Mental Chew reviews "The Chew"

We don't have traditional TV in our house. I watch shows online, that's about it. During a visit at my dad's I thought I would check out ABC's "groundbreaking" and "innovative" new show. Their words, not mine. Funny thing is...it is called "The Chew". Viewers are Googling, Binging and Yahooing "The Chew Recipes" and guess where they are landing? Yes, at my site. Nice by-product, eh? So, I HAD to see an episode.

There are five co-hosts on the show:
Clinton Kelly - from TLC's "What Not to Wear"
Carla Hall - Top Chef participant (love her)
Michael Symon - Food Network and Iron Chef
Daphne Oz - Healthy living consultant. Dr. Oz's daughter
Mario Batali - Chef extraordinaire, restauranteur, author and well known TV personality

The concept for the show is brilliant; however, after watching an episode, I felt like I needed to take a deep breath. When all 5 members were on, they spoke over one another...constantly. I found that my shoulders were creeping up to my ears as they cut each other off. In addition to the criss cross conversation, each person, with the exception of Batali, seemed to be saying all they could within each breath. Perhaps if "The Chew" cut a segment, like "Benefits of Kissing", each person could take a breath between their sentences and it would feel more conversational and less like a blast of information.

Simon and Kelly were easy to watch and I feel like I could warm up to them. Batali is Batali. There is a reason he is so well know; he is extremely good at what he does. His partners should watch him. Hall was fun to watch. Her input was full of great ideas and felt down-to-earth, whimsical and heartfelt.

Oz is the biggest glitch in the show. I am sure she is lovely in person, but her TV personality made me cringe a bit. She seemed rattled through her recipe segment and it felt like she was giving bedroom eyes to the gentleman she was interviewing in her second segment. Sorry, but it is true. I was thinking it, my TV watching partner said it.

Let's talk food. The recipes were actually great. They were quick, easy and healthy. Loved each and every one and I would try them all at home. The Chew posts the hosts' recipes every day online at http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes While I might not have time to check out the show, I will follow their recipes.

Again, this is a great concept and I could see myself getting hooked if: the conversation was more conversational, there was a mom on the panel, and they cut down the number of segments so they can slow down the pace of the show.

This show is just starting and I think it could stick with a few changes that would make the dialogue as strong as their recipes.