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Last Restaurant Standing

What’s the Story?

Reviewed byMelissa Camacho
LAST RESTAURANT STANDING is a British reality show in which nine couples compete for the chance to open their own restaurant with the backing of world-renowned chef Raymond Blanc. Over 14 weeks, the hopeful pairs -- who range from spouses to friends to colleagues -- must each open and successfully run an upscale eatery under the watchful eyes of restaurant inspectors hand picked by Blanc. Each week the novice proprietors of the three lowest-ranked restaurants compete in a challenge designed to help them regain their restaurants' reputation. The one that fails to impress gets shut down, while the others struggle to stay open and be the last one standing.

Is It Any Good?

3
The series serves up a contrived but honest glimpse into the kind of detailed work that goes into a business where money, commitment, and, above all, reputation is everything. As a result, it lacks some spice -- watching the inexperienced couples struggle over the mundane work necessary to keep their eating establishments afloat isn't exactly edge-of-your-seat TV. And the judges' table isn't that exciting, either, as Blanc's comments about the contestants' restaurateur skills come off sounding more preachy than helpful. Even the moments of higher emotion -- when the frustrated pairs lose their cool with clients, bicker with each other, or shed tears of frustration -- feel more awkward than dishy.

Though under seasoned, Last Restaurant Standing illustrates how it takes more than just being a good cook or enjoying good food to run a profitable restaurant. It may not have a lot to offer young kids, but teens and adults interested in food or the restaurant biz may like the actual reality on this reality show's menu.

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