‘Local Flavor’ a culinary delight for viewers

Scott Turner
In Motion Staff Writer

This fall, “Local Flavor” takes the stage as the seasonal production of WDSC television studios. Centering on the culinary arts, the show takes local ingredients from local suppliers, then provides instructional tips on how best to prepare them to viewers.

“Each week we’re presenting an ingredient harvested in Central Florida, then we’ll have several recipes or tips for viewers so that they can try themselves,” said Angela DeBernardo, one of the students heading up work on the production.

The show will be hosted by the Dean of the College of Hospitality and Culinary Management, Costa Magoulas, who has a clear direction in regards to the show.

“I’ve been given an ingredient list and have been coming up with recipes to showcase them. They’ll be quick and easy to cook, and we’ll be giving instructional and informative tips throughout. This first show is about beef, for example, so I’ll be showing prime rib steaks, where they come from, and how to properly cut and cook one,” Magoulas said.

“There’s also a large video element to it, since we aren’t going to be able to cook in the studio due to ventilation concerns. I may have some of the Culinary Arts students lend me a hand for some of the shoots and the show itself to give their opinions.”

The show will provide viewers with a chance to meet the local suppliers through interviews and displays of various dishes made with their goods.

“For the first episode we’re focusing on beef and have Kim Conaway, the owner of Conaway Livestock in Dillon Springs, coming in to show us where his beef comes from. Beyond that we’ve got plans for honey, lobster, catfish, pecans, scallops, oranges, marsh hens and more,” DeBernardo said.

“We’re hoping to have the various suppliers themselves come in for each show, so that in addition to the cooking we can give them more attention and let them show viewers a bit more about where their food comes from.”

In addition to presenting on the show, recipes showcased will also be available online for viewers.

‘Local Flavors’ airs Thursday evenings at 7:30, on Channel 15. Viewers may call in with questions in regards to recipes or the ingredients used. For information and a WDSC-TV television schedule, check the official site at www.wdsctv.org. The program re-airs at 11 a.m. on Sundays.