The hugely popular FOX television show, Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, has been the hit of the summer. In this week’s episode, Chef Ramsay enters Philadelphia’s Dahlak restaurant in an unlikely way. This first impression could speak volumes about the restaurant’s dismal state.
Each episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service is more than moments of shock and awe that have people turning their faces away from the screen. Yes, those scenes where owners and chefs have not cleaned a kitchen, left a walk-in in disarray, and otherwise have chaos get people’s attention. It is more than just the moments where viewers resolve to only eat at home.
In the “Dahlak” restaurant episode, Gordon Ramsay looks to revitalize a family-run restaurant in Philadelphia. This establishment is a celebration of tradition and heritage. While it has been part of the community for 40 years, the restaurant needs more than a revitalization plan to get it back on track.
FOX provided this exclusive clip to FlickDirect. While most diners use the door to enter a restaurant, this secret mission has Gordon Ramsay choosing a different entrance.
No one would expect Gordon Ramsay to crawl through a window. This clip might become a meme, and it definitely will be part of the show’s highlight reel. Even though Chef Ramsay is quite athletic, no one expects him to traverse an obstacle course in the kitchen.
After the laughter subsides, the restaurant’s bigger issues need to be tackled. While 40 years of running a restaurant takes its toll, it does not excuse dirt, grime, and other unpleasant aspects. That unwillingness to keep a kitchen clean is a visual expression of bigger issues.
Dahlak serves Eritrean cuisine. While the owner has carefully built and nurtured a business highlighting authentic dishes like Dahlak Tibs and Zigni/Key Wat, the business is faltering. The community might love the restaurant’s vegan dishes and flavorful stews. Unfortunately, they would be less impressed if they saw what the kitchen is hiding.
Of course, Chef Ramsay’s team will help return the cleanliness to the kitchen and rid the space of other potential issues. The true, meaningful transformation needs to come from the next generation, the owner’s children.
Sparking their passion for the restaurant is vital to returning the business to its success. If they do not want to take the reins, the issues will continue. Strong leadership combined with community support will ensure that Dahlak will remain successful for another 40 years.
Ready to watch the new episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service? The “Dahlik” episode (season 1, episode 9) airs on on FOX. It can be streamed the next day on Disney+/Hulu.
Tags: gordan ramsay, philadelphia’s dahlak, cooking, chef