I’m sick and tired. I’m sick of the food freak shows that brought us the doughnut hamburger and I’m tired of cooking shows that don’t actually show you how to cook anything. Let’s just call it what it is, shall we? Food porn. The key difference being that when I watch Julia Child I don’t wind up shoulder deep in my refrigerator scraping off mouldy cheese with one hand and ordering a pizza with the other. I don’t need to shower the grease along with the shame off of me when I’m done.
I’m not a puritan. I think food porn has its place, and it can be a titillating way to spend a dull Saturday afternoon. I have a problem when it’s my only option – Food Network, I’m looking at you! A little bit of greasy deep fried smut is ok, but if it’s all you watch you have a problem and should seek professional help.
That being said, The Chef’s Domain will not teach you how to cook, but it will inspire you. Each show features a Canadian chef whose focus is on serving ultra local cuisine, in some cases sourced from a 40 km radius (they use 25 miles on the show, but this is Canada, people).
Episode one even had the award-winning head chef of Raymonds in St. John’s, Newfoundland hunting for fresh game meat, diving for scallops and foraging for mushrooms with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country as the backdrop.
What stands out is the passion of the chefs showcased, their commitment to supporting their local farmers, and their philosophy of taking care of the planet and each other, all while having a little fun.
So where does The Chef’s Domain fit into the gastronomically naughty spectrum? Well they do hit on the trifecta of great food porn. Firstly, there are some seriously sexy shots of local cuisine, but you are just as likely to see some local pigs rooting in their own filth – I guess there is something for every perversion. Secondly, they deliver a passionate story of local chefs and farmers supporting each other and their communities. Thirdly, I was so inspired after watching it that I cycled over to the local farmers market to hunt for mushrooms and the most perfect lacy bunch of string beans I could find.
Verdict: it’s some high end shit.
The Chef’s Domain premieres tonight on Discovery World.Â