Daily dispatches on the Washington, DC area's food, restaurant and dining scene.

Chew on This: What Foodie TV Shows Do You Watch?

By Ann Limpert

In dining editor Todd Kliman’s chat this morning, he got the following question:

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DC TV: I love your chats and wonder what television you watch regarding food/cooking? For me—I have found PBS to be top notch. Between Lidia and America’s Test Kitchen—I have found a great balance between recipes, tips, tricks, and great equipment. Lidia’s food is shockingly similar to my family’s Italian cuisine plus more variation, creativity, and imagination. ATK provides great advice.

Ever notice the awkward balance btw Christopher and the Chefs? The more you watch it is funny. Martha Stewart’s 2 shows are interesting with great recipes but her hosts seem like robots. I am not looking for more Rachael Ray action. But a bit of off the cuff could be welcomed.

As for FOOD NTWK, I only enjoy Ina/Giada/Tyler. TK, Hope to hear where your interests lie with food and TV? Readers?

Todd Kliman: I’m with you—PBS all the way.

Food Network, back when it started, was not nearly so slick, not nearly so much an all-about-the-production-values sort of thing. Now, it’s basically just models with sauce pans. I enjoy Alton Brown, the exception to the rule, but otherwise I hardly ever tune in.

If you want to learn anything, if you want to not be played, then PBS is a great place to turn. And I agree about America’s Test Kitchen—it’s very unintentionally funny. You really do get the impression that Christopher Kimball is an imperious patrician grouch, and that all the staffers indulge him while surreptitiously poking fun at him behind his back.

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We want to hear what you think of the current state of foodie TV. Do you agree with Todd that PBS is the way to go? Do Paula Deen and her doughnut-and-bacon sandwiches make you want to be gluttonous . . . or gag? Does it matter that the Food Network is more about entertainment than cooking? Do you rely on any shows or TV chefs for actual recipes or cooking advice, or do you find yourself pining for Julia Child reruns? Let us know in the comments.

Comments

I enjoy Good Eats (Alton Brown) on Food Network and Made in Spain (Jose Andres) on PBS. I like getting the context behind recipes.

Posted by: KB, Oct 25, 2009 10:02:24 AM

Food Network is down the tubes, IMHO. Every other show is a "challenge" or [insert pretty woman in low cut sweater] cooking [insert dumbed-down version of actual cuisine]. Mario Batali was great, now no longer on even in re-runs. Everyone else is throw-away.

Lidia is wonderful, of course -- but my favorite food show these days is Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. Granted, it’s technically a travel show, but the food is where Bourdain’s heart is, and it shows. Also, when he’s not stuffing his face, he’s talking pretty eloquently and/or humorously about wherever he finds himself, and that, along with amazing videographers, makes for excellent TV.

Posted by: Rivka, Oct 21, 2009 08:29:45 AM

I don’t have cable so it is is PBS all the way for me. I agree with the article. I find America’s test Kitchen very helpful and have made many of their recipes. I enjoy watching Lidia - but have never made any of her recipes. The Martha Stewart shows are hard to watch due to the chefs - but the recipes are quite easy and tasty to make. Made in Spain is starting to grow on me as well.

Posted by: S.A.M, Oct 21, 2009 08:04:41 AM

I find the ATK and their other show very pretentious and way to New England and liberal.

I don’t want a quicker coq au vin recipe.

I think everyone on the staff really hates Chris who plays in a rock band.

His notes from his vermont farm are hysterical.

It is interesting to watch the changes in Giada from when she first started. Silicon works wanders. Sorry her girls were not the result of her pregnancy.

I miss Mario Batali on the Food Network.

Lidia does a good job. The grilling dude is passable. Forget the rest of them espeically Todd English!

Prblem with The Food NEtwork is they went to reality TV. And who cares about Duff and cakes!

Bring back Emeril and Mario. No battles!

Posted by: Fred, Oct 21, 2009 07:46:36 AM