(43-41) "The Great Food Truck Race"

In my August 24, 2010 post; "Reality Check," I wrote "I've also DVR'd but have yet to watch "The Great Food Truck Race," (The Food Network) but I have high expectations of this one.  It looks like "The Amazing Race" but with a huge food component."  And boy was I right!!  A couple of weeks ago, my kids and I started watching the episodes of "The Great Food Truck Race," that we'd DVR'd and we immediately got hooked! 

"The Great Food Truck Race" began in Los Angeles on August 15, 2010 with 7 specialty food trucks; (NOT roach coaches;)  from different parts of the country.  Each week they must drive to a designated city after cleaning out their pantries and once they arrive at their destination, they are given a certain amount of money to buy their ingredients.  Once they buy their supplies, they can set up shop anywhere they choose; however, at some point during their stay, they will get a call from the host, Tyler Florence; who will advise them of a "Truck Stop," which is basically a challenge that if won, can provide them with immunity from elimination or money towards their total till, which could ultimately preclude them from elimination.  The team who has earned the least money at the end of each challenge is eliminated.  So far the trucks have been in San Diego, Santa Fe, Fort Worth and New Orleans.  In Next week's episode, they'll be in Jonesborough,TN population 5,000 and the race will culminate in New York City.

My 11 year old son Nicky, brought up an interesting question the other night.  We were discussing the show and he said "Why do they call it The 'Great Food Truck Race' if they're not racing?"  Point well taken; and the answer is; I'm not sure.  But truth be told, it wouldn't really matter to me what they call it, becasue I just enjoy the show for what it is, which is basically a mobile cooking competition.

There are currently only 3 teams remaining; and I can tell you that during each episode the kids and I cheered, when the losing team was announced.  We ALL love this show.  And last night the kids asked Luis to inflate our Aero-bed so that we could all lay down and watch it together.  It's amazing to me how our entire family is always in full agreement about which team we want to go home.
We like the Nom Nom Truck from Los Angeles. They serve Vietnamese style sandwiches and they are EXTREMELY smart.  They typically try to partner up with a local business and they've been leading the pack the entire way; but the team that we like best is called Grill Em All; and they're also from LA.  Maybe it's because Grill Em All makes gourmet burgers that make your mouth water just to look at them; or because they seem to be a bunch of down to earth underdogs.  I'm not exactly sure; but nonetheless, we like these guys.

So, in the interest of (say it with me,) "The Greater Good;"  I'm going to encourage you to watch "The Great Food Truck Race."  It's not too late for you to see the 4 episodes that you've missed thus far; and the next new episode won't be on until Sunday night, so you should have time to catch up or at least start taping the episodes that remain.  "The Great Food Truck Race" is a show for anyone who enjoys food competitions, and if you haven't already seen it; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  If you check it out; let me know what you think.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-28) Reality Check

As promised in my August 22 post "Hot & Huge," I'm coming right back atchya with the second part of my TV tutorial.  I've already covered the scripted shows that I've been watching, so now it's time for a reality check.  Fan of the written word that I am; I feel slightly guilty admitting that I watch far more reality TV than scripted TV but I suppose in all fairness that there are more reality programs on in the summer than new scripted programs. 
While thinking about the reality shows that I am currently watching, I realized that I can break them down to 2 categories; 1.  Shows about food and 2.  Shows about New Jersey.  I could just as well say that the 2 categories are 1.  Shows that I love and 2.  Shows that I love to hate or hate that I love.  I know, I know, if you hate it; why watch it - I'm right there with you but it's like a car wreck, you just can't look away.  As much as it repulses you, there's something compelling about it; and that's exactly how I feel about "Jersey Shore," "Jerseylicious," and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey."  Oh where do I begin?  First and foremost, let me say that I don't advocate that you watch any of these Jersey shows; and yet I can't stop myself.  "Jersey Shore" and "Jerseylicious" are guilty pleasures indeed.  I watch these shows thinking that the majority of these people look like such morons; they're petty and small and superficial and those are their good qualities.  Maybe I watch because their stupidity makes me laugh and because their lifestyle is SO different from what I've become accustomed to in Arizona; and yet parts of it are like a slice of home.  Now, if you haven't heard of or seen either of these shows, don't be alarmed.  "Jersey Shore" is in its second season on MTV and it's basically like the "Real World" but with an entire cast of  20 something Guido's and Guidettes.  I first started watching this show during a marathon last summer, and OK I got hooked.
"Jerseylicious" is on E;  it's about a hair salon in New Jersey and for the most part their isn't anything wrong with this show, EXCEPT for the most obnoxious, self-centered, conceited, hairstylist EVER - Tracy!   Tracy is dating the ex-boyfriend of makeup artist Olivia and she is bound and detemined to make Olivia's life a living hell.  Tracy is mean and annoying and I can't wait for someone to put her in her place.
Lastly, I've been dancing around it in a couple of blogs now, so it's time for me to discuss my discord with "The Real Housewives of New jersey."  I was a fan of this show last year; but in the same type of way that I enjoy my other Jersey shows; it's just a barrel of unexpected surprises.  Now last season the housewives proved themselves to be a little over the top and this season they've gone right over the top and off the deep end; ESPECIALLY Theresa Giudice.  Last season Theresa looked like a kind hearted ditz who thought money grew on trees.  This season she continued to flaunt her expensive tastes despite the fact that her husband has filed for bankruptcy.  I for one don't understand how if you've filed for bankruptcy you throw a christening for a baby that's equivalent to a big, east coast wedding.  How you go on a trip to Italy and a cruise while you're there and take not only your family of 6 but all 4 in-laws as well.  Now OK, I'm not naive; maybe just maybe Bravo (their network) paid for these things, but if that's the case; I sure would like them to say so.  I could go on and on and on with my criticism of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey;" sans redhead Caroline Manzo of course; but instead I choose to focus on the positive; so let's move on to FOOD!

At the top of my list of food shows STILL, is "Top Chef."  Top Chef is on Bravo,  and in case you haven't seen it yet, I would venture to say that it is the BEST cooking competition show out there.   Also, if you haven't already heard, Top Chef - Just Desserts will begin on September 15 -  what a treat; sign me up!
I've DVR'd but have yet to watch "Master Chef," (on FOX) but I sure plan to.  I enjoyed "The Next Food Network Star," and Aarti WAS my choice to win.  I just watched her first show "Aarti Party" the other day and I found her to be delightful.  I personally have never been a fan of Indian cuisine, but she put an Indian twist on sloppy joes and made some ice cream pops and I was already to give them a try; so I'll stay tuned.
I've also DVR'd but have yet to watch "The Great Food Truck Race," (The Food Network) but I have high expectations of this one.  It looks like "The Amazing Race" but with a huge food component.  I've watched Cupcake Wars; (Food Network)  and even though it's not the best of the food shows, it's still entertaining.  Of course I LOVE Triple D -  "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives,"  and I never miss an episode of  "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" (both on The Food Network.)  Food glorious food; see what did I tell you; I love everything about it.  I don't just like to eat it; I take pleasure in  watching people cook it, I adore hearing people talk about it AND I've been learning a lot about how to prepare it and where to go get it.

Thank heavens for my DVR; it's probably the most used piece of equipment in my houseright now.  I know from the sound of my two TV posts it must seem that I spend a lot of time watching TV, but the truth is that I DVR the shows that I've mentioned, but there are a lot of days; (especially now that I'm writing ever day) that I don't even turn the TV on.  When I do find the time; the food shows are programs that I watch with my kids; and the Jersey shows are programs that I watch with my husband; and in these difficult times, I think that we can all use some distractions from our own reality.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING