In a dramatic finale to the recent week of 'Das perfekte Dinner' in Bremen, contestant Nico shocked viewers and fellow competitors by awarding zero points to the final meal prepared by Zeynep. This controversial action has since sparked a wave of outrage across social media, as fans express their dissatisfaction with not just Nico's scoring, but also the lack of response from the show's network, VOX.
During the final dinner, Zeynep, a 34-year-old vegan, took the bold step of preparing a non-vegan menu to create a level playing field for her fellow contestants. “I made the choice to ensure all guests could enjoy the same meal,” she explained, referring to the disproportionate effort required for her competitors who prepared a meatless dinner for her during the week. Zeynep's menu included a starter of Hirtenkäse auf Wildsalat with pomegranate seeds and walnuts, a main course of Lammkarree im Pistazien-Kräutermantel on potato mash, and a dessert of Cremiger Cheesecake with fruity pomegranate sauce.
Despite her efforts, which incorporated personal touches like homegrown pistachios and family recipes, Nico remained critical. Throughout the week, he consistently voiced his dislike for vegan food, and as the final meal was presented, his negativity persisted. “I had to constrain myself from getting up because I truly felt unwell,” Nico lamented, spotlighting his unyielding stance on the taste. While Zeynep attempted to engage him positively, he chose to remain dismissive.
Elena, another contestant, praised Zeynep's culinary skills, declaring, “That cheese is just great!” Yet Nico’s perpetual grievances culminated in an appalling act—he flatly refused to eat the main course, which he described as “smelling strong,” turning what should have been a celebratory evening into an uncomfortable climax.
The social media backlash against Nico was swift and ferocious. “This is outrageous behavior,” stated one viewer on Instagram, capturing the collective disappointment of many. Fans labeled Nico as a “Katastrophenheld,” or disaster hero, primarily due to his patronizing demeanor and contradictions evident in his judgments during the competition.
As the week in Bremen concluded, Zeynep managed to score a total of 25 points, while Charlotte emerged as the week’s winner with 31 points. This outcome, however, did little to quell viewer anger regarding Nico's actions, with calls for an official statement from VOX echoing broadly. Instead of acknowledging the turbulence from the final meal, the channel has moved forward with new episodes in Ingolstadt, leaving many fans aggrieved.
“It’s disappointing that VOX has chosen to overlook such a major incident,” remarked a viewer. Suggestions for a boycott of the show surfaced as people expressed their need for clearer standards and repercussions for unsportsmanlike conduct.
In this upcoming week, a new crop of contestants takes the spotlight. Viewers hope for a refreshing change, celebrating what they deem as “normal people” after the chaotic week that featured Nico's antics. As the new competitors begin cooking, the audience is excited yet wary, hopeful that the quality and camaraderie of previous seasons return.
A quick glance at viewer reactions to the new contestants shows a tentative optimism: “This is a breath of fresh air! Finally, normal people in the kitchen.” Nevertheless, the scars left from the Bremen week, particularly by Nico's harsh criticism and the zero points handed to Zeynep, remain fresh in the minds of the audience.
In retrospect, the criticisms Nico faced were not merely about his low scores but also about the respectful engagement with fellow competitors. The contrast between his performance and that of the new contestants might serve as a pivotal moment for the show's producers and the format itself, prompting an introspective look at the behaviors celebrated in televised cooking competitions.
As fans tune in to the new season, they carry with them the lessons from Bremen—largely encapsulating the importance of constructive criticism over deleterious judgments in a culinary setting. What remains to be seen is whether the producers of 'Das perfekte Dinner' will heed this call and ensure a more enjoyable viewing experience in the future.
