Somewhere South

Somewhere South is a PBS docuseries that premiered in 2020, exploring the eclectic tastes and diverse palates of the southern United States. The series is hosted by renowned North Carolina chef Vivian Howard, who has been a James Beard Award finalist and whose previous work, “A Chef’s Life,” was accorded a Daytime Emmy. The new series is more than just a cooking show - it is a deep dive into the roots of southern food, blended with cultural anthropology, history, and personal narratives, serving up a beautiful medley of the food culture in the American South.

The show is arranged thematically, with each episode focused on a particular food item or cooking tradition. From hand pies to porridge to barbecue, Vivian Howard takes viewers on an intriguing culinary journey, highlighting how a single dish can mean a myriad of things to people in different regions. The series is thoughtfully curated to prod viewers to rethink what they know about 'southern food', showing that it is a unifying thread that can be traced through various states, cultures, and eras.

Vivian Howard serves as the charismatic host and guide, exploring the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the South. Each episode tells a unique story where Howard visits a different part of the Southern states, providing a window into the world of cooks, farmers, and food lovers she encounters. Howard's grounded and detailed narratives shed light on the unique histories, identities, cultures, and culinary traditions of several southern communities.

Each pit stop on this enticing journey introduces viewers to the magic of southern cuisine, the stories behind the flavors, and offers a sense of place unique to each region. Howard talks to local cooks, experts, and historians, vividly bringing out an authentic image of southern cuisine. The dishes are as much about the culinary techniques as they are about the human experiences and histories they represent. Through exploring old traditions or reviving overlooked practices, the show adds a depth of culture and history to each bite.

Somewhere South provides an excellent showcase of the cross-pollination of cultures, highlighting the influence of immigrant communities on southern cuisine. Individual episodes delve into how different ethnic communities have influenced and shaped the region's gastronomy. From the Gullah community of the Carolinas to the Vietnamese in New Orleans, the series offers an enlightening reveal of how migration patterns have impacted tastes and kitchen habits in the region.

An added appeal to the series is the cinematic quality it possesses. Every episode is equipped with beautiful cinematography, which not only provides a visually appealing culinary journey but also portrays the mesmerising southern landscape. The lush fields of rural North Carolina, Charleston’s robust coastline, and New Orleans’s bustling markets are just a few of many scenic visual treats.

Vivian Howard’s accessible demeanor allows viewers to feel a part of her culinary journey, whether she's studying dumpling techniques in an Asian home kitchen, exploring 'goober peas' with African American culinary historians, or engaging with Latino communities to trace the journey of a humble green tomato. Her nuanced explanations and well-timed humor add an engaging rhythm to each episode.

What sets Somewhere South apart from other food-based series is that it gives equal weight to the narrative and the food. The show nudges viewers to realize that food is not just about ingredients and recipe steps; it’s about people and their lives. The people Vivian meets are as essential to the narrative as the food she makes and tastes. She delves into the community of the region which makes the food more meaningful than just the ingredients that create it.

In conclusion, Somewhere South is as much about the culinary journey as it is about understanding the culture, community, and history that build it. The series offers an intriguing, mouth-watering, and thought-provoking journey through the southern United States' food, history, and culture. With its engaging host, enlightening narratives, and remarkable culinary encounters, Somewhere South showcases the South not only as a geographic region but as a vibrant and rich gastronomic landscape etched with narratives of the past and budding with possibilities of the future.