Michelin-Starred Chefs Guilty Pleasure: How The Bear Exceeds Restaurant Drama

For Michelin-starred chef Joe Garcia, the pressure of running a high-end restaurant is nothing compared to the stress he finds in watching TV’s most nerve-racking show, “The Bear.” Despite his own experience with the demands of fine dining, Garcia confesses that the FX series takes the cake when it comes to keeping him on edge.

Garcia, who previously ran the Michelin-starred restaurant Manzke in Los Angeles and is now the culinary director at Hotel Bel-Air, has a unique perspective on the show. He praises “The Bear” for capturing the sacrifices that come with being a chef, but also finds the series to be overly dramatic.

“It’s not always just glamour,” Garcia says. “There’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into creating a Michelin-starred restaurant.” While the show does an excellent job of conveying the pressure and stress of the industry, Garcia believes it often takes creative liberties for the sake of entertainment.

One small detail that stood out to Garcia was when Carmy, the fictional chef in the show, wrote “Sense of Urgency” on a piece of tape and placed it in his kitchen. This reference resonated with Garcia, who had once created a similar makeshift sign at The French Laundry during its renovation phase. Garcia spent six years working at The French Laundry, including time under the guidance of three-star Michelin chef Thomas Keller.

For Garcia, the pursuit of a Michelin star is not just about achieving recognition but also about protecting one’s reputation. He notes that the pressure to maintain a high level of quality can be overwhelming, especially after earning a star within eight months of opening Manzke. The show’s portrayal of the culinary world is often sensationalized, and Garcia believes it can create unrealistic expectations for both chefs and restaurant-goers.

Garcia hopes that “The Bear” will help raise awareness about the challenges faced by restaurant staff and encourage people to be kinder and more understanding when interacting with service workers. Many customers come in with unrealistic expectations, expecting everything to be handed to them immediately.

In Garcia’s opinion, “The Bear” does a remarkable job of humanizing the culinary industry and shedding light on the dedication and hard work required to achieve success in this field. While he may find the show’s drama over-the-top at times, Garcia is grateful for its portrayal of the sacrifices that come with pursuing one’s passion.

As someone who has experienced firsthand the highs and lows of fine dining, Garcia believes it’s essential for people to understand what chefs and restaurant staff go through on a daily basis. By watching “The Bear,” he hopes audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in this demanding industry.