How real is reality TV? In the case of Bethenny Frankel, what you see is what you get, according to a featured player in last night's episode.

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On Bethenny Ever After—Bethenny Frankel's solo series on Bravo—the focus shifts away from the catfights and boozy bitchery so characteristic of the Real Housewives franchise, to the apparently down-to-earth and altruistic personality of the series' star. While this doesn't necessarily make for dramatic, water cooler-worthy television, it's refreshing to see a reality star come off so genuine, especially in comparison to the rest of Bravo's line-up. Instead of Kelly Bensimon spazzing out, we have Bethenny's fussy, poopy baby. And the Jill Zarin drama has been replaced with scenes of Bethenny touchingly offering her overworked assistant a makeover on Rachael Ray. Whether she's having a candid conversation with her therapist, or bickering with her husband, reality TV Bethenny comes off as undeniably real. And, according to a very reliable source, Bethenny is just as personable off camera as she is on.

Full disclosure: Nick, a friend of mine, memorably cameoed on an episode of Bethenny Getting Married? last season and made his triumphant return in last night's episode. A recent film school grad and cheap-eats enthusiast, nerdy Nick and Bethenny hit it off immediately. So, I asked him a few questions about his experience with Bethenny, and his brush with being a minor "Bravolebrity."

Marie Bardi: I'm assuming you randomly showing up at the restaurant was orchestrated, right?

Nick Feitel: No, sadly, that actually happened…one of those "more reality than reality" type things. I was walking out of Chelsea Market, saw something filming across the street, went over to take a look like any good film student…and there they were. I said I just wanted to say hi to the crew, and they were like, 'Well, why don't you just walk on?' So I did.

Marie: That's great. And, judging by your blog, you end up becoming a regular, right?

Nick: Regular is a strong term.

Marie: Well, recurring character.

Nick: I don't know what they used and what they didn't. I shot a few segments, though. I think I'm on like 2-3 episodes.

Marie: Are you Bethenny's personal food advisor now or something?

Nick: Not really. She's just a friend. I've seen her a few times on and off camera. Nice woman. How she is on TV is genuinely how she is.

Marie: That's good to hear. Do feel like you were fairly portrayed?

Nick: On that episode, sure. I've got to see the rest of what they use before I judge those things.

Marie: So you're okay with her saying you're the loser in the cafeteria who no one gets to know?

Nick: Well, I mean, that is who I was in high school and middle school, so…

Apparently, while reality TV tends to get a reputation for being sensationalized and scripted, Bethenny Ever After remains fairly true to life. Whether or not that proves to be the nail in the coffin for a Bravo show is yet to be seen.