New episodes of the culinary travelogue series “Somebody Feed Phil,” hosted by Phil Rosenthal, premiere Friday on Netflix.
Rosenthal, famous in TV circles for creating the hit sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which ran for nine seasons on CBS with star Ray Romano, has carved out a second career traveling around the world and sampling the fares of different countries in “Somebody Feed Phil.” Guests this season, dubbed “Somebody Feed Phil: The Second Course,” include Al Roker, Tracy Morgan, Elaine May, Dom Lombardoza and Rosenthal’s wife, Monica (who played Amy Barone on “Raymond”).
In the episodes, Rosenthal travels around the world to countries including Italy, Denmark, Ireland and Africa — and also visits his hometown, New York City.
Rosenthal, 58, took some time out of his busy travel schedule to share some of his favorite memories of the locales (and local cuisine) he experiences this season.
Copenhagen
It seems to be a utopian society. If you live there, half your income goes to taxes. However: it has universal health care, free education through college and cleaner air, food and water. It seems to make people happy. Every bite of food I had was delicious, from the highest high-end restaurants down to the hot dogs from any street vendor. Seriously, you could go just for the hot dogs.
Central Park
It’s maybe my favorite place on earth. I’m a New Yorker; I lived there the whole first half of my life [and I] return at least every other month. And Central Park is an art directed masterpiece — everywhere you look is a perfect vista, and it’s designed that way. I can’t imagine the city without it.
The pork cutlet at da Arturo in Venice
Giant, tender, perfect. Finished in vinegar. Delicious. Plus, you’re in Venice.
The steaks in Buenos Aires
Everyone told me they like their meat overdone [in Argentina], but every steak I had was perfect. Medium rare — the quality is phenomenal. Even a steak sandwich at a diner is worth the plane ride.
The bread and butter in Ireland
My god, it’s good. The grass is so lush and beautiful and the cows eat the grass and they make the butter. It’s a golden yellow color — and together with the Irish soda bread, it’s a reason to wake up every day.
