At many points in the past, humanity had an intrinsic connection with food. Whether hunter-gatherers or farmers, until the invention of mechanized farming, most people had some hand in growing, gathering, or hunting for the food which became their dinner. With the rise of the supermarket and fast-food restaurants, our connection to food has become frayed: We don’t know how our food is prepared, or what goes into its growth and harvesting. David Moscow, whose name you might recognize from Big or Newsies, remembers the last time he had a connection with the food he’d eat while vacationing in the woods as a child. Berries plucked from bushes and fish caught in cool, clear streams are a fading memory as he creates a unique challenge for himself. In this globetrotting adventure, David meets with world-class chefs to taste their signature dishes. Afterward, he must collect the ingredients which go into the meal: If there are tomatoes, he has to pick them. Fish? He has to catch it. Butter? He has to milk a cow and churn it himself.
From Scratch is an ambitious program, seeking to combine several types of infotainment programming into a single series. While the travel and cooking elements are very obvious, David makes his way through many small food-producing industries unique to the cultures he visits. He also takes on a Dirty Jobs-type role in hunting, collecting, and preparing the many ingredients he needs to create the dishes made at the beginning of each episode. This broad base of appeal makes From Scratch a strong choice for public library shelves. Lovers of Travel Channel media, cooking shows, and series like How It’s Made will all find enjoyment in various aspects of From Scratch. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
From Scratch belongs on infotainment shelves alongside other similar food and travel titles.
What patrons would be most interested in this title?
Patrons who love titles like Bizarre Food with Andrew Zimmern or Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations will enjoy From Scratch.