Ep 2. The Comeback Cook

The show Restaurant Startup is a popular reality based television series that follows entrepreneurs as they try to convince two investors to finance their culinary dreams. By combining the culinary arts with the business of running an establishment, the show explores the world of creating an experience for diners that goes beyond just the food. In Season 2 Episode 2, viewers are introduced to a humble chef who is hoping to make a comeback through her unique recipe of American soul food.

The episode titled "The Comeback Cook" opens with the introduction of Chef Nikki, an African-American chef who has had plenty of ups and downs in her culinary career. At one point, she was considered to be one of the best chefs in the country. However, after the financial crisis in 2008, she lost everything and was forced to close her restaurant. After years of not being able to find a steady job in the industry, Chef Nikki is determined to make a comeback by introducing her signature dishes at The Restaurant Startup.

As the episode progresses, Chef Nikki meets with the investors Tim Love and Joe Bastianich, who have the daunting task of deciding if her food is good enough to invest in. To make matters tougher, Tim and Joe are not the only investors that Chef Nikki has to impress; she also has to win over Grant Achatz, the renowned chef and owner of the world-famous Alinea restaurant in Chicago. Chef Nikki's pitch is heartfelt and passionate as she explains her vision of bringing American Soul Food to the masses.

After her pitch, Chef Nikki is given only a few minutes to prepare her signature dishes for the investors to taste. She prepares her signature dish, a twist on macaroni and cheese that she calls "Mac Daddy," which is infused with Louisiana-style shrimp, crawfish and bacon. Joe is immediately impressed by the dish and loves the texture and flavors. Tim is also impressed by the dish, but he wants to try another signature dish before making a final decision. Chef Nikki bustles about the kitchen and prepares her next dish -- a stuffed fried catfish that she calls "Sadiddy Stuffed Catfish." The investors, although initially hesitant to try it, take the plunge and are pleasantly surprised with the flavors.

After they have tasted Chef Nikki's food, Joe tells her that he feels like she has something special and unique and he can see that she loves what she does. However, Tim is not so convinced as he feels that Chef Nikki needs to refine her menu and focus on showcasing what she does best. Grant Achatz also feels that it is important for a chef to have a focused menu that showcases their strengths.

The second half of the episode introduces a twist. After their meeting with Chef Nikki, Tim, Joe and Grant go incognito to Chef Nikki's restaurant. They want to taste her food without her knowing that they are there. This gives the investors an opportunity to see what Chef Nikki's restaurant is really like, in terms of the food, the ambiance and the service.

Finally, it's time to make a decision. Tim, Joe and Grant must discuss their thoughts about Chef Nikki's pitch, her food and the experience they had at her restaurant. One of the investors is completely convinced that Chef Nikki has the right combination of passion and talent to make a successful restaurant. While the other investors are impressed by her skills, they worry that her menu needs to be a bit more focused.

Overall, this episode of Restaurant Startup has a feel-good vibe to it. Chef Nikki's story is one of determination and overcoming adversity. Her success at The Restaurant Startup not only lifts her own spirits, but it also inspires other aspiring chefs to take risks and live their dreams. This is what makes Restaurant Startup a great show -- the fact that it not only showcases the culinary arts, but it also celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of any successful food business.