Kitchen Nightmares (2007) s07e04 Episode Script
Kati Allo
(Male Narrator) Tonight on Kitchen Nightmares Chef Ramsay visits a Greek restaurant in Queens, New York.
This eatery has completely lost its way.
(Gordon) Oh, my God.
(Narrator) And the husband-and-wife team are on the brink of divorce.
You point your finger.
Whoo, Whoo, Whoo, Whoo.
- That's not true.
- What a mess.
(Narrator) Manny, the Chef, wants to blame everyone else for the problems.
You have to take responsibility.
It's not my food.
It's Christina's recipes.
(Narrator) His wife, Christina, is totally fed up with him and the restaurant.
[Crying.]
This place destroyed our family.
(Narrator) And daughter Evelyn is caught in the middle, and is totally at her wit's end.
I don't understand why you don't get it, daddy.
I'm up to here again! (Narrator) Chef Ramsay is in for one of the most difficult Kitchen Nightmares ever Smell that! As he discovers an appalling state of affairs.
That is disgusting! Can he get this couple somehow to work together once again? I have no idea that these things existed.
Give me one more excuse, and I'm gonna flip my [Bleep.]
lid.
Or is their and their restaurant too far gone to save? Lock the [Bleep.]
door and close it down! (Gordon) What is that? You're serving rotten food! They're not crap, and they're delicious.
- Then wake up! - You wake up! Shut the place down! Get out of here! That is amazing! - That's embarrassing! - Oh, God! Thank you so much.
(Narrator) Queens, New York, is one of the most culturally diverse communities in America.
It is here where you'll find Kati Allo, a Greek restaurant opened in 2000 by husband-and-wife owners Manny and Christina.
(Manny) I was next door having a haircut.
They told me the place is for sale.
I know about Greek food.
I thought it's easy to run it.
So I decided to buy it.
Kati Allo.
Good evening.
Manny was crazy to buy this restaurant.
The pastitsio is here, and the fried calamari is here.
I never thought, not even in my wildest nightmares - Good night, ladies.
- Thank you.
(Christina) That I would be stuck here for 13 years.
[Indistinct chatter.]
I had good times when my kids were here.
- Do we have takeout? - We do have takeout.
(Manny) We were making money.
We were happy.
Everything was working fine.
- Table one.
Take this.
- Give me this.
After my kids left the business, me and my wife we started fighting.
Christina, you just look at them, you think you get the order? And it gets worse and worse and worse.
Are you serious? Next time don't pick up orders, Christina.
I believe that it is Manny's fault that the place is falling apart.
Come on! Come on! - (Christina) Who cares? - Huh? - The customers - (Irene) they're not coming back because they're tired to listen to the same [Bleep.]
every day.
You don't do anything only talk, talk, talk.
_ He doesn't have a schedule.
Christina has to take a step back.
Manny doesn't discuss anything with me.
She's pushing me out of work with her nagging and with her attitude.
I'm not cheap.
I'm not stingy.
She's stingy.
When he calls my name, it's always something negative.
"Christina! Christina! I'm talking to you!" Because I'm popular, she feels jealous.
(Christina) Mr.
wonderful he gets away with everything.
I think I'm good for this business.
And Christina she brings me down.
Manny believes that he is God, that he makes no mistakes, he is perfect.
And he does get away with murder.
Christina is exaggerating a lot.
- They're not ready yet.
- Okay, I got you.
I heard you 30 times.
When your parents are yelling at each other - Christina! - Yes? The grilled calamari, please.
Come on! Come on! And there's customers everywhere No.
I cannot do everything.
There's nothing over here.
Don't look at it.
It's embarrassing for me to see that.
All right, all right.
Calm down.
Calm down.
I throw my hands up in the air, and I say, "that's it.
" I'm out.
I can't do this.
" You're yelling again.
- Who? - Everyone.
(Manny) We came to a point that this restaurant drove us so crazy that Christina went for a divorce paper.
I'm tired, you know, fighting over the same over and over and over.
(Manny) I'm getting out.
I can't deal with this.
This is the end.
(Christina) I'm not thinking about a divorce right now because my priority is how to fix this restaurant.
Chef Ramsay, I think, is like God's gift.
It's like an angel.
Maybe he's the only person that he's going to put my husband in his place.
(Gordon) I love Greek food.
Hello.
Ohh.
How are you? How you doing? - Good to see you.
Your first name is? - My name is Manny.
(Gordon) Manny.
Good to see you.
- Welcome to Kati Allo.
- Thank you, my darling.
- Very happy to meet you.
- And first name is? - Christina.
- Christina.
And you are the Head Chef? - And you're the Owner? - Yes.
- We're both the owner.
- Oh, you're both the owners.
(Manny) We are husband and wife.
Let's catch up first, shall we? The restaurant, which is failing I say that's Christina's fault.
Take a seat, please.
If you ask Christina, I'm sure she's gonna tell you something different.
How long have you been married? - 35 years? - A long time with one man.
_ - _ - [Laughter.]
How did we find ourselves here? Who's idea was this? One day he came home, and he said, well, I'm going to become partner in a restaurant.
Uhh.
I said, "what is going on?" Two doors next from my door was a A beauty salon.
So I was having a haircut, and that's how I came here.
I talked to the man that I knew.
You're having your hair cut.
Yes.
- Next door.
- Yes.
And throughout this haircut, you decide to buy the restaurant two doors down.
Yes.
Just like that? Just like that.
Were you running a restaurant before? - No.
- No.
You've been open how long? _ So he comes back, "honey, I've just had a haircut", "I bought myself a restaurant.
" What did you say? I said, "that's just crazy.
" No, I didn't want a business because I had no idea how to run a restaurant.
And did you know that your wife didn't want it? Yes.
- You did? - Yes.
- But you still went ahead and did it anyhow? - Yes.
They didn't like the idea my wife and my kids.
I told him, "Do you know anything about a restaurant?" No.
But I came here, and since then, I'm stuck.
Stuck.
Has it been that bad? _ _ _ No, that's not true.
She's exaggerating.
I tell you what happened.
We were very, very successful.
Our kids, they were making this business - Your children? - Very successful.
Yes.
- And the kids worked in this business? - Yes.
So they're still involved? Only my daughter.
Yes.
_ _ And tell me when it started disappearing.
_ But actually, the last year is very bad.
_ _ The fights between us.
The fights? _ How long have you two been at each other's throats? _ _ Every day, every day.
What do you fight about? _ _ _ _ _ _ No, I was here.
No, he wasn't here, you know, long hours like me, never.
Who's in charge? She's in charge, and I don't like that.
I do everything, but he's the boss.
- He doesn't care.
- That's not true.
- It's not true? - (Manny) It's not true.
- (Christina) I never cut corners.
- Let me finish, please.
I never keep anything secret.
Let me finish, Christina.
Every day I tell him, "listen, here it is.
" (Manny) Christina.
_ _ Christina, can I talk? Let me finish! (Christina) You talk to me, and you point, you know, your finger, and you do all this stuff in front of my customers.
He comes in front, and he will Whoo, Whoo, Whoo, Whoo! He gives, you know, instructions.
- To you? - (Christina) To me.
- so what do you - And I try what are you trying to say now? _ _ What are you trying to say now? Are you trying to say that I'm not good for this? I can go out, and this is it.
I'm telling you the truth.
You can't handle the truth.
That's what it is.
_ _ What do you mean "how about"? (Christina) I don't want to be in charge.
(Manny) I'm asking you.
I want to work yeah, but you have to change.
Listening to you both for the last five minutes, I got no idea who's right, who's wrong, but how do you survive this? I don't know.
Does this go on at home? Well, if you have problems here, you think you're not gonna take it home? (Gordon) What's this done to your relationship? - I mean - It has destroyed.
There is no relationship.
(Manny) A lawyer called me, and he says, "Christina is here.
She's filing for a divorce.
" - So you got divorced? - No, no, no, we're not.
- We never - So you didn't sign the document? Did you sign it? - (Manny) Did you sign it? - No.
(Gordon) This is crazy.
- What a mess.
- (Christina) Yeah, big mess.
(Manny) It is a mess.
It's a big mess.
And we sleep in different beds sometimes.
You have different bedrooms at home? (Manny) Of course.
Why not? How long have you lived there? Almost 20 years.
Is it all paid off? We're selling this house to save this business and to save ourselves from the bankruptcies.
- What? - (Manny) Yes.
- You're selling - We sold it already.
You sold the house? You sold the house to put money into the business? It was his idea.
I love the house because I built this [crying.]
My house the same way that I built this place here.
Since we came here I'm nowhere.
I have no life.
You know? This place destroyed our family.
(Narrator) After discovering that Manny and Christina's marriage is on the verge of divorce, Chef Ramsay wants to quickly get a taste of the menu and get a handle on the quality of the food that is being served at Kati Allo.
- Hello.
- How are you? Welcome to Kati Allo.
Nice to see you.
- This is the drinks.
- The drinks? And this is the menu.
- And what's your name? - Irene.
(Gordon) How long you been here? - I'm here since 2000.
- Oh, wow.
So you've been here since a long time.
Wow.
What is wrong with the place? Well, the two bosses, if you have two bosses, they have different opinion and But who's right? Because they don't even sound like husband and wife.
You try to do things the way one say, and then the other one say different things.
And you don't do it, one of them screaming, "why you do it?" Because she say or he say.
And it's getting worse and worse every day, I think.
Wow.
- Shall I order? - Of course.
Okay, let's start with the pastitsio.
What else? Oh, the Greek-style pork.
(Irene) Loukaniko? - (Gordon) The classic one.
- Okay.
And then a Gyro platter as well, please.
And I think that is it.
Thank you, Irene.
Look at this place.
God, it's depressing.
The colors in here are dreadful.
Ugh! Horrible.
One pastitsio, one Gyro plate with Lemon potatoes.
(Irene) Gyro sandwich, please.
Yes, it's coming right now.
Oh, the Gyro.
This is the Gyro with the Lemon potatoes.
(Gordon) Is it fresh? That's coming frozen, that Gyro.
Wow.
They don't make it here.
(Gordon) Wow.
That Gyro's terrible.
Why would you serve frozen Gyro here? That's the style he make it here.
That's not the way to cook it.
- Does anyone ever complain about this? - Yes.
Do you honestly think that is good? I don't know what to say.
Wow.
This is embarrassing.
If there's one thing that you should nail, a Gyro that's the hallmark of any good Greek restaurant.
- Mano? - Yes? This one he tried this, doesn't like it.
Who said that? Mister - Mr.
Ramsay? - Ramsay.
Wow.
That was a bad start.
Loukaniko appetizer.
Okay, put it in a nice plate.
You got to make it nice.
This is for Chef Ramsay.
Thank you.
Okay, this is the traditional loukaniko.
- The Greek sausage.
- (Gordon) The sausage.
Look at that.
Are they is that deep fried? They fry it, and they sautee with wine.
It's bland.
When you fry sausage like that, the flavor's gone.
It looks like the remainder of a dog chew.
That is a mess.
Phew.
It just smells of fryer.
Where's the white wine and garlic? Too much grease.
I mean, that's just grease.
There's more grease in this plate than there is in the Greek Isles.
I'm so sorry.
I don't know.
Just taste that.
Please.
Does that remind you of Greece? Only I taste garlic and grease.
This area of Queens is called flushing.
Right now I'd like to flush these right down the toilet.
[Coughs.]
Excuse me.
- A lot of garlic there, huh? - [Continues coughing.]
Oh, [Bleep.]
.
[Continues coughing.]
Oh, [Bleep.]
.
You're [Continues coughing.]
[Bleep.]
take some water, darling.
You okay, Irene? I'm okay.
[Clears throat.]
I'm okay.
[Coughs.]
Hey, Mano, the loukaniko was too greasy.
It doesn't have any wine sauce on the bottom.
It was just plain greasy, so he can't eat it.
(Manny) I don't think it's greasy.
It's one of the best loukaniko that we have in this neighborhood.
I don't know why he doesn't like it.
[Sighs.]
_ _ Let's make it good this time.
Irene, can we get this stuff to Chef? Okay, this is the pastitsio.
Thank you, darling.
Wow.
This is dreadful.
It's like a bland pile of worms.
It's bland.
I mean, that is depressing.
When something starts steaming that hot like that in the center, it confirms it's been microwaved.
And as for that concoction, oh, my God! It looks like the intestines of a cow.
That is a mess.
Popular? Eh.
That means no.
Wow.
- Are we done? - I'm so sorry.
Yes.
Do we have anything else coming? No.
Do you want to look for something else? The bathroom that's what I'd like to look for.
I'm sorry.
Oh, my God.
_ - Mano? - Yes? _ _ _ Come on! See? What's wrong with it? All shouting over there.
_ - Okay.
- Please.
Irene? Irene? _ _ Irene? [Bleep.]
Hell.
_ (Christina) I'm extremely upset with Manny because he should check every dish before it goes out, and especially today that we have Chef Ramsay here.
Wow.
Uhh Yeah, I'm lost for words.
Everything was greasy.
I can't see any freshness here.
Did you actually cook my lunch? Did you do anything? I did your Gyro.
I did the frozen Gyro? That Gyro is processed.
It tasted just bland, just horrible.
Greek sausage no white wine, no red wine, no shallot, no garlic, nothing just a greasy mess.
You nearly choked on it, Irene.
It was that greasy.
It was put in the fryer? Yes.
Who's idea was that? This is an old recipe.
It's been like this for years.
I have a very good loukaniko The best.
If you can't be [Bleep.]
honest with yourself, then I'm not here to [Bleep.]
.
You asked me.
If you ask somebody else, they might give you a different rating.
Well, you're the [Bleep.]
owner.
Christina - Is this the way it's always been? - No.
_ _ - It doesn't matter.
- It is what it is now I don't want to hear this.
- It started a year ago.
- Yeah.
_ That's how we always did it.
No.
I'm deeply concerned of the lack of respect and love in your marriage, but one thing you've confirmed across this lunch is that there's no love in your food.
I'm embarrassed.
[Bleep.]
Hell.
(Manny) I'm pissed off.
I'm angry.
The food is not the problem.
Oh, [Bleep.]
.
(Narrator) As Manny and Christina are quick to point the finger at each other for the failure of the restaurant Evelyn, thank you so much for coming to meet me.
Appreciate it.
How are you? Chef Ramsay decides to get some clarity from their daughter Evelyn, who works part time at Kati Allo.
Wow, I mean, first of all, when you think how peaceful and tranquil this setting is, it's the opposite end of the spectrum of what I've just left.
Have you witnessed that recently? Are you kidding? [Chuckles.]
I'm the referee.
I'm the one that's like, "all right, everyone in their corner.
" Calm down.
" Yeah.
- How long has it been like this? - For too long.
You can have multiple owners in a business, but if there isn't one voice, you're not gonna get anywhere.
Yeah, you're right.
You're absolutely right.
When my dad sees you and he says, "what are you doing?" You're not supposed to do it that way", at the end of the day, what's someone to think? - So you do your own thing.
- Yeah.
Have you seen your father change over the years? I have.
I think the pressure has gotten to the both of 'em.
The only problem is he tends to be the first one to check out, just go.
Yeah, you can see that.
Yeah.
But, you know, they're both not perfect.
And definitely my mom's made some mistakes as well.
Really? [Sighs.]
She doesn't like to maybe appease a customer who's upset.
And my dad she doesn't trust him.
Maybe it's easier to point a finger than to look in the mirror.
This is the most sensible conversation I've had since I've been in Queens.
How close are they to divorcing? You know, they've been so close.
As of recent, it's, you know, "I can't do it anymore.
" But I do believe it's a lot.
It takes a toll on me, because no one wants to see their family that way, especially their parents.
But then ugh.
[Crying.]
You know, I don't want them to work 15 hours a day, 7 days a week, for crying out loud.
You deserve more out of life.
And they've given so much.
I wish I had an easy fix.
I wish I could fix it for them, but they just need they need somebody to bring 'em back to life.
They need to just open up their eyes again and just learn to communicate.
I feel for you.
Thank you for being honest.
Okay? Hang in there, will you? Tonight I'm seeing the restaurant.
I'll be on service.
I'll be everywhere, watching everything.
Thank you.
[Sighs.]
- The shish kabob.
- The shish kabob.
- And for you? - I'll have the pastitsio.
(Manny) Deluxe pastitsio, Gyro platter, fried calamari So how does the line work? Who operates the grill? (Manny) The grill? I operate the grill.
(Gordon) What are you actually cooking? Anything that comes charbroiled chicken kabob, shish kabob, Gyro.
Okay, great.
Manny, why are you cutting them with a knife? You don't know if they're cooked yet? I want to make sure.
I don't want to have people complaining.
(Gordon) So you sliced them in half.
They're just gonna get dry.
After 14 years, you'd think you'd know how to cook a [Bleep.]
chicken cube.
_ - The chicken is very dry? - It's overcooked? What happened? They don't like it? (Irene) It's too dry.
What is that? Where is this coming from? _ For the special? That's all hot.
No, I know, but wait.
It's all hot.
Where is it coming from? _ So you have a team of chefs downstairs as well? _ _ Only one woman? _ Hello? Hello? Hello? Wow.
Christina, there's a lady downstairs that heats this stuff up.
Yeah, she puts these in the microwave.
What is that? (Narrator) With so much food coming from downstairs Hello? (Narrator) Chef Ramsay knows he needs to take a closer look at this unusual operation.
Oh, so there's the lift there.
Okay.
[Bleep.]
.
When was that cleaned last? Seriously? What's that? Well, look at that.
There's another one.
Why are they keeping this? They're gonna kill somebody.
There's raw meat.
Cooked meat.
Why in the [Bleep.]
? Oh, my God.
They're gonna be responsible for poisoning all of [Bleep.]
Queens.
Ugh! These are all rotten.
Bloody hell.
What is going on here? I don't know what the [Bleep.]
is going on.
Have you got two seconds? What I saw at lunchtime, I knew we had problems, but I'm more concerned not just about the [Bleep.]
that's going on upstairs.
Both of you and Evelyn come here.
Let me show you very quickly how much you've checked out.
How often are you in this fridge? - (Manny) Every day.
- (Gordon) Every day? What is that? This is the Gyro we had earlier.
Take it.
Put it on there.
- What's that? - (Manny) This is chicken.
So you got cooked Gyro cooling down, and you've got cooked meat sat next to raw chicken.
In a different tray, Chef.
In a different tray.
And on top of a covered basket over the chicken.
(Gordon) You cannot store cooked meat anywhere near raw meat rule number one.
Just smell that.
Just smell that.
Smell that.
[Bleep.]
Smell it! Yes, I smell it.
Yeah.
What's it smell of? Can you tell me what that smells of? 'Cause he's in denial! It smells like [Bleep.]
.
That is disgusting! [Blows raspberry.]
Have you any idea how long a jar where did you find it? Where the [Bleep.]
do you think I found this? If it's old, we should have just thrown it out.
There's no reason to keep it.
Have you any idea how many years that needs to be here? - And all these [Bleep.]
jars.
- Eight years.
All these jars, on my children's life, were stored in the back of the fridge.
Just (Manny) This has been eight years of it.
Ugh! That is disgusting! Give me one more excuse, and I'm gonna flip my [Bleep.]
lid! This place right now is a [Bleep.]
hellhole.
And when you talk about jars of fake caviar in a fridge for nearly eight years, that's just an inkling to how dysfunctional this place is, because if you're operating it this badly, I can help you in two minutes! I can give you the best advice you'll ever get! Lock the [Bleep.]
door and close it down! [Sizzling.]
(Narrator) Two hours into dinner service, Chef Ramsay has made some shocking These are all rotten.
Disgusting - Just smell that.
- Ugh! (Narrator) And dangerous discoveries.
That is disgusting! And he offers the owners a word of advice.
Lock the [Bleep.]
door and close it down! This is my responsibility? Who's responsibility is it? The people that we have here, and I'm talking for years.
You pay cheap workers, they do a cheap job.
This is what they do.
I think the point is what you're missing.
This is what they do.
This is the workers we have.
But someone has to come in and check it.
I don't know about these things, Evelyn.
I have no idea that these things - were existed in your refrigerator.
- That's the point.
How many times, Christina, you clean the refrigerator? What is this, man? What is this, man? Unbelievable.
Who put this back? Just close the [Bleep.]
fridge for a second.
- Let me ask you one question.
- Yes.
So it's someone else's job to do this, and it's someone else's job to do that, right? What's your job as an owner, then? Aren't you supposed to check to see what your staff is doing? - Yes.
Yes.
- So? Daddy, you have to take some responsibility here.
- Are you listening? - Yes, I'm listening, Evelyn.
(Evelyn) The point Chef Ramsay's trying to make is, what's your responsibility? You just hired some guy and say, "oh, when you're done, you just put this in here.
" And you never [Bleep.]
check them? Who's checking them? Evelyn, how many times I told your mother we have to get the new people if that's the only way to clean house? You're still not getting it, daddy.
Come on! What do you mean I'm not getting it? And I'm still behind the grill, behind this.
I'm up to here again! It's your [Bleep.]
restaurant! Yes, I know, baby.
I don't understand why you don't get it, daddy! You have to take ownership of this place if it's your restaurant.
You can't just walk around and saying you're the [Bleep.]
owner! I need fresh air.
My father he needs to wake up and smell the Greek coffee.
This is your restaurant.
You played a really big part in why it's this bad.
And you cannot point fingers.
Otherwise, like Chef said, close the [Bleep.]
doors and get out.
Dad? What do I have to do? You need to understand it starts with you.
You have to stand up and take responsibility.
It's not my food.
It's Christina's recipes.
See? There you go again.
(Evelyn) Dad.
[Bleep.]
Hell.
Chef, I'm not 100% responsible.
That's I want you to know that.
(Gordon) What I've been struggling with is I don't think you have the will.
You couldn't have been like this Can I just have two minutes with your daughter? Yes.
[Exhales sharply.]
I honestly don't know what to say.
Every time I try to point things out, he's just blaming other people.
He does like to point fingers.
(Gordon) I've got some serious concerns, but right now the only reason why I'm staying is because of you.
I'm 150% committed.
You I have no doubt in.
Your dad I do.
Now get some rest.
I'll see you in the morning.
- Thank you, sir.
- Okay.
- Take care.
- Thank you.
(Narrator) This morning Chef Ramsay wants Manny and Christina to understand how destructive they've been to each other.
When do we draw a line in the sand and say, "mom, dad, for God's sake, get on the same page"? And he is hoping, with the help of their daughter It's a big ask, but I need you to drive that message home.
They will finally see the damage they have done.
- Morning.
- Hi.
How are you both? Okay, bad day yesterday.
Lots of issues.
And it's impossible to work on any of them, because we have to deal with something more important first the both of you.
Evelyn.
(Evelyn) Restaurant aside, you guys have issues communicating.
[Exhales sharply.]
[Voice breaking.]
What's really hard for me is to see how just separated you are.
I don't want to see you be so hurtful towards one another.
You have so much to be happy about and proud of.
And it's time that you work together.
But there's no more pointing fingers.
I cannot be in the middle.
It kills me on the inside.
It breaks my heart.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ I will try my best, and I will do my best.
Believe me.
Christina, it goes for both of you.
You have to be supportive.
With all my heart.
We have to do it together.
We have to share responsibilities.
And we have to be united.
Two people, one voice.
We have to do it.
That's it.
I'll leave you guys alone for a few minutes.
I'll see you back at the restaurant.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Sir.
(Christina) Evelyn is absolutely right.
We have to stop pointing fingers to each other.
We have to communicate in a better way.
_ _ And we have to united and to do whatever we have to do together.
[Sniffles.]
(Narrator) After what appears to be a major breakthrough with Christina and Manny Let's go.
Please.
Chef Ramsay can finally turn his attention to the food.
When was the last time you did something together? Years.
- Years? - (Manny) Years.
I want you to do something with me now.
The three of us together let's go.
Sea bass.
I've seasoned the fish.
I've seasoned the flour salt and pepper.
And the bass goes into a hot pan.
Have a taste of that.
- That is a very simple - Mmm.
Puree of cauliflower.
That's cauliflower? Just cauliflower.
I do love cooking, but Over the last few years, I was lazy, and, I mean, I lost the touch.
I lost the, uh, passion.
- How does that taste? - This is amazing.
Of course I want it back.
I'm watching everything cooking.
You place on.
It's going to be a lot of hard work, but I'm up for it, I'm ready.
Now, I want you both just to make a portion together.
Yes.
Okay.
_ _ Yeah.
_ _ _ _ _ Like this? It's gotta be crispy.
This is a new beginning for us.
Christina and I we gotta grow as a team.
That's the only way to succeed and save this business.
(Christina) I'm very happy.
(Narrator) With Christina and Manny not only committing to each other, but also to the restaurant, Chef Ramsay and his team spend the night completely overhauling Kati Allo, with a look that is sure to remind them of their Greek heritage.
(Gordon) Come over, please.
You ready to go inside? - Yes! - Yes! (Gordon) Ladies first let's go.
Jump in.
Oh, my God! (Gordon) Welcome to the new Kati Allo.
(Christina) Oh, my God! This is wonderful! - This is so beautiful! - This is so pretty! How beautiful is this? - Oh, my God! - This is a dream! Oh, God! - (Evelyn) That's beautiful! - (Gordon) Welcome to your new restaurant (Christina) Oh! Oh! (Gordon) I love it! (Christina) This is wonderful! It's wonderful! It's beautiful! It's beautiful! Gone is that dreary, drab interior.
We've brightened everything up a stunning fresh coat of paint.
Bright! (Gordon) Original artwork (Irene) That's Greece.
(Gordon) Hand-painted on those walls.
Blue shutters give it that Greek feel, just like it is at home.
How beautiful is that? That's so beautiful.
From there, the seating we've updated the upholstery so it feels authentic, mediterranean.
(Christina) It's beautiful! It's beautiful! (Gordon) Now, cast your eyes down there.
That's Oh, my God! I didn't see that.
- Oh, my God! - (Gordon) It is done with reclaimed wood, so you've got that beautiful, authentic Greek feel it's gorgeous.
This is beautiful.
(Gordon) Oh, one more thing.
I'd like to focus your attention on the tableware new plates, new silverware, courtesy of Oneida.
This is a unique, durable, stunning tableware.
It's made for the food-service industry, so it can take a bashing.
(Christina) This is wonderful! This is a dream! I'm so excited! I'm so happy! Are you okay? Are you okay? (Christina) Thank you! Thank you! It's beautiful! It's fantastic! It's absolutely beautiful! I feel so happy one-million-dollar woman.
Now it's a real place.
Now it is a real Kati Allo.
[Crying.]
_ _ I would never imagine to have a restaurant like this.
This is the Kati Allo of our dreams.
I'm so excited.
I'm so happy.
My passion came back.
(Narrator) With the excitement of the new design of the restaurant still in the air Come down, please, my darling.
(Narrator) Chef Ramsay is ready to unveil an equally as dramatic change that he has made to the food.
Oh, my God! (Gordon) Come on down, please, guys.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
My dream, my dream.
- Your dream.
- (Christina) My dream.
My dream came true.
The menu is self-contained, and it's done with what we've got to work with.
Red pepper hummus done, obviously, with chickpeas, tahini, Lemon, garlic, and roasted red peppers running through it.
And then one of my favorites.
How could we not have spanakopita? Crumpled feta around the outside.
Stuffed with a delicious creamy spinach.
As sandwiches, the classic Gyro.
(Manny) I love it.
Kabobs.
Chicken kabob, shrimp kabob, lamb kabob, and the beef kabob.
(Christina) Very nice.
And then the branzino.
Delicious.
Yeah? (Christina) It looks wonderful.
It looks awesome.
Excited? (Both) Very.
Right, dig in.
Yeah, start tasting, guys.
Let's go.
(Irene) Oh, my God.
Beautiful.
- (Evelyn) Mmm.
- (Manny) Wow.
- Mmm.
- Really, really good.
(Christina) So tasty, so different.
Absolutely amazing.
Definitely I fell in love with the restaurant again.
The new menu that Chef Ramsay created everything is authentic Greek.
_ _ _ I love it.
_ Good evening.
Welcome to Kati Allo.
The artwork is beautiful.
It reminds me of Greece.
_ I'm gonna get the grilled flank steak.
(Narrator) For tonight's relaunch, Chef Ramsay has the father-daughter duo working together in the kitchen.
Manny, you're gonna be expediting.
Yeah.
I want to hear you.
Yes? - Yes.
- Yes.
Okay? Excellent, first ticket's coming in.
Let's go, guys.
Let's go.
Two red pepper hummus.
Evelyn's working? Yes, sir.
(Manny) Chicken kabob, table one.
Let's go.
(Evelyn) I think for this relaunch to be successful, my father needs to really just communicate.
I think he can step in and do it.
I just think he needs to build up his confidence a little bit.
Let's get these people fed, baby! (Manny) One spanakopita, one melitzanosalata right now, please.
- (Evelyn) Right now.
Right now.
- Good.
(Evelyn) I got two spinach pies at the window.
Take it outside.
Good man.
Let's go.
(Narrator) The first tickets are completed quickly, and the food is leaving the kitchen at a steady pace.
Mmm.
(Narrator) And the diners are raving about the new menu.
_ (Manny) Yes? _ _ _ _ _ (Narrator) But only 45 minutes into service Manny is beginning to get overwhelmed and has completely lost track of the orders.
(Evelyn) I have food in the window.
I need to know what tables these are for, and you need to get the servers here and get 'em out.
Let's go! [Bleep.]
Getting crazy.
Table 73.
Spanakopita, melitzanosalata (Manny) Wait.
Wait a second.
What's the table? (Woman) 73.
I don't have any 73 over here.
_ _ _ What else? What else? Talk to me.
I don't hear anyone talking.
What are we doing right now? _ Sir, look at me.
We're falling behind.
I need you expediting.
Air traffic control you need to handle those tickets.
Why are these still here? You're the expeditor.
_ Listen, you need to calm down.
_ _ [Bell ringing.]
(Narrator) It's relaunch night at Kati Allo.
- Why are these still here? - You're the expeditor.
And Manny is leading the kitchen, but after a good start, he has now lost track of the orders.
_ Listen, you need to calm down.
(Narrator) And despite Evelyn's attempt to get her father focused _ Manny decides now would be a good time to take a break.
_ [Exhales deeply.]
Oh, man.
- Are you waiting for anything? - I wait for 21.
(Evelyn) I don't have 21.
Your daddy tell you.
I'm not daddy.
I don't have anything for you.
I had it.
I am frustrated because things start going wild.
But I was thinking about my daughter.
I was thinking about my wife.
So I'm trying to to pull everything together.
(Gordon) What's wrong, Manny? You okay? What's the matter? This is a disaster.
You're not gonna give up.
- You don't know how it's crazy.
- Yeah, I do know how it is.
- I get upset.
- We don't know what's going on.
We have to stay calm.
What tables go next? [Exhales deeply.]
(Manny) Oh, my God.
Manny, you have to turn and send.
We got to get your head out of the sand.
Open up and talk.
Please.
Let's go.
(Manny) Table number three the moussaka.
I need it right now.
(Evelyn) All right, you said moussaka.
- Moussaka you have.
- (Gordon) Okay, good.
Now we're in control.
Stay in control.
You got it.
Chef Ramsay's words pulled me back together.
- Fried calamari's ready? - Yes.
Pick it up from there the spinach pie, please.
I promised I would be the leader, and that's what I'm gonna do.
Christina, I have a flank steak medium.
- (Christina) Yes.
- Chicken kabob, - and chicken souvlaki sandwich.
- Yes.
_ That is good.
Fantastic.
How you doing? My name's Manny.
Manny.
How are you? I'm the owner of the place.
_ Two lamb, one shrimp, one chicken.
Fire it up, guys.
We're good.
This is the last one.
Bring it home nice.
The same passion that my father had when he first opened this restaurant it's back in him now.
That's what's really important.
You're proud of your little girl? Of course.
Of course.
We are so happy.
Opa! How you feeling? Great.
I'm so happy.
(Gordon) When I first arrived here, one thing I didn't see was any love for each other.
Tonight, and amongst all that pressure, you still had respect.
You have to stay like that.
You have to remember, support each other.
- Yes.
- Yes.
- (Gordon) Respect each other.
- Yes.
And most importantly, communicate with each other.
Trust me, do that, and you'll be together for another 35 years.
Good night.
- Thank you.
- God bless you.
Bye, guys.
[Exhales sharply.]
This, for me, let me tell you, has been one of the most difficult Kitchen Nightmares ever.
Not only was I watching a restaurant in shambles, but a marriage as well.
However, in the last couple days, both Manny and Christina seem to be heading in the right direction fixing both the marriage and the restaurant.
I strongly believe they're on course.
Let's keep it that way.
Wow.
Who gets a haircut and buys the restaurant next door? (Narrator) In the weeks that followed (Christina) Manny, I need the appetizers for number 12.
- Yes.
- Thank you.
(Narrator) Manny and Christina are back working together in harmony.
And their marriage is better than it has been in years.
- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
(Narrator) And with business continuing to improve Fire me four pitas and cut 'em in six, please.
(Narrator) Evelyn has decided to work full-time at Kati Allo.
Hummus at the window, dad.
(Manny) Before Chef Ramsay came here, we had no hope.
Everybody enjoy your food.
Opa! [Laughs.]
But he didn't only save our restaurant.
He saved our marriage, our family.
And I really appreciate what he did.
Kati Allo is really Kati Allo.
Now my place it's really something else.
(Announcer) Next time on Kitchen Nightmares Chef Ramsay meets a very local owner named Julie You don't handle this kitchen.
I handle this [Bleep.]
kitchen.
(Announcer) Who is a dictator of a struggling restaurant.
Go away from my face right now.
(Announcer) And while there are numerous problems with the food I have never seen anything as bad as this.
(Announcer) The biggest problem is that Julie is in denial.
I think our food's good.
(Announcer) Get ready for a battle.
Oh, this is gonna be [Bleep.]
great.
(Announcer) It's Chef Ramsay versus Owner Julie.
It's my restaurant.
(Announcer) And you'll be surprised how it turns out.
- (Gordon) You're walking out? - I'm not taking any more.
This eatery has completely lost its way.
(Gordon) Oh, my God.
(Narrator) And the husband-and-wife team are on the brink of divorce.
You point your finger.
Whoo, Whoo, Whoo, Whoo.
- That's not true.
- What a mess.
(Narrator) Manny, the Chef, wants to blame everyone else for the problems.
You have to take responsibility.
It's not my food.
It's Christina's recipes.
(Narrator) His wife, Christina, is totally fed up with him and the restaurant.
[Crying.]
This place destroyed our family.
(Narrator) And daughter Evelyn is caught in the middle, and is totally at her wit's end.
I don't understand why you don't get it, daddy.
I'm up to here again! (Narrator) Chef Ramsay is in for one of the most difficult Kitchen Nightmares ever Smell that! As he discovers an appalling state of affairs.
That is disgusting! Can he get this couple somehow to work together once again? I have no idea that these things existed.
Give me one more excuse, and I'm gonna flip my [Bleep.]
lid.
Or is their and their restaurant too far gone to save? Lock the [Bleep.]
door and close it down! (Gordon) What is that? You're serving rotten food! They're not crap, and they're delicious.
- Then wake up! - You wake up! Shut the place down! Get out of here! That is amazing! - That's embarrassing! - Oh, God! Thank you so much.
(Narrator) Queens, New York, is one of the most culturally diverse communities in America.
It is here where you'll find Kati Allo, a Greek restaurant opened in 2000 by husband-and-wife owners Manny and Christina.
(Manny) I was next door having a haircut.
They told me the place is for sale.
I know about Greek food.
I thought it's easy to run it.
So I decided to buy it.
Kati Allo.
Good evening.
Manny was crazy to buy this restaurant.
The pastitsio is here, and the fried calamari is here.
I never thought, not even in my wildest nightmares - Good night, ladies.
- Thank you.
(Christina) That I would be stuck here for 13 years.
[Indistinct chatter.]
I had good times when my kids were here.
- Do we have takeout? - We do have takeout.
(Manny) We were making money.
We were happy.
Everything was working fine.
- Table one.
Take this.
- Give me this.
After my kids left the business, me and my wife we started fighting.
Christina, you just look at them, you think you get the order? And it gets worse and worse and worse.
Are you serious? Next time don't pick up orders, Christina.
I believe that it is Manny's fault that the place is falling apart.
Come on! Come on! - (Christina) Who cares? - Huh? - The customers - (Irene) they're not coming back because they're tired to listen to the same [Bleep.]
every day.
You don't do anything only talk, talk, talk.
_ He doesn't have a schedule.
Christina has to take a step back.
Manny doesn't discuss anything with me.
She's pushing me out of work with her nagging and with her attitude.
I'm not cheap.
I'm not stingy.
She's stingy.
When he calls my name, it's always something negative.
"Christina! Christina! I'm talking to you!" Because I'm popular, she feels jealous.
(Christina) Mr.
wonderful he gets away with everything.
I think I'm good for this business.
And Christina she brings me down.
Manny believes that he is God, that he makes no mistakes, he is perfect.
And he does get away with murder.
Christina is exaggerating a lot.
- They're not ready yet.
- Okay, I got you.
I heard you 30 times.
When your parents are yelling at each other - Christina! - Yes? The grilled calamari, please.
Come on! Come on! And there's customers everywhere No.
I cannot do everything.
There's nothing over here.
Don't look at it.
It's embarrassing for me to see that.
All right, all right.
Calm down.
Calm down.
I throw my hands up in the air, and I say, "that's it.
" I'm out.
I can't do this.
" You're yelling again.
- Who? - Everyone.
(Manny) We came to a point that this restaurant drove us so crazy that Christina went for a divorce paper.
I'm tired, you know, fighting over the same over and over and over.
(Manny) I'm getting out.
I can't deal with this.
This is the end.
(Christina) I'm not thinking about a divorce right now because my priority is how to fix this restaurant.
Chef Ramsay, I think, is like God's gift.
It's like an angel.
Maybe he's the only person that he's going to put my husband in his place.
(Gordon) I love Greek food.
Hello.
Ohh.
How are you? How you doing? - Good to see you.
Your first name is? - My name is Manny.
(Gordon) Manny.
Good to see you.
- Welcome to Kati Allo.
- Thank you, my darling.
- Very happy to meet you.
- And first name is? - Christina.
- Christina.
And you are the Head Chef? - And you're the Owner? - Yes.
- We're both the owner.
- Oh, you're both the owners.
(Manny) We are husband and wife.
Let's catch up first, shall we? The restaurant, which is failing I say that's Christina's fault.
Take a seat, please.
If you ask Christina, I'm sure she's gonna tell you something different.
How long have you been married? - 35 years? - A long time with one man.
_ - _ - [Laughter.]
How did we find ourselves here? Who's idea was this? One day he came home, and he said, well, I'm going to become partner in a restaurant.
Uhh.
I said, "what is going on?" Two doors next from my door was a A beauty salon.
So I was having a haircut, and that's how I came here.
I talked to the man that I knew.
You're having your hair cut.
Yes.
- Next door.
- Yes.
And throughout this haircut, you decide to buy the restaurant two doors down.
Yes.
Just like that? Just like that.
Were you running a restaurant before? - No.
- No.
You've been open how long? _ So he comes back, "honey, I've just had a haircut", "I bought myself a restaurant.
" What did you say? I said, "that's just crazy.
" No, I didn't want a business because I had no idea how to run a restaurant.
And did you know that your wife didn't want it? Yes.
- You did? - Yes.
- But you still went ahead and did it anyhow? - Yes.
They didn't like the idea my wife and my kids.
I told him, "Do you know anything about a restaurant?" No.
But I came here, and since then, I'm stuck.
Stuck.
Has it been that bad? _ _ _ No, that's not true.
She's exaggerating.
I tell you what happened.
We were very, very successful.
Our kids, they were making this business - Your children? - Very successful.
Yes.
- And the kids worked in this business? - Yes.
So they're still involved? Only my daughter.
Yes.
_ _ And tell me when it started disappearing.
_ But actually, the last year is very bad.
_ _ The fights between us.
The fights? _ How long have you two been at each other's throats? _ _ Every day, every day.
What do you fight about? _ _ _ _ _ _ No, I was here.
No, he wasn't here, you know, long hours like me, never.
Who's in charge? She's in charge, and I don't like that.
I do everything, but he's the boss.
- He doesn't care.
- That's not true.
- It's not true? - (Manny) It's not true.
- (Christina) I never cut corners.
- Let me finish, please.
I never keep anything secret.
Let me finish, Christina.
Every day I tell him, "listen, here it is.
" (Manny) Christina.
_ _ Christina, can I talk? Let me finish! (Christina) You talk to me, and you point, you know, your finger, and you do all this stuff in front of my customers.
He comes in front, and he will Whoo, Whoo, Whoo, Whoo! He gives, you know, instructions.
- To you? - (Christina) To me.
- so what do you - And I try what are you trying to say now? _ _ What are you trying to say now? Are you trying to say that I'm not good for this? I can go out, and this is it.
I'm telling you the truth.
You can't handle the truth.
That's what it is.
_ _ What do you mean "how about"? (Christina) I don't want to be in charge.
(Manny) I'm asking you.
I want to work yeah, but you have to change.
Listening to you both for the last five minutes, I got no idea who's right, who's wrong, but how do you survive this? I don't know.
Does this go on at home? Well, if you have problems here, you think you're not gonna take it home? (Gordon) What's this done to your relationship? - I mean - It has destroyed.
There is no relationship.
(Manny) A lawyer called me, and he says, "Christina is here.
She's filing for a divorce.
" - So you got divorced? - No, no, no, we're not.
- We never - So you didn't sign the document? Did you sign it? - (Manny) Did you sign it? - No.
(Gordon) This is crazy.
- What a mess.
- (Christina) Yeah, big mess.
(Manny) It is a mess.
It's a big mess.
And we sleep in different beds sometimes.
You have different bedrooms at home? (Manny) Of course.
Why not? How long have you lived there? Almost 20 years.
Is it all paid off? We're selling this house to save this business and to save ourselves from the bankruptcies.
- What? - (Manny) Yes.
- You're selling - We sold it already.
You sold the house? You sold the house to put money into the business? It was his idea.
I love the house because I built this [crying.]
My house the same way that I built this place here.
Since we came here I'm nowhere.
I have no life.
You know? This place destroyed our family.
(Narrator) After discovering that Manny and Christina's marriage is on the verge of divorce, Chef Ramsay wants to quickly get a taste of the menu and get a handle on the quality of the food that is being served at Kati Allo.
- Hello.
- How are you? Welcome to Kati Allo.
Nice to see you.
- This is the drinks.
- The drinks? And this is the menu.
- And what's your name? - Irene.
(Gordon) How long you been here? - I'm here since 2000.
- Oh, wow.
So you've been here since a long time.
Wow.
What is wrong with the place? Well, the two bosses, if you have two bosses, they have different opinion and But who's right? Because they don't even sound like husband and wife.
You try to do things the way one say, and then the other one say different things.
And you don't do it, one of them screaming, "why you do it?" Because she say or he say.
And it's getting worse and worse every day, I think.
Wow.
- Shall I order? - Of course.
Okay, let's start with the pastitsio.
What else? Oh, the Greek-style pork.
(Irene) Loukaniko? - (Gordon) The classic one.
- Okay.
And then a Gyro platter as well, please.
And I think that is it.
Thank you, Irene.
Look at this place.
God, it's depressing.
The colors in here are dreadful.
Ugh! Horrible.
One pastitsio, one Gyro plate with Lemon potatoes.
(Irene) Gyro sandwich, please.
Yes, it's coming right now.
Oh, the Gyro.
This is the Gyro with the Lemon potatoes.
(Gordon) Is it fresh? That's coming frozen, that Gyro.
Wow.
They don't make it here.
(Gordon) Wow.
That Gyro's terrible.
Why would you serve frozen Gyro here? That's the style he make it here.
That's not the way to cook it.
- Does anyone ever complain about this? - Yes.
Do you honestly think that is good? I don't know what to say.
Wow.
This is embarrassing.
If there's one thing that you should nail, a Gyro that's the hallmark of any good Greek restaurant.
- Mano? - Yes? This one he tried this, doesn't like it.
Who said that? Mister - Mr.
Ramsay? - Ramsay.
Wow.
That was a bad start.
Loukaniko appetizer.
Okay, put it in a nice plate.
You got to make it nice.
This is for Chef Ramsay.
Thank you.
Okay, this is the traditional loukaniko.
- The Greek sausage.
- (Gordon) The sausage.
Look at that.
Are they is that deep fried? They fry it, and they sautee with wine.
It's bland.
When you fry sausage like that, the flavor's gone.
It looks like the remainder of a dog chew.
That is a mess.
Phew.
It just smells of fryer.
Where's the white wine and garlic? Too much grease.
I mean, that's just grease.
There's more grease in this plate than there is in the Greek Isles.
I'm so sorry.
I don't know.
Just taste that.
Please.
Does that remind you of Greece? Only I taste garlic and grease.
This area of Queens is called flushing.
Right now I'd like to flush these right down the toilet.
[Coughs.]
Excuse me.
- A lot of garlic there, huh? - [Continues coughing.]
Oh, [Bleep.]
.
[Continues coughing.]
Oh, [Bleep.]
.
You're [Continues coughing.]
[Bleep.]
take some water, darling.
You okay, Irene? I'm okay.
[Clears throat.]
I'm okay.
[Coughs.]
Hey, Mano, the loukaniko was too greasy.
It doesn't have any wine sauce on the bottom.
It was just plain greasy, so he can't eat it.
(Manny) I don't think it's greasy.
It's one of the best loukaniko that we have in this neighborhood.
I don't know why he doesn't like it.
[Sighs.]
_ _ Let's make it good this time.
Irene, can we get this stuff to Chef? Okay, this is the pastitsio.
Thank you, darling.
Wow.
This is dreadful.
It's like a bland pile of worms.
It's bland.
I mean, that is depressing.
When something starts steaming that hot like that in the center, it confirms it's been microwaved.
And as for that concoction, oh, my God! It looks like the intestines of a cow.
That is a mess.
Popular? Eh.
That means no.
Wow.
- Are we done? - I'm so sorry.
Yes.
Do we have anything else coming? No.
Do you want to look for something else? The bathroom that's what I'd like to look for.
I'm sorry.
Oh, my God.
_ - Mano? - Yes? _ _ _ Come on! See? What's wrong with it? All shouting over there.
_ - Okay.
- Please.
Irene? Irene? _ _ Irene? [Bleep.]
Hell.
_ (Christina) I'm extremely upset with Manny because he should check every dish before it goes out, and especially today that we have Chef Ramsay here.
Wow.
Uhh Yeah, I'm lost for words.
Everything was greasy.
I can't see any freshness here.
Did you actually cook my lunch? Did you do anything? I did your Gyro.
I did the frozen Gyro? That Gyro is processed.
It tasted just bland, just horrible.
Greek sausage no white wine, no red wine, no shallot, no garlic, nothing just a greasy mess.
You nearly choked on it, Irene.
It was that greasy.
It was put in the fryer? Yes.
Who's idea was that? This is an old recipe.
It's been like this for years.
I have a very good loukaniko The best.
If you can't be [Bleep.]
honest with yourself, then I'm not here to [Bleep.]
.
You asked me.
If you ask somebody else, they might give you a different rating.
Well, you're the [Bleep.]
owner.
Christina - Is this the way it's always been? - No.
_ _ - It doesn't matter.
- It is what it is now I don't want to hear this.
- It started a year ago.
- Yeah.
_ That's how we always did it.
No.
I'm deeply concerned of the lack of respect and love in your marriage, but one thing you've confirmed across this lunch is that there's no love in your food.
I'm embarrassed.
[Bleep.]
Hell.
(Manny) I'm pissed off.
I'm angry.
The food is not the problem.
Oh, [Bleep.]
.
(Narrator) As Manny and Christina are quick to point the finger at each other for the failure of the restaurant Evelyn, thank you so much for coming to meet me.
Appreciate it.
How are you? Chef Ramsay decides to get some clarity from their daughter Evelyn, who works part time at Kati Allo.
Wow, I mean, first of all, when you think how peaceful and tranquil this setting is, it's the opposite end of the spectrum of what I've just left.
Have you witnessed that recently? Are you kidding? [Chuckles.]
I'm the referee.
I'm the one that's like, "all right, everyone in their corner.
" Calm down.
" Yeah.
- How long has it been like this? - For too long.
You can have multiple owners in a business, but if there isn't one voice, you're not gonna get anywhere.
Yeah, you're right.
You're absolutely right.
When my dad sees you and he says, "what are you doing?" You're not supposed to do it that way", at the end of the day, what's someone to think? - So you do your own thing.
- Yeah.
Have you seen your father change over the years? I have.
I think the pressure has gotten to the both of 'em.
The only problem is he tends to be the first one to check out, just go.
Yeah, you can see that.
Yeah.
But, you know, they're both not perfect.
And definitely my mom's made some mistakes as well.
Really? [Sighs.]
She doesn't like to maybe appease a customer who's upset.
And my dad she doesn't trust him.
Maybe it's easier to point a finger than to look in the mirror.
This is the most sensible conversation I've had since I've been in Queens.
How close are they to divorcing? You know, they've been so close.
As of recent, it's, you know, "I can't do it anymore.
" But I do believe it's a lot.
It takes a toll on me, because no one wants to see their family that way, especially their parents.
But then ugh.
[Crying.]
You know, I don't want them to work 15 hours a day, 7 days a week, for crying out loud.
You deserve more out of life.
And they've given so much.
I wish I had an easy fix.
I wish I could fix it for them, but they just need they need somebody to bring 'em back to life.
They need to just open up their eyes again and just learn to communicate.
I feel for you.
Thank you for being honest.
Okay? Hang in there, will you? Tonight I'm seeing the restaurant.
I'll be on service.
I'll be everywhere, watching everything.
Thank you.
[Sighs.]
- The shish kabob.
- The shish kabob.
- And for you? - I'll have the pastitsio.
(Manny) Deluxe pastitsio, Gyro platter, fried calamari So how does the line work? Who operates the grill? (Manny) The grill? I operate the grill.
(Gordon) What are you actually cooking? Anything that comes charbroiled chicken kabob, shish kabob, Gyro.
Okay, great.
Manny, why are you cutting them with a knife? You don't know if they're cooked yet? I want to make sure.
I don't want to have people complaining.
(Gordon) So you sliced them in half.
They're just gonna get dry.
After 14 years, you'd think you'd know how to cook a [Bleep.]
chicken cube.
_ - The chicken is very dry? - It's overcooked? What happened? They don't like it? (Irene) It's too dry.
What is that? Where is this coming from? _ For the special? That's all hot.
No, I know, but wait.
It's all hot.
Where is it coming from? _ So you have a team of chefs downstairs as well? _ _ Only one woman? _ Hello? Hello? Hello? Wow.
Christina, there's a lady downstairs that heats this stuff up.
Yeah, she puts these in the microwave.
What is that? (Narrator) With so much food coming from downstairs Hello? (Narrator) Chef Ramsay knows he needs to take a closer look at this unusual operation.
Oh, so there's the lift there.
Okay.
[Bleep.]
.
When was that cleaned last? Seriously? What's that? Well, look at that.
There's another one.
Why are they keeping this? They're gonna kill somebody.
There's raw meat.
Cooked meat.
Why in the [Bleep.]
? Oh, my God.
They're gonna be responsible for poisoning all of [Bleep.]
Queens.
Ugh! These are all rotten.
Bloody hell.
What is going on here? I don't know what the [Bleep.]
is going on.
Have you got two seconds? What I saw at lunchtime, I knew we had problems, but I'm more concerned not just about the [Bleep.]
that's going on upstairs.
Both of you and Evelyn come here.
Let me show you very quickly how much you've checked out.
How often are you in this fridge? - (Manny) Every day.
- (Gordon) Every day? What is that? This is the Gyro we had earlier.
Take it.
Put it on there.
- What's that? - (Manny) This is chicken.
So you got cooked Gyro cooling down, and you've got cooked meat sat next to raw chicken.
In a different tray, Chef.
In a different tray.
And on top of a covered basket over the chicken.
(Gordon) You cannot store cooked meat anywhere near raw meat rule number one.
Just smell that.
Just smell that.
Smell that.
[Bleep.]
Smell it! Yes, I smell it.
Yeah.
What's it smell of? Can you tell me what that smells of? 'Cause he's in denial! It smells like [Bleep.]
.
That is disgusting! [Blows raspberry.]
Have you any idea how long a jar where did you find it? Where the [Bleep.]
do you think I found this? If it's old, we should have just thrown it out.
There's no reason to keep it.
Have you any idea how many years that needs to be here? - And all these [Bleep.]
jars.
- Eight years.
All these jars, on my children's life, were stored in the back of the fridge.
Just (Manny) This has been eight years of it.
Ugh! That is disgusting! Give me one more excuse, and I'm gonna flip my [Bleep.]
lid! This place right now is a [Bleep.]
hellhole.
And when you talk about jars of fake caviar in a fridge for nearly eight years, that's just an inkling to how dysfunctional this place is, because if you're operating it this badly, I can help you in two minutes! I can give you the best advice you'll ever get! Lock the [Bleep.]
door and close it down! [Sizzling.]
(Narrator) Two hours into dinner service, Chef Ramsay has made some shocking These are all rotten.
Disgusting - Just smell that.
- Ugh! (Narrator) And dangerous discoveries.
That is disgusting! And he offers the owners a word of advice.
Lock the [Bleep.]
door and close it down! This is my responsibility? Who's responsibility is it? The people that we have here, and I'm talking for years.
You pay cheap workers, they do a cheap job.
This is what they do.
I think the point is what you're missing.
This is what they do.
This is the workers we have.
But someone has to come in and check it.
I don't know about these things, Evelyn.
I have no idea that these things - were existed in your refrigerator.
- That's the point.
How many times, Christina, you clean the refrigerator? What is this, man? What is this, man? Unbelievable.
Who put this back? Just close the [Bleep.]
fridge for a second.
- Let me ask you one question.
- Yes.
So it's someone else's job to do this, and it's someone else's job to do that, right? What's your job as an owner, then? Aren't you supposed to check to see what your staff is doing? - Yes.
Yes.
- So? Daddy, you have to take some responsibility here.
- Are you listening? - Yes, I'm listening, Evelyn.
(Evelyn) The point Chef Ramsay's trying to make is, what's your responsibility? You just hired some guy and say, "oh, when you're done, you just put this in here.
" And you never [Bleep.]
check them? Who's checking them? Evelyn, how many times I told your mother we have to get the new people if that's the only way to clean house? You're still not getting it, daddy.
Come on! What do you mean I'm not getting it? And I'm still behind the grill, behind this.
I'm up to here again! It's your [Bleep.]
restaurant! Yes, I know, baby.
I don't understand why you don't get it, daddy! You have to take ownership of this place if it's your restaurant.
You can't just walk around and saying you're the [Bleep.]
owner! I need fresh air.
My father he needs to wake up and smell the Greek coffee.
This is your restaurant.
You played a really big part in why it's this bad.
And you cannot point fingers.
Otherwise, like Chef said, close the [Bleep.]
doors and get out.
Dad? What do I have to do? You need to understand it starts with you.
You have to stand up and take responsibility.
It's not my food.
It's Christina's recipes.
See? There you go again.
(Evelyn) Dad.
[Bleep.]
Hell.
Chef, I'm not 100% responsible.
That's I want you to know that.
(Gordon) What I've been struggling with is I don't think you have the will.
You couldn't have been like this Can I just have two minutes with your daughter? Yes.
[Exhales sharply.]
I honestly don't know what to say.
Every time I try to point things out, he's just blaming other people.
He does like to point fingers.
(Gordon) I've got some serious concerns, but right now the only reason why I'm staying is because of you.
I'm 150% committed.
You I have no doubt in.
Your dad I do.
Now get some rest.
I'll see you in the morning.
- Thank you, sir.
- Okay.
- Take care.
- Thank you.
(Narrator) This morning Chef Ramsay wants Manny and Christina to understand how destructive they've been to each other.
When do we draw a line in the sand and say, "mom, dad, for God's sake, get on the same page"? And he is hoping, with the help of their daughter It's a big ask, but I need you to drive that message home.
They will finally see the damage they have done.
- Morning.
- Hi.
How are you both? Okay, bad day yesterday.
Lots of issues.
And it's impossible to work on any of them, because we have to deal with something more important first the both of you.
Evelyn.
(Evelyn) Restaurant aside, you guys have issues communicating.
[Exhales sharply.]
[Voice breaking.]
What's really hard for me is to see how just separated you are.
I don't want to see you be so hurtful towards one another.
You have so much to be happy about and proud of.
And it's time that you work together.
But there's no more pointing fingers.
I cannot be in the middle.
It kills me on the inside.
It breaks my heart.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ I will try my best, and I will do my best.
Believe me.
Christina, it goes for both of you.
You have to be supportive.
With all my heart.
We have to do it together.
We have to share responsibilities.
And we have to be united.
Two people, one voice.
We have to do it.
That's it.
I'll leave you guys alone for a few minutes.
I'll see you back at the restaurant.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Sir.
(Christina) Evelyn is absolutely right.
We have to stop pointing fingers to each other.
We have to communicate in a better way.
_ _ And we have to united and to do whatever we have to do together.
[Sniffles.]
(Narrator) After what appears to be a major breakthrough with Christina and Manny Let's go.
Please.
Chef Ramsay can finally turn his attention to the food.
When was the last time you did something together? Years.
- Years? - (Manny) Years.
I want you to do something with me now.
The three of us together let's go.
Sea bass.
I've seasoned the fish.
I've seasoned the flour salt and pepper.
And the bass goes into a hot pan.
Have a taste of that.
- That is a very simple - Mmm.
Puree of cauliflower.
That's cauliflower? Just cauliflower.
I do love cooking, but Over the last few years, I was lazy, and, I mean, I lost the touch.
I lost the, uh, passion.
- How does that taste? - This is amazing.
Of course I want it back.
I'm watching everything cooking.
You place on.
It's going to be a lot of hard work, but I'm up for it, I'm ready.
Now, I want you both just to make a portion together.
Yes.
Okay.
_ _ Yeah.
_ _ _ _ _ Like this? It's gotta be crispy.
This is a new beginning for us.
Christina and I we gotta grow as a team.
That's the only way to succeed and save this business.
(Christina) I'm very happy.
(Narrator) With Christina and Manny not only committing to each other, but also to the restaurant, Chef Ramsay and his team spend the night completely overhauling Kati Allo, with a look that is sure to remind them of their Greek heritage.
(Gordon) Come over, please.
You ready to go inside? - Yes! - Yes! (Gordon) Ladies first let's go.
Jump in.
Oh, my God! (Gordon) Welcome to the new Kati Allo.
(Christina) Oh, my God! This is wonderful! - This is so beautiful! - This is so pretty! How beautiful is this? - Oh, my God! - This is a dream! Oh, God! - (Evelyn) That's beautiful! - (Gordon) Welcome to your new restaurant (Christina) Oh! Oh! (Gordon) I love it! (Christina) This is wonderful! It's wonderful! It's beautiful! It's beautiful! Gone is that dreary, drab interior.
We've brightened everything up a stunning fresh coat of paint.
Bright! (Gordon) Original artwork (Irene) That's Greece.
(Gordon) Hand-painted on those walls.
Blue shutters give it that Greek feel, just like it is at home.
How beautiful is that? That's so beautiful.
From there, the seating we've updated the upholstery so it feels authentic, mediterranean.
(Christina) It's beautiful! It's beautiful! (Gordon) Now, cast your eyes down there.
That's Oh, my God! I didn't see that.
- Oh, my God! - (Gordon) It is done with reclaimed wood, so you've got that beautiful, authentic Greek feel it's gorgeous.
This is beautiful.
(Gordon) Oh, one more thing.
I'd like to focus your attention on the tableware new plates, new silverware, courtesy of Oneida.
This is a unique, durable, stunning tableware.
It's made for the food-service industry, so it can take a bashing.
(Christina) This is wonderful! This is a dream! I'm so excited! I'm so happy! Are you okay? Are you okay? (Christina) Thank you! Thank you! It's beautiful! It's fantastic! It's absolutely beautiful! I feel so happy one-million-dollar woman.
Now it's a real place.
Now it is a real Kati Allo.
[Crying.]
_ _ I would never imagine to have a restaurant like this.
This is the Kati Allo of our dreams.
I'm so excited.
I'm so happy.
My passion came back.
(Narrator) With the excitement of the new design of the restaurant still in the air Come down, please, my darling.
(Narrator) Chef Ramsay is ready to unveil an equally as dramatic change that he has made to the food.
Oh, my God! (Gordon) Come on down, please, guys.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
My dream, my dream.
- Your dream.
- (Christina) My dream.
My dream came true.
The menu is self-contained, and it's done with what we've got to work with.
Red pepper hummus done, obviously, with chickpeas, tahini, Lemon, garlic, and roasted red peppers running through it.
And then one of my favorites.
How could we not have spanakopita? Crumpled feta around the outside.
Stuffed with a delicious creamy spinach.
As sandwiches, the classic Gyro.
(Manny) I love it.
Kabobs.
Chicken kabob, shrimp kabob, lamb kabob, and the beef kabob.
(Christina) Very nice.
And then the branzino.
Delicious.
Yeah? (Christina) It looks wonderful.
It looks awesome.
Excited? (Both) Very.
Right, dig in.
Yeah, start tasting, guys.
Let's go.
(Irene) Oh, my God.
Beautiful.
- (Evelyn) Mmm.
- (Manny) Wow.
- Mmm.
- Really, really good.
(Christina) So tasty, so different.
Absolutely amazing.
Definitely I fell in love with the restaurant again.
The new menu that Chef Ramsay created everything is authentic Greek.
_ _ _ I love it.
_ Good evening.
Welcome to Kati Allo.
The artwork is beautiful.
It reminds me of Greece.
_ I'm gonna get the grilled flank steak.
(Narrator) For tonight's relaunch, Chef Ramsay has the father-daughter duo working together in the kitchen.
Manny, you're gonna be expediting.
Yeah.
I want to hear you.
Yes? - Yes.
- Yes.
Okay? Excellent, first ticket's coming in.
Let's go, guys.
Let's go.
Two red pepper hummus.
Evelyn's working? Yes, sir.
(Manny) Chicken kabob, table one.
Let's go.
(Evelyn) I think for this relaunch to be successful, my father needs to really just communicate.
I think he can step in and do it.
I just think he needs to build up his confidence a little bit.
Let's get these people fed, baby! (Manny) One spanakopita, one melitzanosalata right now, please.
- (Evelyn) Right now.
Right now.
- Good.
(Evelyn) I got two spinach pies at the window.
Take it outside.
Good man.
Let's go.
(Narrator) The first tickets are completed quickly, and the food is leaving the kitchen at a steady pace.
Mmm.
(Narrator) And the diners are raving about the new menu.
_ (Manny) Yes? _ _ _ _ _ (Narrator) But only 45 minutes into service Manny is beginning to get overwhelmed and has completely lost track of the orders.
(Evelyn) I have food in the window.
I need to know what tables these are for, and you need to get the servers here and get 'em out.
Let's go! [Bleep.]
Getting crazy.
Table 73.
Spanakopita, melitzanosalata (Manny) Wait.
Wait a second.
What's the table? (Woman) 73.
I don't have any 73 over here.
_ _ _ What else? What else? Talk to me.
I don't hear anyone talking.
What are we doing right now? _ Sir, look at me.
We're falling behind.
I need you expediting.
Air traffic control you need to handle those tickets.
Why are these still here? You're the expeditor.
_ Listen, you need to calm down.
_ _ [Bell ringing.]
(Narrator) It's relaunch night at Kati Allo.
- Why are these still here? - You're the expeditor.
And Manny is leading the kitchen, but after a good start, he has now lost track of the orders.
_ Listen, you need to calm down.
(Narrator) And despite Evelyn's attempt to get her father focused _ Manny decides now would be a good time to take a break.
_ [Exhales deeply.]
Oh, man.
- Are you waiting for anything? - I wait for 21.
(Evelyn) I don't have 21.
Your daddy tell you.
I'm not daddy.
I don't have anything for you.
I had it.
I am frustrated because things start going wild.
But I was thinking about my daughter.
I was thinking about my wife.
So I'm trying to to pull everything together.
(Gordon) What's wrong, Manny? You okay? What's the matter? This is a disaster.
You're not gonna give up.
- You don't know how it's crazy.
- Yeah, I do know how it is.
- I get upset.
- We don't know what's going on.
We have to stay calm.
What tables go next? [Exhales deeply.]
(Manny) Oh, my God.
Manny, you have to turn and send.
We got to get your head out of the sand.
Open up and talk.
Please.
Let's go.
(Manny) Table number three the moussaka.
I need it right now.
(Evelyn) All right, you said moussaka.
- Moussaka you have.
- (Gordon) Okay, good.
Now we're in control.
Stay in control.
You got it.
Chef Ramsay's words pulled me back together.
- Fried calamari's ready? - Yes.
Pick it up from there the spinach pie, please.
I promised I would be the leader, and that's what I'm gonna do.
Christina, I have a flank steak medium.
- (Christina) Yes.
- Chicken kabob, - and chicken souvlaki sandwich.
- Yes.
_ That is good.
Fantastic.
How you doing? My name's Manny.
Manny.
How are you? I'm the owner of the place.
_ Two lamb, one shrimp, one chicken.
Fire it up, guys.
We're good.
This is the last one.
Bring it home nice.
The same passion that my father had when he first opened this restaurant it's back in him now.
That's what's really important.
You're proud of your little girl? Of course.
Of course.
We are so happy.
Opa! How you feeling? Great.
I'm so happy.
(Gordon) When I first arrived here, one thing I didn't see was any love for each other.
Tonight, and amongst all that pressure, you still had respect.
You have to stay like that.
You have to remember, support each other.
- Yes.
- Yes.
- (Gordon) Respect each other.
- Yes.
And most importantly, communicate with each other.
Trust me, do that, and you'll be together for another 35 years.
Good night.
- Thank you.
- God bless you.
Bye, guys.
[Exhales sharply.]
This, for me, let me tell you, has been one of the most difficult Kitchen Nightmares ever.
Not only was I watching a restaurant in shambles, but a marriage as well.
However, in the last couple days, both Manny and Christina seem to be heading in the right direction fixing both the marriage and the restaurant.
I strongly believe they're on course.
Let's keep it that way.
Wow.
Who gets a haircut and buys the restaurant next door? (Narrator) In the weeks that followed (Christina) Manny, I need the appetizers for number 12.
- Yes.
- Thank you.
(Narrator) Manny and Christina are back working together in harmony.
And their marriage is better than it has been in years.
- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
(Narrator) And with business continuing to improve Fire me four pitas and cut 'em in six, please.
(Narrator) Evelyn has decided to work full-time at Kati Allo.
Hummus at the window, dad.
(Manny) Before Chef Ramsay came here, we had no hope.
Everybody enjoy your food.
Opa! [Laughs.]
But he didn't only save our restaurant.
He saved our marriage, our family.
And I really appreciate what he did.
Kati Allo is really Kati Allo.
Now my place it's really something else.
(Announcer) Next time on Kitchen Nightmares Chef Ramsay meets a very local owner named Julie You don't handle this kitchen.
I handle this [Bleep.]
kitchen.
(Announcer) Who is a dictator of a struggling restaurant.
Go away from my face right now.
(Announcer) And while there are numerous problems with the food I have never seen anything as bad as this.
(Announcer) The biggest problem is that Julie is in denial.
I think our food's good.
(Announcer) Get ready for a battle.
Oh, this is gonna be [Bleep.]
great.
(Announcer) It's Chef Ramsay versus Owner Julie.
It's my restaurant.
(Announcer) And you'll be surprised how it turns out.
- (Gordon) You're walking out? - I'm not taking any more.