Tensions ran high during the latest episode of "Das perfekte Dinner", as participant Nico, previously known as the party Schlager singer, faced severe backlash from both guests and viewers alike. The week, held in Bremen, started off on the wrong foot and spiraled downward quickly, particularly focusing on Nico's decisions and misjudgments.
A scandal erupted on Thursday, March 13, when tensions peaked during dinner preparation. Host Philip, who already faced personal challenges, being the victim of robbery earlier, saw his guests increasingly dissatisfied. Nico, now embroiled in controversy, bore the brunt of their frustrations. Participants across the board expressed their increasing irritation with his performance and demeanor.
Nico’s planned menu had initially generated excitement. He intended to serve: Vorspeise: Various tomato variations with burrata cheese; Hauptspeise: Tagliatelle with salmon in white wine sauce; and Nachspeise: Mallorquin Crema catalana. Yet, this carefully curated lineup soon fell apart.
With time running short on the fourth evening, instead of executing his dessert plan of Crema catalana, Nico decided to pivot and serve roasted apples. "I’m presenting this especially for the vegan participant Zeynep," he sprinkled some narrative dust over his decision, trying to claim bonus points. But his adjusted menu was far from the expectations set by his original plans.
When the dessert arrived, guests were treated to nothing more than three apple wedges, caramelized with sugar. This was hardly what they envisioned after hearing from Nico all week about crafting vibrant and culturally rich dishes. "What I find worst is how he talked about it and tried to peddle this to us!" Elena, one of the other contestants, said during her reflections on the evening. Her sentiments echoed the growing exasperation among guests.
Nico's struggles didn’t stop there. His main dish—a humble offering of salmon with barely enough noodles to satisfy his guests—was criticized heavily. Participant Charlotte bluntly noted, “That was really just one bite,” showcasing the shared disappointment over portion sizes. Guests were left bewildered and hungry. “For me, the portion was pathetic,” reflected Philip, highlighting the defendants’ common sentiment surrounding Nico’s provision.
The evening turned increasingly uncomfortable for all involved. Nico's frequent negativity—whether on others' food or his own choices—created palpable tension. His kitchen errors compounded his deplorable serving choices. Viewer reception followed suit, with many expressing concern over Nico's motives. "Maybe it’s time to cancel the show if only such types who cheat and complain are participating... it’s definitely no fun anymore,” read one commentary on social media.
Nico’s alleged strategy of self-promotion overshadowed the spirit of genuine competition intended by the show's premise. Starting with Zeynep’s vegan appeal, Nico labeled each of his supposed culinary innovations—with varying levels of honesty—as attempts to please. His comments about homemade noodles, stating they couldn't be cooked al dente, raised eyebrows and sparked debates among the contestants.
Beyond this, viewers became increasingly vocal on platforms like Instagram, where they called for drastic changes to the show's casting strategy. Some suggested reducing the prize money or returning to simpler culinary roots as options, which certainly struck chords with many. The essence of the show—engaging cooking performances competing for cash—stood at risk of diminishing due to one contestant’s unreliable behavior.
To put it mildly, Nico's appearance was marred by accusations of using the show merely for self-sustaining fame. While the program has previously thrived on diverse personalities and embraced imperfections, the excessive focus on Nico’s shortcomings began to take its toll, with multiple seasons worth of viewership at stake.
Observers note the thin line between entertainment value and viewer discontent, especially when framed around notable incidents like Nico’s failure to deliver on promised culinary delights. "It was sold as more than it is, and that's what I found disappointing," Philip concluded—a poignant reflection of the sentiments shared by many.
While Nico’s ambitions may have been commendable, they veered dangerously off-course as expectations plummeted. How the series will recover from this fraught week remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: mistakes made now could perhaps alter the fate of "Das perfekte Dinner" permanently. The culinary venture continues every weekday at 7 PM on Vox, and with viewer hearts hanging by a thread, it will remain to be seen if casting choices evolve or persist as they are.