If you love food and travel then you have probably heard of the amazing Somebody Feed Phil which is currently on its sixth season. The Netflix show is heralded by Phil Rosenthal who was an executive producer of the hit comedy show Everybody Loves Raymond. We get to follow him to different destinations as he explores new cuisines and cultures across the world.
This season we start with Philadelphia, his wife’s hometown. He introduces us to the Reading Terminal Market which he claims has the best food you can ever find. He might be right because based on the feast he was able to put together from the market, it all looked scrumptious. He also meets with a Nigerian chef, Shola Olunloyo, who invites him to his house for a backyard barbecue. He met with a few friends in his Philadelphia adventure and they enjoy meals from the best restaurants in the city.
The next food adventure sees our funny guy head to Croatia for a somewhat dangerous meeting with a few sea urchins, while in Austin, Phil experiences the goodness of barbecued food. Americans love to barbecue or so a head of a travel channel once told Phil. Throughout the episode, he explores different barbecues in different restaurants while meeting new people and old friends.
Santiago is our fourth destination where we learn the rules surrounding Chilean sandwich culture. Apparently you should never share a sandwich no matter how big it is. Everyone should have their own and eat it with a fork and knife. I guess it is true that you always learn new things when you travel and by the end of the show the food was so good, for a split second Phil considered moving to Chile!
The last destination is Nashville where Phil discovers he has no sense of rhythm on the dance floor. Interestingly, the series also includes a final episode that serves as a heartwarming dedication to Phil’s parents who have been part of the show on numerous occasions.
It is easy to see where Phil gets his easy-going nature and his genuine appreciation for life and food. Watching them reminisce and share their family memories is not only endearing but funny. It’s a light-hearted episode that tugs at the hearts and reminds us of the importance of good family relationships.
What I love about the show is how Phil is effortlessly funny and this adds a certain flair to the show. He can make a joke and also take it. He is the kind of guy who can make friends easily and throughout the show, he vibes with the locals in his destination. He is adventurous, and willing to try and you can feel his excitement and joy as he experiences new cuisine and culture.
The show still maintains its structure and in each episode, he invites a friend to share a joke as he narrates to them what he has been up to. You can’t help but love it because the jokes are good and this helps the show maintain its laid-back nature.
It’s certainly appreciative to see Phil’s pure love for food and his understanding of the power behind a simple meal. In every episode, there is a sense of togetherness as he shares a hearty, delicious meal with people. As they dine and wine, they share their stories and we get to see food as more than just a way to nourish our bodies. As Phil has said before, some dishes are soul-nurturing and he is right. These meals have a rich history and tell the story of the past while giving hope for the future.
My only advice is don’t watch this show when you are hungry – you won’t survive it! The endless display of mouth-watering cuisines from across the world will whet your appetite. This show is a foodie’s dream and you can’t help but find delight in watching Phil explode from ecstasy as he digs into the food wholeheartedly with no ounce of restraint.
There is everything to love in this show. Phil is an amazing host with a witty charm and the show keeps getting better and better. What is not to love about travel and exceptional food adventures?