Simply Ming (Cooking)
Picture: B
Sound: B Extras: D Program: B
Who loves food?
Well, that’s a silly question as I think just about everyone loves some
type of food, after all, it is essential to our being. However, not many people really enjoy making
it nearly as much as they enjoy devouring it.
I would have to say that I am in the first group of people and not in
the group that loves to cook, let alone watch shows about cooking. This is where things get a bit interesting
because reviewing a cooking show and not being a fan per se of cooking could
lead to mixed results. However, I am
safe to say that the show impressed me and not only that, but impressed a few
people that watched the show with me on occasion and they happen to be regulars
in and around the kitchen.
One thing that was noticed is that the show Simply Ming
does not try to out-do some of the other big shows that are on the tube. Of course we have Emeril and the Iron Chef
and the list goes on and on, but Ming keeps things very tight and appealing in
it’s own little way. I guess one might
call this a niche audience, but the quality of the show is above most of the
average shows out there and the lessons on cooking are for the most part
terrific. There are a few episodes that
miss the mark a bit when it comes to explanation and there are a few occasions
where you wonder if the show is as much focused on cooking, as it is other
things, like traveling.
This 3-disc set from WGBH includes a lot of hard core
cooking, most of the time you will be satisfied, especially if you decide to
take up some cooking during that time and make stuff with Ming. Although, most of his equipment would not be
found in most people’s kitchens, but you can always find an alternative method
to doing things and the great thing about DVD versus TV is the fact that you
can stop it whenever you want and/or rewind to figure out how to make things
look just like him.
The full-frame image actually looks pretty good and I was
surprised at the amount of detail and color.
The 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo is equally sufficient and this makes for a
really sweet set for all those chef’s and wannabe chef’s out there. I have seen the book sales for cookbooks
before and I know that there is a definite market out there for such product,
especially as things become more convenient on formats like DVD versus reading
things from a book, cooking is something you need to see to believe
sometimes…of course eating it is all the better!
- Nate Goss
