The Chopping Block

Watch The Chopping Block

  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 5.2  (85)

The Chopping Block is a culinary competition show that premiered on NBC in 2009. The show is based on the British program, "The Restaurant," and is hosted by renowned chef Marco Pierre White. The series follows eight couples who are given the opportunity to live their dream of opening a restaurant. Each week, the couples are given challenges, ranging from creating menus to designing the restaurant's layout, to hosting a VIP event, and cooking for actual customers.

At the beginning of the series, the eight couples are each given a space in a prime location in New York City - they are either located in trendy Soho, or in the bustling Financial District. Each couple is given $250,000 to invest in their restaurant, along with guidance and mentoring from Marco Pierre White, who has earned three Michelin stars in his career.

The contestants are put through their culinary paces in a series of grueling and demanding tasks, designed to test their skills, creativity, and resilience. The couples must work together to plan and execute their menus, manage their staff, and satisfy the needs of their customers. Along the way, Marco Pierre White gives them advice and offers his expertise, as the contestants battle it out to prove that their restaurant concept is the one that deserves to be the next big thing in New York City.

The show offers viewers a glimpse behind the scenes of the restaurant industry, as they watch the contestants juggle their personal and professional lives, and work under intense pressure to create a successful business. Each episode is filled with drama, suspense, and excitement, as the couples compete against each other and battle to impress the experts, including food critics, guests, and industry insiders.

Throughout the show, the contestants are judged by Marco Pierre White, who is known for his tough but fair critiques. He samples their food, observes their service, and scrutinizes their overall performance, before deciding which team has won the challenge and who will be going home. At the end of each episode, one couple is eliminated, until only two remain, who then compete in a head-to-head battle for the ultimate prize - the chance to have their own restaurant.

The Chopping Block is a thrilling and engaging show that offers a unique insight into the highly competitive world of the restaurant industry. It showcases the passion, drive, creativity, and technical skills that are required to succeed in this field, as well as the importance of teamwork, communication, and resilience. With its high stakes, intense challenges, and unforgettable cast of characters, The Chopping Block is a must-watch for anyone who loves food and wants to know what it takes to make it in the restaurant business.

Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
Finale
8. Finale
July 23, 2009
Summary not available
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
July 7, 2009
Only three days remain for the remaining two teams to remodel the restaurants for a grand opening. Also, the teams visit an art gallery for inspiration before catering for an upscale event for socialites.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
July 10, 2009
In this episode Chef Marco challenges the two teams to serve breakfast and lunch.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
July 3, 2009
The remaining four couples are asked to meet in Marco's kitchen, where he proceeds to show them the Italian foods he's prepared in 20 minutes and only needed five minutes to cook. Now their challenge is to do the same with the winning team receiving an expresso machine and a barista for the entire lunch service the next day. Their second challenge has them heading to Little Italy near Manhattan, to buy the ingredients needed for the lunch service which will be served to Vincent Pastore, Frederico Castelluccio and Mario Batali.
Big White Challenge
4. Big White Challenge
June 19, 2009
This week's challenge for the remaining couples will be preparing aphrodisiacs. The winners will receive access to an exclusive wine cellar and will meet a sommelier to learn to team foods with wines. Later, the teams will work a romantic dinner service for singles on a blind date, unaware that one is a food critic.
Into the Wild
3. Into the Wild
May 25, 2009
The teams are schooled about using natural foods. Next during a one hour cooking contest, the teams compete to win a maitre d' during their next challenge, which has them incorporating natural foods in the dinner service. The Zagat judging system is used by the judges in rating each meal.
Fashion Plates
2. Fashion Plates
March 18, 2009
The teams are asked to reveal the name and looks of their restaurants and present Marco with a fully dressed table. Later, each of the teams will be hosts for a private party attended by artists, designers and a food critic.
Opening Night
1. Opening Night
March 11, 2009
The series premiere finds the chefs are asked to prepare a menu, cook up the dishes on it and have their restaurants open within 48 hours. A food critic will judge their performances before one chef is eliminated.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    March 11, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    5.2  (85)