Cooking on High

Cooking on High is an innovative and entertaining Netflix show from 2018, built around the intersection of culinary excellence and cannabis culture. The concept at the centre of the series is as straightforward as it is intriguing: it’s a cooking competition where all the dishes must contain a ‘special ingredient’ - cannabis. This allows for a lively juxtaposition of the somewhat lofty world of gourmet cooking with the down-to-earth, rebels-without-a-care vibe of traditional cannabis culture.

The series, which consists of 12 episodes, is hosted by comedian and internet personality Josh Leyva who brings his quick wit and engaging personality to ensure that no moment is without humor or fun. Each episode runs for just over 20 minutes, which makes it an ideal quick watch or binge-friendly show.

The premise of Cooking on High revolves around two main components: two chefs and a common ingredient. For each episode, two professional chefs are chosen to battle it out in the culinary arena. They each must prepare a dish that creatively incorporates cannabis. The incorporation of cannabis is unique to each chef and varies from episode to episode. Some may use high-end, gourmet cannabis-infused oils, while others may opt for a more traditional cannabis-infused butter. The challenge for the chefs lies not only in creating a dish that tastes incredible and presents spectacularly, but also in striking a balance with just the right amount of cannabis to not overpower the dish.

The dishes are then subjected to a rigorous tasting by a panel of four people, including a few celebrity judges. However, there's a catch - they don't know which chef prepared which dish. The panel's task is to judge the dishes purely based on taste and presentation, but also keeping in mind the unique 'high' the dishes offer.

The chefs who participate in the show are diverse. Some are experienced culinary professionals with brick-and-mortar restaurants, while others have gained fame as pioneers in the subculture of cannabis-infused gourmet cooking. This diversity creates an interesting, ever-evolving dynamic, and watching how each chef brings their unique style and experience to the task at hand makes for engaging watching.

Adding to the entertainment factor are the various celebrity judges who appear on the show. These range from rappers and comedians to well-known figures in cannabis culture. Their personalities are as varied as the dishes the chefs serve up and their charismatic personas contribute to the lively atmosphere of the show. Their judgments are hilariously frank and expertly weaved into comedic dialogue by host Josh Leyva.

Notable amongst them is Ngaio Bealum, a stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and a well-respected figure in the cannabis culture, who features prominently as a marijuana expert in all the episodes. He uses his cannabis expertise to enlighten viewers on the different strains of cannabis used in the dishes, thereby adding an educational component to the enjoyable proceedings.

Despite the high-concept (pun intended) premise of the show, Cooking on High never takes itself too seriously. It is lighthearted, humorous, and fun from start to finish. The show is intentionally informal and relaxed in style, reflecting the inextricable connection between cannabis and laid-back, easy-going vibes.

Meanwhile, the show does a great job of giving viewers a glimpse into the creative processes of its chefs. As they brainstorm, cook, and plate their dishes in real-time, we see them tackle the challenges that come with incorporating a complex ingredient like cannabis into their recipes. The combination of culinary skills, improvisation, creativity, and knowledge about cannabis that goes into creating these meals is truly fascinating.

On the whole, Cooking on High offers a delightful concoction of cooking, comedy, and cannabis education with a less-than-standard format that keeps viewers engaged and entertained. It isn't your typical cooking competition show. Instead, it's an adventurous exploration into the world of cannabis-infused cooking - a world that will not only appeal to foodies and cannabis enthusiasts but also to anyone who appreciates creativity and likes a good laugh.