Fall TV Review: "Kitchen Nightmares"

Based on the first episode of the new Fox reality series "Kitchen Nightmares," viewers may decide to cook at home instead of dining out. Each week, Gordon Ramsay, the culinary artist who whips would-be chefs into shape on "Hell's Kitchen," travels to restaurants in need of an attitude adjustment and an extreme makeover.

Ramsay Leaves "Hell's Kitchen" and Heads Straight into a New Hell

Episode 1 features a family owned eatery called Peter's in Babylon, New York. Though Tina really owns the place, her brother Peter likes to throw his weight around, borrowing money from the cash register whenever he feels like it. Peter also wastes cash on suits and teeth bleaching, even though the restaurant needs repairs.

Gordon Ramsay Puts His Stomach at Risk

In order to fully evaluate a restaurant, Ramsay sits down for a meal, which could be hazardous to his health. At Peter's, the cooks serve him cold crab cakes and a bowl of lobster ravioli that, in Ramsay's words, looks like its filled with baby food.

The Inspection

After choking down as much of his meal that he can, Ramsay heads into the kitchen to check out the equipment. At Peter's, it's no surprise that most of the ovens don't work; the cooks even use one malfunctioning oven to store extra supplies.

The Gross-Out Factor and "Walk of Shame"

Reality shows tend to focus on the gross and disgusting, and "Kitchen Nightmares" does this with gusto. Ramsay takes Peter on a walk of shame through his leaking walk-in cooler, showing the camera moldy vegetables and other rotting foods. If the food at Peter's is this hazardous, however, how come the Babylon Heath Department hasn't shut them down?

Extreme Makeover: Kitchen Edition

For humiliating themselves on national television, Ramsay rewards the family with stoves that actually work and a brand-new menu. For Peter's, Ramsay also recommends a switch to family-style dining and shows them an array of dishes that can bring customers back into the restaurant.

Gordon Ramsey gets to the Heart of the Problem