LAist: LAist Watches: Dotch Cooking Show

BaddAss MisterJ

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 20:37:49 -0800

This show is such a hidden gem!!! Much like the way Iron Chef was BEFORE the food network took notice and bought the rights, then made their bastardized "Americanized" version. You NOTICE that it's called "The New Dotch Cooking Show" which means they can sell the rights to the old version of the show (which I personally think is better). Pretty soon we will be seeing this on The Food Network too since they have no concept of making their own original show. I want to make this show known to the masses BEFORE it's off the air, so I started a group fan site on MySpace.com to this show. If you are a member come visit and join my group, and let other's know about this show. http://groups.myspace.com/dotch

tom

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 18:35:38 -0800

I used to watch this show all the time about 4 or 5 years ago, usually with my mom since we're both fluent in Japanese. As the writer stated, the food prepared on the show isn't really meant to be attempted. Rather, the fun is in watching the celebrities try to read one another in order to end up on the winning team. I remember that the show made headlines when it first came out because they were very strict about not letting the members of the losing team eat, even after the cameras were off. I can assure you that everyone on the show is a celebrity, although the seven guests usually vary greatly in terms of their fame. It was very common to see bona-fide rockstars and moviestars mingling with obscure photographers and authors on the show. As for the "skinny young guy" mentioned above, he is actually the only regular guest of the show. He's a member of a band/group called SMAP which is immensely popular in Japan. Clearly his persona is that of the lovable loser, and I'd say his off-beat charisma was a big part in helping the show become the hit that it was. Don't feel too bad for him though, he's definitely a huge celeb in Asia.

Jimmy

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 11:52:52 -0800

I thought I was the only one who watched this thing! I guess this says something about my pathetic social life but it's so addictive! I've been watching it for a while now and I'm glad the show is finally getting some recognition.

Marshall

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 09:48:43 -0800

The secret is out. We've been watching this every weekend for months now, and my household is massively addicted. The best part is watching the guests salivate over the delicious foods. One of the repeat guests is this skinny young guy who always seems to be on the losing team, and I watch just to root for him. He needs a bite! Free from the pretension and artificial competition of Iron Chef, the beauty of Japanese cuisine is totally accessable on Dotch. Their eel bowl episode led to my ongoing fascination with eel, and their hot dog episode was a shattering expansion of what a hot dog can be. As to the translation. I speak a little Japanese, and they don't do a half bad job. drool...

Stuart

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 09:39:57 -0800

You also want to be watching "Delicious TV" some vague time between 10:30 and 11 pm on Wednesdays on Channel 18. Some truly eyeopening things being cooked. Like the old Iron Chef when it was on Sundays on Channel 18. Also there is a show on KXLA i think on Tuesdays with more strange food items. I usually stumble across it rather than actually know when it is on.