Appetite City Premieres August 11, Hosted by William Grimes

William Grimes has a lot to say about food and restaurants. 

Grimes is a food historian, author, a former New York Times restaurant reviewer and host of TV’s new series, “Appetite City.”

Based on the topics highlighted in his best-selling 2009 book, “Appetite City: A Culinary History of New York” the new TV series premieres Thursday, August 11 at 8:30 pm on NYC life (Channel 25). 

An advance copy of Thursday’s show, which is devoted to Soul Food, reveals a fascinating format:  there’s a dash of history—intriguing sepia toned images and news footage; a pinch of celebrity chefs—Red Rooster Chef Marcus Samuelsson; and a dash of gastronomy historians: Sarah Lohman (http://www.fourpoundsflour.com/

and Frederick Douglass Opie (http://frederickdouglassopie.blogspot.com/

Grimes threads the food story strands peppered with the distinct, unique flavors of architecture, immigration, real estate, theater, interior design, politics, fashion and celebrities, to create a rich mix of New York history. 

Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?  Food lovers will be addicted to Appetite City as they are to their local deli or corner café.  After all, foodies do believe earth revolves not around the sun but around the dinner plate!  Future episodes explore the New York dining culture of Delis, GreenMarkets, Street Food, Oysters, Diners, Chinatown and Fine Dining.

But the main ingredient that makes this program simmer is Grimes.  It’s his boundless knowledge of all things food.  He knows his falafel carts from his pizza trucks  -- and all things served on a white tablecloth.  He’s got the chops!  Viewers will discover he can lead them, Ken Burns-like through the past, yes, but he also can tempt culinary curiosity with the now, as he does with Chef Samuelsson and in upcoming episodes with 11 Madison and the GreenMarkets. 

Appetite City presents the history of New York City through the culture of food.  The show is both a tasty time capsule and a delicious passport. 

Be sure to tune in for the Appetite City premiere, Thursday, August 11 at 8:30 pm for the evolution of soul food, “from the glory days of Harlem” to today’s Sylvia and Red Rooster restaurants.  Appetite City can be seen on NYC life, Channel 25 and/or Channel 22 on Cablevision. Appetite City will also be available to watch online on the NYC Media Video on Demand player – nyc.gov/vod and through the NYC Media app, available to download for free from iTunes.

New episodes will be added each week.

NYC life with its 1.5 million viewers per week is the “flagship channel” of the NYC Media network.  New York is diverse, exciting and smart: Gotham deserves this entertaining, quality content.

Watch a promo here: http://tiny.cc/3j4d0

Twilight @ Tavern: Film Screening

Watch a screening of Appetite City under the stars. Appetite City tells the history of New York through its food. No advance registration. Free. All ages welcome.

Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2011
 Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM