Netflix’s Culinary Experiment Faces Backlash from Top Chefs

Meghan Markle's new cooking show on Netflix has stirred quite a pot, but not in the way she might have hoped.

Initially presented as an opportunity for the Duchess to flaunt her culinary skills, the series has quickly become a target for scorn and derision from some of the most esteemed chefs in the industry.

Right after its debut, the backlash erupted, with several James Beard award-winning chefs taking to social media to critique both Meghan's cooking and the show's overall execution.

The criticism has been fierce, with many chefs openly mocking the series.

Some have gone so far as to call it “trash” and a “catastrophe.”

Anthony Bourdain, known for his candid opinions, didn't hold back in his assessment.

He unleashed a series of blog posts where he criticized Meghan for seemingly trying to leverage her royal status to gain recognition in the culinary world that he felt she hadn't earned.

Bourdain's remarks were sharp and unrelenting.

He pointed out what he believed were significant flaws in the production values and the simplicity of the recipes presented.

“It's clear that Meghan has no real understanding of the art of cooking,” he wrote, suggesting that her royal background was overshadowing the hard-earned skills of true culinary artists.

His sentiments resonated with other chefs, who took to platforms like Twitter to voice their disapproval.

Suveer Saran, chef-owner of the acclaimed Devi restaurant in New York City, chimed in on Bourdain's blog, emphasizing that the James Beard Foundation still has a long way to go in terms of credibility and support for genuine talent in the culinary arts.

The discontent isn't just confined to chefs, either.

Kat Kinsman, a respected food writer, also joined the fray, defending her fellow food journalists.

She described the cooking show as a “farce” that overlooks critical issues within the food industry.

Kinsman passionately argued that many food writers and critics engage deeply with the roots of the culinary world, unlike what she perceives as Meghan's superficial approach.

For Meghan, this backlash is particularly stinging.

She aimed to use the show as a platform to highlight her passion for food and her commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the culinary community.

Instead, she finds herself at the center of a heated debate, with her culinary skills and credibility under intense scrutiny.

Despite the wave of criticism, Meghan remains undeterred.

She has publicly committed to continuing her efforts in promoting diversity in the culinary realm, vowing to push through the negative feedback.

However, the voices of seasoned chefs and food critics have undoubtedly cast a shadow over her aspirations.

As the dust settles, it raises questions about whether the show can recover from this onslaught of negative publicity.

Will audiences be willing to give it a chance, or will the chefs' critiques resonate too strongly?

The culinary world is known for its high standards, and Meghan's endeavor may have missed the mark in the eyes of those who have dedicated their lives to mastering the craft.