PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Meet Britain's finest--and most ill-tempered--chef, played to perfection by comedian Lenny Henry. Gareth Blackstock, chef at the prestigious restaurant Le Chateau Anglais, lets nothing interfere with his quest for culinary excellence. Food is his life--so why doesn't everyone else appreciate his obsession?

Gareth takes great pains to set the most exacting standards for his kitchen staff, but they show their gratitude by bending or breaking the rules whenever they can. (By the way, just what was it that the sous chef lost in the veal stew?)

And the customers! Although every single one of Gareth's meals is a masterpiece, some people still have the nerve to ask for salt. Even his beautiful wife, Janice, lacks Gareth's enthusiasm; bored being a neglected housewife she'd rather go back to her high-powered job in finance. Gareth dreams of being head chef and proprietor of his own restaurant, but a few obstacles--like no money--stand in his way. With Janice's patient help, he overcomes the bank manager's doubts and qualifies for a loan. Suddenly, ownership brings exposure to the harsh realities of restaurant management--including a 15% budget cut and persuading his kitchen staff to work for nothing (and double up as serving staff!)

CAST
Lenny Henry (as Gareth Blackstock)
Caroline Lee Johnson (as Janice Blackstock)
Roger Griffiths (as Everton Stonehead)
Gary Parker (as Piers)
Erkan Mustafa (as Otto)
Claire Skinner (as Lucinda)
Ian McNeice (as Gustave LaRoche; S1-2)
Jeff Nuttall (as Gustave LaRoche; S3)
Jean Luc Rebaliati (as Alphonse)
Hilary Lyon (as Alice)
Pui Fan Lee (as Debra)
Gary Bakewell (as Donald )
Lorelei King (as Savannah)
Dave Hill (as Cyril Bryson)
Sophie Walker (as Renee)
Peter Tilbury (as Restaurant Manager)

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Written by Peter Tilbury, Geoff Deane and Paul Makin
Directed by John Birkin, Dewi Humphreys
Produced by Charlie Hanson

DURATION
19 x 30' & 1 special