What’s your favorite cooking show? Top Chef is tops with me!
From
| October 12, 2009
In Coffee and Convo
I am hooked on Top Chef. I’m not one of those cooking contest people, 
I’m really not. I don’t usually get pulled into the competition shows because my heart always breaks for who loses, goes home, gets kicked off, or has to pack their knives and go. (No, I never got over that as a kid … I guess I was too often on the losing team.)
But I am drawn to this cooking show unlike any others. I started watching it when I needed to fill an empty rainy day. Bravo has marathons of whole seasons playing back to back. My girls had recorded it on the DVR for some reason and there it was, as I was scrolling through the list weighing my options and like a gift, a whole season was ready to play non-stop all day.
I hunkered down with a bowl of popcorn and watched until I could hardly take any more. A couple days later they were promo-ing the new season in Las Vegas. Click! went the DVR record button – whole series, please.
I think the thing that draws me in is the evaluation of the food by the judges. Presentation, texture, layers of flavors, execution of assignment … on goes the list. The Quick Fire challenge is my favorite: 20 to 45 minute challenges. Of course I would like that one!
Do you watch cooking shows? What’s your favorite?
Comments
From Heidi - October 12, 2009
I'm with you - Top Chef is my favorite as far as entertainment value. I'm also somewhat addicted to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Lord, does that ever make me drool...talk about so-bad-for-you food that looks sooooo good. Great hangover food. But for real cooking, Barefoot Contessa is the best. Followed by Tyler's Ultimate and Giada (even tho looking at her annoys me, she does have some great recipes).
From Alicia - October 12, 2009
I can't tell you how many times I have complimented a friend on a recipe and they said it was a Barefoot Contessa recipe. Clean, simple and straightforward. (I sound like one of the judges, don't I!) and have to agree about the G annoyance- if I'm honest, I'm sure it is jealosy!
From Beverly Mills - October 12, 2009
I have all of the Contessa's cookbooks and you're absolutely correct -- they always work and they're always terrific. Her brownie recipe is to die for (a bit odd in the size pan called for, but if you use the good chocolate like she says, it's amazing!)
From Maria M. - October 14, 2009
So many shows... For recipes and outright hands-on cooking, you gotta LOVE the Barefoot Contessa. Her simple and practical approach to cooking has me reaching for her cookbooks time and time again. Plus, I love watching Jeffrey and Ina on the show.
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From Susan McGrath - October 12, 2009
Barefoot Contessa, hands down! I just love Ina Garten's practical approach to entertaining ... and her recipes never disappoint.