gastro hounds

Just like your average food blog, but with 50% more attitude!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Man does not live by food alone...

... occasionally, there must be beverage. And if you're Zane Lamprey, beverage is your job.

A few months back, quite by accident, I caught a show on Travel Channel called "Three Sheets". It was a slow period for Travel Channel as new seasons for their most acclaimed series were due to start in June. In the lead up, Travel Channel padded their schedule with some unlikely choices, including some early Rachel Ray work. However, one show was Three Sheets. With a name like that I had to tune in. I did. The first episode did not impress, worse, it disappointed. I don't remember where the episode took place... it was that bad. The following episode took place in Hawaii, so it was worth a shot. And, as it turned out, was THE episode that sparked my keen interest. Everything that missing in the first episode was present in Hawaii... in spades. I actually learned STUFF, while thoroughly enjoying myself. Over the next 4 episodes, I would have the same experience. Zane's stop in Vancouver was especially good. Unfortunately, the 6 episodes were over all too quickly and I gave up hope of ever seeing any again. But today, hope is rekindled. Due to a positive response, Travel Channel has agreed to show all 52 previous episodes beginning June 30th. If the ratings are strong, they are open to funding additional episodes. I've followed the Wild Boyz and No Reservations long enough to know that every culture has their beverage of choice, and a drink offered in friendship is never refused - even if that beverage consists of previously masticated fruit pulp that has been fermenting in the ground for 3 weeks. To do otherwise would be rude.

Three sheets has had a tough history, starting out on the now defunct Mojo TV network. It was then picked up for an additional season on the Fine Living Network, but nothing seems to have come of that. I won't bore you with additional details. You can catch the show on Thursday nights on Travel Channel. Just watch the show and if you like, continue to do so. If not, don't bother. For me, I will continue. The show is quirky, low brow, with understandably low production values. Yet, there is a depth to the show and Zane takes his new gig seriously. For complete info on Three Sheets, there is a Wiki page with all the info you need. And for some immediate gratification, check my Food Porn sidebar for some quick clips of Three Sheets.

Cheers!

Update 7/26/10
Heads up!
Next week, beginning Aug 4th and 5th, Three Sheets will feature 2 episodes each night. Plan accordingly and don't forget to review the Three Sheets drinking rules (especially as it's a week night).

Prost!

Update 8/7/10
Travel Channel giveth, and Travel Channel taketh away. I don't know what is up with this, but Three Sheets is no longer on their schedule. Even though 2 episodes were scheduled for Thursday 8/5, they did not air. A quick check of the coming week revealed no episodes scheduled. At this point it's anyone's guess as to what is going on. Maybe they had to make room for more Rachel Ray:::shudders:::. The grassroots effort to keep Three Sheets alive continues. In the meantime I've got 10 episodes on DVR and will treat them with the reverence they deserve.