I like to watch the Discovery Channels, especially the Travel & Living channel. I watch it while having dinner (it is not healthy, I know ), I listen to it while I do house work and I watch it before bed time. Recently, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of culinary shows:
1. No reservations, with Anthony Bourdain
2. Feast Bazaar, with Berry Verra
3. Local Flavors, with Joan Cusack
4. Bizarre Foods, with Andrew Zimmern
5. World Café Asia, with Bobby Chin
6. Chic Eats

Not to mention:
7. License to Grill, with Robert Rainford (on Euforia TV)
8. The Naked Chef, with Jamie Oliver, (on TVR 1)

All of the above are interesting, entertaining and educating shows; but so many of them lately. Almost every TV channel has them.

In my opinion, one theme is emerging from all these culinary shows: make the best dish with the local ingredients. Discover the potential and flavors of the local ingredients. Work with what you have and cook the best dish. Experiment, change and listen to your guts.

Interestingly, these advices are true in every industry. But coming from a cute, funny, talented chef…it all makes sense. We all should master the local resources. If we don’t, a foreigner will come, one day, full of ideas and enthusiasm. And he/she will show us what we couldn’t see: the richness around us. After all, the grass is always greener on the other side, right?

When I learned that Gwyneth Paltrow will be hosting a food show with Chef Mario Batali, I only prayed that having a culinary show on TV will not become the new I-must-have-my-own-perfume/clothing-line-because-I-am-a big-star. Cooking is not for everyone, you stars out there. You actually have to cook (it can make you dirty, you know) and enjoy the fruits of your labor.