After watching the entire first season as well as I'll Have What Phil's Having, I can say for certain that this show is absolutely golden. Phil Rosenthal, a white Jewish American from New York City is a fantastic host because there's a certain innocent wanderlust that pervades him. He represents the captivated audience who just wants to travel and see and taste different things. He's very endearing and it shows in the way he interacts with his friends (fellow celebrities and famous foodies) as well as everyday people on the street. Whether its conversing with Vietnamese women at a park, or practicing meditations with a Thai Buddhist Monk, or even gossiping with Israeli women at the mall, he always does it with a smile and with sincerity. In some ways, I've become jaded in watching food TV because I've learned to cook that particular dish or have eaten it before, and yet, seeing that childlike wonder from Phil makes me excited about my passion for food and traveling. His journey across the world, eating amazing street food, trying new things (like durian) and speaking with everyday people is fueling my own growing wanderlust.
His show is funny, its creative and what makes it work is that he comes to each location wanting to learn and share as opposed to tell and lecture. Phil is genuinely interested and honest. One of my favorite segments he does every episode is that he Skypes his parents and shares with them his experiences. He often shows a "fruit of the day" or asks how is parents are doing. It is a warm segment and it reflects his interest in sharing his journey with people. He presents the show like a travel diary, one that has no caveat other than to share and be joyous. As I was saying, Netflix has both seasons available as well as his previous show I'll Have What Phil's Having.
