Kitchen Nightmares Premieres on CW

Super Nanny does Extreme Makeovers in Hell's Kitchens. That best describes the new Fox reality series "Kitchen Nightmares" with multi-star rated Chef Gordon Ramsay. He isn't in his restaurant this time. Ramsay will visit different restaurants around the country. He's bringing "Kitchen Nightmares" to the owners and chefs of businesses about to collapse from problems, internal and external.

Tonight's premier combined racial stereotyping, bleeped foul language, and some real Dr. Phil moments.

It didn't get off to a good start when the co-owner/manager, Peter arrived late to pick up Chef Ramsay. Viewers had already been exposed to Peter's primped, pumped and prickly self. There was little doubt that expletives and confrontations would ensue.

Peter's Italian Restaurant is a family business in Babylon. Sister Tina, the actual owner is ready to sell the business. It is a family business without the family. The family is always there; they just don't do anything.

Like any good chef, Ramsay chooses some items from the menu. When the salad is a mess of rotten leaves and the crab is stone cold he gets to work. Ramsay finds a kitchen with barely working appliances, an uncool cooler, and employees that have a better grasp of the situation than the owner does.

It is evident from the beginning not where, but in whom the major problem lies. Peter is so stereotypical. So much so you wonder if he is an actor playing a part. He is a Goodfella wannabe with an expensive car, slick suits, and a diamond-studded watch all bought with the profits of the restaurant. Peter plays the big shot by comping meals and wine to friends and benefactors. Chef Ramsay wastes no time and spares no words letting Peter know that he is the problem.

Twice, bill collectors come to the restaurant and Peter, in true tough guy fashion is yelling and ready to fight. It is not clear if they are there to collect his debts, or the restaurants.