Mind of a Chef, Season 1 (2012)

FROM THE VAULT

Netflix

Chef David Chang’s new Netflix series Ugly Delicious is an absolute treasure: a funny, vibrant, surprisingly moving exploration of what could broadly be classified as "comfort food". Naturally, I binged the whole thing in a weekend then suffered the withdrawals. Luckily, the Anthony Bourdain-produced Mind of a Chef, also available to stream, offers more of the same — the whole first series is about Chang and features many of the same guests and collaborators as Ugly Delicious. the extremely funny Byer — possibly better known as the host of Netflix cake-fail show Nailed It! — makes this easily one of the most entertaining.

Each weekly episode begins with the guest being asked to analyse the host’s Tinder profile, like a detective looking for clues why she has so little success with the app. Do men find her witty bio intimidating? Or is it the photo of her holding a giant dildo putting them off?

Horrific Tinder (and Bumble, which Byer reckons may be even worse) experiences usually account for a good chunk of every conversation. Things can also take some surprisingly deep turns, especially when the titular question is put to the guest.

Byer is one of those podcasters who quickly comes to feel like the new best friend you never knew you needed, but fair warning: her total lack of filter (no topic too rude or embarrassing) maybe makes this more of a “listen alone” option.

Calum Henderson