Chef Anthony Iracane is stepping in as Chef Lawrence Snowden’s replacement onBelow Deckseason 12, and I’m pleased that he’s coming back to the Bravo series. Chef Anthony first appeared on Bravo inBelow Deckseason 11, and he started struggling from the beginning. While making food for the crew, he made an elaborate dish and later realized he hadn’t made enough for everyone.Captain Kerry Titheradge asked Chef Anthony to simplify the crew mealsto ensure everyone had enough food, but the chef’s time on the yacht didn’t get easier from there.
Despite his emotional and cooking-related struggles on the St. David, I’m glad Chef Anthony is returning forBelow Deckseason 12. Doing a good job onboard means a lot to the chef, andI’m excited to see him utilize this second chance. Plus, returning to the yacht means Anthony and Chief Stew Fraser Olender can hash out their drama on camera.
Chef Anthony Makes Amazing Food
He’s Clearly Good At His Job
If being aBelow Deckchef was simply about making great food, Chef Anthony would have done well on season 11. Every time Anthony plated the meals, my mouth watered. His ability to cook delicious food is unmatched.
Unfortunately for the French chef, working on a yacht like the St. David isn’t just about cooking.
It also requires planning meals for very specific dietary restrictions and preferences. Last season, Chef Anthony often struggled to remember every guest’s desires, sometimes leaving him scrambling or without a meal for someone. Anthony seemed overwhelmed much of the time he was cooking on the St. David, but I think he can learn from his mistakes. This season, Chef Anthony knows what to expect, which gives him an advantage.
Chef Anthony Deserves A Second Chance
His Exit Was Emotional
ThroughoutBelow Deckseason 11,Anthony’s self-esteem plummeted. If he made a mistake, he thought that meant he was a failure. As the mistakes piled up, Chef Anthony found it hard to get his mojo back and be the chef he was capable of being. During one particularly bad dinner service, the chef’s food was cold, and the crew later received their smallest tip of the season. It’s very possibleAnthony’s cooking was to blame for the low tip.
However, Chef Anthony’s errors were often due to his own overly-high expectations.Some of his meals were too elaborate, especially for one person to cook all by themselves. He probably learned from last season, and he can adjust his menu ideas to fit the time and ingredient constraints. I have faith that Chef Anthony will do a better job this time around now thathe’s taking over for Chef Lawrence.
When he was fired, Chef Anthony was devastated. InBelow Deckseason 12, episode 2, fans got to see previously unreleased footage of the chef crying in Barbie Pascual’s arms and saying his life was over.He thought he would never find another job. The footage was very emotional, and I found it hard to watch. Chef Anthony was so sweet, so to watch him so distraught was challenging. I’m glad Anthony is returning so he can realize how great of a chef he is.
Chef Anthony’s Return Means Plenty Of Drama
Can He & Fraser Be Friends?
Chef Anthony is taking over for Chef Lawrence, and having two cooks in the kitchen, even temporarily, can be a breeding ground for drama. However, the real drama will likely come from Anthony’s relationship with Fraser. Although Fraser was instrumental in re-hiring Anthony, the chef also blames his former friend for getting him axed in the first place.
Chief Stew Fraser is a polarizing personalityforBelow Deckaudiences, but he and Chef Anthony had a good relationship for most of last season. Unfortunately, Barbie told the chef that Fraser was a big reason he was fired. It will be super exciting for Anthony to confront Fraser about the events ofBelow Deckseason 11, and I’m glad the chef has returned for season 12 so we can watch this drama unfold.
