I make my living as one very small cog in a very large wheel of the machine that creates some of the shows you watch on TV.  I have been fortunate to work on some great productions, but I must admit that I really have little time for most of the modern North American programming.  When I have time to sit and watch ‘the box’, I tend to gravitate to programming from Britain, or Europe or Australia.  They offer shows that are based upon telling great stories, without leaning on crutches of explosions, car chases and shoot ‘em ups.

When it comes to food related entertainment, I am equally unimpressed with much of what is being peddled by the two major cable food networks.  The plethora of ‘cooking’ game shows with their contrived drama just is not my cup of tea.  I miss shows of old like Emeril Live and Good Eats.  Shows that both taught and celebrated the soul of food.  Shows that didn’t just treat the preparation of food as something that is a chore, but something that was an expression of love for those in your life and a celebration of it’s roots

Last week I decided to subscribe to Netflix again, having given up on it about a year ago when I found myself spending more time searching the guide than watching the programming.  I have been very pleased to find that they now have a full compliment of food programming, and much of what I am seeing is excellent.  There a great selection of shows that explore food, the people who create that it and often the places that have given birth to them.

As someone who is cursed with an emotional connection to food, the opportunity to learn about people around the world that have a passion for food in all its forms – cutting edge and traditional alike – is something that fuels both my brain and my heart.  To that end, I have decided to make a list of some of the current offerings that I am enjoying, in the hopes that maybe you my intrepid reader might want to spend an hour or three on a cold winters day enjoying some of this programming that I am finding so enjoyable.

Most of these programs are on Netflix, but I will list the network or service with the show below.  I will update the list from time to time, as I find new programming.

Netflix – Salt Fat Acid Heat

Netflix – The Chef Show (I suggest that before you watch this series, you watch the movie ‘Chef’ on Netflix as it is the foundation for the series)

Netflix – Somebody Feed Phil

Netflix – Restaurants on the Edge

Netflix – Chef’s Table (there are a few versions of this show, each wonderful on it’s own)

Netflix – Chef’s Table BBQ (my particular favorite of the group)

Netflix – Cooked

Netflix – Ugly Delicious

Netflix – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Prime Video – Anthony Bourdain No Reservations (only Season 8 at the moment)

PBS – Mind of a Chef

Google Play (Purchase) – Anthony Bourdain – Parts Unknown