There is something severely fun about going to restaurants whose reviews you've read, either in a newspaper, a magazine, or online. Not only does it give you more reason to go, but while you're there, you can have stimulating dinner conversation about "this article I read" about the place. Suddenly, you transform from average diner into locale connoisseur.
Even more exciting, though, is going to a restaurant you've seen on TV.
The summer show The Best Thing I Ever Ate was absolutely incredible. Let's just put it this way: when Guy Fieri tells you what the best burger he ever ate was, you're just going to have to eat it. You have no other option. I mean, I even wanted to eat a plateful of shrimp heads after hearing it described by Duff. Unfortunately, most of the places featured are in New York or down south because that's where all the Food Network personalities are from, but I did go to Bi-Rite to get Sam's Sundae (items in picture are larger than they appear), and it was even better than it sounded.
The other day, I went to Tom Colicchio (head judge on Top Chef)'s sandwich place in San Francisco. Five years ago, people didn't know who Tom Colicchio was. Now, people (read: me) eat at his restaurants just so they can say they ate at "that Top Chef guy's" restuarant. And that's why it pays -- literally -- to be a TV personality.
If you're into food and you're into television, which should be the case for every breathing human, definitely read this article: It's long, and I hate it when people send me long articles and then I feel obliged to read them instead of watching TV, but it's definitely worth it, so please feel obliged.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Episode 308
Somebody on Survivor found the immunity idol before the presence of an immunity idol had even been announced. Television, particularly of the reality variety, has become so predictable that by watching, future contestants can now beat the system before the system is even there. So Russell, your typical Survivor d-bag, sticks his hand up a tree and finds the immunity idol within about five minutes of starting the search. Kind of anti-climatic.
In an era of such predictable TV -- so predictable that even the people on the show know what's coming next -- Modern Family, another fantastic new sitcom this fall, is a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend watching the whole thing: it will be the best 21 minutes and 35 seconds of your week, guaranteed; but if you're too busy to watch TV (i.e. you're a condescending grad student), just watch this short -- and absolutely perfect -- clip. Out of context, but still worth it.
I'm assuming this was intentional, but it's kind of like the new generation of Arrested Development. It's relatively more normal (relatively being the key word) and a little less subtle, at least at this point, but it's got that same these-people-are-jackasses-but-you-love-them-even-more-for-it kind of feel. Since being just too over the top got Arrested Development prematurely canceled, the slightly more human characters of Modern Family might make this a keeper not only for the viewers, but for the networks, too.
In an era of such predictable TV -- so predictable that even the people on the show know what's coming next -- Modern Family, another fantastic new sitcom this fall, is a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend watching the whole thing: it will be the best 21 minutes and 35 seconds of your week, guaranteed; but if you're too busy to watch TV (i.e. you're a condescending grad student), just watch this short -- and absolutely perfect -- clip. Out of context, but still worth it.
I'm assuming this was intentional, but it's kind of like the new generation of Arrested Development. It's relatively more normal (relatively being the key word) and a little less subtle, at least at this point, but it's got that same these-people-are-jackasses-but-you-love-them-even-more-for-it kind of feel. Since being just too over the top got Arrested Development prematurely canceled, the slightly more human characters of Modern Family might make this a keeper not only for the viewers, but for the networks, too.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Episode 307
Project Runway has been having a great season so far. The designers seem to be, as a whole, much more talented than in past years. The move from New York to L.A. is a little disappointing, and I am missing Michael Kors, but other than that, I've been impressed.
No matter the season, though, what I -- and I have to assume most viewers -- love most about Project Runway is Tim Gunn. And recently, someone brilliant has created just what the fashion industry needs: a Tim Gunn superhero. I do realize how ridiculous this is, but in a world where Stacy London and Clinton Kelly are the closest thing we have to fashion superheroes, Tim Gunn is desperately needed.
Sometimes, when I'm down and don't know who to turn to, I kind of wish Tim Gunn would suddenly appear and just say "Talk to me...". If Tim Gunn were a superhero (which he is now) his super power would be to always be right...brutal, but always right.
No matter the season, though, what I -- and I have to assume most viewers -- love most about Project Runway is Tim Gunn. And recently, someone brilliant has created just what the fashion industry needs: a Tim Gunn superhero. I do realize how ridiculous this is, but in a world where Stacy London and Clinton Kelly are the closest thing we have to fashion superheroes, Tim Gunn is desperately needed.
Sometimes, when I'm down and don't know who to turn to, I kind of wish Tim Gunn would suddenly appear and just say "Talk to me...". If Tim Gunn were a superhero (which he is now) his super power would be to always be right...brutal, but always right.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Episode 306
Despite the incredible array of new shows that began last week, despite having watched Community three times in 36 hours, despite The Office's magnificent return, despite spending the weekend with a friend who appeared in the credits of Parks and Recreation (which is by far the coolest thing any of my friends have ever done, sorry to everyone else), despite Survivor already having me hooked after only one episode, despite the fact that the Emmys were this weekend...there is still something much more urgent to discuss.
DREW CAREY IS THE WORST GAME SHOW HOST EVER.
Yes, Drew Carey has officially surpassed Howie Mandel and Alex Trebek. I realize that it is difficult to replace such a legend as Bob Barker, but come on, people. Let's be honest, The Price is Right is not a very exhilarating game -- even more of the magic was lost when I saw it in person and the room was smaller than my high school auditorium. Like on most game shows, the host is the only one who can create true excitement. It should not be the contestants' responsibility. Bob Barker could make anything suspenseful and interesting. Even the people winning the cars aren't excited when it's announced by Drew Carey. I literally hate it so much that I refuse to even try to find a clip to link to. It's better this way, trust me.
Case in point: John O'Hurley (who apparently was Drew Carey's competition for The Price is Right and for some inexplicable reason did not get it). He hosts another extremely cheesy and washed out game show (Family Feud), but he makes it exciting: the hand holding, the quick wit, the relatability, it's all there. Oh, and additionally, unlike Drew Carey, John O'Hurley does not have a new pedophile haircut. As if grooming himself to look like Michael Moore will make him less annoying.
DREW CAREY IS THE WORST GAME SHOW HOST EVER.
Yes, Drew Carey has officially surpassed Howie Mandel and Alex Trebek. I realize that it is difficult to replace such a legend as Bob Barker, but come on, people. Let's be honest, The Price is Right is not a very exhilarating game -- even more of the magic was lost when I saw it in person and the room was smaller than my high school auditorium. Like on most game shows, the host is the only one who can create true excitement. It should not be the contestants' responsibility. Bob Barker could make anything suspenseful and interesting. Even the people winning the cars aren't excited when it's announced by Drew Carey. I literally hate it so much that I refuse to even try to find a clip to link to. It's better this way, trust me.
Case in point: John O'Hurley (who apparently was Drew Carey's competition for The Price is Right and for some inexplicable reason did not get it). He hosts another extremely cheesy and washed out game show (Family Feud), but he makes it exciting: the hand holding, the quick wit, the relatability, it's all there. Oh, and additionally, unlike Drew Carey, John O'Hurley does not have a new pedophile haircut. As if grooming himself to look like Michael Moore will make him less annoying.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Episode 305
A new show on the CW, Vampire Diaries, recently caught my attention when I heard it described as "Dawson's Creek meets Twilight". Well, what could be better? Unless Paul Rudd were involved, I don't think this idea could be improved upon at all.
And then I watched the trailer.
So it turns out that by "Dawson's Creek meets Twilight" they meant "Twilight aired on the network that happened to also air Dawson's Creek." This trailer could have been played out with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, and I literally wouldn't have batted an eye, except to wonder why Twilight was now a TV series.
Thanks CW, but I think I'll stick with Gossip Girl. That's more like Dawson's Creek meets crack cocaine.
And then I watched the trailer.
So it turns out that by "Dawson's Creek meets Twilight" they meant "Twilight aired on the network that happened to also air Dawson's Creek." This trailer could have been played out with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, and I literally wouldn't have batted an eye, except to wonder why Twilight was now a TV series.
Thanks CW, but I think I'll stick with Gossip Girl. That's more like Dawson's Creek meets crack cocaine.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Episode 304
Gossip Girl is such a beautiful show that I could literally watch it on mute and would probably enjoy it almost as much -- just for the aesthetics. I say "almost" because the drama -- and their beautiful voices -- are just too good. But honestly, the characters' Upper East Side outfits, Blair's lips, Serena's hair, Chuck's eyes, their impeccably decorated houses, the stunning jewelry, even just the bricks in the courtyard of the school: I just want to be immersed in a world that is so beautiful. This is how some people may feel about poetry; it's how I feel about Gossip Girl.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Episode 303
How I Met Your Mother is the exception to the rule. Actually it is the exception to several rules:
RULES:
1) Sitcoms about groups of twenty- or thirtysomethings friends will never live up to the original.
2) Any TV show made post-90s starring Bob Saget must suck.
3) Jason Segel is always the funniest person in a room.
The key to this super-smart comedy is, of course, Neil Patrick Harris. Come to think of it, there's another rule/exception:
4) Child actors from late 80s TV shows cannot under any circumstances become successful and actually talented actors.
Every brilliant comedy seems to have one character who is, well, abnormal. Think about it: Dwight, Tracy Jordan, Buster, Screech, the list goes on. But what Neil Patrick Harris (along with the writers) does is create that abnormality without portraying a character who is clearly missing a few brain cells. Thus, I love Barney, and for some unknown reason, so do hundreds of other women.
RULES:
1) Sitcoms about groups of twenty- or thirtysomethings friends will never live up to the original.
2) Any TV show made post-90s starring Bob Saget must suck.
3) Jason Segel is always the funniest person in a room.
The key to this super-smart comedy is, of course, Neil Patrick Harris. Come to think of it, there's another rule/exception:
4) Child actors from late 80s TV shows cannot under any circumstances become successful and actually talented actors.
Every brilliant comedy seems to have one character who is, well, abnormal. Think about it: Dwight, Tracy Jordan, Buster, Screech, the list goes on. But what Neil Patrick Harris (along with the writers) does is create that abnormality without portraying a character who is clearly missing a few brain cells. Thus, I love Barney, and for some unknown reason, so do hundreds of other women.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Episode 302
Television can be stressful. Take September 17 please, for example (by the way, if you're not picking up my references to The Office, it's time to start re-watching old episodes). Oh, by the way, OH MY GOD.
On September 17, the following television shows need to be watched primetime: Survivor, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Community -- are we feeling stressed yet? --The Jay Leno Show, Project Runway. Not bad for a 2.5 hour time slot. But that's just September 17. We can't forget about shows that start later, or happen to not be on Thursday nights: 30 Rock, Top Chef, Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, The Next Iron Chef, How I Met Your Mother, 90210.
I may -- may -- just be counting my lucky stars that LOST doesn't start again until 2010.
P.S. I know that I'm not dedicated enough since I don't watch True Blood, Mad Men, blah blah blah, but there are only so many brain cells a girl can lose. I need to save some for the rest of the Twilight series.
On September 17, the following television shows need to be watched primetime: Survivor, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Community -- are we feeling stressed yet? --The Jay Leno Show, Project Runway. Not bad for a 2.5 hour time slot. But that's just September 17. We can't forget about shows that start later, or happen to not be on Thursday nights: 30 Rock, Top Chef, Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, The Next Iron Chef, How I Met Your Mother, 90210.
I may -- may -- just be counting my lucky stars that LOST doesn't start again until 2010.
P.S. I know that I'm not dedicated enough since I don't watch True Blood, Mad Men, blah blah blah, but there are only so many brain cells a girl can lose. I need to save some for the rest of the Twilight series.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Episode 301
After three weeks without television (yes, it's true - but reading Confessions of a Shopaholic and Twilight is such a brainless activity that it qualifies as TV, right?), I feel like it wouldn't be fair to try to jump right back in with a post on a show that I haven't been consistently watching. So, I will start with commercials. As most of you probably know, I absolutely love the Sonic commercials, which I was only introduced to upon my relocation to the alien world of California. The first one I ever saw still has me cracking up every time I think about it -- it just drives me...you'll see: just watch.
I just recently saw another version, equally as brilliant. This one, though maybe not as laugh-out-loud funny, really hit home and made me realize that people writing for TV are just normal (read: abnormal) people like you and me, who used weird mnemonic devices to help them remember their locker combinations. Yet somehow these genius writers are still at it with the Sonic commercials, while some really untalented people have made it to prime time with My Boys (for example).
This newest Sonic commercial may be most appealing to the Saved by the Bell generation, when lockers were for cool kids (locks, though, not so much, but we can ignore that for right now). And since I brought up Saved by the Bell (on purpose), I would just like to take this opportunity to announce that you are reading a blog about TV by someone whose commentaries on TV have recently been published in one of the most widely read publications in the U.S.: People Magazine (yes, in the MailBag section, but still, can you imagine how many people send in letters each week?!) So even though only about 10 people will read this entry, 3.75 million people will know how I feel about Saved by the Bell.
I just recently saw another version, equally as brilliant. This one, though maybe not as laugh-out-loud funny, really hit home and made me realize that people writing for TV are just normal (read: abnormal) people like you and me, who used weird mnemonic devices to help them remember their locker combinations. Yet somehow these genius writers are still at it with the Sonic commercials, while some really untalented people have made it to prime time with My Boys (for example).
This newest Sonic commercial may be most appealing to the Saved by the Bell generation, when lockers were for cool kids (locks, though, not so much, but we can ignore that for right now). And since I brought up Saved by the Bell (on purpose), I would just like to take this opportunity to announce that you are reading a blog about TV by someone whose commentaries on TV have recently been published in one of the most widely read publications in the U.S.: People Magazine (yes, in the MailBag section, but still, can you imagine how many people send in letters each week?!) So even though only about 10 people will read this entry, 3.75 million people will know how I feel about Saved by the Bell.
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