‘Brigade de Cuisine’ or Kitchen Brigade is a 100-year-old hierarchical structure that forms the basis of restaurant kitchens throughout the world. Over six episodes under the guidance of Jason Atherton, this series will test and transform the lives of ten ambitious chefs.
Each week ten chefs will be trained and mentored by Jason as they travel to the heartland of the finest cooking destinations in Europe where they will have a week to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn the local cooking. As the series progresses from country to country the challenges will get tougher and at the end of each week the Brigade will go head-to-head with a rival kitchen in a cook-off.
Along the way, the brigade will live and work together as they attempt to demonstrate the necessary skills and techniques required by Jason’s exacting standards to keep their place in the face of stiff competition, at any time they can be replaced with a reserve Brigade member at Jason’s discretion. Under the guidance of Jason the brigade will aim to become a tight knit team capable of competing with the world’s best.
Jason Atherton said: “Becoming a chef can be a way to change your life. If you are passionate, work hard and learn from the best – you can take on the world.”
Colin Barr, Creative Director, Expectation Factual said: “This series moves back-to-basics, focusing on the theory that the best food is cooked by the best kitchen and driven by the raw energy and spirit of talented chefs. Jason Atherton is an incredible mentor, his knowledge, technical ability and his inspiring attitude make him the perfect chef to lead The Brigade and help change people’s careers by learning how to live the life of a successful chef.”
Produced by Expectation Factual. The Executive Producers are Colin Barr and Dominique Foster, the Series Producer/Director is Graham Sherrington. It was commissioned by Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two and Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries. It is due to air in 2019. The commissioning editors are Emily Smith and Clare Sillery.