Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is a captivating four-part docuseries premiered on Netflix in October 2019. This mesmerizing culinary journey feature acclaimed chef and food personality, David Chang, as the charismatic and amiable host. On this food escapade globally, Chang is not alone, but he's joined by a series of high-profile celebrities. They become his eating companions with whom he shares banter, cultural perspectives, and of course, the love for food. Unlike the traditional cooking shows where a chef spends time exclusively in the kitchen, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, adds a new dimension to the genre by incorporating travel, cultural exchange, and bonding over meals, similar to Chang's previous Netflix's series, "Ugly Delicious."

In Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, the audience is invited to witness the invigorating and often hilarious adventures of David Chang and his guests as they traverse through bustling metropolises, vibrant local markets, and indigenous communities around the globe. Each episode features a different location and a new guest, with each destination providing a thematic backdrop to their discussions, which range from humorous anecdotes to profound narratives on their personal lives, cultural heritage, and the multi-faceted relationship with food.

The series takes viewers through an eclectic mix of cities from diverse continents. Among the highlighted destinations are Vancouver with Seth Rogen, Marrakech with Chrissy Teigen, Los Angeles with Lena Waithe, and Phnom Penh with Kate McKinnon. Throughout, each charismatic companion adds a unique touch and viewpoint to the shared culinary adventure, making it not just about food but about deriving joy and wisdom from the many nuances of life.

As they savor various dishes, ranging from the simplest street foods to the most exquisite delicacies, the dialogues revolve around their shared meals. Still, they are never restricted to just food talk. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner humorously yet thoughtfully handles societal norms, impacts of memories on our food preferences, and even existential contemplations.

David Chang's sincerity and enthusiasm for the culinary world pave the way for much more than a tasting session, making these meals instruments of a cultural study. His humble approach to learning about food traditions, his respect for local culinary customs, and his insatiable curiosity keeps the viewers engrossed. Combining his chef expertise with a traveler's curiosity and cultural anthropologist's empathetic perspective, Chang forms a compelling bridge between the audience and the city's culinary heritage, making every food stop not only a feast to the eyes but a learning experience about the place's history, people, and culture.

Netflix's Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, dives into the socio-cultural fabric of each location as they tour around, explore local attractions, learn about the history and traditions of its people, and engage with locals. Throughout the journey, viewers get to see an intersection of culture, history, society, and personal experiences, all deriving from and gravitating towards the common love for food.

The production values of Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are top-notch, with excellent cinematography capturing the essence of each location with vibrant and compelling imagery. The lively editing imbues a sense of excitement in every scene, keeping the audience’s attention. The music is uplifting, often accompanying the pace and mood of each episode perfectly.

The series is not only binge-worthy for foodies who will savor the visual treat of sumptuous meals and learn about various global cuisines but also for travelers and culture enthusiasts. The balance the show strikes between travel docuseries and food show beautifully combines these popular genres into one cohesive, entertaining narrative. The exploratory conversations and cultural deep dives swing back and forth between profound and light-hearted, reflective of life itself.

Overall, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is a unique blend of food, culture, and camaraderie, which is bound to cater to a wide spectrum of viewership. Its strength lies in treating the featured foods not merely as items to relish but as connectors, to people’s histories, cultures, identities, and their connection to the world. The show’s ability to go beyond surface-level tourism or culinary expedition makes it refreshing to watch and an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something different yet delightful on Netflix.