I recently joined the throngs of consumers who have upgraded
their entertainment systems. I went with a 53-inch LCD high
definition television (OK, it is actually smaller than that, but
guys tend to exaggerate), a new receiver, surround sound speakers,
outdoor speakers, digital video recorder, high definition satellite
service and a hi-def DVD player. Without hyperbole, the difference
in viewing television now, compared to what I had before, is not in
the same ballpark.
I recently joined the throngs of consumers who have upgraded their entertainment systems. I went with a 53-inch LCD high definition television (OK, it is actually smaller than that, but guys tend to exaggerate), a new receiver, surround sound speakers, outdoor speakers, digital video recorder, high definition satellite service and a hi-def DVD player. Without hyperbole, the difference in viewing television now, compared to what I had before, is not in the same ballpark.
I like watching television, up to four hours each day, maybe six hours if there is something good on!
Jokes aside, one usually does not brag about watching television. But to my credit, the shows I tend to watch are educational in value – at least in my eyes.
The History Channel, National Geographic Channel, CNN, Do-It-Yourself Network, Fine Living, Discovery Channel, and my favorite, the Food Network.
A relatively new show on the Food Network is called “The Next Food Network Star.” This is the only reality show that I make “must see’ television. I tried “American Idol” earlier this year for the first time, but I could not buy into that whole Papaya, I mean Sanjaya, thing.
The premise behind “The Next Food Network Star” is self-explanatory. A group of food-lovers, all with different backgrounds and skills, compete for a chance to have their own show on the Food Network. All contestants are judged as they go through a series of challenges that test their food knowledge, culinary skills and on-camera appeal.
I vicariously envision what I would do, how I would respond and how I would rank with all these folks that I am now on a first-name basis with.
After six episodes, the original cast of 11 contestants is down to three people. With only two episodes left, I am surprised that wine has made an appearance only twice that I can recollect: once in a recipe and once when the cast was shown eating dinner.
With all the shows on the Food Network, I tend to gravitate toward the shows that feature wine and spirits as part of the meal. The combination of food and wine just works for me.
It also started me wondering if there could be network that highlighted wine. What would those shows look like?
Here are some possibilities:
n Entwined with the Vines – This show could teach methodologies and all the work that goes on in the vineyard. Everything from irrigation techniques, pruning, harvesting, spraying, etc. Different vineyards from around the world could be featured.
n The Next Winemaker Star – A competition among winemakers that would pit them in competition with one another. Different regions or different varietals could be featured each year (i.e., who makes the best new chardonnay?)
n Behind the Label – Strategies used to market wine, like how to get the most from your distributors. How to capitalize on emerging trends? What sets the price of wine? How wine is made?
n Pairing and Sharing – A series that focuses on matching great food with great wine. What boundaries can or cannot be pushed? Serving tips for the novice and expert. Organizing dinner parties, table decorations, party themes, etc.
Thanks for letting me have fun. Next week, I will be revisiting an article that I did last year on the Gilroy Rotary Club Wine Pavilion at the Garlic Festival.
Proost!
