Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, primarily known for his hosting on culinary competitions shows like “Hell’s Kitchen” and “MasterChef,” and his restaurants, of which there are more than 90 worldwide, announced on July 17 that he will making his first major literary endeavor with the launch of his very own publishing imprint.
Ramsay’s Bite Books to Publish New ‘Idiot Sandwich’ Cookbook
The new venture, a partnership between Fox’s Studio Ramsay Global production company and HarperCollins publishing house, will be titled Bite Books, an imprint dedicated specifically to publishing cookbooks. HarperCollins similarly revealed that the imprint’s first title would be Ramsay’s very own “Idiot Sandwich: 100+ Recipes to Elevate Your Sandwich Game.”
Set to hit shelves on September 30, the forthcoming cookbook, which will feature Ramsay’s recipes for sandwiches like the Mississippi Slugburger, The Chip Butty, and Gordon’s favorite Wellington Sando, is clearly inspired by the chef’s now-viral interaction with “Big Brother” host Julie Chen Moonves on a 2015 appearance on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”
During a comedy sketch on the late-night talk show, a parody of Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen” competition, the celebrity chef threw his trademark colorful insults at Corden and Chen Moonves, who posed as contestants.
At one point, while trying not to laugh, the chef placed a slice of bread on either side of Chen Moonves head and shouted, “What are you?”
“An idiot sandwich,” replied Chen Mooves.
The clip has since garnered more than 14 million views on YouTube, with millions more sharing popular memes of the hilarious moment over the last decade.
Fox & HarperCollins Partner with Ramsay on New Venture
Speaking future on the meme-inspired cookbook and Bite Books at large, Lisa Sharkley, Senior Vice President & Publisher at Harper Influence, reported, “What started as Gordon’s runaway viral meme is not a must-own for food fans around the world and our ideal first collaboration with Studio Ramsay Global under Bite Books, as we build a cookbook collection that’s filled with culinary discovery and excitement.”
Clive Mason/Getty ImagesBite Books is the latest addition to Ramsay’s growing food and lifestyle brand, Bite. Since its launch in 2024, the brand acquired the rights to the chef’s former television catalogue for shows like “Next Level Chef” and the currently-airing “Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service,” as well as digital originals like the “Idiot Sandwich” sketch comedy series and Ramsay’s “Scrambled” talk show.
Julian Franco, President of Operations and Strategy for Fox Entertainment, added in a statement: “Our global publishing partnership with HarperCollins is an important step forward in Bite’s growth strategy. As we expand FOX’s culinary offerings, this collaboration allows us to reach food lovers around the world, across all consumer categories and platforms. Through Bite Books, we’re deepening our connection with everyone, from casual home cooks to seasoned chefs, inspiring them to explore, experiment and create with confidence in their own kitchens.”
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Gordon Ramsay Debuts New Meme-Inspired ‘Idiot Sandwich’ Cookbook