Renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay made a covert visit to Key West for the filming of National Geographic’s hit show, "Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted." The secrecy surrounding the visit was so intense that local culinary expert Paul Menta, who played a pivotal role in the episode, had to publicly mislead his followers on social media to keep Ramsay's presence under wraps.
"We filmed for a couple of weeks, and I had to pretend on social media that I had no idea Ramsay was in town," Menta said. "Disney and National Geographic were clear: nobody could know he was here with me." The collaboration started when the producers of "Uncharted" sought a unique locale in the United States for the show's return after a nearly two-year hiatus. They zeroed in on the Florida Keys, drawn by its rich culinary traditions and Menta's impressive resume. Menta, a world-traveling chef with accolades from fine dining establishments and a deep knowledge of local cuisine, fit the bill perfectly. "They wanted someone who wasn't tied to just one type of cuisine, someone who could embrace all of it," Menta explained. "I had the fish market, wrote a book on the history of foods here, and I'm really into the local food culture. "Ramsay and Menta spent their days exploring the Keys, focusing on the unique food traditions of the area. True to the show's premise, the exploration was entirely by boat, highlighting the region's aquatic beauty and culinary richness. "We never used land or vehicles; it was all boats," Menta said. "Everywhere we went, it was by water, showcasing the stunning Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. "The filming process was intense but unscripted, capturing the genuine interactions and experiences of the chefs. "There was no script. They said we’d either laugh together, cry together, or argue, but it had to be real," Menta shared.
Despite the secrecy and intense filming schedule, Menta appreciated Ramsay's skills and professionalism. "I’ve met six good chefs in the world, now I can say seven," he said. "Ramsay has serious skills on many different levels.
The episode, which aired on May 27th, showcased not only the culinary treasures of the Keys but also the vibrant local culture. Ramsay was particularly taken by the local characters and their culinary secrets. "The Keys are full of characters," Menta said. "The producers wanted major blown-out characters, and I gave them a list. They were like, ‘We need really unique people,’ and I was like, ‘Here you go, here’s 100."
The episode also features a special appearance by Menta's 12-year-old niece, who acted as his sous chef. Despite her young age, she impressed everyone with her culinary prowess, particularly in gluten-free cooking, a necessity given her celiac condition. "Gordon’s got his sous chefs, and my sous chef was my 12-year-old niece. She’s been cooking with me since she was six and is a rock star," Menta said proudly. For Menta, the experience was more than just a chance to showcase his skills and the local cuisine; it was an opportunity to highlight the unique food culture of the Keys and inspire other local businesses. "Hopefully, this opens up doors for a lot of businesses down here," he said. Gordon kept saying how amazing it was. He travels all over the world, and he was genuinely impressed.
