The Glory of Gravy

[liuzhou]

Quote

‘It is not jus. It is not a glaze. It is gravy!’ Britain’s gift to the world finally gets the love it deserves

 

The Guardian

 

[chromedome]

I remember an early episode of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (UK edition) in which the proprietor was literally working himself to death: 

Ramsay: "When did you last take a day off?"
Proprietor: (looks questioningly at his GF/business partner)

Girlfriend: "Well, you took three days off after your heart attack last year..."
Ramsay: (eyes widen in sheer, incredulous panic)

 

So, with a man's life literally hanging on the outcome, he threw away the run-of-the-mill sauces the restaurant had been using, and ginned up a tongue-in-cheek "Campaign For Real Gravy" to promote the restaurant and give it a way to differentiate itself from competitors in the area. 

I don't know how well that played out in the long term, but they had fun with it and the diners seemed to enjoy the food (for what that's worth). 

[liuzhou]

I remember that and had it in mind. The Fenwick Arms. They sold it shortly afterwards.

 

 

Edited July 7 by liuzhou (log)

[chromedome]

1 hour ago, liuzhou said:

I remember that and had it in mind. The Fenwick Arms. They sold it shortly afterwards.

 

 

Probably a good call, cashing out while they had the visibility thanks to Ramsay. I've often wondered how they made out, but never thought about it while I was at a computer to look them up. That episode really stood out for me because of the look in Ramsay's eye as he realized that his show had just acquired life-or-death stakes. I can't help but wonder if he gently encouraged the proprietor to sell while the selling was good. 

I had to explain to many of my friends here about the Campaign For Real Ale, and why I'd laughed so hard over the Real Gravy thing. 

[chromedome]

Huh. Made a point of reading a few followups, since a) I was reminded; and b) am sitting in front of my computer at this very moment. It seems things were not that straightforward, and that the couple never really accepted Ramsay's "take" on how their business should run. In fairness to them, while reviews of the food and service are mixed, it seems that they're genuinely popular and successful in their current pub. 

Edited July 7 by chromedome (log)