Wednesday, January 21
(Shock) Gertler Gets a Good Grade From Me!
Let's be honest: I was ready to hate Will Work For Food, Adam Gertler's new Food Network show, before it even started. I'm not proud of that fact; I'm just being honest. I'm a mean, biased, untrained reviewer of food television. Plus, Adam just reminds of some of the obnoxious males I met in my high school/college days and never want to see again.
That being said, I really liked the first episode.
The beekeeping segment was especially good, in no small part because Adam actually got stung on camera (which is what we all really want to see during one of these beekeeping segments).
Food Network has put several of its stars into beekeeping gear and thrown them to the wolves, or bees, rather. Yet everyone always gets off without a single sting! You know that little smoke can and suit can't really protect you entirely, so I was glad to see some honest, bee-stinging action... and it didn't look fake. We even got some valuable beekeeper advice when he told Adam to not try to squeeze it out, but scratch it a few times and then wash the area off.
Also, hearing the longtime beekeeper say he's been "stung on his private parts" before was both hilarious (mostly for its honesty) and intriguing at the same time (was he wearing shorts and going commando or did his private parts somehow get out of his beesuit?).
And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember Sunny telling us in the "honey" episode of the not-going-to-be-renewed How'd That Get On My Plate? that honey comes from a bee "puking up" the nectar it sucks out of flowers. I like the directness of that! No super-scientific explanation or glossed over terms. Nope, just the realization that honey is basically bee puke.
Adam is still kind of obnoxious, but you know what -- I'm not that bothered by it when the content is good. It was great to finally see one of these "food explanation" shows look like something you'd actually see on cable and not your local access documentary channel.
Good job, Adam and crew. I think you found your niche. I just hope you can keep it up in other episodes.
That being said, I really liked the first episode.
The beekeeping segment was especially good, in no small part because Adam actually got stung on camera (which is what we all really want to see during one of these beekeeping segments).
Food Network has put several of its stars into beekeeping gear and thrown them to the wolves, or bees, rather. Yet everyone always gets off without a single sting! You know that little smoke can and suit can't really protect you entirely, so I was glad to see some honest, bee-stinging action... and it didn't look fake. We even got some valuable beekeeper advice when he told Adam to not try to squeeze it out, but scratch it a few times and then wash the area off.
Also, hearing the longtime beekeeper say he's been "stung on his private parts" before was both hilarious (mostly for its honesty) and intriguing at the same time (was he wearing shorts and going commando or did his private parts somehow get out of his beesuit?).
And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember Sunny telling us in the "honey" episode of the not-going-to-be-renewed How'd That Get On My Plate? that honey comes from a bee "puking up" the nectar it sucks out of flowers. I like the directness of that! No super-scientific explanation or glossed over terms. Nope, just the realization that honey is basically bee puke.
Adam is still kind of obnoxious, but you know what -- I'm not that bothered by it when the content is good. It was great to finally see one of these "food explanation" shows look like something you'd actually see on cable and not your local access documentary channel.
Good job, Adam and crew. I think you found your niche. I just hope you can keep it up in other episodes.
Labels: Adam Gertler, food network
posted by jacob @ 6:41 PM
31 Comments:
LOL, great comments. I agree with you on Adam,I am mean too but that is because I am a 34 y/o curmudgeon. I have not seen the episode but I did not think I would like it just because of him. Your review makes me curious and I might have to check it out soon. He does remind me of some of the jerky guys from school.
I loved it. I think he's funny. And I may actually kind of have a crush on Adam.
Adam is OK in his own way. In fact, he's one of the objectionable on FN.
All I got is thank god for good editors because those cameramen look like they are going to start mutiny...
I had no desire to watch it but your review makes me wanna check out the next episode. And sorry, I'm sure she's a nice lady, but glad that show with Sunny won't be renewed. It was awful.
I wasn't sure what to expect so I was happy with what I got. I don't think I learned anything that I did not already know. The bee thing is a little off it is not bee puke exactly, it doesn't make it to their stomach they have a sac and regurgitate it from there as I understand. After watching a fluoroscope of my throat Monday I can see how that might work.
Adam sort of has "Marty Feldman eyes". This show is much better than "How'd That Get On My Plate?" and not that I look at Adam's ass but at least it does not fill the screen like Sunny's.
Off Topic: Anyone see the "Chopped" judges fail to pick meats that taste like chicken on "Food Detective" They think everything taste like rabbit.
Based on this review alone, I will give this show a try. Based on the promos alone, I would not do so; the continuously airing ads for it have only left me with the impression that it would better be titled Will Act Like an Ass for 10 Minutes of Fame.
I only saw snippets of it while 'The Bachelor' was in commercial. It did not impress. I should probably reserve real comment until I watch an entire show but it looks to me like a ripoff of the Discovery Channel's show, 'Dirty Jobs' only strictly food related. Especially next week's episode in which he visits a geoduck (pronounced "gooey" to those who didn't know) clam farm. Adam is definitely no Mike Rowe.
Jacob, I appreciate your honesty. I know we will watch it because hubby and I both found Adam entertaining on NFNS4. Hubby disagrees with me re: Lisa Garza though....I grew to LOVE HER and her FABULOUSNESS!!
Christine :)
Sorry, don't agree. Watched the first segment with the lobstermen in Maine and got bored. Went back to watching Antiques Roadshow. Was actually surprised just how boring it was - I expected Adam to interact more with the people he worked with, but the conversations seemed rather uncomfortable and forced and Adam doesn't bring enough of the pretty to compensate in any eye candy sort of way. Overall the show just seemed very dull, and Adam didn't seem very engaging as a host. I might check it again in a couple weeks, but definitely not must see TV for me in the way either a new epi of Good Eats or Ace of Cakes would be.
The conversation with the lobstermen was uncomfortable because they weren't talkative people. Adam even joked about it on-camera. C'mon, people. At least watch the full show and pay attention before you rip it up.
Totally agree with Jacob that Adam Gertler can grate (he absolutely reminds me, as well, of jerky guys from college that never grew up).
The plus side: He got stung and editors left it in the show. That sets the tone, really. They showed him turning green in the rocking lobster boat, too. He's basically a good-natured schmuck who isn't even trying to master the jobs he is sampling. That's funny and entertaining. The bee sting and the rest could have been edited out to make him look more polished and Food-Network perfect, but they didn't do that. Much appreciated.
Even though my tolerance level is low right now for Gertler, I liked him and I liked the show. And it's nice to have a show with some male appeal that doesn't involve Bobby Flay.
Are you paid to write these reviews? The show was hideous.
You're delighted by the fact that Adam got stung? By ONE bee? On his hand? Not even while working with the actual hives? Wow, yeah, that makes it worth watching.
http://foodnetworkhumor.com said it best:
Adam’s employers don’t seem to like him or even want him near them, which leaves the viewer feeling like they’re watching an awful job interview that’s going down faster than Paris Hilton. Out of options and unable to engage his guests, Adam resorts to asking them rapid-fire questions in a desperate attempt to fill the long and uncomfortable silences. This tactic backfires, and leaves Adam sounding more like an inquisitive 2-year old than an entertaining, witty host.
anon 12:40: No, I'm not paid and never have been by FN. Will let you know if I ever do. I've reviewed a lot of shows with less-than-positive words. It's exciting for me to actually like a first episode of a new show. Sorry you didn't.
I too, was expecting to dislike WWFF because I don't really think Adam has talent. But I was pleasantly surprised to find the show engaging enough for me to keep watching. Adam's (and the producers') self-deprication went a long way to helping me get over my bias against him.
However, Jacob, I must "tsk tsk" at you: Years ago Alton explained how honey was bee puke (then further explained "not really" as Lord of Light AZ clarified above), and he did it with puppets! (Love that AB quirky humor!)
Jacob, if you were REALLY a food network addict, you would have know that about the Good Eats ep! ;-)
Anyone watching "Top Chef"? After all the bitching that went on after last season's "Next Food Network Star," where five billion people said "This sucks compared to 'Top Chef' where it's ALL ABOUT THE FOOD!!!!!"... "Top Chef" has now become about personality and "drama" and not food. I guess the "Top Chef" producers weren't paying attention.
Jacob, I'm sorry to say I didn't like the first episode of WWFF. I was soooooo looking forward to it, because I really like Adam's on-camera appeal. But I thought the show was a poor cross between "How'd That Get on My Plate?" and "Blue's Clues." I may or may not give it a second chance.
Sorry I missed Adam's show. I really liked him on NFNS. I was all for Aaron or Adam. They were real and didn't seem like they throw you under the bus to get ahead. I will watch next time. Glad you liked him Jacob
It just goes to show you can still be a loser on TNFNS and still get a show. He was annoying on there and made a fool of himself in front of Martha, and he will be a fool on this as well. I will not be tuning in.
Wow, yet ANOTHER anonymous poster that name drops foodnetworkhumor in Jacob's comments area - how much are they paying you guys to drive traffic over there? And yes, I realized *I* just mentioned it...
'member when he did that pratfall on the submarine or boat or whatever? that was so painful.
Yeah, I missed his show too. But the whole set up (based on commercials I've seen) are right up his alley - not surprised in the least that the first episode went over well.
When're they gonna put Guy into beekeeping gear and throw them to the wolves, or bees, rather? They do that already and I missed it?
*winks*
My name is Alexis, I was the anonymous poster who mentioned Food Network Humor and asked if you're getting paid to write these reviews, and I've got nothing to hide. I'm not getting paid anything to name drop their site. I name drop their site because it's hysterical, original, and everyone I recommend it to ends up loving it.
Happy now?
Why the hell did the producers start the very first episode with the lobster guys when it was the most uncomfortable thing in the history of television? It was skin-crawlingly awkward and I wanted to fast-forward the whole thing. Yuck. It starts the series on the wrong foot. I'm not going to judge this based on one episode, but so far it doesn't look very appealing.
g e r t l e r
even his NAME is annoying......
Love Adam !!
hate adam!!
I think Adam is cute and totally think TNFNS title was stolen from him.
Personally, I really wanted to like his show and I did watch it, but I already have seen that episode before...Both of these occupations have appeared on Dirty Jobs.
So now its between the hot, hairy bear daddy, or the college frat boy...
The geoduck show this week was LAME ...
Especially since the company they picked ... Taylor Shellfish ... is in BIG doo-doo with the state of Washington ... for having their farms ON state land without any kind of permit or permission ...
Anthony Bourdain did a better job with the geoduck hunting ... and he didn't go out with Taylor ...
I didn't see the ep of "Dirty Jobs" with Mike Rowe ...
BUT ... the novelty of geoduck hunting has worn off ...
Love Adam.
He really is a handsome guy. Will watch his show!
Love that Jewish Adam also. He is gaining on everyone hearts everywhere!
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