’24 Hour Restaurant Battle’ has a sneak peek this Sunday (July 18) at 10:00 PM EST on Food Network. The show gives each two-team members 24 hours to open a working restaurant from scratch.
Little old me scored the opportunity to sit down and chat with the show’s host (and my favorite ‘Chopped’ judge I may add) Scott Conant this afternoon for a little information about the show.
Scott joined me from his new restaurant inside the Thompson Hotel in Toronto, where he and his staff are working diligently towards next weekend’s grand opening.
Dame Crista (DC): Tell me a little about the new restaurant in Toronto.
Scott Conant (SC): We’re having staff tastings right now, actually. It’s beautiful. I can’t wait for it to open…which should hopefully be some time next weekend. We had Studio Gaia of New York design it and I feel they really captured a great balance between modern elements and a rustic feel. They also designed my two other restaurants that will open this year in Las Vegas.
DC: On ’24 Hour Restaurant Battle’ one team member takes charge of the kitchen while the other handles the aesthetics of the restaurant. Which do you believe is the more difficult task?
SC: Oh boy! Neither is really easier than the other. It takes two sets of muscles, really. Setting up a dining-room is really tough and at the same time, when you create a menu, you are creating your marketing plan for the restaurant. And there needs to be something in sync between décor and menu.
Yet the kitchen is a nice place to hide! Dealing with customers can often be very difficult!
DC: I am already familiar with you from the show ‘Chopped’ where you sit-in regularly as judge. Will you still be working on that show as well?
SC: Absolutely! We are working on a new season of ‘Chopped’ right now, but opening my restaurants is what is most important right now. I would like to say that I am nicer than I look a TV (he laughs!). I am honest with the chefs because I feel that it’s my obligation to do so!
You can check out an exclusive sneak peek of ’24 Hour Restaurant Battle’ this Sunday July 18 at 10:00 PM EST on Food Network. The show premieres in its regular time slot Wednesday July 21 at 10:00 PM EST. Tune in!
