Time to let the cat out of the bag

[Trishiad]

Sweet.

[azlee]

Congratulations!

[rjwong]

I have been given a 10 episode prime time show from the Food Network that will focus on "off the beaten path" places and things to eat in the cities of America. Its actually just a giant version of my newspaper column..anyway, I am flying to NYC on Sunday to meet and discuss the cities we will visit etc....I would love to include eG and the fantastic folks here in the research and production of the show (some of you will be in it).

Yo, Chris! Way to go, man!!

I am putting myself out there and trusting the eG community to be honest and helpfull. I can take  constructive critisism but am not lookin to be "bashed".

Chris, I promise not to do anything that will give the appearance of "police bashing."

[Sugarella]

WooHooooooo! YAY! This is so exciting and I'm so happy for you.

I know a few people have commented about the whole "non-professionals only" rule for FTV but I think it's cool that you, a true foodie, were picked instead of yet another person who throws several cans of stuff together and calls it cooking. It's true we need pros on FTV but we also need people like you.

I'm sure you already have lots of ideas, but I think it'd be cool to take the obsessive foodie slant during your travels.... not just find cool places to eat in an area but find food related events as well, like culinary retreats, food festivals, places in the area doing unique work, etc.

......will feature things like where the chefs eat....where working people like cops, street workers, bloggers and the likes go.....

←

Well now I always did wonder where hookers eat......

[chefzadi]

Los Angeles and Orange County?

Best Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese outside of those countries. Something that focuses on the thriving and vibrant "ethnic" neighborhoods in these counties would be great. We have great Mexican food too obviously, very good regional representation too. We also have a Little Ethiopia, huge Armenian and Persian populations, Thai Town, Filipino Town...

[TPO]

Congratulations, Chris! It seems like just yesterday that you and I were discussing business cards on a thread here at eG. You've come a long way from that!

Your show sounds great to me. I am fascinated by regional foods, and hunting out dives is a favorite activity of mine. I will enjoy following your progress on eG, and I would love to help if you hit a city that I know well.

Best of luck to you!

[Kent Wang]

May I ask what kind of police officer you are, a detective, beat cop, etc.?

I am also looking forward to your appearance on Iron Chef America.

[Chris Cognac]

I was a child abuse and sex crimes detective, but now I am back out on the streets as the scheduale is much better and I am not getting called out in the middle of the night...speaking of, gotta go to work now...

[KatieLoeb]

Congratulations Chris! This is so !!!!

Allow me to offer my services as an additional culinary tour guide when you come visit Philly. We could even plan a Pizza Club extravaganza in your honor!

[Katie Nell]

How exciting Chris! Congratulations!

Maybe I'm biased, but I think one city that doesn't get enough coverage is Kansas City! I know those of us in the Heartland would love to help you out with this one... there's lots to be discovered!

[Kevin72]

Congratulations Chris!

May I suggest either the Hill Country in Texas (and all the BBQ temples there), or a trip to Houston?

[Jaymes]

Los Angeles and Orange County? 

Best Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese outside of those countries. Something that focuses on the thriving and vibrant "ethnic" neighborhoods in these counties would be great. We have great Mexican food too obviously, very good regional representation too. We also have a Little Ethiopia, huge Armenian and Persian populations, Thai Town, Filipino Town...

Actually, I read somewhere that Orange County has the largest population of Vietnamese in the US. That always surprises people, most of whom probably figure it would be San Francisco or environs.

So you're right -- that would be an excellent choice. One could visit all the nations of Asia, and never leave southern California.

And let me offer my congratulations as well. It's always nice to see the good guys win one.

[lcdm]

Congratulations!!! I wish you much success

[bigbear]

Congrats.

[Jaymes]

While we're at it, I'd strongly suggest you put Tucson on your list. Unlike so many other destinations, it hasn't been done to death. In fact, it's often overlooked completely, but it's a great area for food and would be perfect for a show.

Food there really runs the gambit, and I mean really....

All the way from the famous, tres elegant, upscale and very expensive spa and guest ranch cuisine that lures the rich and famous to places like Canyon Ranch and the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch.

To the most lowly taco carts and taquerias and mercados down in the old Mexican section of one of our nation's oldest cities.

In between are upscale trendy restaurants like Jano's, traditional "old west" steak houses where the entire family comes to eat and dance the swing, and famous Mexican restaurants such as Cafe Poca Cosa, where the chef is always inventing new Mexican-inspired dishes, and old (and I do mean 'old') favorites like El Charro where, they claim, the chimichanga was invented back in 1922.

Several upscale hotels offer steak rides. You hop on board a hay wagon and get hauled off into the Sonora Desert, where you sit among the stately saguaro cactus under a starry western sky and eat your steak that has been grilled over a campfire, cowboy style.

A few miles down the highway is Arizona's little known wine country. Although that surprises folks, when you think about it, it makes sense. The Spaniards settled in this area centuries ago and wherever they went, they planted grapes to make the wine necessary for holy communion.

A little farther down the highway is Nogales, and another famous restaurant -- La Roca, which is built into a cave in the side of a small mountain. You sit there looking at the rock walls while you eat your chicken mole -- among the best I've ever had.

I think the Tucson area fits your theme perfectly.

Edited June 9, 2006 by Jaymes (log)

[Mayhaw Man]

Congrats to you!

And might I suggest New Orleans? There are tons of places and, frankly, we could use an extra cop or two.

[I_call_the_duck]

Congrats, Chris!! I don't have the knowledge that either Holly or Katie do of Philly, but I'd love to help in any way I can.

While you're in New York, you should take the subway to Astoria, Queens. I may be a little out of the loop, but it's often overlooked in favor of Brooklyn. What used to be primarily Greek neighborhood (can still find great fish there), you'll find a cool Egyptian place, a few good French bistros, as well as several Brazilian restaurants, to name a few. There's also Bohemian Hall, the oldest beer garden in the city.

This is going to be fun!!

edited because me fail english.

Edited June 9, 2006 by I_call_the_duck (log)

[Liz Johnson]

How cool! My Hudson Valley expertise at your service.

[zilla369]

Congratulations! If you're thinking of Nashville, also think of Louisville, a couple hours north. Mint juleps and country ham. Colonel Sanders. Hot Browns. Benedictine. Large Asian, African American and Latino communities.

But mostly - how exciting for you!

[judiu]

WOW!! What a coup for you and for us e-gulleteers. Hope all goes well and foodily!

South Florida is NOT exactly a hot spot of fine dining, but I'd love to help out if you do happen to get down here. Best of the best to ya, Chris!

[Rebel Rose]

What an amazing opportunity! Congratulations, Chris. And how exciting for our members to be involved in the hunt for locations.

Will the network be selecting the cities for each episode based on viewing demographics or culinary potential? Or will you get to have some say in the selection of each city? Will you get to borrow police cars? What will the show be called? Food Beat?

And what do your co-workers have to say about your new project??

[BuzzDraft]

Congratulations, Chris.

If Atlanta is on your itinerary, I'd be happy to support in any way. I think Gifted Gourmet has me outranked, so I'm happy to be a good soldier.

[Dave Weinstein]

Congrats! Let me know if you're looking at anything on the East Side of the Seattle Area...

[scordelia]

Congratulations! I would love to show the around the IndoPak/Russian treasures of Devon Avenue in Chicago.

[Priscilla]

Chris, this is way ultra cool. I know you'll be traveling all over the nation, but it will be great to see some California influence on FTV!