“Let’s get to work!”
If you’re a fan of the popular Food Network show Restaurant Impossible, you’ll recognize that opening line. It takes intense work and a dose or two of tough love from Chef Robert Irvine to change the path of a struggling restaurant within a two/day time frame. Sometimes we viewers cringe at those much needed doses of tough love from Robert, but behind that tough exterior is truly a man with a heart of gold who only wants to see struggling restaurants succeed. In fact, it’s his passion and a passion that I was lucky to witness firsthand when I was invited to spend nearly seven hours over the course of the two day shooting of an upcoming Restaurant Impossible episode at On The Bayou in Milwaukee.
When Robert recently Tweeted to check out his appearances page on his website, I saw that the following week the crew was in Milwaukee (practically my backyard) to film two Restaurant Impossible episodes and were looking for diners for the restaurant reveal nights.
Was I going to miss this opportunity to possibly meet Chef Robert and take part in my new favorite show? Heck No!
I signed up immediately for the opportunity to be selected. The next night, I tagged Robert in a tweet, saying I had signed up and was hoping to meet him. He replied to contact his assistant Ryan, and what followed was a series of emails and instructions with an invite to both the lunch and dinner reveal along with what we had to do prior to the filming. I can’t describe how excited I was to have this chance. My daughter Megan was going to the lunch service with me and my friend Beverly agreed to come to the dinner reveal.
Restaurant Impossible Episode Day One- The Lunch Service
Megan and I arrived for the lunch service the following Sunday morning at the specified time and checked in with the staff. I gave out my cell number and we were instructed to wait for a text to line up for entry while waiting in our vehicle. We waited maybe 10 minutes and received the text to come to the restaurant entrance. It was a chilly day in Milwaukee as Megan and I, along with about 15 others, waited in line.
About 10 minutes later, an assistant came out and asked for me, saying that Robert wanted to see me. Megan and I were shown to the room that was set for the crew and the production. Robert was seated in his directors chair (which he later took a picture of ME sitting in) and two chairs were moved next to him. Honestly, I can’t remember much of these first moments when we met Robert Irvine. I handed him copies of my children’s books as a thank you. I think I was just gobsmacked and couldn’t believe we were actually there. We chatted a bit, Robert introduced us to the whole production staff and filled us in on what was happening, he then took us outside to take a peek in the tents that were set up for food prep and restaurant design. We felt like royalty right from the start.
It was time for us to be seated for the lunch portion of the filming. If you are familiar with the format of Restaurant Impossible, you know that the show starts out with Robert going into the restaurant for the first time to assess the decor, then calling out to the owners to meet and find out their story. Being a pre-taped TV show, you may think that his reaction is staged, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In essence, after talking to him later he knows nothing about the owners or the restaurant beforehand. He comes in completely blind. The spontaneity of Robert’s first reaction to the restaurants, the owners, and the food, makes for a fascinating scenario and one that not only leaves the viewers on the edge of their seats, but the whole backstage crew as well. As a viewer every week, I am amazed at the authenticity and the intimate details the owners reveal and how Robert, while tough on them, always ends up being that beacon of light as he more often than not serves as counselor as well as teacher.
It was interesting being part of the lunch service where Robert observes how the staff handles the customers, the reactions to the food, and the time it takes for diners to get their food. Most everyone during the lunch service was asked for their honest feedback about the food and atmosphere. I left the interview up to Megan (we’ll have to see if it makes it through the editing) because I knew I was going to be too nervous! Being that it was Mother’s Day, at the end of the lunch service Robert handed out a beautiful bouquet of flowers to every Mom. There’s that tough guy with a heart of gold peeking through!
After the lunch service, Robert invited Megan and I to spend more time with him and the crew. I’ve seen behind the scenes of a local newscast and have been on TV myself, so I knew a tiny bit of what to expect. but watching this coordinated dance between the production crew that can only come from 18 seasons of experience left me in awe. What amazed me the most was the camaraderie between the production crew and Robert. There was much mutual respect between everyone, yet it was clear who was the boss. I might add that everyone made us feel right at home as we all joked around. We asked Robert questions, he asked us about ourselves. Megan certainly won a soft spot with Robert once he learned her boyfriend, Justin, is in the Army. Robert is not only a famous Chef but famously devoted to our military and honors those who have served and are currently serving with his Robert Irvine Foundation.
Before we knew it, it was time for us to exit and let everyone get to the work of saving this restaurant. We took lots of pictures and Robert even called Taniya Nayak, the designer and Tom Bury, the resident builder to take some photos with us! What a treat. Since I was returning the next night for the reopening of the restaurant with my friend Beverly (Megan had to work), Robert invited us to come early to watch the reveal with the crew, ensuring it’s always a special moment that leaves tears in everyone’s eyes.
Restaurant Impossible Episode Day Two-The Reopening
Monday night, we arrived early as instructed to the madness that occurs to get the restaurant renovation finished in time for the scheduled reopening. In the email to all participants, we are instructed to bring a snack along as sometimes everything is running behind schedule. Beverly and I took our spots again next to Robert. He was once again incredibly gracious, but clearly concerned about making the scheduled reopening. If you’ve ever watched the show, you know it’s named Restaurant Impossible for a reason. Expect the unexpected. We were treated to the added bonus of meeting Robert’s wife Gail as she was in town for a couple of days. It happened to be their anniversary on this day. The whole room was filled with the scent of the beautiful roses Robert gave her!
The whole crew was called to help with the last details before the reveal, which in hindsight, I wish I would have jumped up to help out. I will say, it was a mad scramble and chaotic. When it was time for the reveal to the owners, I looked around to find the whole crew had gathered in the room with their eyes peeled to the monitors. No one said a peep so we could hear what was being said by Robert and the restaurant owners as the reveal filming was taking place at the front of the restaurant. This is clearly a magical moment. Two days of intensive work by a devoted cast and crew coming to an end. I must admit, even my eyes were misty watching this reveal surrounded by the people who made it all possible. It was the highlight of these amazing two days for me.
We were the first ones seated for dinner soon after. The camera crew was busy interviewing the diners and the owners. Robert did his closing on camera interview. I don’t think a smile left my face all night. Not only from the experience, but the food! I will be going back to this restaurant again and taking friends with me. Since I’m a Wisconsin- based travel blogger, it’s my job to help travelers and locals have great experiences at a destination and On The Bayou is now one of those places in Milwaukee!
Our night ended with a hug from Robert and a “see you in a few days” (Rick and I were going back for the other Milwaukee Restaurant Impossible episode filming at Mexican Village the next weekend). Getting a personal behind the scenes look into what goes into a Restaurant Impossible episode was a once in a lifetime experience. All the equipment needed, the hours of footage, the crew who spend so much time on the road. WOW!
What an amazing once in a lifetime experience!
I cannot thank Chef Robert Irvine enough for the amazing access and the VIP treatment for the days we spent with him on the Restaurant Impossible set. Meeting a celebrity is an intimidating experience, but I can say that I quickly felt at ease. Robert is the real deal and truly cares about people, whether they are part of the crew, the restaurants that he works with, or even his devoted Twitter followers! Also a huge thank you to the whole crew. Jill, Ryan, Allison, every single one of you, I hope we didn’t get in the way too much and thank you for being so gracious and making us feel like a part of the family. It was so much fun. I learned so much. I may be a new fan of the show and Robert, but I am now a fan for life.
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HUGE fan of the show! When Lori told me of her experience I was in awe! Goose Bumps! – I’m so happy it happened to her and Megan. Lori said what a great, down-to-earth guy you are Robert. Thank you and your team for giving Lori and Megan such a nice surprise! Lori you just keep being in the right spot at the right time! 🙂
Haha!!! Thanks for the comment Mary Beth!! I’m glad you enjoyed my story and the article. Let’s see what else I can make happen!😂😂
So much hard work involved here from the host, the people who work on filming and editing the show, and even the people who were invited to lunch and dinner. I haven’t spent much time in the past few years on the Food Network so I’m not familiar with this particular show. but this gave me (not at all familiar with TV or film productions) quite the behind the scenes view and idea of what is involved..
Thank you Alana! I truly was a great experience. The episodes that I was involved in will be airing soon!
What a cool experience! This sounds like a blast. I can’t wait to see your episode!
I will be sure and let everyone know when it airs! 🙂