'Below Deck': Did Captain Lee lower his standards by taking chef Rachel back? Guests love her Mardi Gras menu
Chef Rachel Hargrove quit briefly before returning to My Seanna, apologizing about her behavior during the rage-filled speech to Captain Lee Rosbach. Even though he was disappointed and angry about the position she left the team in, he took her back thinking he would never get a replacement in time for the next charter.
Even though he did it for the best, a section of the viewers have called him out for making that move. Most thought he compromised his standards for Rachel.
"I've fired 2 people out of principle and worked 30 days straight open to close to prove a point. I understand the situation, but hold your standards. Your crew notices everything, and you set a standard," a fan pointed out, while another echoed: "I would have cancelled the charter and waited for another chef." Another said, "My heart literally dropped. disrespectful. Hoping that you score another chef & Fire her. Cause scruples."
My heart literally dropped. 💯disrespectful😒 Hoping that you score another chef & Fire her. Cause scruples
— bknubian (@bknubian) December 22, 2020
I would have cancelled the charter and waited for another chef
— Tiki (@TikiLynne123) December 22, 2020
@capthlr I've fired 2 people out of principle and worked 30 days straight open to close to prove a point. I understand the situation, but hold your standards. Your crew notices everything, and you set a standard.
— Matt Penhos (@_jalepenhos) December 22, 2020
In the Captain's defense, he had a lot to consider before he could take the call on whether or not Rachel should work on the charter again. He is aware that chefs lose control, they have a seething rage, but at the same time never had any of them walk out on him. But he swallowed the bitter pill knowing that he would not be able to find another chef and would have probably cancelled the guests' bookings eventually.
Rachel may have lost her temper, made a hasty exit without giving much thought to what the team would have to go through while she is gone, but she's good at her job. She knows her food inside out and even though the Mardi Gras-themed party might be too much, she nailed it. The guests were impressed with their first meal on the charter and couldn't stop praising her. The next morning, Captain Lee was left surprised by the breakfast Rachel had prepared for him. It was the best toast he ever had, he said.
Catch all the new episodes of 'Below Deck' Season 8 on Bravo every Monday at 9/8c. For more information, check your local listings.
