The Ambush Cook

Watch The Ambush Cook

  • TV-PG
  • 2011
  • 1 Season

The Ambush Cook is an intense and exciting TV show that premiered on the Discovery+ channel in 2011. The series features a team of expert chefs and culinary professionals who have the challenging job of transforming struggling restaurants into thriving businesses. The Ambush Cook is hosted by celebrity chef, Spike Mendelsohn, who is known for his appearances on Top Chef, his role as judge on Iron Chef America, and his successful restaurants in Washington, D.C.

In The Ambush Cook, Mendelsohn and his team of culinary experts travel across the United States, visiting different restaurants that are struggling to make a profit. Upon arrival at the restaurant, Mendelsohn and his team assess the situation, gathering information about the menu, the staff, and the overall vibe of the restaurant. Based on their findings, Mendelsohn and his team devise a plan to improve the restaurant's fortunes.

The process of transforming the restaurant begins with an "ambush," as the restaurant's owner and staff are caught off guard by the arrival of Mendelsohn and his team. The restaurant's kitchen is immediately taken over by the culinary team, who assess the quality of the food being served and the proficiency of the staff in the kitchen.

If significant issues in the kitchen are identified, Mendelsohn and his team set to work training the staff on how to prepare food correctly. This training includes teaching the staff how to work efficiently and manage their time effectively, as well as the importance of presentation and serving times.

In some restaurants, the menu is simply outdated or not suited to the local demographic. In this case, Mendelsohn and his team work to create a new menu that will appeal to the restaurant's clientele. The menu is carefully constructed to feature local ingredients, innovative dishes, and classics that will appeal to a broad audience.

Once the menu and staff training are complete, Mendelsohn and his team work on improving the ambiance and decor of the restaurant. This can include everything from refreshing the paint and decor to improving the overall layout of the space.

As the transformation process continues, Mendelsohn and his team continually monitor the restaurant's progress, from the kitchen through to the front of the house. They work with the staff to ensure that customers are happy with the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Throughout the series, Mendelsohn and his team share their expertise, tips, and tricks for running a successful restaurant.

Overall, The Ambush Cook is a fascinating and informative show that offers a behind the scenes look at the restaurant industry. From troubleshooting kitchen problems to creating new menus and designing vibrant spaces, the show presents a comprehensive guide to transforming a restaurant into a successful business. With the help of Mendelsohn and his team, struggling restaurants are given a new lease on life, and viewers are treated to a masterclass in culinary expertise.

The Ambush Cook is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between December 3, 2011 and on discovery+

Filter by Source

Seasons
The Restaurant Regular
6. The Restaurant Regular
December 17, 2011
Host Kristina Kuzmic teaches restaurant addict Carmel, who admits to never having ever used a stove, that cooking is actually fun, as she teaches her to make Mustard Crusted Chicken and Crispy Nutella Cookies.
The Social Butterfly
5. The Social Butterfly
December 17, 2011
Host Kristina Kuzmic shows new mom-to-be Leslie that she can still be social at home with her friends when she teaches her to make Asparagus Salmon Salad and Guiltless Chocolate Mousse.
The Caveman Cook
4. The Caveman Cook
December 10, 2011
Host Kristina Kuzmic shows Brent, a musician with zero confidence in the kitchen, that cooking doesn't have to end with the house almost burning down, as she teaches him to make Braised Short Ribs and Sauteed Sweet Corn.
The Freezer Fanatic
3. The Freezer Fanatic
December 10, 2011
Host Kristina Kuzmic takes Monica out of the freezer section and into the kitchen when she teaches her to make Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice and Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes.
The Momma's Boy
2. The Momma's Boy
December 3, 2011
Host Kristina Kuzmic tries to keep momma's boy Caesaray out of the nest every time hunger hits when she teaches him to make Pistachio Crusted Tilapia, Goat Cheese Bruschetta and Mocha Bread Pudding.
The Take-Out Mom
1. The Take-Out Mom
December 3, 2011
Host Kristina Kuzmic takes Shania, a mom who's more comfortable picking up takeout than a whisk, out of the drive-thru lane and into her kitchen to make Mongolian Beef and Vegetable Fried Brown Rice.
Description
Where to Watch The Ambush Cook
The Ambush Cook is available for streaming on the discovery+ website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Ambush Cook on demand at Amazon Prime, Philo and OWN.
  • Premiere Date
    December 3, 2011