Gwyneth Paltrow and Mario Batali will tour Spain together

9-28-2008 @6:10PM rjk said... just finished watching 2 shows with mario, gwtneth-bittmman and a claudia ( I think), it's not matter of being kosher for GP, I got the feeling it was the "industrial" way the animals were raised that she disapproves of, and doesn't want to support that effort. as far as odd couples, why not, would be kinda boring and too obvious if everyone was on the same page with with everything they enjoyed, much like the bittman-mario shows, or any 2 other "foodies"
Reply

10-26-2008 @8:10PM Paige said... I've watched 3 episodes to date, and honestly find the show obnoxious. I am a Mario Batali fan, and have great respect for his talents, as well as enjoy GP. What is with all of the Mercedes convertibles? Is this a show exclusively for the utmost elite? The food looks amazing, but the commentary is enough to put one to sleep. This show speaks to the top 1% of Americans who can afford to take this trip. I am not expecting the Food Network, but I think both Mario & GP need to take a bite of humble pie.
Reply

11-01-2008 @11:31PM BV said... Mario Batali jumps the shark.

The show comes off as pretentious spoiled people hanging out pushing witty small talk.

Its also shameful that PBS would pay their subscribers money to enable commercial supper stars and give them one more revenue outlet. That's now what public TV is about. Worse yet the show is all about these wealthy spoiled celebrities playing care free. PBS should be putting their money into one of the many talented hard working chiefs, or travel documentary producers (currently starving artists!) who have not been celebritized.

While Rick Steves and Burt Wolfe may be a bit long in the tooth now days, I always had the impression they were talented hard working individuals making an honest and ordinary living. Since they were ordinary in that they were not wealthy celebrities, it let the audience know they could share any of the experiences when they travel. These shows became guides, not worthless celebrity worship.


Reply

5-01-2009 @10:46PM Robert Colasacco said... I have watched and respected Mario Batali's work from his beginnings on Food Network way back in the early 90s but I have to say this is one of the worst shows I've ever seen. Gwynith Paltrow?! Oh pleeze. Mark Bittmann, really who is he and what does he really know about food? Less than I do. This show in Spain did nothing for Spain and diminished Mario Batali's expertise. This was nothing but schlock. Four rich people driving around Spain and eating what? There was so much more they could have done for the cuisine and country of Spain. It was a waste of PBS supporters' money. I'm glad I'm no longer a member. Shame on you Mario.
Reply

8-23-2007 @1:04PM MJ said... This should be fun and intersting . Hope she will do some cooking as well. Eats eel and not beef?
Reply

8-23-2007 @1:18PM wintem01 said... I feel the same way, MJ. This could be interesting, but there would seem to be a lot more scarier things to eat in Spain than beef and pork. But then again, what would you expect Mario to say, "No beef or pork? Then sorry Gwyneth, I'll have to cruise around exotic Spain with someone else. I hear Rosie O'Donnell's looking for a gig." Yeah, right.
Reply

8-23-2007 @7:29PM Angela said... Gwyneth and Mario? What an odd couple!
Reply

8-24-2007 @5:46PM Mike G said... Of course they picked her for eye candy/celebrity power, but it's inappropriate to have as host of a food show someone with major self-imposed dietary restrictions -- avoiding beef and pork in Spain cuts you out of a major part of the cuisine.
Unless it's a vegetarian show, you need someone who is going to show you the full range of choices.
Reply

8-28-2007 @2:47PM janer said... What's the big deal? Mario will eat the beef and pork, Gwyneth will eat the fish and veggies.
Reply

8-28-2007 @2:57PM spicedwhisper said... Good to read "good" news. Food trumps war any day.
Reply

8-28-2007 @3:53PM Bill Olmsted said... Sometimes the oddest ingredients make the best main course.

These two are complete opposites. I for one....will watch the fun...........
Reply

8-28-2007 @4:11PM roses said... This is exciting. What great fun to tour Spain with a chef.
The food and culture are great.
Reply

8-28-2007 @4:42PM Vivi said... You know, I cannot understand people who won't eat this or that. To me they never knew what hunger is like. Many people are starving and will eat anything. These fussy people should go without any food for a week and let's see what they will turn down!
Reply

8-28-2007 @5:30PM tony Iannacone said... It's too bad the we are seeing the current group on food network. Some are phonies Like Ray Gaida and paula. They are just good with the words. On the other hand Mario Batali is a true chef. His knowledge of the regions of Italy and their foods is out standing. The mix of Guyneth and Mario doesn't make sense.
Reply

8-28-2007 @5:32PM tony Iannacone said... It's too bad the we are seeing the current group on food network. Some are phonies Like Ray Gaida and paula. They are just good with the words. On the other hand Mario Batali is a true chef. His knowledge of the regions of Italy and their foods is out standing. The mix of Guyneth and Mario doesn't make sense.
Reply

9-23-2007 @12:54AM trvlcrzy said... Take me with you! I'll eat BOTH pork (jamon Jabugo) and eel..and of course, a side trip for a table at Roses would be the ultimate.
Reply

8-28-2007 @6:39PM Gunsmoke said... Good reason why she chose Spain is due to her Apreciation to Western European Cuisine, Art and Culture TV Networks don't often show, Also her Fluent Spanish she Learned as an Exchange Student in Toledo Spain - i whish them the best !!
Reply

8-28-2007 @7:08PM JoyfulHeart said... Hello, PEOPLE - Gwyneth is JEWISH!!! Please, have some respect for her religion!!!!
Reply

8-28-2007 @7:11PM jen romo said... This should make for some interesting tv, I'm not a big Gwen fan, and also agree her voice CAN be annoying! But i'd watch anything with chef Batali - love him and his orange clogs!
Reply