As you may already have realised, I am an unashamed 'foodie'. I love eating, I love cooking, and most of all I love discovering new flavours and recipes.
I do have a few favourite 'TV Chefs', as well as food writers. Rick Stein's programmes around Europe combine travel with gastronomy, and become a history lesson in the process. They are worth watching time and time again.
I also rather liked the Two Greedy Italians, Carluccio and Contaldo, who's humour combined with good food and wine, made compelling viewing.
Writers such as Elizabeth David can be read like a good novel. Always good.
But I've recently found another TV food explorer, whose programmes make wonderful watching.
Stanley Tucci, is an American of Italian parents who lives in London. I believe he is an actor, not a chef, but I only know of him through his TV series 'Searching for Italy' (see short trailer above). He obviously has a passion for everything Italian, and especially its cuisine.
I am a huge fan of Italian cooking, the simpler the better; and Tucci shows us some classics. He avoids the high-end eateries, and concentrates on that which is available to us all; region by region. His Spaghetti with Zuccini being a classic example, and is a revelation.
When I have the time, I am watching some of his programmes on the BBC's iPlayer on my laptop, but I expect they are available elsewhere too. If you're a foodie like me; take a look. He's very good with few pretentions, which makes relaxed viewing. Keep your pen and pad handy!
Yes I enjoyed it. I binged watched some 6 episodes one evening on Iplayer after Tom recommended it a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteI only discovered him a short time ago. He was 'recommended viewing' for me on iPlayer. Very watchable and informative. He makes you want to visit places.
DeleteDarn, I hope this series arrives here quickly. He's good, fast moving, interesting, and great food.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed watching Nigel Slater across the middle East too. He gets a bit intense and his hair keeps on falling over his eyes but he's enjoyable, loves all the new foods and experiences.
I'm amazed I've only just discovered him. Probably my own fault for going to bed too early and listening to radio.
DeleteI very much like Rick Stein's knowledgeable and gentle presentation. I used to like Two Fat Ladies and the above is about limit of cooking shows for me.
ReplyDeleteTucci is half travelogue, half food; not unlike Stein. But, refreshingly, he's not a cook.
DeleteLike Rachel, I binge watched them all and even made the Spaghetti alla Nerano !!! I have always liked Stanley Tucci as an actor and have enjoyed many of his films. I also follow him on Instagram as he makes many recipes. I hope he continues to make more foodie programmes.
ReplyDeleteI’m afraid I’m not keen on Rick Stein ….. he continually slags off the U.K. and it’s food in his programmes whilst making a fortune in Padstow ( and elsewhere ) in his many overpriced restaurants !!!! XXXX
I shall be doing that Spaghetti dish next week; it sounds so good. I like the way one leaves the cooked Courgettes over night.
DeleteI've only known one person who'd eaten at Stein's; he wasn't impressed.
I like Rick Stein's overseas travelogues but not his ones in the British Isles. He always acts like he is the first person to have discovered good British food. I have stopped watching them. But I love his European city breaks.
DeleteWe have found his programme very genuine, when he was in our area Lazio the food was presented as it is, decent honest and wholesome. I didn't expect to like the programme so I have been pleasantly surprised. Bravo Stanley.
DeleteI don’t like being negative about people and have watched RS’s programmes but it just annoyed me re U.K. and the fact he does very well out of it !
DeleteThe courgette pasta was nice but a bit of a faff !!!!! …. that might say more about me than the dish ! XXXX
His programme about my region of France was 'spot-on', he had done his homework.
DeleteI ate at Rick Stein’s at Padstow once. I almost never eat fish out though. I had a chat with his lobsters on the quay first. His technique for catching razor clams is bizarre.
DeleteI'm not a "foodie" but I do like to eat, usually too much of the wrong things, I have a very sweet tooth. I like some Italian foods and have recently learned to make my own pizza dough, now, as long as I have the toppings I need, I can have pizza without waiting for a delivery person.
ReplyDeleteI always make my own Pizzas, but I buy the dough ready-made! I suppose I really ought to make my own.
DeleteI love Stanley Tucci and that series was wonderful - I believe a second one is in the works. Loved his Youtube videos during the pandemic lockdowns - lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteHe is also an actor who has portrayed many diverse characters - as a foodie you should try to find "Big Night" - all about two brothers who own a restaurant and what happens over a very short period of time. It's wonderful!
I shall have a look at that. Thanks for the tip. I find ordinary TV very tedious.
DeleteI'm not a foodie but I admire people who are. I particularly enjoy eating at the home of someone who loves to cook. Our neighbours just had us over for home made pizza made with their own sour dough crust and an impressive selection of toppings. It was enjoyable watching someone put together a pizza who was clearly enjoying every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteWe've just had Sunday Lunch with my oldest who is a true gourmet. We always have such a good time together.
DeleteHe's books are pretty damn good too. I'm just reading his latest. Taste, my life through food. Wonderful stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm obviously a late-comer to Mr Tucci. I shall have to look into his books too.
DeleteI love to travel and eat nicely prepared food presented on good china. For me it's the whole package and experience. Cooking myself does not appeal to me but I'm happy to dine.
ReplyDeleteGood food and good company are some of the best things in life.
DeleteHe’s a lovely character
ReplyDeleteNot at all a Hollywood Diva. Quiet, unassuming, and inquisitive.
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