3. We Forget Important Instructions While Filming
So we have to do what’s called a voice-over. That’s when you’re watching and all of a sudden, you don’t see the chef’s face. Instead, you see a close-up of the bowl or their hands and you hear them saying, “Now add a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon.” With the best talent, you’ll almost never hear a voice-over.
(Photo: George Doyle/Stockbyte/Thinkstock)
4. How Do We Prepare Food So Quickly?
Obviously, we’re not all going to sit around twiddling our thumbs waiting for a roast or a lasagna to cook. So there are people in a second kitchen behind the scenes cooking a bunch of versions of the same recipe so it will be ready to go at different stages. That’s called a swap-out.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
9. Why Does It Look Nicer on TV?
Before I host a cooking segment, I go through every step of the recipe with the art director, prop stylist, and food stylist.
They ensure I have every tool I need, they mise en place-or prepare and measure out-every ingredient, and they make the finished dish look gorgeous. So keep in mind that it will take you a lot longer to follow this recipe at home-and it probably won’t look quite as perfect.
(Photo: BananaStock/Thinkstock)
12. A Garnish Can Make Anything Look Better
Go ahead and throw some chopped fresh greens or herbs on top. They smell nice, create a beautiful contrast in colour, and give the whole plate a little zing.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
13. We Make Mistakes, Lots of Them
Towels catch on fire. Food gets dropped on the floor. We get cut and burned. One chef actually had the words “All Clad” branded onto her wrist for weeks after touching a pan that was coming out of the oven. But unless you’re watching a reality competition, you won’t see any of that on the air.
(Photo: Jupiter Images/Pixieland/Thinkstock)
15. This Job is Harder Than it Looks
Besides just cooking, you have to describe your method step-by-step, talk about different ingredients, and make eye contact with the camera. And then there may be someone in your ear telling you need to get to the next step or to move the pepper mill because it’s blocking the shot.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)