordon Ramsay. The first episode of the three-part series focuses on White's rise from humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized chef during the Cool Britannia era.
Ramsay, who worked under White at his restaurant Harveys, appears notably humbled in the documentary, expressing nervous deference to his former mentor. He recalls his last day working for White as "an absolute fricking shambles." White, referred to as "the Great White," was a formative influence on Ramsay and other chefs.
The documentary highlights the tempestuous relationship between White and Ramsay, comparing their dynamic to that of the Gallagher brothers from Oasis, known for their confrontational antics fueling their fame. "Rise of the Rockstar Chef" explores White's manic behavior and the high-stakes environment of fine dining in the 1990s.
Contemporary chefs, including Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, share their admiration for White, with their Michelin stars often noted. The program recounts anecdotes of White's infamous behavior, such as a reported incident involving a diner and a subsequent dramatic entrance through a skylight. Actor Nigel Havers is also mentioned, recalling an instance where he was ejected from White's restaurant after complaining about a delayed starter.
"Rise of the Rockstar Chef" contrasts White's youthful image, characterized by a "bad-boy sex appeal" and bare-chested magazine shoots, with his present appearance. The review notes that the 64-year-old White himself acknowledges his changed looks, with the documentary depicting him as physically frail. The narrative suggests a reunion between Ramsay, White, and Blumenthal is a focal point of the series.
Christopher Stevens, reviewing the documentary for the Daily Mail, awards "Rise of the Rockstar Chef" four stars, describing White as having once radiated sex appeal but now resembling "a dissolute toad."