Swearing and reality TV

There's been so much talk lately of reality TV food shows and swearing on TV that the subject even reached the Senate. I couldn't believe it! Well, I've spent more than 20 years working in kitchens all around the world, and have been lucky enough to work with some of the best chefs around. And to be honest, they all swear at some point.

The reality of working in a small, confined, often hot, demanding environment where egos and passions run high, is that a few frustrations and swear words inevitably slip out. I swear every now and again, and I'm glad to hear that even our Prime Minister is human enough to utter the odd swear word here and there (if the press is to be believed).

Recently we were privileged enough to have the great chef Gordon Ramsay come in to our Glass restaurant at the Hilton in Sydney. He recognised me when he entered, and came over for a chat. We talked business, this, that and the other, and I sat him down at a table right next to the en-view kitchen.

He had lobster for lunch (which he said he enjoyed), and was a complete gentleman the whole time; polite, complimentary and seemingly at ease just enjoying the moment. He was respectful to all my excited staff; appreciative and just his chatty self. When he'd finished his meal, he thanked all the staff and left.

I have watched Gordon's shows and to be honest they are probably the most realistic and authentic of any reality show on the TV today. That's why his shows are such a success and why he's one of the most written about and talked about chefs in the world.

Gordon has to be one of the most passionate chefs around, he clearly lives and breathes food, cooking and restaurants; it's his whole life. But the key thing is, you don't get to where he is today in this business if you are softly-spoken, warm and fuzzy. You can't be weak at the knees or frightened of offending people.

When I have a chance to watch his shows, which nowadays is rare, they bring back fond and not-so-fond memories of my training as a chef. They remind me of the camaraderie, the pressure, the stress, the passion — always prevalent in a good restaurant.

So here are a few tips to bear in mind if you're thinking of a career in the kitchen.

• If you fear getting growled at and don't like working in a potentially stressful and demanding job, a restaurant career might not be for you. If you enjoy working as a team, learning from different people with a broad range of methods and temperaments, then it could well be! Just make sure you know all the pluses and minuses before you proceed.

• Understand that being a chef or owning a restaurant won't necessarily bring you wealth and fame. The odds are stacked against you! Only a few great chefs who are passionate, talented and utterly persistent succeed to make their fortunes in this industry. There are many good chefs who have several of those qualities that aren't rich and famous — just look at me!

• And finally, if you do get offended by swearing or bad language, a restaurant kitchen is probably not the place to be. And don't watch reality shows which are known for it. Turn the channel over!

  YOUR SAY: How do you feel about swearing on TV and reality cooking programs? And what do you think of Gordon Ramsay's foul mouth? Tell us below!