Taking Over the Kitchen: A Tasty Dive into Replacing Chef Chico

Replacing Chef Chico serves up a delightful feast, simmering with the flavors of love, ambition, and fine dining. Streaming on Netflix, this series invites you into the world of an ambitious sous chef navigating the challenging realm of haute cuisine.

The Story

A Netflix Original, Replacing Chef Chico draws inspiration from the likes of Boiling Point and The Bear, infusing the narrative with familiar Filipino drama elements. The outcome is a charming series with a compelling storyline that unfolds seamlessly.

Meet Ella, the sous chef at the upscale Hains restaurant, where Chico, the maestro of the kitchen, commands with precision and passion. Beneath the surface, a clandestine affair simmers between Ella and Chico, revealed midway through the first episode. However, when a tragic car crash leaves Chico comatose, the responsibility of steering the restaurant ship falls squarely on Ella's capable shoulders.

The show adopts an episodic structure, with each installment introducing a new customer to the Hains restaurant. These patrons bring with them nuggets of wisdom, reinforcing underlying themes and character subplots that unfold over the eight episodes.

Amidst the culinary chaos, two narrative threads emerge. On one side, Ella strives to ascend to the coveted role of Head Chef, yearning for recognition from her peers. On the other side, a captivating love triangle ensues, entangling Ella, the comatose Chico, and Raymond, a consultant who unexpectedly becomes a significant part of both Hains and Ella's future.

Performances

Alessandra De Rossi, our no-nonsense sous chef, brings a subtle charm to her role with stoic expressions that speak volumes. Piolo Pascual as Raymond serves a reliable and grounded performance, while Sam Milby nails the role of the character you love to hate.

Positives

The show dishes out undeniable feel-good vibes, with each episode carrying emotional weight that tugs at the heartstrings. The inclusion of customer stories adds charm, with Wena's segment standing out as a highlight. The supporting characters are not mere extras but bring depth and motivations to the table.

Verdict

Replacing Chef Chico may aim for a global audience, but it proudly showcases culturally significant Filipino foods, spiced up with interesting culinary facts. The show's pace is like a well-cooked dish, perfect as background noise or a pick-me-up after a demotivating day. The creative culinary world adds an extra layer of flavor, complemented by classical music that intensifies the kitchen heat.

Ella's journey, is a strong contender in the cutthroat world of culinary dramas. With a sprinkle of corniness and cheesiness, it embraces the holiday season's spirit. The profanity adds a dash of spice, but overall, Replacing Chef Chico earns a solid 9 out of 10 stars. It's a delightful treat for those craving a taste of Filipino drama with heart.