"Poochie & Pang" to star in new local food show in Chicago
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Kevin Pang (L) and Poochie. Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Pang
A new local food show is coming to NBC 5, bringing two veteran Chicago personalities together to review cheeseburgers.
The big picture: Former Chicago Tribune food writer and CLTV host Kevin Pang returns to Chicago television alongside Weiner Circle legend Poochie.
- "Poochie & Pang Eat Chicago" will debut Nov. 24 after "Sports Sunday."
Why it matters: Local food shows have a long history in Chicago, but surprisingly there are none airing right now.
The vibe: The show will pit Pang versus Poochie in a show that is "Siskel & Ebert" meets "Wild Chicago" — but for food.
- Poochie, who is famous for leading the Weiner Circle's staff in berating customers at the legendary Lincoln Park hot dog stand, will bring her colorful (albeit cleaner) language and personality to the airwaves.
Zoom in: The pairing of this duo, plus the sharp cinematic style, works. It is a nice mix of witty banter and paying homage to the area's vast culinary scene.
- The first episode takes them to a burger place in a gas station and a tavern in Bristol, Illinois, while the second episode takes them on a tour of South Side burgers.
- The first season will only be four episodes, but more are planned for 2025.
What they're saying: "Our show isn't just a food show uncovering great burgers in unexpected places," Pang tells Axios. "We spent all summer writing sketches, bits, parodies, music montages and fake commercials."
- "Doing this show is the most fun I've ever had in my life."
Flashback: Chicago television used to be a food show mecca. Shows like "Check, Please!," "Good Eats," "Chicago's Best" and Pang's "Cheeseburger Show" dominated local channels over the past few decades.
Yes, but: Those food shows have all but disappeared as local television becomes budget conscious, focusing on news instead.
The bottom line: "Poochie & Pang Eat Chicago" brings back the time-honored tradition of local food television along with fresh personalities and perspectives.
In short: It's what local television was made for.