Why I’m Totally in Love with Bravo’s “Chef Roble & Co.”

As if I needed yet another reality show to latch onto, here comes Bravo's "Chef Roble & Co." I must admit that I was immediately intrigued by the concept. Had I been looking for the average culinary experience, I need only close my eyes and give the remote control a healthy spin. But Roble Ali's festive presence on Bravo is more than just a "cooking show." With a team of interesting characters (including his sister Jasmine) Roble takes catering to a whole new level. This is one show that has lots of moving parts, which makes it more than just a guilty pleasure. If you've been tuning in since its debut on December 4, 2011, then you just might feel the same way.

The parties are simply fabulous.

Roble Ali has cooked for celebs such as the late Michael Jackson, Vanessa Williams and Russell Simmons. But it's not just his reputation for "haute cuisine" that makes his catering service a hot commodity. Ali and his crew are charged with wrangling monkeys, making shoes made out of candy sprinkles, or cooking a three-course doggie feast amongst dozens of other zany requests. In short, these guys get booked for the coolest parties.

How did he think of that?

I was totally and thoroughly impressed when Roble and his team were asked to create an intimate vegan, kosher affair for a client. I didn't know how he would pull off such a feat. But again, Ali came to the client's rescue with ease. His creations, no matter the restriction are always outlandish, yet high end---a complete surprise to guests and viewers. The food looks fabulous, and it's obvious that Roble has the kind of innovative cooking skills that we haven't seen from too many chefs of color on reality TV.

And believe it or not, I actually like that Roble can sometimes be somewhat of a brat. But considering that he's wining and dining Manhattan's (and Hollywood's) upper crust, he probably has a right to be. He's under an enormous amount of pressure to please his client's most tedious whims.

I love his team of catering professionals. Adam is the silent but deadly chef (who happens to make slammin' collard greens.) But when he does say anything, it's usually hilarious. Kikuyo has a cool name and a colorful persona to boot. The idea that she's in charge of all the delectable sweets makes her an irresistible addition to the show. Ali's other two buddies balance out the madness. His sister Jasmine provides the kind of family dynamic upon which reality shows thrive. And Artie and Shawn are in a class all by themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if those have a reality show together in the near future. And yep, I would watch that one too.

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