What I don't understand is, why all these travel programs, or Dinner impossible and such, when in the meantime there is all that talk about Emeril and how he at least is getting avarage ppl into the kitchen?
That makes it sound like this IS the real goal of the network.
Get people cook!
Now how, pray tell, will anyone will learn anything by watching all those ppl eating in restaurants?
There was Food finds that served a purpose. Get to know local, outstanding food, places, etc. There was follow that food, which was a travel program really, but at least tried to educate about a particular ingredient/dish in the meantime. It had some food related purpose besides showing someone eat.
And while they are eating, you don't really get a review. All you hear is mmmmm fabulous or something. That is not a review, so what's the point?
Restaurant reviews have their place on a food channel.
But these programs are not even that.
There should be a ballance. There should be a variety of people presenting things.
If you look at the programs how many real chefs you see?
If the goal is education there could be a program to teach basics.I mean basics, really, like how to buy meat or cut vegetables, what spices are matched best with what, how to use a knife, explain ingredients etc etc .
(Yes , you could say there is Good eats to do that, but not really. That program is probably too "scientific" for those who's only knowledge of cooking so far is how to mix a can or two.)
They could present farmers markets and teach about seasonal stuff while doing it.
I'm sure something like that would have audience.
And some new faces please! No matter how much you like someone, seeing the same face 4-6 times a day is a bit much!
I understand many folks want to be entertained only and that's fine.
On the other hand if it's called food network it should concentrate on food.
There are many other channels for entertainment only.