Sunday’s new Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted sends Chef Gordon Ramsay to Maine, and Nerdophiles has your exclusive first look at the episode—as well as an interview with this week’s expert, Chef Melissa Kelly!
The next installment of the NatGeo series takes place in the Pine Tree State, and pairs Gordon with Melissa, who is a two-time James Beard Award winner and executive chef of Primo. Though she grew up on Long Island, she traveled the country before deciding to open her first venture in Maine. She operates with a farm-to-table philosophy, literally, as the restaurant is situated on a four-and-a-half acre farm!
Chef Kelly took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for Nerdophiles about her Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted experience and the Maine culinary scene. Here’s what she had to say before you watch an early clip from the episode below.
Nerdophiles: You specifically chose to open your restaurant in Maine. What is it about the local culinary scene that made you want to put down those roots?
Melissa Kelly: One of the draws for me to Maine [was] due to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. In Maine, we call them MOFGA; everyone knows the organization.
NP: The farm-to-table approach means that your menu changes regularly. Can you explain how that works logistically and creatively, as compared to a traditional kitchen?
MK: The seasonality [and] the immediacy of what’s growing “now” inspires me and forces me to be in a constant state of creation.
NP: What got you interested in appearing on Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted?
MK: I love Chef Ramsay!
NP: What was your favorite memory from working with him? What did you take away from the experience?
MK: Gordon has contagious enthusiasm and is incredibly knowledgeable.
NP: Your career has involved traveling all over the country to learn from a lot of great chefs, not unlike the premise of this show. What are some of the things you learned from your experiences?
MK: I learned about the concept of “sense of place,” and the importance of eating local.
NP: What’s one thing you want to leave viewers with after they’ve seen your episode?
MK: Simplicity.
NP: What would you say is your favorite dish on your own menu at Primo, and what makes it resonate with you?
MK: I love pasta!
Watch what happens when Gordon attempts to dive for clams to use in this week’s big cook by checking out the exclusive video below, then tune in for the full episode on NatGeo tomorrow night!
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on NatGeo. Episodes are also streaming the day after premiere on Disney+.
English