(photo from The Food Network Canada's website)
First, there's the catchy little song. Then, there's Antony John, the farmer host, with his offbeat humor and spiky hair. Then there's the star treatment of veggies, complete with little dancing caricatures and ecstatic applause. And, finally, there is the beautiful setting of Antony's 80-acre farm in Stratford, Canada, complete with the picturesque red barn, from which he sells his gourmet greens and 50 varieties of vegetables to local restaurants, markets and individuals under the name Soiled Reputation.
Yes, it's The Manic Organic, an addictive little half-hour show on The Food Network Canada. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. I think Season One may be over, but search for reruns or the start of Season Two. The Manic Organic is clearly a model of things to come as more farmers become celebrities and our appetite for organic know-how grows more insatiable. Don't think I can learn from a Canadian farmer here in Atlanta? Wrong. His seasons were off quite a bit from mine, but I obviously still have much to learn about veggies as common as potatoes and as new to me as Jeruselum artichokes.
On the flip side (ooh, that's an old 45-rpm record reference. My favorite flip side was to the Foundations' Why Do You Build Me Up, Buttercup? It went "Baby, now that I found you, I can't let you go . . ."), there's Sara Snow. Sara's dad is Tim Redmond, a leader in the organic movement who co-founded Eden Foods, American Soy Products, and Blue Horizon Organic Seafood Company. Sara grew up surrounded by organics, and now hosts Get Fresh with Sara Snow on Discovery Health Thursday nights at 8:30 pm ET. She casts a wider net than Antony John, covering stories about food, home, lifestyle, and more. Her show is much slicker than Antony's, yet somehow she manages to convey her unbridled enthusiasm and joy of learning throughout. She is absolutely charming. When she donned that beekeeper's garb or toured the organic cotton factory or interviewed Jane Goodall, I couldn't help but say, "Now, there's a cool job!" Good for you, Sara. You're a great role model for kids growing up with organics today who may still feel a bit different than their peers.
Antony and Sara, now that I found you, I can't let you go . . .
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10 comments:
I wish I got the Manic Organic, it sounds like a great show. I do like Sara Snow's show and catch it every week. It is followed by Lyon In The Kitchen hosted by Nathan Lyon who is the guy I wanted to win the Next Food Network Star last season. I'm glad he got a show.
Does anyone know other shows that feature fresh, organic farm produce?
I, too, have enjoyed Antony John's Manic Organic program, and I have particularly admired the T-shirt he frequently wears featuring the "Soiled Reputation" artwork that advertises his organic farm goods. I wonder if anyone knows if he'd be willing to part with one or two (for a fee, of course) to a member of his viewing audience? I can't find a dedicated web-site for his business to enquire directly.
I enjoy the show "Manic Organic" -- but -- I have a complaint: As far as I can tell, there's no place on the WWW to find his recipes and transcripts of his show. I just watched the show titled "Barn Picnic" and I really wanted the recipes for the two soups and his instructions for raising heirloom tomatoes. When I go to his section on the Discovery Home website, there's nothing but a description of the show -- no recipes, no details.
I've been searching everywhere for the "Soiled Reputation" T-shirts, too! If anyone has any info on locating those, please let us know... Thank you!
I have also been looking for the web addy. but have ben unable to find it. If any one out knows what type of spray he is using I would like to know. He said the name of it on one of the shows but I have forgoten what it was.
Well hello there everyone! Thanks so much for the kind words! Soiled Reputation is still going strong, and about to launch our first ever website! We'll have clips and recipes from our show, as well as blogs, clogs, togs(our tshirts for sale), and ...hogs! Perhaps even a web-based manic organic part 2! Clips from the farm, my paintings etc. Watch this space! (I need you, more than anything darlings...)Antony John
Antony John! Thanks for posting. I can't wait to see your website--let us know when, and how about an interview?
I can't wait for the launch of your website Antony. I can recommend a great graphic artist should you require one. Keep us updated.
What the? Hey Glam, what do you know about Gilfach Goch? On another food related theme, I got to play Bishop Michael Power in a doc called "Death or Canada", about the Irish Potato Famine. Check out their website!
Ant
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