Chew On This: ‘The Chew’ Is Great!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s the holiday season (What an interesting term – holiday season – I have thoughts on this but I’m too tired to go into it. I’ve been getting through all the “Say Yes To the Dress” episodes taking up space on my DVR – it’s been hard work!)

The best part of the holidays is not television, just in case that’s where you thought this article was going. In fact, holiday episodes are often sub-par. Not since the days when I used to watch traditional cheesy sitcoms (“Full House,” “Family Matters,” etc.), have holiday episodes truly excited me. The exception is the Lifetime Network and the Hallmark Channel – who both use this season as a springboard for fantastic made-for-TV movies about finding love and finding Santa, usually starring C and D list actors. There is truly nothing more indulgent and superfluous in my life, and I adore every single second of it.

However, what really make this season special are the crafts and the cooking. And this is the best time to turn to daytime programming and the Food Network. While I feel I should urge you all to watch the Martha Stewart show, since she is a sort of a goddess to me, I actually have a new favorite show for all your crafty and culinary needs: THE CHEW!

This show is absolutely fantastic if you are someone who frequents epicurious.com, etsy.com, or anything of that sort. If you have a Pinterest.com page, this show is for you too! In only its first season, it has already found its footing, and is actually a fresh, unique, light-hearted, and enjoyable hour of television each weekday. While many hold a grudge against this daytime talk show since it replaced the beloved long-running “All My Children,” I say you have to give this show a chance (again, assuming you are the type of viewer who enjoys this stuff). While I certainly do, I know many of you are not into this sort of thang’ and for those who don’t watch, good luck with your homemade marzipan, suckers!

Rather than the usual formula for a daytime segmented home-related talk show where there would be one host (Martha, Rachael, anything on the Food Network), “The Chew” is hosted by five people, who all seem to agree that they are part of a team, with no clear leader. Although the audience probably puts more weight into what Mario Batali has to say (haha inadvertent fat joke!). Along with Batali, the show features hosts Michael Symon (Iron Chef), Carla Hall (Top Chef), Clinton Kelly (What Not to Wear) and Dr. Mehmet Oz’s daughter, Daphne Oz (who is also a nutritionist, author, and proud native of Bergen County, New Jersey! Holla!). Perhaps due to the staggered affect of having so many people on screen to teach their lessons and share their ideas, no one host really has the chance to get on your nerves. I had expected Daphne Oz, with her young age, famous father, and perfect teeth, to annoy me, but surprisingly I am rooting for her tofurkey to be a big hit with the rest of the hosts!

But the best thing about “The Chew” is how much you get from one episode – table settings, centerpieces, home decor, fun crafts, party ideas, and recipes upon recipes! So now you know, tune in to “The Chew” and learn how to properly prep for the holidays – your guests will be so impressed! Go show your parents you learned to be a proper adult with adult skills! (I say this, but I can’t do my own taxes….errrr).

To Good Friends and Good Food,
The TV Titan