In any case, far more than many of the celebrity chefs on TV, Blanc is riveting. One gets the sense that he truly knows not just how to cook, but how to actually run a restaurant, the ins and outs of it all. Blanc makes his point not by screaming at the top of his lungs, not by getting down and dirty with everyone, but by calmly explaining the proper way to do things, the proper way to run a restaurant. Blanc doesn't appear to be a chef sitting there talking to the other couples, Blanc appears more like a CEO with hands-on experience. He looks like someone who has been there in the trenches and while he's fully capable of returning to them if necessary, he's now ready to teach others what to do. It's a far more relaxed attitude than we're used to getting on TV here in the States.
Between Blanc and the contestants, many of whom have tons of talent but little know-how, the show is fascinating. Blanc assigns them a task to complete at their restaurant (last night it was to maximize profits and use of a half a pig), has people go out and see how the teams do, and then decides whom he wants to take a closer look at and possibly eliminate.
Perhaps the best way to describe Blanc in the show is as a puppet master, pulling the strings and making the contestants dance. He doesn't browbeat, he isn't over the top, he just explains what needs to be done and expects it to happen.
It's one thing I'm glad the show hasn't changed between seasons.
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