Rocco's Dinner Party

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Competition offers a menu of celebrities and salty language.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this mild competition series serves up lots of talented chefs, celebrity diners, and interesting meals. The language is sometimes a little salty ( the word “f--k” is bleeped, while the word “s--t” occasionally isn't). Alcohol (wine, champagne) consumption is common. Despite some critiquing of the chef’s dishes, the overall series respects and celebrates the talents of the chefs competing on the show.

  • It’s a competition, but the overall show highlights how much fun dining around a table with good food and good experience can be.
  • Rocco's critiques are sometimes strong, but he is always respectful and supportive of the chefs.
  • Competitors sometimes exchange mild barbs.
  • Not applicable.
  • Words like “ass” and terms like “breaking my balls” are audible; the word “s--t” is occasionally audible, but the word “f--k” is always bleeped.
  • High-end New York food stores like Garden of Eden are featured. Performers like Liza Minnelli, actors like Law & Order’s S. Epatha Merkeson, and Top Chef Masters winners are featured every week.
  • Alcohol is used as an ingredient in some dishes. Wine is served over meals. Champagne toasts are made to the winner. 

What's the story?

ROCCO’S DINNER PARTY is a cooking competition that gives talented chefs a chance to create a memorable meal for renown chef Rocco DiSpirito and a gathering of celebrity guests. Each episode features three skilled chefs who have to impress Chef Rocco with their signature dish. The one who doesn’t meet his cooking and creativity standards is immediately eliminated from the competition. The remaining two chefs work with celebrity event producer Jes Gordon to create a perfect dinner party experience, complete with a fabulous food and a wonderful atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chef Rocco serves up some competitive curve balls along the way. The chef who throws the best dinner party gets lots of kudos and $20,000.


Is it any good?

 

The show’s premise is based on the enjoyment that comes with sharing meals around the table with friends and loved ones. It also underscores how the atmosphere surrounding the meal will enhance or take away from a dining experience. As a result, less time is spent discussing the technical issues associated with choosing and preparing ingredients.

It is competitive, but lacks the edgy tension boasted by cooking shows like Top Chef.  Meanwhile, much of the show is about honoring the guest chef’s talents, rather than highlighting their failures in the kitchen. Foodies will definitely enjoy what’s on the menu here.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about cooking competitions. Why do people find them so entertaining? Are these shows supposed to teach you how to cook, or are they just supposed to be fun to watch?

  • What kind of training does a chef have to have in order to earn the title of "chef"? How does a chef become a celebrity chef?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent
June 16, 2011
 
Party like a Rock Star, jes Gordon
Part of the show is how you decorate the room to celebrate with friends. I think this is something the family can do together, and kids can help! Whether elaborate like this show or more simple, throwing a party is a family affair! Jes Gordon, who did these parties for the show is amazing and wrote a book called: Party like a Rock Star. It is the ins and outs of throwing a party like a celebrity but on an everyday budget! It's awesome!

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Bravo
Cast:Jes Gordon, Rocco DiSpirito
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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