Bong Appetit

Bong Appetit is a unique cooking show that introduces viewers to an entirely new way of thinking about food and recreational cannabis. Produced by Viceland in 2016, this daringly innovative television series takes dynamic gastronomy and cannabis culture to a new level. The show explores the hundreds of uses of cannabis, from its incorporation in multi-ethnic dishes and unique drinks to utilising its numerous strains as garnishes and flavouring agents, in the world of culinary arts.

Hosted by Abdullah Saeed, a writer and pro-cannabis journalist, Bong Appetit kicks off by inviting different chefs, enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs for each episode. These guest chefs are tasked with creating sumptuous meals and creative concoctions using cannabis as the main ingredient. This unique cooking challenge highlights not only the diverse properties of this famous plant but also brings together meals from a range of culinary traditions which respectfully use cannabis to enhance their recipes.

Throughout the series, viewers receive an in-depth education about the medical benefits, potency, and flavors of different strains of cannabis. The show is set in a sprawling Los Angeles mansion, known as 'Weed House,' the dwelling of an array of cannabis varieties from around the world. Instead of a conventional pantry, at the Weed House, one could find a 'weed cellar' comprising a selection of rare and significant cannabis strains, CBD-infused ingredients, and marijuana-infused cooking essentials.

Each episode has a distinctive structure. It starts with Saeed and the guest chef for the day visiting cannabis growers, collectors, or business experts and then returning to Weed House to create a themed dinner party. The visit often involves learning about the multitude of strains, different ways to extract THC and CBD, and how these elements could be incorporated into food to achieve the desired effect. Each chef brings their own style, culture, and culinary expertise to the table, literally cooking up euphoric experiences for a small gathering of special guests.

What sets this show apart is its informative yet entertaining approach toward the larger dialogue regarding the use of cannabis. Bong Appetit breaks down stereotypes and misinformation associated with marijuana consumption. In the process, viewers are offered a different perspective on the possibilities that this versatile plant presents when combined with culinary creativity. Given that, it's only apt that the show is named “Bong Appetit” – a clever pun on the French phrase “Bon Appétit,” which encapsulates the central theme of enjoying good food with a twist of marijuana.

Viceland's Bong Appetit has received critical acclaim for its fresh concept, with each episode conveying educational aspects coupled with a healthy dose of good humour, light-hearted camaraderie, and of course, an array of mouth-watering cannabis-based dishes and drinks. It celebrates the growing acceptance and legalisation of cannabis in several regions worldwide and does so in a stylish and delectable format.

The show neither glamorises nor demonises the use of cannabis. Instead, it approaches the subject with maturity, respect, and a clear emphasis on safe and responsible use. It highlights how, like any other ingredient, when used in a measured and educated manner, cannabis can be just another element contributing to the depth of flavours and experiences in cooking.

Bong Appetit takes viewers on a mind-opening exploration of the culinary potential of cannabis, where they are led through the different stages of food preparation right from producing the cannabis extracts to cooking and finally to tasting. From sizzling Vietnamese dishes to Mexican cuisine and even to traditional indigenous meals, the show revolutionises the way cannabis is perceived in society today, painting a broad picture of its burgeoning presence in our daily lives.

This iconic Viceland series is recommended for not just those interested in the ever-growing cannabis industry and culture but also foodies open to uncharted territories of gastronomy. Bong Appetit is a tantalizing mix of food, cannabis, and culture that broadens your understanding of the intersection where high cuisine meets high times.