Ramy Youssef, the cocreator and star of the acclaimed series Ramy, compares guest-directing on television to being a surrogate. He notes that when a director comes in for just one episode, they often need to align closely with the show’s established style. Youssef explains that this can limit their creative input, much like a surrogate must return the baby after birth at the request of the parents.
However, Youssef’s experience directing the episode “Honeydew” in the second season of The Bear was different. The episode, focusing on Lionel Boyce’s Marcus as he travels to Copenhagen seeking training and inspiration for a dessert menu, diverges from the show’s usual high-energy atmosphere. It adopts a more contemplative tone, aligning with Marcus’s introspective journey. This shift allowed Youssef to craft a unique segment within the series.
“The food scene is really cool—I learned so much about how people kind of go out there and find their voice,” Youssef said. He highlighted how Marcus, a character who has never traveled by plane, is exploring not just new culinary inspirations but also his identity away from his family responsibilities. The tranquil ambiance of Copenhagen offers him a fresh perspective and creative space.
The experience was also a transformative one for Youssef, who typically balances many roles in Ramy. Now nominated for an Emmy for Best Director for his work on The Bear, he shared insights and photographs from his two-week stay in Copenhagen as he prepared for the episode’s shoot.
When asked about the mood and aesthetic of Copenhagen’s influence on Marcus’s journey, Youssef explained that the vibrant colors of the surroundings directly impacted the colors of the dishes. He emphasized the importance of being open to inspiration in an inviting environment. He described how Marcus interacts with the local flora and culinary highlights, which ultimately inform the aesthetic of the desserts he creates.
Youssef also shared anecdotes about sourcing the houseboat that Marcus stays on during his trip. This concept emerged from a playful conversation with the line producer, Tyson Bidner, who previously worked with Youssef on Ramy, where they filmed on a houseboat in Cairo, leading to a humorous continuation of an international houseboat theme.