If you’re familiar with the Netflix docu-series ‘Chef’s Table’, you’ll know that the dramatic depiction of each featured chef’s life-journey to their kitchen often treads a fine line between ‘gripping’ and ‘downright cheesy’.

Now it seems that that fine line has been picked up by Portland-based sketch-comedy show, Portlandia. The work of trio Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein and Jonathan Krisel, the sketch show was first debuted by IFC in 2011 and has since developed a keen following - with another series to be aired in 2018.

The Portlandia episode aired last month follows Francis the chef as he explains his ‘epiphany’ for a restaurant serving ‘airport-style sushi’. Fans of Chef’s Table may recognise the familiar dramatic orchestral music playing whilst Francis explains how his vision for ‘unifying sushi that anyone can eat but no one wants to eat’ led to the creation

Close Message - I might contribute in the future

I love what you do, let me contribute right now

of his restaurant, Kūkō.

Played by Fred Armisen, co-creator and co-star of Portlandia, Francis is a stereotypical chef equipped with culinary based tattoos and the ever so popular short back and sides hairstyle as he faces the camera against an out-of-focus background of his restaurant. His dream of creating rice ‘so hard, you actually feel like, am I eating bits of plastic?’ could not be further from the cooking styles often demonstrated on Chef’s Table however, as we watch him plate up his dishes in styrofoam in the hopes of it being sent back.

Whilst it’s a far cry from the usual Chef’s Table, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this.

>>> Think you can do better? Send us your Chef's Table parody clips and we'll share the best ones! You can tweet them, send via Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.

By Rachel Hocking

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.