Avec Eric

Avec Eric is a culinary and travel docu-series that first aired on PBS in 2009. The TV show covers two complete seasons of entertaining, mouth-watering viewing. It is presented by FilmBuff, a brand renowned for exceptional filmmaking, and stars Chef Eric Ripert, a world-renowned culinary expert, author, and television personality. Though his roots are in France, Ripert is best renowned for his culinary contributions in the United States, particularly for Le Bernardin, a Michelin three-starred seafood restaurant in New York City.

Avec Eric translates to "With Eric" in English, and this pretty much sums up the show. Viewers enjoy an intimate culinary journey as they explore different food cultures around the world with Eric as their guide. True to its unique name, Avec Eric transports audiences with passion, exploration, and adventure beyond the kitchen, serving as a thoughtfully crafted blend of food, travel, and storytelling.

Chef Eric Ripert's charisma and love for food are clearly evident throughout the series. There's a sense of authenticity as Ripert engages with food producers, farmers, fishermen, and culinary experts, understanding the journey of ingredients from field to table. Each episode interestingly showcases the conversation between Ripert and his guests, ultimately fostering a shared appreciation for global culinary traditions, cultures, and communities.

Uniquely, each episode takes viewers to a new, exotic location around the world, displaying beautiful cinematography and heartwarming storytelling that goes beyond your typical cooking show. Countries like Italy, Spain, France and Australia, as well as states within the US like California, are given the spotlight. Ripert dives deep into each region's distinctive culinary tradition, exploring their unique approaches to food gathering and preparation.

Avec Eric fosters a rich conversation about food, embracing a holistic approach to cooking. Instead of just presenting recipes, the show delves into the inspiration behind the dishes, showcasing local ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and the people behind the food. Here, food is not just a means of sustenance; it is a tool for communication, a celebration of culture, and an expression of identity.

One key feature of the show is its informative aspect. Ripert shares his professional knowledge and insights about different culinary practices and ingredients. His passion for using fresh, local, and in-season ingredients is contagious. He offers a wealth of advice, like how to select the best ingredients, master cooking techniques, and artfully present your dishes. As a result, each episode is more than just an enjoyable watch; it’s also a valuable learning experience.

After each mouth-watering journey to exotic locales, Ripert takes the viewers back to his own kitchen located in New York City where he crafts food inspired by his travels. This intimate setting provides a tranquil and comforting contrast to the bustling and exciting adventures. In these segments, to seal each episode, Ripert charmingly demonstrates how to prepare one or two elegant, yet accessible dishes inspired by the episode's theme, the ingredients, and the traditions experienced.

Avec Eric boldly stands out among various culinary shows because of its unique combination of informative cooking segments, stunning global travelogue, and poignant human stories. It successfully harmonizes the vivid, exciting, and sometimes messy world of culinary culture with the precision, care, and reverence of a master chef's kitchen. Besides, the series is imbued with a genuine passion for food and an inquisitive spirit that provokes thought and encourages culinary exploration.

Avec Eric has received considerable recognition and accolades for its excellence, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Culinary Show" and "Outstanding Culinary Host," establishing its reputation as a must-watch for food and travel enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, Avec Eric provides a truly captivating blend of culinary discovery, travel adventure, and cultural immersion. Chef Eric Ripert presents a masterclass in bridging the gap between the realms of professional haute cuisine and home cooking, inspiring viewers to explore their love of food on a completely different level. Whether you are a seasoned chef, an amateur cook, or a food enthusiast, Avec Eric promises an enthralling auditory and visual feast that will tantalize your senses and inspire your culinary creativity.