The Biography Channel is one of those otherwise hidden channels on U.S. cable systems. However, one program nugget combines our two favorite loves: food and Canada.
You Gotta Eat Here is a more subdued version of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the U.S. version of the Food Network. John Catucci is a nicer version of Guy Fieri: not the greatest compliment one can receive.
Catucci is more likely to poke fun at himself and doesn't pass himself off as a chef. He'll also help the cooks make their signature dishes. Catucci is also better about letting the owners and guests be a part of the show.
The format is similar: go to 3 different restaurants in 30 minutes, and always love the food. You Gotta Eat Here will run 2 different segments in the middle restaurant featured. Diners will break up the segments for the last restaurant of the episode.
The Canada show spends a lot of time at diners; haven't seen a drive-in yet. The program airs on Food Network Canada.
Besides showing off cool places to eat throughout Canada, viewers also get a different feel for the unique regions of Canada. Seafood dominates the Maritimes establishments. There are a lot of nice dining options in cottage country in Ontario. And Winnipeg has some fun but offbeat places.
Previous coverage:
Eating my way across Canada
Catucci is a comedian and from Canada. I am neither of those things. But I would be perfect in a job where I eat in restaurants and travel around Canada.
Catucci does a fine job, but maybe in Season 3, he could use a on-air reporter or a knowledgeable producer.
The times for the shows on the Biography Channel aren't terribly consistent. We saw episodes on Thursday nights for awhile. You should check your local TV listings to find You Gotta Eat Here on Bio, short for the Biography Channel.
You Gotta Eat Here premiered on Food Network Canada in January 2012. The second season began in February 2013. Bio has only been running episodes from Season 1, but Season 2 episodes may eventually be available.
photo credit: Food Network Canada
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