Million Dollar Critic

Watch Million Dollar Critic

  • 2015
  • 1 Season
  • 7.9  (43)

Million Dollar Critic is a food show that aired on BBC America in 2014. The show follows British writer and restaurant critic, Giles Coren, as he travels across North America in search of the best restaurants. Coren is joined by Julia Pileggi, an aspiring food critic, and Alluette Jones-Smalls, a local food expert, in each city they visit.

The show's premise is simple; Coren has one million dollars to spend on food, and together with Pileggi and Jones-Smalls, they must find the best restaurants in each city they visit. The twist is that Coren must only spend $500 at each restaurant, and the scores of the three judges must total a minimum of 80 in order for the restaurant to be deemed a success.

Throughout each episode, the trio visit a variety of different restaurants, from fancy fine dining establishments to hole-in-the-wall eateries. They sample dishes ranging from the traditional, such as BBQ in Dallas, to the more unusual, such as camel meat in Toronto. Along the way, they also learn about the history and culture of each city they visit, adding an educational element to the show.

Despite the pressure of finding the best restaurants within their budget, the judges maintain a friendly, lighthearted dynamic, often poking fun at each other and the restaurants they visit. Coren's dry British wit, in particular, adds a humorous tone to the show.

One of the unique features of Million Dollar Critic is the behind-the-scenes footage of the restaurants. The show provides a glimpse into the kitchens, allowing viewers to see how the dishes are prepared and cooked. There are also interviews with the chefs and restaurant owners, giving the audience insight into their passion for food and the inspiration behind their creations.

At the end of each episode, the three judges scores are revealed, and the restaurant is given a rating out of 100. If the restaurant fails to score the required minimum of 80, Coren leaves without spending his $500. However, if the restaurant passes, Coren gives a glowing review and spends his remaining budget on additional dishes.

Overall, Million Dollar Critic is an engaging and entertaining food show that combines culinary exploration with a lighthearted competitive element. The chemistry between the judges makes for an enjoyable watch, and the show offers a unique insight into the food and culture of North America.

Million Dollar Critic is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on January 22, 2015.

Million Dollar Critic
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Seasons
Quebec City
6. Quebec City
February 26, 2015
Giles Coren has high hopes for Quebec City as he's keen to discover a new kind of French cuisine. As one of the oldest European settlements in North America, has the adventuresome spirit of Quebec's founders inspired an emerging food scene that impresses the critic? Local Dining Guest: Eva Avila, singer-songwriter and food lover.
Providence
5. Providence
February 19, 2015
Founded in 1636, Providence embodies a uniquely independent spirit. It's also noted for a restaurant scene so strong it's leading the city out of recession. Giles Coren is here to find out if Providence's food is really that good. Local Dining Guest: Frank Terranova, Providence-based Chef and Educator.
St. John's Newfoundland
4. St. John's Newfoundland
February 12, 2015
Amidst St. John's recently booming economy, its food scene has gone crazy. But is its day of reckoning at hand? Giles Coren travels to what he describes as "a rock in the middle of the Atlantic ocean" to determine whether the restaurants are anywhere close to being the real deal. Local Dining Guest: Sabrina Wyatt, country music artist and professional crabber.
Toronto
3. Toronto
February 5, 2015
In tonight's episode Giles Coren journeys to Toronto, admitting he knows very little about the city and its rapidly growing food scene. Here to taste for himself, will he be surprised by the skill and attitudes of Toronto chefs? Local Dining Guests: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Robin Dolittle, news reporter, author, and unfussy vegetarian.
Charleston
2. Charleston
January 29, 2015
Giles Coren secretly wants to live the life of a Southern gentleman but the mint juleps will have to wait. His million dollar mission in Charleston is to see if the city can live up to its much-hyped reputation as one of the most exciting places to eat in North America. Local Dining Guest: Jeff Allen, Charleston-based food critic and educator.
Philadelphia
1. Philadelphia
January 22, 2015
In the inaugural episode, Giles Coren celebrates his love of food and all six Rocky movies in a city known to the world simply as 'Philly.' Here, he's set to discover whether the food scene is ready to step out of New York City's shadow and shed its blue-collar reputation. Local Dining Guest: Ed Rendell, former Philadelphia Mayor and Governor of Pennsylvania.
Description
Where to Watch Million Dollar Critic
Million Dollar Critic is available for streaming on the BBC America website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Million Dollar Critic on demand at Amazon, Vudu and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 22, 2015
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (43)