Ralph Pagano, the Hell's Kitchen alum and erstwhile executive chef of the restaurant formerly known as Customs House, is headed back to television.
It turns out his split with the Boca Restaurant (detailed last week on Clean Plate Charlie) was mutual. While Customs House will now be known as Chris Michael's Restaurant and Lounge, an eclectic steak-house/Italian/sushi/seafood concept, Pagano is getting back to the small screen with a show that will take him on the road. Literally.
The show, tentatively titled RST RV, will center around Ralph as he hits the open road in search of food that's "renewable, sustainable, and traceable." Pagano will drive a 45-foot, fully green RV that runs on biodiesel (hence, the name) out into the countryside, where he will document people making food "the old-fashioned way."
Pagano says his inspiration for the program became clear during his time filming Pressure Cook. "I really became more aware of these types of foods while traveling the
world," he said via email. "Now, [I have] the opportunity to tour this country and meet all these
cool people who are making [sustainable] food."
According to Pagano, RST RV will also feature an online component where viewers can follow the greenmobile live as it rolls into new destinations.
"There will be some great stories... people who've changed careers [to
do this], third-generation farmers, and scientists," says Pagano.
"Groovy [people] looking to make a difference and while making some
kick-ass product along the way."
Pagano doesn't have a timeline on when the show will air as of yet but
says the network (also undisclosed as of now) is "finalizing the nitty
gritty on the deal."
Stay tuned to Clean Plate Charlie for more info on Pagano and the program.
