Visual Gastronomy is a category where I talk about the cooking shows that excite and inspire me. If they ever invented the TV that could release the aroma and fragrance of cooking, I’m so there to get one. But till then, we have to rely on our visual sense to whet our appetites. When I came up with this category, the term, ‘We eat with our eyes,’ comes to mind. Although this may refer to the presentation of food and how it is pleasing to the eye before the palette, cooking shows are a lot like that. You have to imagine what they taste like through what you see and if it is pleasing enough, it is worth watching.
Of course, I will also include shows that touches maybe not so much on cooking but rather the hilarious drama of it all. Maybe not worth watching but worth mentioning.
To kick off, I would like to review one of my favourite chefs on my favourite show. Jamie Oliver – Jamie at Home. I know what you’re thinking….Jamie Oliver is so overrated. Be that as it may, I won’t deny this man is really good on camera and his presentation of things are raw and refreshing.
Jamie At Home is literally what it means, he cooks at home with produce from his huge, gorgeous garden. I covet his garden, he inspired me to start one on my own but I guess in KL, the rats are too huge and too many to battle. Plus, I was sold bags of soil that doesn’t suit growing vegetables even though it claims it does. Crooks. I digress.
Here is the link in which he talks more about the show;
The show has two seasons, within each episode he touches on a particular ingredient found either in his garden, growing wild or even meats bought from local farmers.
Season 1
Tomatoes
Courgettes
Barbecue
Beans
Onions
Carrots and Beets
Potatoes
Peppers and Chillies
Mushroom
Game
Pumpkin and Squash
Winter Salads
Season 2
Lamb
Leek
Winter Vegetables
Furred Game
Pastry
Eggs
Rhubarb
Asparagus
Summer Salad
Pizza
Strawberries
Peas and Broadbeans
Summer Brassicas
Pickles and Preserves
What I find appealing from this show is that occasionally it will refer to this adorable illustrated cooking journal that has drawings and cooking instructions to his dishes. You also get the plus info on how to grow certain vegetables and Brian, the gardener in charge, will sometimes appear to impart his vegetal wisdom. I like Brian, he has this zen-like pleasant demeanour. I suppose anyone would feel that peaceful being surrounded by all that goodness coming out from the earth.
Here’s a peek to my favourite episode;
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SBtsGoeoEc&w=590&h=385]
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1voom5gzhk&w=590&h=385]
