Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

Claysaba Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Myron Clemons A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Kirandeep Yoder The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

daisyvickers A Chef's Life is as entertaining and realistic as reality TV can get. Vivian and Ben are natural on the screen and conversations are not contrived. This show is not only great for learning great recipes, but it is fun to watch because you actually care about the people. It is also a nice window into the lives of real people in rural North Carolina. The show does not, however portray these people as rednecks, hicks or stereotypes. All in all a binge worthy and entertaining watch.

martin-hines I just binge-watched Seasons 1 and 2 of this show.I really like this show for its authenticity, highlighting living and cooking in eastern North Carolina.You learn some history about these local ingredients and the people and personalities of those who produce/grow them.The show is a great balance of food history, interpersonal relationships and cooking.Of course this is a reality show so the interactions between the chef (Vivian Howard) and local farmers are somewhat staged, but the narration by Vivian is fantastic and interesting.I really hope they produce more seasons.

talktojen As a North Carolinian, I can honestly say this show makes us all proud. Vivian takes southern food from her childhood and locals and elevates it to a superior level, showing that she is a great chef. It is not some fake reality show that uses a script. Vivian is very real and funny, often laughing at the craziness of it all. She will make you cry sometimes, and you will feel like you can't get enough of it. I am astonished by people who say she can't relate to people or is boring. That is crazy. Yes, she and her husband don't the perfect relationship, but who does?? At least its not some sugar coated crap that shows a fake view of the world. It is an honest portrayal of the south and I think the song lyrics in the theme say it all: Why cant you see yourself as beautiful as I see you"..

peacecreep An interesting little show about a couple running a restaurant in North Carolina. The better parts focus on southern ingredients and their preparation, the rest is about them rebuilding their restaurant after a fire. These sequences play as awkward portraits of a marriage on the rocks as they bicker and complain about each other to the camera. A lot of the scenes with locals seem forced and slightly uncomfortable, as it appears Vivian and her cameras annoy them. The film making is simple yet competent and the photography is nice to look at. I certainly appreciate the honesty of it. Chef Vivian definitely has some great recipes and cultural heritage to share but the emphasis on the stressed out relationship gets in the way.