AllMovie

The Frugal Gourmet, with chef Jeff Smith, is an amazingly thorough video collection with over 80 episodes that include food recipes from around the world. In each episode, Smith demonstrates several simple but important recipes. This episode begins with a visit to a fishmonger. Then the Frugal Gourmet prepares traditional dishes like Seviche (raw fish salad), Bouillabaisse (fish stew made with several different types of fish), French Fish Bisque, and Rouille (a French mayonnaise-like condiment that is often added to Bouillabaisse and other soups). Smith not only cooks, but also discusses the theological and anthropological histories of the dishes he prepares. He brings humor and wide-ranging knowledge into the kitchen.