Culinary Odyssey: "Food is Love" Earns Emmy Nods, Expands Reach

Alton, Illinois – The acclaimed food and culture television series "Food is Love" with Chef Lasse Sorensen has garnered two new Emmy nominations for its season 3 episodes, further solidifying its position as a must-watch program for food enthusiasts and storytellers alike. The show's unique blend of culinary exploration and personal narratives has captivated audiences, and its recent accolades are a testament to the team's dedication to crafting authentic, engaging content.

Elevating the Art of Storytelling through Food

Emmy Nods and Expanding Horizons

The show's season 3 episodes, "Episode 302" featuring James Beard-recognized Chef Rob Connoley and "Season 3 Episode 307" highlighting the iconic St. Louis landmark soda fountain Crown Candy Kitchen, have been nominated for this year's Emmy Awards. This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the series, as it prepares to launch its highly anticipated fourth season on September 28th.Formerly a PBS-based program, "Food is Love" has now broadened its reach, securing airtime on KBSI Fox 23 in the Cape Girardeau/Paducah market and KPLR 11 in St. Louis. This expansion not only increases the show's visibility but also aligns with its mission to share the stories and connections behind the culinary world with a wider audience.

Grounding the Global Reach in Local Roots

Despite the show's growing international acclaim, Chef Lasse Sorensen, a resident of Southern Illinois, remains deeply connected to his home turf. "Even though we have some pretty substantial guests and the show is going all over the world this season, we still make it a priority to circle back to our home turf. That's what keeps us grounded," Sorensen explains.Alton, Illinois, serves as the headquarters for the "Food is Love" nonprofit, which addresses food insecurity, embodying the very essence of the show's name. Sorensen also oversees the Space Shuttle Café at Flock Food Truck Park and Bar, further solidifying his commitment to the local community.

Cultivating the Alton Food Scene

In an effort to foster the growth of Alton's culinary landscape, Sorensen has partnered with the social impact group AltonWorks. This collaboration aims to elevate the city as a thriving food destination, showcasing the diverse flavors and stories that make it unique."Food is Love" has become a driving force in shaping Alton's food scene, using its platform to highlight local businesses, chefs, and the community's rich culinary heritage. This commitment to local roots, coupled with the show's global reach, exemplifies the delicate balance between celebrating the universal language of food and honoring the unique narratives that make each community special.

Embracing Change and Authenticity

As "Food is Love" embarks on its fourth season, viewers can expect to see a shift in the show's focus. While the Greater St. Louis region has been a central focus in previous seasons, the series is now expanding its scope to include episodes set in diverse locations, such as Peru, Alaska, Denmark, New York City, San Antonio, and Napa Valley.This global perspective is further enhanced by a behind-the-scenes look at the closing of Sorensen's long-time restaurant, Tom's Place. "Making the decision to close Tom's Place wasn't easy, it was an emotional time for me that played out in front of the cameras. It made sense not to censor what really happened and to include it in the show," Sorensen shares.By embracing this level of authenticity, "Food is Love" not only captures the joys and challenges of the culinary world but also provides a deeper understanding of the personal journeys that shape the lives of the chefs and food enthusiasts featured on the show.

Celebrating the Art of Storytelling

The show's success has been marked by a total of 8 Emmy nominations over the past three seasons, a testament to the team's commitment to crafting captivating narratives. Executive Producer Jason Pinkston emphasizes that the true reward lies not in the hardware, but in the ability to tell authentic, positive stories and create art."I'm grateful to be able to tell authentic, positive stories and to make art. To me that means that we have already won," Pinkston says.As "Food is Love" continues to evolve and expand its reach, viewers can look forward to a season that delves deeper into the personal stories of Chef Lasse Sorensen and the diverse culinary landscapes he explores. With a focus on authenticity, global perspectives, and the power of storytelling, the show promises to captivate audiences and solidify its position as a must-watch destination for food and culture enthusiasts.