The Frugal Gourmet
I was a big fan of the Frug' and I think his influence changed a lot about how cooking shows are presented. I can't think of another show at that time that really explained the regional differences in how people eat.
He really raised the bar of food knowledge in the country, especially in the midwest where I grew up. In the mid-80s people just weren't eating things like squid ink pasta, balsamic vinegar, fennel bulbs, etc. etc. Al dente' was a word most had never heard.
If he hadn't had his troubles, and the evidence is pretty overwhelming against him even if he never had to admit to anything, then I believe he would be among the most revered food educators. As it is, most younger people don't know him at all, but his influence is still being felt in very strong ways.
It was a deep personal loss to me, he really taught me how to cook and also why it's important to be curious about the foodways of other cultures. I still have all of his cookbooks, but I don't use them much.
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