99 Words About … The publicity windfall from ‘Hell’s Kitchen’

‘Hell’s Kitchen’

Reality TV has done more to boost local tourism than a dozen Prince Harry visits.

The latest example, “Hell’s Kitchen” (8 p.m. Tuesday, KVVU-TV, Channel 5), offers the winner a job at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace.

First, though, all 20 contestants present signature dishes so Ramsay can curse and spit them out in front of a Vegas audience.

The wide-eyed chefs gape at the wonders of the Strip and, hilariously, bear hug Celine Dion.

“Even the air smelled good,” one contestant marvels. “Like, they must manufacture delicious-smelling air.”

You can’t buy publicity that ridiculously earnest.

— CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE