'Raymond' Creator Phil Rosenthal Comes to PBS in New Culinary Comedy I'LL HAVE WHAT PHIL'S HAVING Tonight

I'll Have What Phil's Having invites audiences to join in on an international culinary exploration with Phil Rosenthal, the creator of the TV hit Everybody Loves Raymond, and one of Hollywood's funniest producers. Beginning tonight, September 28 on PBS (check local listings), this new six-part series follows host Rosenthal as he explores culinary capitals of the world and dines on regional specialties, all while pushing the boundaries of his palate - and the viewers' - in his funny, unforgettable travels. In his search for the best of a city's specialty, or one of its most unusual cuisines, Rosenthal entertains the audience while making connections all over the world.

In I'll Have What Phil's Having, Rosenthal sets his sights on kitchens both on and off the well-worn gastronomic path, where he meets those who are keeping traditions alive and creating new ones. Viewers will travel with him from Hong Kong to Barcelona, from Paris to Tokyo, and from a three-star Michelin restaurant in an Italian palazzo to a Los Angeles bakery training former gang members.

Rosenthal is a food enthusiast, but as he was growing up, he was not exposed to any adventurous eating. Rosenthal says, "My mother was not a fantastic cook. Our oven had a setting for 'shoe.'" He continues, "I have always been interested in family, food, travel and of course, humor. The true essence of it all is to connect with others. If a guy like me can try other foods and travel to other lands, then maybe others will be inspired to do it too, even in their own city."

In each hour-long episode, the unscripted series brings Rosenthal to a different location, where he embarks on new adventures, visiting artisans, markets, vineyards, and farmers, trying the special culinary treats and unusual ingredients each community has to offer.

Rosenthal also learns tricks of the trade from food authorities like David Lebovitz, author of The Sweet Life in Paris and Nancy Silverton, the 2014 winner of the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Chef Award. His Los Angeles guests, including Allison Janney, Ray Romano, Martin Short and Larry Wilmore, share in Rosenthal's discoveries while trying some food for the first time.

"We hope Phil's quirky, adventurous spirit will inspire audiences to have their own culinary discoveries, big or small," says Laurie Donnelly, WGBH Executive Producer of the series, "and to say, 'I'll have what Phil's having!'"

###

Production Credits
I'll Have What Phil's Having is a production of Zero Point Zero Production, Inc., Lucky Bastard, Inc., and Studio Six @ WGBH Boston. ©2015 WGBH Educational Foundation and Lucky Bastard, Inc. Host: Phil Rosenthal. Executive Producers: Phil Rosenthal, Laurie Donnelly, Richard Rosenthal, John Bedolis, Chris Collins, Lydia Tenaglia, Craig Shepherd. Executive-in-Charge for Studio Six, Denise DiIanni.

About WGBH
WGBH Boston is America's preeminent public broadcaster and the largest producer of PBS content for TV and the Web, including Frontline, Nova, American Experience, Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow, Arthur, Curious George and more than a dozen other prime-time, lifestyle, and children's series. WGBH also is a major supplier of programming for public radio, and oversees Public Radio International (PRI). As a leader in educational multimedia for the classroom, WGBH supplies content to PBS LearningMedia, a national broadband service for teachers and students. WGBH also is a pioneer in technologies and services that make media accessible to those with hearing or visual impairments. WGBH has been recognized with hundreds of honors. More info at www.wgbh.org.

About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing CURIOSITY and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

Photo: © Tom Caltabiano/PBS

To post a comment, you must register and login.