Even though guests want more than a fried egg and toast for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, a menu with too many options and cooking inconsistencies make people stay away. As seen in this exclusive clip from Kitchen Nightmares Kings Blu Jam, the Monte Cristo is far from a crispy, decadent sandwich.
When a restaurant decides to have limited hours, a specializing in a particular meal type can create a booming business. From the perfectly fluffy scrambled egg to the classic brunch food, that narrow focus can make one restaurant a staple for both locals and visitors.
At Houston’s Kings Blu Jam Café, the menu reads more like an never ending food novel. Too many options create kitchen chaos. From execution issues to lack of communication, the whole team needs Gordon Ramsay to get everyone back in tune.
In this Kitchen Nightmares Kings Blu Jam exclusive clip, the Monte Cristo sandwich should have never left the kitchen.
One of the biggest concerns in any restaurant is consistency. While well-prepped ingredients are a solid foundation, it is more than being a robot assembly line. There is an expectation that each item will have the same execution, attention to detail, and care time and again.
As seen in the Kitchen Nightmares episode’s clip, there are several items wrong with that Monte Cristo sandwich. First, the inconsistent batter is problematic. If the recipe changes time and again, there is no standard cooking time. It sets the cook up for failure.
Second, the frier seems to be the wrong temperature. Letting a sandwich cook in cold oil means that it will be greasy, especially as it absorbs all the oil. The bread of the sandwich acts as a giant sponge.
While these two errors are fixable, the cooks need to want to change their ways. It seems that the kitchen staff does not care about the circumstances. They are just putting food on a plate and hoping for the best. That attitude sets the stage for failure.
The front of house staff is trying to make the bad situation better. Their offers to get another entrée can make the guest experience better, but a smile and a gesture only goes so far.
Can Gordon Ramsay get the kitchen staff to find a harmonious tune on Kitchen Nightmares Kings Blu Jam? Be sure to watch the new episodes Tuesday, February 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episode can be streamed the next day on Hulu.