Best in Chow

"Best in Chow" is an appetising and competitive television series from the Cooking Channel that first aired in 2013. This unique food show brings together local, pride-packed competitions to determine the best in different food categories, setting the stage for mouthwatering showdowns of culinary creativity. This is not a show about haute cuisine or the latest food fad. Instead, it focuses on classic, comfort foods that everyone knows and loves.

The premise of the show is fascinatingly straight-forward and easily digestible. Our host, Cris Nannarone, a veteran road warrior and standup comedian with a knack for sniffing out the best traditional dishes across various cities, is on a ceaseless journey. He travels through major American and Canadian towns and cities, conducting spot competitions to discover the best burger, pizza, or taco in the zone. As the show’s host and towering figure, Cris brings an affable and engaging presence to each episode, strongly contributing to the show's overall light-hearted and entertaining tone.

What sets "Best in Chow" apart from other food-themed shows is its unique structure and competitive aspect. Each episode focuses on one particular city and one type of food. Once the city and food type are underlined, three local establishments, all boasting the ‘best in the business,’ are reviewed. These often-independent owners are given a chance to showcase their iconic dishes, culinary skills, their establishment's ambiance, and often the historical significance their establishment holds in the city’s food landscape. But the fun part is that they are in competition with each other, leading to a simmering rivalry beneath their affable interactions.

Nannarone has an instrumental role as a true culinary judge and mediator in the series. He tastes the offered specialties, speaks with the owners and customers, provides tasteful commentary, and eventually helps declare one of these establishments as the best at the episode’s end. It’s a delicious roller-coaster ride, from the guided tours led by each restaurant's proud owners to the grand reveal of the winner.

Throughout the show, viewers get to enjoy the vibrant atmospheres of various American and Canadian cities. These include Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Calgary, Nashville, Vancouver, and many more. The series highlights unique food destinations and local eating culture while displaying a wide array of mouthwatering dishes. It brilliantly captures the essence of local cuisines, the city's culture, and the passionate individuals behind these delicious icons.

"Best in Chow's" other integral aspect is its sense of community and pride. The local chefs put their heart into their creations to win the title, but it's also about bragging rights and being recognized as the best in their city. In turn, customers and regular patrons passionately and proudly endorse their favorite spots, creating a competitive yet community-driven environment.

The show is not simply about finding the best of a particular dish. It's about showcasing the diversity of food culture in North America and the unique twists each city and restaurant brings to table classics. With its down-to-earth charm, "Best in Chow" provides a unique perspective on popular food items and invites viewers on a culinary journey through varied city backgrounds, celebrating passionate chefs who take immense pride in their creations. This simple yet savory concept lures in food lovers and curious viewers alike to join in on the festivities and mouth-watering meals that may well inspire their next culinary adventure.

"Best in Chow" is an excellent culmination of food, travel, and friendly competition. Whether you're a food enthusiast willing to explore popular culinary delights or a casual viewer who enjoys the flair of food-oriented competitive reality shows, this series offers an engaging, fun-filled watch. It is both a feast for the eyes and a testament to the love and dedication each city puts into its cherished dishes. With its celebration of classic dishes, this show keeps viewers captivated, satiated, and heading toward the kitchen with newfound inspiration.