First off I'd just like to say that I've been watching Ainsley Harriot and I must say that this guy is the most underrated chef in Britain. He has perfected the art of cooking and can make you look at food that you would not necessarily like and make your mouth water. He NEEDS to be on TV more..

However, on the flip side of this shows like Barefoot Contessa and Everyday Italian are so bad that I sometimes show my friends / family the shows just to point and laugh at how bad the program is.

I can remember a show where she was making a salad and covered the inside of the bowl with mayonnaise. Bleh!

Everyday Italian (at least that's what I think the show is called) features lady who's name I can't remember so I wont embarrass myself by trying to spell her name. Anyway, I can't remember watching one show that she's done and thought "oh, that looks nice. I wouldn't mind trying that one day..".

I will watch UK Food now and again, but only to watch the following;

Nigella Lawson
Ainsley Harriot
Anthony Bourdain (sometimes)
Gary Rhodes


A lot of the other shows e.g. Masterchef goes large should be put onto DVD and sent to people suffering with Insomnia.

It's funny how tastes differ!

I would almost nominate an exact opposite of your list

Ainsley at the bottom Sorry but I think he's on the TV an awful lot already

Barefoot Contessa / Masterchef GL are 2 of my favourites

Also enjoyed The Best when it was on years ago - wish they'd make another series

I agree with rick, if I could go to anyones house for dinner it would be the Contessa's. She seems to cook real food, AND her recipe's work.
Also Masterchef G/L imho is a brilliant show.