Alton Brown Says This Was A Fatal Flaw On Cutthroat Kitchen
There are some culinary competition shows, like "The Great British Bake Off," that have developed a fan base specifically because of how wholesome the competition is, with contestants offering positivity and a helping hand whenever possible. However, for those that like their food showdowns with a bit more edge, "Cutthroat Kitchen" just might be the solution. As Food Network detailed, the show (which was canceled in 2018, per Atlanta Journal Constitution) featured a whole different set of rules than many other productions, with competing chefs granted a budget of $25,000 they were able to spend on various sabotage tactics.
Not much was off limits, from utensils being destroyed to time taken off the clock, and chef and television personality Alton Brown was always there with his characteristic wit and quick commentary throughout the whole journey.
When asked about some of the lessons learned from hosting the show, Brown named several different tips and tricks for any future contestants to consider (should the show ever get back on the air), but there was just one thing that he flagged as a fatal flaw — and it's a lot simpler than you might assume. According to Brown, bidding on anything in more than $100 increments is something you just never, ever want to do, as he told Food Network in this article. As he says, doing so "only guarantees that you'll wind up spending more money."
Simon Majumdar's tips for success
One of the primary reasons behind Brown's suggestion to never increase your bid by more than $100 at a time is simple game play. With a kitchen of cutthroat competitors all looking to secure the win, there's a distinct possibility that some may bid merely in an effort to drive the price up for their fellow competitors, as Brown warned (via Food Network). "Cutthroat Kitchen" judge Simon Majumdar also had a few tips for any potential future contestants, which he likewise dished in this article.
It seems Brown's warning to avoid bumping up your bid by too much isn't the only monetary tip to consider — Majumdar warns that some contestants spend way too much money in the first round and end up consequently ruining their chances in later rounds. He also advises contestants to not forget the basics when they're grabbing their items from the pantry — while certain flashy ingredients may catch your eye, he suggests the chefs grab a few key things like flour and eggs that can be used in multiple ways.
Majumdar has plenty of other tips for contestants, but ultimately it seems success on the "Cutthroat Kitchen" set appeared to be all about the basics: Stay calm, season things well, avoid the drama, and strategically consider any preferences or dislikes the judges have.