Man Vs Food

[SarahChef]

Could someone explain to me the point of this show. This man is actually being paid to gorge himself to the point of throwing up. Why do we find this amusing? I watched it tonight and I was ashamed, that we fat americans actually had a show about eating to much. Am I wrong?

[mamachef]

I find Adam Richman adorable and funny (except now and again, when he looks directly at the camera with hot-sauce stained and swollen lips and a stoned expression) and the show's premise revolting and ill advised and really, really not pc at all. Like C Oliver, I won't watch again, and boy won't they be sorry.

[chowser]

The show would be better if they just left out the challenge at the end. I can't watch that part anyway--it's all the same and it's unappetizing.

[rozz01]

C'mon... It's gotta be appetizing... the Food Network is copying it :)

[MerBot]

It seems like the newer episodes are leaving out the food challenges more often - sometimes it just ends with a visit to another restaurant.

I understand the show starting with the competitive eating gag, but I wonder if they're considering shifting the format?

[LikestoEatout]

All the new shows that I have seen do not have the food challenges. It seems like he has toned himself down quite a bit.

[yankeefan]

These 'new' episodes aren't really new, they are just repurposed old episodes where they highlight the places rather than the challenges.

Not sure when the real new season starts but when it does, I am sure it will be centered around closing with the food challenge as they have in the past.

[majordanby]

the challenges are nearly identically scripted in every episode. The sequence is pretty predictable: adam introduces challenge with a little story related to the theme of the episode (e.g. if it's in Indianapolis, he does something with indy car racing). adam goes in the back and watches the cook make the challenge. adam walks into restaurant with applauding and hooting fans in the background. chef/cook/owner comes in with challenge, says good luck. adam starts to eat and does well....in his monologue, he talks about how good it tastes and how well he is doing. he's doing well then commercial. after commercial, he hits some sort of wall. someone from the crowd enters the scene to cheer him on. he has a second wind. he either wins or doesnt. throw in maybe one or two scenes of fans cheering him on and the owner/chef/cook telling him the time or amount left with some cheering. not all episodes follow this script (the ones where he teams up with someone and the surprise challenge come to mind), but most follow this sequence.

[monavano]

And scene!
It's a bit predictable, isn't it? Perhaps we should add the pretty girl giving him a kiss for good luck (which is well-meaning and cute) and Adam's eye's getting heavy and glazed over as his unmistakable "tell" that he's toast.

[Honeychan]

I realy -like- Adam on MvF. He's engaging, charming and really knows how to talk up a place. When me and my MIL watch the show, we laugh at many of the challenges, but wish we could visit some of the places he features.

Yeah, we've joked around- "I hope he dosen't keel over in the middle of one of those challenges!" or "Hope the Travel Channel has good insurance!" but, we realise it's actually serious. I think that for many people, the show is a vicarious thrill.

I'll admit, i've got a bit of a crush on him. He's got a great sense of humor, and seems like a very nice guy. I'd feel horrible and VERY guilty if by watching his show, i'm furthering his decline, health-wise. He's too good of a host to lose!

[bob96]

He may be funny and loveable, as many others out there are, but the show's a one-joke slapstick bore. It's his choice to put his health in danger.

[im_nomad]

I also think he's adorable, he comes across as engaging and respectful of the places he visits, unlike Guy Fieri, who comes across as almost making fun of the locals and the cooking processes. Do not like.

[Joanie]

Hmm, I can understand people not liking Guy but have never gotten this vibe from him. He always seems like he's really into whatever it is he's eating/watching being cooked.

[Davwud]

Totally agree.

Also, I talked to Erin Curtin at Lake Effect Diner in Buffalo and she said that he was just a nice, fun loving, down to earth guy. Once he got over his "All night casinoing hangover that is."
LOL

DT

[im_nomad]

I mean, obviously I don't know the guy off-camera, but having watched a show where he kind of poked fun at how the cook was saying something (it was either a dialect thing or local word, I can't recall) , it rubbed me the wrong way. He was coming across as snobbish, at least on that show.

[John E.]

I just wish he would show respect for the restaurants and restauranteurs he visits by wearing shoes and socks instead of flip flops.

[Jen76]

I like Adam and the show, though I enjoy his visits to other places much more than the eating challenges, which can be rather stomach turning. I kinda wish he was the host of that show "Meat and Potatoes" because I find him much more entertaining and fun to watch.

[monavano]

I have to say that I'm trending towards thinking Adam's show is just not a good idea. I do not like food eating contests at all, but am drawn to Adam because I think he's got a great personality and captures much of the essence of the places he visits. I met him once-very, very nice guy!
But, this as entertainment is not good. He's stated that he gets his blood work done regularly and eats in a healthy fashion and exercises outside of the show, but this guy's organs simply won't take that abuse!
His pancreas and kidneys are in overdrive! I don't know.

[John E.]

He does this gorging an average of about 1.5 times per month. I realize it's excessive eating, but if he exercises and eats well the rest of the time, will he get heart disease just from eating for his TV show?

[monavano]

I'm just thinking of the pounding his kidneys takes when ingesting an enormous amount of protein and the insulin spikes when eating a milkshake challenge. So, I think yeah, it's really possible to increase risk for atherosclerosis and kidney dysfunction.
Anyways, I was just pondering what we take in as entertainment (although, again,I think he's a really cool dude!).

[John E.]

While I have seen portions of his show, I don't go out of my way to watch it and in fact usually deliberately do not watch it even if I happen to come upon it. There might be an episode that I watch, if the food is ever interesting enough. So far, giant hamburgers don't do anything for me.

[John E.]

I hadn't noticed this thread before. Maybe I was ignoring it. I don't know but I do know that I can't stand this show. The entire food eating contests bug me. I don't like 12 pound hamburgers that really are no longer hamburgers but more like giant meatloafs. It's not that I'm against it on a wasting of food thing, I just think it's a stupid thing to do. I think it started with me despising the Nathan's hotdog eating contest which isn't really a hotdog eating contest at all. It's a wiener and bun eating contest. A wiener on a bun is a hotdog. A wiener not on a bun is just a weiner.

[dolly52]

When I first saw the show it didn't wasn't so gross, but lately it is just sickening. He gets to the point of getting sick stuffing his face. I don't like it, no matter how nice of a guy he seemed at first.

[flourgirl]

I haven't really watched the show in a while. I do like the guy - and I enjoy hearing about the places he visits and the food they serve - but I'm over watching him eat until he gets sick.

[iL Divo]

I gotta get to MSP to have both of the Juicy Lucy's at the batteling competetors.
I only know of the place from watching MVF.

I know many places to put on my to do list just because of the show.
But that said, Mr. Adam Richman is putting on weight which indicated to me that he's putting way too many calories in his body and doing nothing to take them off. One day, he'll blimp up and put so much of a strain on his heart and other organs that his health will be very compromised.

I think a couple of seasons has let us know he can eat, but the chopping block needs to be handed down to the next food hoarder and so on and so on and so on.

[nolapark]

I flipped onto this show a couple of nights ago and thought wow: this guy is starting to look like Meatloaf in Fight Club...kinda sad.

I'm not a big fan. I watch it when there is an interesting place featured but last season seemed like wings, wings and more wings...kinda boring.

[iL Divo]

I'm watching it now due to doing my emails and wanting background noise in the house till hubby wakes up.
He's doing the hottest curry in the US at some place called Brick Lane in NYC.
Well in usual faire, he did finish it and got the accolades for doing so.
Gad that guy must have a cement gut.

[thew]

that phaal at brick lane is hot. but it doesn't taste very good, sadly

[iL Divo]

well thew, I'm not surprised. I'm sure most of what you see on shows like that are for tv schitch anyway.

most of those type things are hot and only hot. how can there be flavor is your mouth is on fire? I grew little tiny, well not that tiny, red peppers this year not really know their heat level. I took a bite of one just to see after picking it, and about blew my head off. I sipped milk all day to lesson the fire damage in my poor little mouth. I think they're habaneros.

[thew]

sounds more like something along the line of thai birds eye chilis.

now, i have had food that was insanely searing hot, and has had good flavor. but the phall was just vinegar and heat and it only hit the back of the throat, and had no other taste and no balance whatsoever.

[dolly52]

I saw a commercial or promotion on the new season, he looks sick and tells the audience that he is serious and does not feel well. I like Adam but I think this is not good, if he is eating so much that it is causing him discomfort, they should discourage gorging that it makes you ill.

[CooksBook]

lol that is histerical. I like how the show visits all the different places with the must try foods in the area, but it is really hard to stomach the challeneges. Some of them are really so gross and you just sit there watching him shove his face like, what is the point of this? I do like the host though; he has a good personality and he can definitely eat.

[jenscats5]

I also like the show a lot......it's interesting to me to see the creative (weird?) dishes some places create and the food challenges are WAY over the top - which is why it's probably so entertaining.

And regarding Adam's weight/health, I've often wondered how he can eat all of that and what his cholesterol profile must be. I can't always imagine him being able to keep it all down.

This season however, while his belly looks bigger to me, he almost looks wider in the shoulder/chest area, so I'm wondering if he's implemented a powerlifting routine as this method of eating would support that exercise plan.

[Felixnot]

In an interview written last year, I believe I read that Adam does the eating challenges no more than once a week, with a lot of excercise in between. I think he said that he is very conscious about both his weight and his health and it's a tough balance.

Don't remember where the article was, but it came out last year.

I'm a fan. I think he's feeds the guilty pleasure in all of us. Likeable too.

[jenscats5]

I think that was posted up thread somewhere about his exercising in between filming.....just to me, based on how he looked last season vs. this season his physique looks to have changed - and not just fatter. Hence, why I was speculating if he implemented power-lifting in his routine.

[epabella]

couldn't agree more. the callous concept of glorifying unbridled gluttony is unacceptable if we believe we live in a civilized society. we can't all participate in feeding the hungry thirty-three percent of the human race but at least we can be conscientious in how we treat the food we have the so many don't.

i wish him well - both physically and mentally but how many shows before the host suffers that impending massive coronary? or does he have large stocks of laxatives in his trailer?

[dave_c]

Watching the challenges is gross, but I find Adam Richman entertaining and full of energy. Also, he's very good at talking up restaurants.

For example, after watching the Seattle episode, I wanted to visit those all of those restaurants. Even though, I know one place is way overrated and one place is tourist joint with mediocre food.

[jarona]

I like it. Yes, it can be gross and revolting--but then again, I find most of the shows and "chefs" on the Food Network lineup gross and revolting as well. What I like about mvf is that he doesn't take himself too seriously. I look at the show as stuff that I would REALLY LOVE to eat..oh dear god would I love to wolf that stuff down. However, I need to take care of myself and therefore must eat in a healthy manner. This show is my fantasy and guilty pleasure!

[flourgirl]

Count me in as someone who likes this show. Not so much for the "food challenges" but because I find Adam very likeable and watchable and because I like learning about all these places serving very tasty looking food and it gives me "food for thought" (pun intended) regarding food based road trips I'd like to take with my husband and son.

[raidar]

I totally agree..replacing husband and son with gf, of course.

[cstr]

He just did a show at a place that I frequent and the plate of food was no where near the size they normally serve, I heard that MvF requires everything to be measured and I understand that but, this was not even close.

[kprange]

Where was this?

[Withnail42]

Bigger or smaller that whatr they normally do?

Was this for the big challenge that he does each week or for one of his local visits?

[cstr]

Can't mention the place yet as it has not aired but, if you view the trailer you'll see a breakfast egg plate with 2 buscuits, this plate was about half of what they normally serve.

[Withnail42]

I think I may have seen it last week. There was a challenge much like you described. I believe that it was in California.

[raidar]

The Broken Yolk Challenge...12 egg omelet etc... Looked pretty intense on TV.

[cstr]

Normally you'd see about 3X homefries on their platter and the omelette look a little skinny, I have breakfast there often. That plate looked sparse compared to what I've seen come out of their kitchen. Think it was intentional? Afterall, he's an actor so looking intense may be a game he's playing.

[anonymouse1935]

..........After all, he's an actor so looking intense may be a game he's playing.

So true. It IS a game he is playing.

I initially liked Adam and his show. I became disenchanted when I read that he went to drama school.

I still like him but can't watch his show all the time anymore. His 'sweating' and 'discomfort' are pat and formulaic.

That said, the 13 cheese grilled cheese sandwich looked wonderful.

[bookhound]

If he has the ability to sweat on command he is some actor.

[anonymouse1935]

Well, he at least pretends to wipe his brow.

I like the guy, and was in love with the Cleveland grilled cheese sandwich, but his final 'challenge' is just about rote.

[BakersDozen22]

This show is okay as long as you shut it off during the challenges. I enjoy watching him travel to new cities and describe their food & favorites. Gluttony is not fun, though.

[anonymouse1935]

Nor is reality television. If the Food Network (and just about all the stations) can be carny television, why not the Travel Channel?

Since Adam is by trade an actor, I laud him for tapping into the propensity of the American viewers for watching anyone do anything excessively stupid and get paid for it.

In addition, he has far more charm than the DDD guy. Plus, he's laughing all the way to the bank.

That said, the live show was a bust. He ate a 72 oz. steak in Texas, why would anyone doubt he could eat a 48 oz. steak? It also appears the brothers boring announcers were chosen by management, I can't imagine Adam had any say in them.

I look forward to the next season.

[monavano]

That steak was no challenge for Adam-it was a shoe-in-win (unless he ate at a buffet beforehand).
I've seen him put away seemingly insurmountable quantities of food, so this was disappointing.
Been there, done that.

[jgg13]

I've noticed that his limit seems to be in the 5-7 pound range

[monavano]

Mind-boggling, isn't it? I generally dislike eating contests, but Adam's personality is a winner, and the investigative nature of his show makes each episode interesting and informative.
I met him briefly in Philadelphia, and he was very nice and seemed to truly love discovering foods.

[jgg13]

Yeah, I really like his personality (at least what is shown on TV). Zane Lamprey is another guy that I like in that vein. The thing with those eating challenges is that a lot of them I actually do want to eat what he's being served, just much less on the amount :)

[brb6504]

My Son and I watch Man Vs Food alot we really like it we think Adam is a cool guy I think he trully likes discovering new foods. Some of the Challanges are a little wild sometimes and the amount of food is outragious but like someone else said this is not "normal" meals people order every day they are fun challanges that happen only occationally.

[Joanie]

I think it's fun and definitely get into the marathons. It's totally over the top ridiculous at times but half of TV is over the top these days. While it's embarrassing how fat America has become, I don't think this show is the problem.

[rozz01]

Yeah... it sorta makes me sick, but he's so effin' charming

[CharH]

Stupid, embarassing show. Makes me want to gag.

[rochfood]

Intelligent, show of local pride. Makes me want to eat.

[MattInNJ]

Some of the challenges arent really gorging at all. He had to eat 6 really really hot wings from a place in Pitt. He also had to eat some crazy spicy curry from NYC. All were normal portions.
I really could do without the challenges, but I do like how he covers a city in each episode. This formula has already been done to death, but I still like it.

[duckdown]

The show is fine... He rarely is victorious anyways

[kprange]

I like his show as well as DDD. We have tried some of DDD's places in Memphis and have been very pleased. We are going today to try Pappy's and Crown Candy from Man vs. Food. I hope they are good as well. While the challenges are somewhat gross sometimes, I really enjoy learning about local places. When you don't live in an area and get to visit, it is really nice to see where the locals eat vs. eating at all the tourist traps.

[FrostyGhost]

I personally really enjoy the show. I mean I think the host is pretty darn funny and while he may/may not come up with all the bits himself he pulls them off really well. As someone who is very watchful about what he eats I can have fun watching someone do something that I sometimes wish I could do or eat things I wish I could.

If you take off of pure fun factor I don't think that there is anything wrong with it. I think the whole subject of "American's Eat Too Much" is something left for another discussion.

[Davwud]

A food challenge is not "America eats too much." It's simply that. Look at the Nathan's challenge. It's won by a Japanese guy a lot and he's small. One does not mean the other.

DT

[Davwud]

I like this show. I could certainly do without the food challenge and often times, I'm switching channels when they come around. I'm interested to see what the challenge is, but not in actually seeing if he can do it.
I'm not an American (Married a southerner though) and even if I were, I would not be ashamed. I have no idea why it's shameful. It's a hook and nothing more. If you don't want to eat a 17lb piece of liver then don't. Don't take things so seriously.

DT

[newhavener07]

Sorry, it's hard not to take things seriously these days when this show seems to be a symptom of everything that has gotten this country in such serious trouble ...this show is shameful only in that it's a microcosm of our whole culture: gorging ourselves for no particular reason and remarkably little pleasure. Look into this guy's eyes during the challenges and you don't see anything like a love of food--just a sort of desperation. Give me Andrew Z. and his crispy junebugs any day.

[Davwud]

"Sorry, it's hard not to take things seriously these days when this show seems to be a symptom of everything that has gotten this country in such serious trouble"

Sorry, that's just too big a leap for me. It's only food. It's also for anyone to enjoy. Not just the uber rich.

DT

[gastrotect]

This is evident in other shows...Andrew Z. tried doing the Acme Oyster challenge himself when in New Orleans. Bourdain stuffed himself silly in Osaka because for Osakans apparently that's a way of life. People love to talk about how horrible food challenges are, but are they really any more indicative of excess than spending $200 on one meal or one bottle of wine? At least with Adam's show he is highlighting local eateries that use these challenges as a PR gimmick, not as the backbone of their business.

[CapreseStacy]

+1

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

"This show seems to be a symptom of everything that has gotten this country in such serious trouble."

Wow, I must have missed the episode where he ate a pile of credit default swaps.

[gastrotect]

Oh yea. It was in the same episode where he had to eat as many sub-prime mortgages as possible in 3 minutes.

[FrankD]

Plus he ate all the documentation, so now nobody knows who owns what, who owes who, and hoo-hoo-he-do!

[gastrotect]

I agree with some of the posters here, I think the show may "be" about food challenges, but in doing the food challenges he spends the better part of each episode highlighting local eateries. That in itself makes the show worthwhile in my opinion as many of those eateries are the kinds of places that could use some PR in this economy. And since many of the challenges (most of the ones I've seen in fact) are heat-based, I don't even find them morally reprehensible. I can think of many things to be offended by before I'm offended by something like this.

[newhavener07]

I've watched the show a few times now and while I'm not actively offended, I do find myself vaguely disgusted by the whole thing. Yes, the show does highlight local eateries, but watching the dude shovel food into his face makes me less likely to try these places, not more. Since he's basically on the verge of vomiting the entire time, each episode gives me a queasy association with the restaurants. Not to mention that the guy looks like a heart attack waiting to happen--his face has that oily, cholesterol-laden sheen that I recognize from "Supersize Me." In all, the spectacle is a disgrace and an insult to all the American chefs out there who believe in quality, not quantity.

[Ericandblueboy]

his face has that oily, cholesterol-laden sheen that I recognize from "Supersize Me."
**********
I thought that's just make-up.

[jgg13]

You might want to take a look at the interview posted below. In it, he specifically addresses both health in general and his own health. In particular, this passage:

"As a man who has had to address weight issues for a significant period of his life, it is naturally at the forefront of my thoughts during production. I REGULARLY get my cholesterol, liver enzymes, blood lipids checked when not on the road or when I return from a three-city sweep. During shooting, on non-challenge days, I generally only eat enough for us to get the shots we need. We shoot too many shows back-to-back to go hog wild. Additionally, I always stay at hotels with gyms so I am able to work out every day. When I am back at home, I work out with a physical trainer and eat a healthy, balanced diet."

[viperlush]

"Since he's basically on the verge of vomiting the entire time, each episode gives me a queasy association with the restaurants."

Yup, I'm with you on that. Only saw one episode (Acme Oyster) and it was enough for me. I love oysters and watching someone shovel them in his mouth was a turn off.

[newhavener07]

And if you want to get all "eco-foodie" on his ass, by far most of the challenges involve mass quantities of factory-farmed, hormone-filled, government subsidized, ozone-stripping, planet-raping MEAT. So, strictly speaking, the show is usually Man vs. PLANET. Okay, off my high horse now. (Bittman-style omnivore here)

[fishfry]

I like the show. It is really a rip off of DDD and he had to add something to make it different. Here is an interview where he gives some insight to why and how he does these challenges.
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows...

[jgg13]

It's a ripoff of DDD, but IMO he's a far better host. Thanks for the interview, I hadn't seen that.

[Ericandblueboy]

I agree with you that Guy is a douche but Andrew does end up visiting the same type of joints that Guy visits. I'm sure they've visited some of the same restaurants, right? I don't watch DDD so I don't know.

[phantomdoc]

It is a concept show. Like DDD meets Jackass. It is fun to watch but I won't try this myself.

[jgg13]

"And if you want to get all "eco-foodie" on his ass"

Actually I don't.

[Withnail42]

Have to agree with you. I 'm really more interesting in the local places that he visits.

[Miss Needle]

I'm not a fan of food contests other than for the sheer gross factor. But I like the show because Mr. Fred Savage is a likeable guy. He's smart, quick, and has a good sense of humor. DH described him as a not annoying, funnier Guy Fieri.

[gloriousfood]

OMG, "Mr. Fred Savage": YES, that's who he looks like (this has been bothering me since I started watching the show--he reminds me of someone but who?)!

[Vladimir Estragon]

Fred Savage, by way of Tony Curtis.

[jacquelines]

Wether you enjoy it or not has nothing to do with being American or not, from my opinion. I've lived in many places on many different continents and i lead a life of moderation, but I so would love to try one of those hilarious food challenges. Come on, none of you say "oh i can finish that, is he kidding me?"
The show is not trying to be anything more or less than what it is, so enjoy it or don't but I so could have kicked ass in that giant pizza contest.

[Robert R]

He conquered one of my fantasies - "The Phaal Challenge" at Brick Lane Curry House in NYC. This is something I've been wanting to do for years, but I seldom get up to NYC (live in Tampa Bay, FL). This is possibly the hottest curry in the world. The chef wears a gas mask while cooking it. It was great to see Brick Lane featured.

Robert R.

[thew]

phall @ brick lane = meh

hot yes yes yes.
and while i love hot, that stuff is all monotone heat and vinegar, adn pretty boring

[jgg13]

I've been judging the hot food stuff that he does based on his reaction, normalized to his reaction to the hell pasta at the east coast grill (which i've had). The phaal seemed like it might very well be out of my league.

[Lenox637]

Wow..... all I have to say is at least the guy eats the food or most of it. What is most insulting to me are these reality shows that use food as props, they're not even trying to eat it, just roll around and dig for idiotic game items, there are starving families within walking distance of ALL of us in the good ole US of A. It's the whole society that is broken.

[monavano]

Although food eating contests turn me off, in general, I like this guy! In my view, it's a bit different than seeing how many hot dogs you can stuff down your gullet in 3 minutes. It seems to be, as other CH'ers have mentioned, that these eateries which offer such outrageous "contests" are really doing it as a PR initiative. Hey, if it gets folks in the door, gives them a show, or lets the winners claim bragging rights, then no harm in my eyes. What does worry me about Adam, is the distinct possibility that he is clogging his arteries for the masses to see. I sure do hope that he works out in between gigs!
Although, the funny thing is that many times, the people who choke down some of these monstrous dishes are on the thin side. Hmm.....
Anyway, I particularly enjoy when he attempts to eat dishes with so much heat, you need burn salve and can't touch your nasty bits for a week. I give him cred for that!
(I sheepishly admit that part of the reason I watch is to see him and his cohorts turn green from attempting to eat enough for 10 people ;-) )
www.houndstoothgourmet.com

[lergnom]

I kind of like the show because he's good on TV. The eating challenges are a little repetitive and sometimes you just shake your head.

I live near one of the challenges, Eagles Deli's absurd mountain of hamburger, cheese & fries. No human being could eat that. Some of the challenges are more like dares - as in, eat this hot food - and are designed to draw customers. A few, like the Eagles one, are more on the order of ridiculous.

[jgg13]

People have eaten those Eagles things. IIRC though, every time someone eats one, he makes one even bigger.

To touch on your first paragraph though, I do think he is a good TV personality. In terms of the challenges, I mainly only enjoy the spicy food ones instead of the massive food ones.

[lergnom]

My point is the current challenge is too large for human consumption, certainly in the required hour. The first challenge was the Reilly Burger, which was 3lbs plus cheese & 5 lbs of fries. Then it went to 4 lbs. Now it's 5 lbs, which is 20 patties with 20 slices of cheese & the 5 lbs of fries. You do get a drink.

[jgg13]

1) I find a lot of the food he eats to look good and something that I'd want to eat
2) The eating challenges are amusing
3) You're wrong

These sorts of "I'm so ashamed to be an american because of shows like this" attitude wears thin. If you don't like it, don't watch it. Don't be a pretentious git and whine about it.

[PattiCakes]

I live in Philly, home of the infamous Wing Bowl. Man vs Food is tame.

[bob96]

The show's a waste of time because it does nothing to enhance my enjoyment of, pleasure in, or understanding of food in places I may never have heard of. It's simply another lazy challenge and countdown, with the same stupid storyline-the host could just as well be trying on the world's smallest pairs of jockey shorts and the show would be the same. What's more, it's old and lame: the same delis, soul cafes, bbq, big Amarillo steaks, and other oddball spots covered many times over. I confess to enjoying an occasional visit with Diners..., even if Fieri's gelled up shtick wears thin, there's at least a reasonably unforced joy in discovery, and Fieri treats local cafe owners with something like respect and interest. Unlike Man... and Zimmern, it's not always and only about him. Good point above about this kind of stylized excess being not that far down the responsibility scale from that carefully curated $80 small plates tasting.

[Suzy Q]

I must have some pretty low-brow tastes, because I find the show amusing. And I agree with Chris - the things Adam eats are the get-'em-in-the-door, oh-wow-is-he-really-gonna-eat-that special challenges, not the normal plates that are served at these restaurants. I like the fact that he highlights local joints - I've not watched every episode of the show, but I've yet to see him visit a chain.

Personally, in this economy, I find this show more appealing than the worldwide travel and live in the lap of luxury shows. But that's just me - to each his/her own.

[Proud2BWLVRebel]

Suzy I agree with you, I like this show too. Gives me a chance to see restaurants that I know I'll never be able to go to, kinda like Guy's DDD. I like Adam and I do find him entertaining. And it IS better than those vacation shows. I watched one last night about the top 10 Carribean resorts. Yeah, I'd stay at one if I had Bill Gates kind of money.

[Ericandblueboy]

The food challenges are not pretty, although not all challenges are based strictly on quantity. Many times he's challenged to eat spicy food. Again, it's not pretty to watch a grown fat man cry. The rest of the show where he travels to different cities and eat local foods is kinda cool (similar to diners, drive-ins and dives except the host Adam isn't a d-bag).

[Gio]

I don't even watch the Commercial.

[c oliver]

My husband TiVo'd it simply because we want some new food shows to watch and he just saw the title. I can now delete those and reprogram the season pass option. I'm sure it will be a huge success without my viewership.

[KTinNYC]

I found the show entertaining.

[MattInNJ]

Hell yeah, people need to lighten up. An as for the fat Americans comment, speak for yourselves :-P

[pilinut]

Thank you for writing what I have been itching to say, but hadn't dared. I thought it might have been a cultural and generational thing: I'm Filipino; my parents and grandparents lived through WWII and never let me forget how precious food is. I have no problem with Zimmern eating bugs, or Bourdain dining on sphincter muscles, but I found this show revolting.

Living in more prosperous times, I cannot claim to have never wasted any food, but I have never done so in a premeditated way. I probably enjoy my food more than most people (here I am on Chowhound, after all), but the premise of the show--an adversarial relationship between human beings and our food--is not just warped, it's downright stupid. And at a time when a growing number of people in the U.S. face living off food stamps, the show is gratuitously disrespectful.

[chris2269]

Well the show is about places that offer food challenges. These are not the regular plates at these locations, these are usually a marketing tool that these places use to get attention. also most of these places are one off family owned restaurants so if citing less than prosperous times these are the places that should get attention. You can also really only have two kinds of challenges 1) too hot to eat 2) too much to eat

I don't prescribe to the this is why Americans over eat sermon and the show is no more disrespectful to those on hard times than eating an $80 tasting menu and a wine pairing - that's about a weeks worth of groceries.

Its a show