It’s a celebration of culinary art…but the latest series of Emmy-winning Netflix hit Chef’s Table has left viewers hot under the collar, before it’s even aired.
A preview of the latest show, which focuses on pastry, has sparked accusations of sexism after it features only one top female chef.
New York pastry star Christina Tosi is the sole female presence in the show that celebrates masters of pastry from across the globe.
‘We’re working on it’: Chef’s Table creator David Gelb has responded to criticism that the latest series of the show, which focuses on pastry, features only one woman chef – despite pastry being largely dominated by female cooks
Both food critics and social media users have expressed their disdain that filmmaker David Gelb, who is behind the new series of the global television show, didn’t include a more equal ratio of men and women.
Included in the four-chef line-up are Bali-based Will Goldfarb, Spaniard Jordi Roca, Sicilian gelato maker Corrado Assenza and New Yorker Christina Tosi.
Lesley Chesterman, a Montreal restaurant critic, reeled off a list of female pastry chefs who could have been included.
She wrote: ‘Three exceptional female French pastry chefs are (in Paris) Claire Damon of Des gâteaux et du pain and Claire Heitzler of Ladurée, as well as my favourite (in Alsace), the great Christine Ferber.’
Corrado Assenza, a coveted gelato maker from Sicily, is one of three male pastry chefs featured in the latest series of Chef’s Table
On Twitter, @alixkemp wrote: ‘Cool, more sexism from Chef’s Table. Colour me not remotely surprised.’
@FMigoya added that it was a wording issue: ‘I think there are more women working in pastry kitchens than men. By far. I would put money on the table on that.
‘But, the majority of pastry CHEFS, at least those that you read about, are men. This is not at all data driven or scientific in any way, just my observation.’
Since it first aired, the show has so far featured just six women in a total of 22 episodes.
After much of the fury was directed at the show’s creators, David Gelb responded to the ire, saying: ‘We agree there should be better representation of women across the board and we’re committed to improving.
‘There are many amazing chefs, from all walks of life, who inspire us and whose stories deserve to be told. We hope you enjoy the new season and the talented chefs behind it!’