This show gives empowerment to women and people of LGBTQ community. It's shows being in a kitchen is no easy feat and having the right competency to cook. I feel this show dedicates to the pinoy men & women in service and food industry. The characters are well selected to bring out the dialogue to life. It's great start of being the first of many shows to come out of the Philippines to Netflix. I must point out that there were some cringy scenes here and there though. I had really hope they had emphasize more on the cooking aspect instead of the love story aspect. Overall it's a good show to binge on a Sunday! It was a good attempt to take on the "The Bear". Hoping for more shows like this from The Philippines.
15 Reviews
Cultural Gem with Room for Refinement
thofapril26 November 2023
The series is commendable for its authentic representation of Filipino cuisine, which serves as a cultural touchstone, inviting viewers to explore the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines. It's a celebration of heritage and provides a sensory experience that is often underrepresented on screen.
The narrative threads of women's empowerment are particularly poignant. The series portrays strong, multidimensional female characters who navigate a variety of life's challenges. This portrayal not only inspires but also reflects the shifting societal norms towards gender equality.
The stories of various groups-families, women, the marginalized-are interwoven to create a tapestry of human experience that is both unique to the Filipino context and universal in its themes of struggle, resilience, and the fight for equality.
While the series excels in many areas, it falters in its repetitive use of scenes depicting smoking, cursing, and verbal-violence. Such portrayals, if not handled carefully, might risk normalizing these behaviors, especially if they are not critically framed or challenged by the narrative.
The actors deliver compelling performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. However, there seems to be a disconnect between the talent of the cast and the strength of the script. The series would benefit from a script that avoids clichés and develops its plotlines in more innovative and nuanced ways.
I wished the series Introduced more variety in conflict resolution without relying on aggressive behaviors,developed subplots that challenge the status quo and provide constructive discussions around the issues of smoking and verbal aggression, enhanced character arcs to show growth and change, especially in their coping mechanisms and lastly utilized the strong performances by giving the actors more challenging material that requires a range of emotions and depth.
Overall, the series is a significant step in the right direction for representing Filipino culture and highlighting important social issues. With some adjustments to avoid glorifying negative behaviors and a stronger, more original script, the series has the potential to not only entertain but also educate and inspire its audience.
The narrative threads of women's empowerment are particularly poignant. The series portrays strong, multidimensional female characters who navigate a variety of life's challenges. This portrayal not only inspires but also reflects the shifting societal norms towards gender equality.
The stories of various groups-families, women, the marginalized-are interwoven to create a tapestry of human experience that is both unique to the Filipino context and universal in its themes of struggle, resilience, and the fight for equality.
While the series excels in many areas, it falters in its repetitive use of scenes depicting smoking, cursing, and verbal-violence. Such portrayals, if not handled carefully, might risk normalizing these behaviors, especially if they are not critically framed or challenged by the narrative.
The actors deliver compelling performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. However, there seems to be a disconnect between the talent of the cast and the strength of the script. The series would benefit from a script that avoids clichés and develops its plotlines in more innovative and nuanced ways.
I wished the series Introduced more variety in conflict resolution without relying on aggressive behaviors,developed subplots that challenge the status quo and provide constructive discussions around the issues of smoking and verbal aggression, enhanced character arcs to show growth and change, especially in their coping mechanisms and lastly utilized the strong performances by giving the actors more challenging material that requires a range of emotions and depth.
Overall, the series is a significant step in the right direction for representing Filipino culture and highlighting important social issues. With some adjustments to avoid glorifying negative behaviors and a stronger, more original script, the series has the potential to not only entertain but also educate and inspire its audience.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
dreamerria28 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm no professional but it's just nice to see that we are finally breaking the norm of "kabit"/thirdparty storylines. I adore how this series highlighted the various Filipino cuisines, their instructive histories, and demonstrating that success in the culinary arts and in general knows no bounds to a person's gender. On the other hand, the recurring smoking sequences in this show are what I find so annoying. It's a bit disturbing that practically all actors light their cigars whenever they're behind the resto. Nevertheless, it's a great show. The cinematography, the actors, storyline are commendable. I'd want to see more stories like this in Filipino TV shows or movies, not the typical lovestory that we have grown up. It's just a fresh sight to see.
We deserve this kind of series!
vindicated7826 November 2023
The background story of every episode is as rich as the food being shown. Perfect blend of comedy, romance and slice of life. The characters were super great from the dishwasher to the owner of the resto. Very relatable. This took my emotions like a roller coaster ride. Ups and downs. I love how they represent the story with the meals they prepared. This is one of the best pinoy series I have seen. The cast especially De Rossi showed exceptional work. Scoring was great too!
Every food preparation can make your tummy go wild
I wish there could be more shows like RCC. And i hope there will be another season for this. Congratulations!!!
Every food preparation can make your tummy go wild
I wish there could be more shows like RCC. And i hope there will be another season for this. Congratulations!!!
Sweet
fiona_rp28 November 2023
What a lovely series!!! A great story which will warm your heart. The food is beautiful and tantalizing, as the chefs prepare a selection of appetizing dishes which compliment this series. Well acted and presented, lovely scenarios of the customers who frequent the restaurant. The scenes are vibrant, yielding superb food and entertaining miniature stories centred around the restaurant and Chef Ella. I love it!!! Praying for another series of happy ever afters.
Thank you to cast, producers and directors. To the colourful wardrobe and professional makeup.
A brilliant, delightful show, thank you to all.
Thank you to cast, producers and directors. To the colourful wardrobe and professional makeup.
A brilliant, delightful show, thank you to all.
A missed opportunity to be something better
armadomia2 December 2023
Overall I think it's a missed opportunity to be something better. I like the focus on the customers and how it shows why Hain is special and not just a restaurant serving good food and fine dining. The perspective is really nice, a nice back and forth focus between the kitchen and the customers, but the delivery was pretty cringey. The love stories and the conversations were sometimes just too long and unnecessary. The constant background music was also pretty annoying. This is a typical kind of Filipino telenovela/drama which is not something necessarily negative, but I have my doubts it will be popular for the good characteristics in the west.
To the culinary and hospitality industry
daphneteh25 November 2023
Typically, Filipino TV shows/Movies always had the same plot. Third parties, sexual nature, mediocre storylines and many more.
THIS, however, is such a refreshing sight! The female lead is realistic, not too glamorous looking for a Chef role as it should.
You can feel the emotions from the characters involved. Soundtrack was beautiful. Cinematography felt high class, not your typical Filipino low budget films.
I hope this paves the way for BETTER Filipino movies.
I just wish Netflix could translate some phrases better.
Other than that, this show will take you on a ride. You may tear/sob, or laugh + drool with the showcase of Filipino cuisine!!
THIS, however, is such a refreshing sight! The female lead is realistic, not too glamorous looking for a Chef role as it should.
You can feel the emotions from the characters involved. Soundtrack was beautiful. Cinematography felt high class, not your typical Filipino low budget films.
I hope this paves the way for BETTER Filipino movies.
I just wish Netflix could translate some phrases better.
Other than that, this show will take you on a ride. You may tear/sob, or laugh + drool with the showcase of Filipino cuisine!!
It would have been good except for the leading lady
Maharlika-6 December 2023
The movie has a good plot. Good theme and motive. Except for their chosen leading lady. She doesnt fit the role.. she is emotion-less.. like a sociopath with no feelings. She cannot act. And considering there's 2 of the most handsome and best actors. Why did they even choose this actress? It made the series undesirable. It ruined the greatness of the story. Sorry to be harsh but that's my honest opinion. I mean even the other characters were really good! The restaurant characters were better actors/actresses than the leading lady! But the story and plot were good. Just the leading actress is yuck.
Beautiful and heartwarming
auntybean9 January 2024
What an empowering, thoughtful and wonderful show! It's both gentle and captivating and I enjoyed every episode. L I loved how all of the characters gained depth and nuance as the show progressed and I especially loved seeing Chef Ella find her voice and own her talents. I also really enjoyed how each episode centered on a specific event happening in the restaurant showcasing tender-hearted stories from all walks of life. There is some verbal/emotional abuse from the chef that Ella steps in to replace but it is shown to be as such and the show deals with it in an appropriate and healing way. I highly recommend it if you enjoy thoughtful storytelling with a gorgeous soundtrack.
Pampalipas oras lang sya for me
kenaque30 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The cast is excellent.
The storyline is light and not overly intense, which is positive.
However, it falls short of being considered a masterpiece series.
There's a lack of exploration into Chef Ella's profound motivation for cooking, her inspiration behind Lumpiang Sisig, and the roots of that dish.
Moreover, it lacks educational elements, such as providing alternatives when ingredients are insufficient and suggesting workarounds for dishes that don't taste optimal.
The cooking process seems rushed; improved camera angles could enhance the preparation's appeal.
There's an excessive use of piping bags, appearing repetitive across all dishes.
I believe that covers everything.
The storyline is light and not overly intense, which is positive.
However, it falls short of being considered a masterpiece series.
There's a lack of exploration into Chef Ella's profound motivation for cooking, her inspiration behind Lumpiang Sisig, and the roots of that dish.
Moreover, it lacks educational elements, such as providing alternatives when ingredients are insufficient and suggesting workarounds for dishes that don't taste optimal.
The cooking process seems rushed; improved camera angles could enhance the preparation's appeal.
There's an excessive use of piping bags, appearing repetitive across all dishes.
I believe that covers everything.
Characters are uninteresting and make no sense
alyannaw2 December 2023
Characters make no sense. Here's why:
Chef Chico after recovering from a coma, he went back to the kitchen angrier at his staff and berating all the people who handled the restaurant while he was bedridden. Why??? He didn't even thank his staff for running the resto while he was gone. I don't get the dictator attitude of Chico. Where does his anger coming from? I don't get it.
Piolo Pascual's character suddenly acts like a leading man in a romcom borderline on creepiness, touching Ella and makes moves inappropriately. He was a professional consultant that turned a lover without any reason.
I don't care about the random soap opera stories of its customers. Too much drama. I felt like these scenes were made as fillers.
Ella's character is plain boring. That's all I can say. I don't know her motivations of staying as the sous chef when she gets a bad treatment from the head chef. She doesn't have any goals. She just cooks.
Btw, nobody even visits Chico or knows what's happening to him in the hospital that they were all shocked to see him back in the resto.
Just give us a great story with plausible plots and compelling characters. Why should I care about the characters?
Chef Chico after recovering from a coma, he went back to the kitchen angrier at his staff and berating all the people who handled the restaurant while he was bedridden. Why??? He didn't even thank his staff for running the resto while he was gone. I don't get the dictator attitude of Chico. Where does his anger coming from? I don't get it.
Piolo Pascual's character suddenly acts like a leading man in a romcom borderline on creepiness, touching Ella and makes moves inappropriately. He was a professional consultant that turned a lover without any reason.
I don't care about the random soap opera stories of its customers. Too much drama. I felt like these scenes were made as fillers.
Ella's character is plain boring. That's all I can say. I don't know her motivations of staying as the sous chef when she gets a bad treatment from the head chef. She doesn't have any goals. She just cooks.
Btw, nobody even visits Chico or knows what's happening to him in the hospital that they were all shocked to see him back in the resto.
Just give us a great story with plausible plots and compelling characters. Why should I care about the characters?
Disappointing Imitation: Chef Chico's Departure Leaves a Bad Taste, Echoing the Bear
peterangelogascon26 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The recent substitution of Chef Chico with what can only be described as a pale imitation, aptly dubbed 'the Bear,' has transformed Chico's Culinary Haven into a regrettable parody of its former self. This blatant attempt to replicate the Bear's chaotic style has resulted in an unsavory dining experience, leaving patrons questioning the integrity of the restaurant's decision-making.
Chef Chico, once the maestro behind Chico's unique and refined offerings, has been shamelessly replaced by a subpar chef attempting to mimic the Bear's questionable culinary chaos. It's evident that the current menu is nothing more than a poor reproduction, with once-discerning flavors now jumbled into a confused mess that lacks any semblance of the sophistication that defined Chico's.
The Bear's chaotic approach to the culinary arts, while debatable in its own right, at least possessed an element of originality. However, the decision to thrust this imitation onto patrons as a substitute for Chef Chico's artistry is nothing short of insulting. It's as if the restaurant has abandoned any semblance of creativity and opted for a cut-rate copycat version.
The ambiance, once an inviting sanctuary, has been marred by the transparent attempt to replicate the Bear's mysterious atmosphere. What was once genuine charm now feels forced and artificial, echoing the inauthenticity that permeates the entire dining experience. The staff, seemingly disoriented by the abrupt transition, struggles to adapt, resulting in a lackluster and disjointed service.
This ill-conceived move reeks of a desperate attempt to capitalize on the Bear's perceived success, disregarding the unique identity and loyal following cultivated by Chef Chico. The restaurant's management has not only underestimated the discerning palate of its patrons but has also betrayed their trust by substituting quality with a second-rate imitation.
In conclusion, the replacement of Chef Chico with a lackluster imitation of the Bear at Chico's Culinary Haven is a disgraceful misstep. The once-revered establishment now stands as a testament to the pitfalls of blindly chasing trends, sacrificing authenticity and quality for a cheap imitation. Patrons are left wondering why the restaurant opted for a rip-off when they once had the privilege of savoring the genuine culinary artistry of Chef Chico.
Chef Chico, once the maestro behind Chico's unique and refined offerings, has been shamelessly replaced by a subpar chef attempting to mimic the Bear's questionable culinary chaos. It's evident that the current menu is nothing more than a poor reproduction, with once-discerning flavors now jumbled into a confused mess that lacks any semblance of the sophistication that defined Chico's.
The Bear's chaotic approach to the culinary arts, while debatable in its own right, at least possessed an element of originality. However, the decision to thrust this imitation onto patrons as a substitute for Chef Chico's artistry is nothing short of insulting. It's as if the restaurant has abandoned any semblance of creativity and opted for a cut-rate copycat version.
The ambiance, once an inviting sanctuary, has been marred by the transparent attempt to replicate the Bear's mysterious atmosphere. What was once genuine charm now feels forced and artificial, echoing the inauthenticity that permeates the entire dining experience. The staff, seemingly disoriented by the abrupt transition, struggles to adapt, resulting in a lackluster and disjointed service.
This ill-conceived move reeks of a desperate attempt to capitalize on the Bear's perceived success, disregarding the unique identity and loyal following cultivated by Chef Chico. The restaurant's management has not only underestimated the discerning palate of its patrons but has also betrayed their trust by substituting quality with a second-rate imitation.
In conclusion, the replacement of Chef Chico with a lackluster imitation of the Bear at Chico's Culinary Haven is a disgraceful misstep. The once-revered establishment now stands as a testament to the pitfalls of blindly chasing trends, sacrificing authenticity and quality for a cheap imitation. Patrons are left wondering why the restaurant opted for a rip-off when they once had the privilege of savoring the genuine culinary artistry of Chef Chico.
Miscast
Finnster225 January 2024
Leading lady, Ella, does not have any chemistry with her male counterparts. Obvious mismatch from a physical standpoint - she looks like an auntie, not a love interest in remotely the same caliber as her "suitors." Alessandra just didn't age well, please stop trying to fit her into romantic roles especially with established heartthrobs like Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby. It just doesn't work. This significant miscast is quite distracting and makes the series difficult to watch. Additionally, incredibly poor acting by Sam Milby- some of his scenes were so outrageously forced that they were laugh out loud bad.
The Chauvanism is shocking
sugarqueen225 May 2024
So, I believe I am on the third episode. How absolutely repellent and gross. We live in a modern world, and it has been so for decades, but perhaps the men in your country don't understand or accept what that means.. It is entirely unacceptable to treat a female professional, a genuis, in this manner. You cannot simultaneously laud the success of a chef, and gutter it at the same time. I suppose that as a male dominated country, you hope to turn back time. I have seen people in my own country who hope to do the same. This attitude is ARCANE.
There is not a woman I know who would subborn this type of behavior. It will be a cold day in Hell before I ever visit your country.
There is not a woman I know who would subborn this type of behavior. It will be a cold day in Hell before I ever visit your country.
Delightful mix of culinary exploration and branding
elainebaring10 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Replacing Chef Chico brings a delightful mix of culinary exploration and branding of Hain, with a special spotlight on the delectable Filipino dishes. As an avid fan of cooking shows and a lover of Hain's unique branding, the series has its charms but falls short in some aspects.
The personalized Filipino dishes add a touch of authenticity that is both enticing and culturally rich. However, the storytelling aspect leaves room for improvement. While each episode unveils a different narrative, the series lacks a certain level of creativity in its storytelling.
One episode, in particular, stands out, featuring the Filipino classic, Bopis. Despite the engaging premise, the show falters in its approach to handling unexpected situations, such as lacking a key ingredient. Instead of using this as an opportunity to engage diners with a creative storytelling twist, the hosts dismiss the issue. Chef Ella did not even expound why. My suggestion would be to improvise a narrative, perhaps likening the missing ingredient to the absence of a heart (puso) in a love story, drawing parallels to the enduring love of parents who, despite a divorce after 50 years, leave a lasting imprint on their children's hearts.
I love the authenticity of the diners. Their genuine reactions and interactions with the hosts add a relatable touch to the show. However, the conclusion of each episode could be more compelling. A thoughtful and engaging ending would enhance the overall viewer experience.
Despite its shortcomings, for me it remains a decent culinary show with the cooking segments serving as its standout feature. The missed opportunities in storytelling and the occasional abrupt handling of challenges hold it back from achieving a higher rating. With a more imaginative narrative approach and a captivating conclusion, this series could elevate its appeal to a broader audience. I would give it a 5/10, acknowledging its culinary excellence as a standout highlight.
The personalized Filipino dishes add a touch of authenticity that is both enticing and culturally rich. However, the storytelling aspect leaves room for improvement. While each episode unveils a different narrative, the series lacks a certain level of creativity in its storytelling.
One episode, in particular, stands out, featuring the Filipino classic, Bopis. Despite the engaging premise, the show falters in its approach to handling unexpected situations, such as lacking a key ingredient. Instead of using this as an opportunity to engage diners with a creative storytelling twist, the hosts dismiss the issue. Chef Ella did not even expound why. My suggestion would be to improvise a narrative, perhaps likening the missing ingredient to the absence of a heart (puso) in a love story, drawing parallels to the enduring love of parents who, despite a divorce after 50 years, leave a lasting imprint on their children's hearts.
I love the authenticity of the diners. Their genuine reactions and interactions with the hosts add a relatable touch to the show. However, the conclusion of each episode could be more compelling. A thoughtful and engaging ending would enhance the overall viewer experience.
Despite its shortcomings, for me it remains a decent culinary show with the cooking segments serving as its standout feature. The missed opportunities in storytelling and the occasional abrupt handling of challenges hold it back from achieving a higher rating. With a more imaginative narrative approach and a captivating conclusion, this series could elevate its appeal to a broader audience. I would give it a 5/10, acknowledging its culinary excellence as a standout highlight.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
