Exhibits, Shows and Displays

Is the Food Network unwittingly creating "triggers" to drink when their chefs include cocktail preparations?

If you've ever watched the Food Network, you know it can make you really hungry. I think it's a great channel and I've learned a lot from it. But for a good number of their chefs, their 30 minute program is usually topped off with the presentation of a specialty cocktail at the end. And unlike a lot of advertisements where it is against the rules to show someone actually imbibing that beer, the Food Network Chefs almost ALWAYS take a sip for the cameras and go, "UMMMMMM...MMMMM!!! Boy, is THAT GOOD!" ....just the way they do with all the delicious looking food they prepare and taste. And with a 30 minute show format, that's TWICE AN HOUR, folks! I've not tracked how soon in the day they start serving "visual cocktails" to the TV audience, but I can tell you they seem to come almost every hour in the afternoon and evening. And just as much as I'd love to run emulate their libation recipe immediately, that's probably not the best thing to do when you still have work to complete. And for those who are struggling with any alcohol issues, I guess they may just have to tune out of the Food Network because of these "triggers", correct? So might the Food Network be contributing to the delinquency of a portion of America by tantilizing viewers with videos of chefs drinking twice an hour? This is the FOOD Network, right? And not the BARTENDER'S Network? I'm just wondering if the Food Network directors are instructing the chefs to include libations in their shows (because that generates more viewers) or whether all these chefs just really like to drink and party. Yes, yes, yes...we should all show self-restraint -- don't preach, please. This is just a question if the Food Network is making it harder to practice moderation when everything they demonstrate (including the drinks) LOOK SO DAMN GOOD -- ALL DAY LONG!

Public Comments

1. Usually people enjoy drinks with food so I don't think this should be over analyzed. When I go out for a nice meal I like to enjoy a cocktail, or even with a cheap meal! If you can't take the heat, get the hell out the kitchen!!
2. I can say, from personal experience, that the food network causes me to consume much more alcohol than I otherwise would. Ina says, "add three Tablespoons of Cognac." So I pour a Tablespoon, take a swig. Pour another tablespoon, take another swig. Or perhaps I decide to make Beef Bourguignon, which calls for an entire bottle of wine. I decide that's a waste, use half the bottle in the recipe and drink the rest. This doesn't even include the actual cocktails I've made simply because they tell me it "goes great with the meal." If they didn't tell me that, I'd probably have just served iced tea. Guy Fieri is the worst, he drives me to drinkin' every time I see him. I've found myself wanting a cocktail now every time I see a TGI Friday's commercial. . . I've become Pavlov's Dog, in a sense. Cocktails hit the airwaves here at by 10AM (Central). Champagne Brunch, anyone? Food Network rocks my world, by the way!
3. Its not just food network pbs cooking shows encourage drinking also I think it falls back on good food and good drink symbolizes prosperity