TV review: Gordon Ramsay's hot potato problem

For the first of the new helpings he visits the Hot Potato Caf in Fishtown, Philadelphia. It might sound like mouthwatering premises, but punters are staying away in their droves. It's owned by Claire, Kathryn and sister-in-law Erin. After being open for eight months, a local newspaper article headlined 'Spuddy Hell' shattered their confidence and damaged their takings. So what made them take the plunge in the first place? "One day we just kinda looked at each other and said: 'Somebody should open a really good restaurant in Fishtown," explains Claire. "We thought it would be a lot of fun. People would just walk around the corner and hang out here." "Our intention when we opened The Hot Potato was to make this a very comfortable, casual, friendly environment," adds Erin. They rely on their niece, 21-year-old Danielle, to cook in the kitchen. The problem is that she is the first to admit that not only does she lack the training or the tools to cook but that she also lacks the passion. When Gordon turns up and asks what's wrong with the restaurant, the owners are at a loss to give him an answer. When each of them is asked about their favourite dishes, not one recommends a potato dish, which sets alarm bells ringing for Ramsay. Alas, when he tastes the hot potato soup, Gordon is far from impressed. "It's like lumps of glue," he sighs. The spud skins also leave a lot to be desired. "God, they taste dreadful!" he exclaims, and when he discovers they were baked "about three weeks ago," Ramsay is stunned. (The fact the filling has been used in someone else's dish doesn't help lift his mood). The shepherd's pie also fails to excite the outspoken chef. And there are more revelations to come when he meets Danielle in the kitchen and discovers she's not even a trained chef. "I can't blame you entirely because you shouldn't even be cooking here," he tells her. When Gordon discovers most of the food is frozen he gives the owners a wake-up call and tells them the critic who savaged their restaurant was being 'kind'. The three bosses pooled their life savings to keep the business afloat, but the fact they can't see there's a problem with the food is rather worrying. As Ramsay sits down with each of the sisters, he discovers they are in debt to the tune of a quarter-of-a-million dollars. News spreads that Gordon Ramsay is in Philadelphia, and it's not long before local punters turn up to check out the fiery chef. However, the owners' lack of passion for the restaurant during one crucial night's service leaves Chef Ramsay at his wits' end and he walks out. The question is: will the sisters manage to swallow their pride and persuade him to return or have they had their chips? Stay tuned and all shall be revealed. RAMSAY'S KITCHEN NIGHTMARES USA (Channel 4, 9pm)