I personally did not care for him.....seemed a bit stiff. I tried watching Milk Street but it just doesn't grab me. While he may explore world cuisine.....he is no Anthony Bourdain.
What? The new CEO had to 'move on' (fire) Christopher Kimball because Christopher was 65 years old? That's ridiculous. Jacques Pepin is older than time and he is a living icon.
@@stephaniechochotte434 Exactly. I'm sick of excuses that people make for firing others. People fall for it. We live in a "firing" culture and the masses accept it.
@@stephaniechochotte434 I loved watching those two! It was a great Saturday afternoon watching them, Justin Wilson, ATK, can't remember the name of the chef that featured foods from Mexico, and Lydia-the Italian woman.
It just goes to show how out of touch these high-level corporate monkeys are. As much as I love and appreciate the new young chefs that are making a name for themselves in the culinary world. If you give me a show with Jacques Pepin, I will sit and watch and learn something new.
@mikeland7699 I didn't watch it, but I did see the little previews of it. I like cooking competition shows sometimes, but that one looked so bland and uninspired.
Kimball played an important role on ATK, acting as the somewhat dour overseer of the other 3 main cooks. Plus, he did have the food chemistry knowledge to tie together the resultant dishes and the various methods used in their preparation. Also, he interacted with the young chap who did the testing of the various tools and techniques. One I still remember is, What's the best way to whisk eggs? The answer is obvious, but I cannot tell you how many commercial cooks and bona fide chefs are wasting time and energy! Anyway, even given his intolerance of spicy foods and other personality quirks, I always looked forward to ATK as the happy marriage of the scientific method with a cooking show!
I enjoy Christopher and Bridget and Julia. There is room for both Milk Street and ATK. Anything but those assinine cooking competition shows. I learn from shows. Keep on going.
@@arribaficationwineho32 Remember when Food Network had freaking cooking shows? Now it's that awful Guy Fieri and cooking competitions. I miss Alton Brown and Good Eats! Hell, he also did a travel show centered around food and it was SO much better than Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!
@@Craxin01 I loved the old Food Network but they dumbed it down and no real cooks are featured now. I hate the game show mentality that is all they show. Or I should say I HATED what it became and gave up cable because most channels were just as bad as food network, vh1, mtv and others that were much better networks with previous management.
@@piros44 totally agree abt that show! I tink they don’t give them enough time but I think it is a fantastic show. It does not have a game show feeling
"He was 65..." told me everything. Their loss. Kimball's doing more professionally and in his personal life since he was fired. They should have taken a look back at Julia Child and realized that Kimball was only getting started!
Yes, pretended he had no value, ousted him for being too old, and then when he went on his own way, suddenly he was, and still 65, a threat to business and sued him for being viable competition. The way we do business is psychotic.
So the CEO admitted that the decision to remove him was because he was a certain age, otherwise known as age discrimination. Not because he wasn't doing his job, or could continue to do it. Knowing that the current hosts are getting older you can bet they will get dumped too.
I always loved his programs! He is able to break down cooking for novices so they understand why certain techniques work and others may not. He educates on regional foods and how best to prepare them. I learned a lot about cooking from this man!
I like those shows because they focus on cooking, not ridiculous elimination competitions. I have liked magazines also. I enjoy reading abt why things turn out better if done well.
We’ve been wondering what happened! Thank you for the detailed explanation! Mr. Kimball’s programs are enjoyable because he’s straightforward, personable, and easy to understand. He cares about the everyday cook and helping them to have the best outcome in their cooking methods. Go Milk Street! Thank you🎉
Absolutely. It sounds like he was pushed out by the new management because he was “old”, and he insisted on being compensated for his value to the company, and his creation. Shame on them. I stopped watching after Chris left. Nussbaum screwed up.
@@senoritaperdidaDespite Mr. Kimball being absent, I still watch both shows and tune into "Milk Street" as often as possible just to get a taste of the former cast member (pause!)
@@MsMars. Kimball wasn't "authentic" on tv. Kimball has said exactly my post in interviews. He thought having a "shtick" (originally for the letters from Vermont in the print) would be good "hokum". that's an unusual word, which is why it stuck with me. he's said in interviews that for the tv show, he decided to wear a bow tie (bc it's "corney") and pretend to be ignorant (opportunity for didactic pieces) bc it would be good tv. Kimball wasn't "authentic" on tv.
This promo-style video from his makes it look like that, but way back before he left ATK there were many published stories about his ego and jerk-ish behavior, and nothing about his age.
ATC has not been the same since Christopher Kimble left the show. The hosts of the present ATC are all accomplished chefs. And it just doesn't ring true when they stand there watching someone cook and act like they're learning something new. Unfortunately, I really don't like Milk Street. I have no desire to make some of the exotic and complicated recipes he highlights from his travels. Getting back to basics is what made ATC so relatable to as home cooks, like me.
To me, it seems like both of the hosts never quite got comfortable in front of the camera. They come off as corny and trying too hard. ATK would be better off with TV personalities that belong there with zero cooking knowledge than what they're doing now. Knowing how much better it was with Chris there just makes it unwatchable.
Christopher Kimball made thousands of new and better cooks!! We are all indebted to him and his vision! Boston Common Press screwed up and shouldn't have listed to clueless CEO Nussbaum who has no idea who their customer's ARE!
I grew up watching Julia Child on PBS. Back then we only had 3 or 4 channels to choose from, and I attribute my interest in cooking to her and Jeff Smith. As an adult I found the show Cook’s Country and America’s test Kitchen which I absolutely loved. Chris explained the scientific reasons behind doing things a certain way that really improved whatever they were making. It was the only show that did that at the time, and Chris like Julia, explained things in a way that anyone could learn. I think he is a great teacher. While Bridget and Julia are great chefs, it’s just not the same as when Chris was there. I really miss him. I’ve bought cookbooks from all the seasons of America’s Test Kitchen, and had a subscription to the magazine. I’ll have to check out Milk Kitchen program- it sounds likes something I would like. I wish Chris the best.
@imsodone4309: "Milk Street" is a great program! It's almost the same as Cook' Country (semi-science information, corny jokes and all), but just with a much different cast.
Cooks Illustrated Magazine took cooking to the next level. Using a engineering approach to developing, testing, and refining recipes. Some of the recipes are amazingly complex and require trips to multiple stores to source the correct ingredients. Also he didn't shy away from twice cook - thrice cooked recipes that can take over a hour. I'm never been disappointed with the results but boy do you have to work hard. I just wished they would have a test kitchen restaurant so I can have someone else cook these so all I have to do is eat them.
@@sunrae7680 when the frothy right whines about "virtue signaling," my take HAS been "maybe it's just virtue." your "And I tip very well" has changed my mind. well done you, tipping very well to a non-existent UNDERPAID restaurant worker
Julia Child, one of the most famous if not THE most famous television cook, worked well into her 80's and was at least partially active right up to within months of her passing at nearly 92. Obviously they let Kimball go due to his being 65. I'm 63 and a sous chef and my employer is already hinting at my impending retirement despite the fact that I get more done in an hour than most of the employees accomplish in a day.
Absolutely loved Cooks Magazine it was so much fun and you learned about new products on the market from food to gadgets and appliances, I was so disappointed when I ordered another 3 years, but received a Gourmet magazine with a note saying we have good news and some bad news, which basically meant for the next three years I would be receiving Gourmet magazine instead of Cooks, two totally different kind of cooking magazines, needless to say I was disappointed. I really respect Chris Kimball, his dedication to whatever he chooses to do is a win win for all concerned.
I loved Cook's Illistrated, but I noticed around the same time that they got rid of Kimball as editor that recipes started being repeated. A LOT. As in the mag usually had about 5 -7 major recipes and why and how they worked, and one issue had 3 recipes they had already done in the last decade. That was half the magazine! And for the last 6 months of my subscription there wasn't a singe issue that didnt reuse at least one recipe, at least one of which I know for certain was nearly word for word (I had liked that one and put a photo copy in my favorites binder.) While I don't mind a revisit/refresh when new information is found, just recycling content is beyond lame when you're asking high prices to support the subscription model. Between that and the psudo scientific focus whilst refusing to consider anyone living more than 100 feet above sea level, I canceled my subscription.
@mwater_moon2865, That was several years after Cooks Magazine, Cooks Illustrated was interesting, but so different from the original which was the only one I subscribed to, but every once in awhile I would pick one up Cooks Illustrated, sorry to hear they disappointed the fans on that one too, sad they don't learn. I don't blame Chris for what happened, it's a weird business and he is on the creative side.
this didn't happen. Gourmet is Conde Nast. sounds like you were drunk one night and signed up for Gourmet. also sounds like you don't know how credit cards work.
op3129, My mom told me to never bet unless it's a sure thing, I'd like to bet $1000,00 As$Hat that is exactly what happened back in the 90's, I never liked Gourmet magazine, and as for being drunk GFY! WTF are you talking about credit cards, where did I mention anything having to do with credit cards? You are a Jerk, and if you had any decency you'd apologize! I'll be waiting right here.
I am a fan of ATK and Cooks Illustrated and have been super happy with some of the new additions to the show (Lan Lam and What's eating Dan make are now my favorites). I was never a fan of Kimball's personality but I do have to say he deserves so much credit for maintaining a level of unparalleled quality. While he was there, I cannot recall one recipe that ever failed me. These days I have tried many that I have not been too happy with. Not sure if there is a connection but I have noticed a difference.
Agree. He was stodgy but solid. The new team is trying a lot of things, fast. It feels to me that his "perfection through engineered cooking" approach has given way to, "wing it, then fling it". Their focus appears to be rapid vids for social media that look good, but don't produce much for those who try them. That said, I like Lan Lam and her focused approach. She is the one ATK'er who most reminds me of Kimball.
I agree with everything you said. Whenever he was on screen I wanted him off of it, but those old recipes hold up so much better than the new ones. I have a go to pad Thai recipe from them from a book that looks like it's from 1992 lol I don't know the exact year but it's old as hell.
I both liked him and not? Most of the time h was informative and relatable. Then there were his " food snob" moments. It was off putting. He seemed condensing towards the other on air cast( cooks).
I thought I was the only one who had that reaction to Mr. Kimble . . .you expressed my exact thoughts while watching every Saturday on PBS.. .I also did not enjoy the other two guys who did gadgets and the food comparisons.
While I loved Cook's Illustrated and still have pages from it in my recipe binder, I watched ATK from the very start *in spite* of Kimball. He just came across as so arrogant and better-than-thou, an uptight old man, really rubbed me the wrong way. Oh the other hand, I just love Julia and Bridget, and all their fellow hosts! Their relaxed, fun style is still so informative -- but they're actually FUN and kind!
Complete opposite for me. Kimball exuded confidence and backed it up with deep skills and insights. The whole format of the show, with multiple presenters focusing on specialties, was his idea. All other shows of the time were just one chef and their personality. Julia and Bridget were always OK as a segment, but as main presenters, they're just boring moms telling 'mom-jokes' and cooking dinner using some recipe some staff member gave them. The only presenter on ATK that holds my interest anymore is Dan Souza, and it's exactly because **he knows more than me**. YMMV.
Guess you guys didn't put two and two together that Kimball's divorce diluted his shares in the company which would have impacted his controlling interest in the company, allowing the board to be able to install a new CEO to dilute Kimball's control, and move the company away from Kimball's vision and direction.
Thanks Mashed for a great story! Christopher Kimball is as good a writer as he is a chef and visionary. In the earlier days of Cooks Illustrated I eagarly looked forward to his editorials chock full of colorful stories about his life, family, neighbors and the unique New England way of life as he remembered it growing up.
My biggest takeaway is "There's no such thing as perfect authenticy." I've gotten into cooking Indian recipes, and in every cookbook there are several suggestions for spice mixes, and it dawned on me, I just need to put together the standard Indian spices and enjoy a slightly different flavor every time. And it's always YUM!
Anthony Bourdain pointed this out 15 years ago, over an argument that authentic Cajun cuisine could no longer be found in New Orleans. "Authentic to WHO?!? Authentic WHEN?!? We are in the here and now, and we're certainly not cooking and eating as they did, 200 years ago!" And look at the hundreds of different curries there are, Who's to say what's authentic? Judge not, on pain of looking like a fool.
@@markcollins2666 The ingredients used today are very different from decades and centuries ago. Most Asian and European cuisine today is most definitely not historically authentic since they incorporate ingredients brought over from the Americas (chilis, potatoes, tomatoes, etc), and there's been a lot of cross-regional transfer between all parts of the world.
Cooking is a living, breathing entity to me. It evolves every time I get out the pots and pans to prepare a meal. To cook a dish like my grandmother and mom did and to achieve the taste and texture I remember is the ultimate connection I have with them.
I've followed the show from the beginning and I feel that lately they've fallen for the advertisement placement trap. I get a sense the product they use is what they care about more than us learning.
Was it just me, or did it seem like the lady hosts _absolutely _*_hated_* him? Every episode I can remember, there'd be at least one briefly awkward moment, where somebody would make some cutting remark, then continue like nothing ever happened. And you could tell it wasn't just good-natured ribbing. Always gave me a weird vibe, that show. Never understood why, if Kimball was the boss, he wouldn't just find another co-host, one whom he'd get along with better?
I'm a fan of all PBS cooking shows! I watch cooks country, cooks illustrated, Milk Street and all the rest of the fabulous chef's are cooks related to PBS! Thank you for your information it was informative 👍
As a cooking enthusiast, I had been watching ATK & CC on PBS for several years, but maybe only as far back as 2010, can't recall. For all that time, Kimball truly was the face of both of those shows & I was used to that, so that when I heard news he was suddenly gone, it really was profound of a change but also mysterious of a reason why. I think there was even an episode of ATK explaining why Kimball was not there anymore. Anyway, whenever I catch them on TV, I still watch both shows, post-Kimball, even though they are now helmed by the 2 gals & I will also catch Milkstreet whenever I spot it on PBS, although I have only seen very little episodes of Milkstreet, even though they have many episodes & now in their 6th season. I've probably only seen around 10 episodes of Milkstreet. But it doesn't matter, I get the bulk of my food recipes & food fascination here on RUclips.
Christopher. Had no idea all of this was going on in the backdrop of my favorite shows- thank you for all your hard work and helping us all learn how do cook 🙋🏼♀️
One time he was cooking with the other lady host and they were talking about like leaving something they were preparing somewhere dark like a basement and out of nowhere she said "yeah dark just like your soul" and to top it off he calmly responded "yes". I was like wtf? 🤣 Talk about strange co-worker dynamics.
Omigod, I was scrolling around the comments for something like this! On any random episode I'd tune into, there'd always be some sort of uncomfortable moment, where you could just _feel_ how much they loathed each other. What I could never figure out, was why the show kept them together?
@@pcdm43145 Kind of like MythBusters. Those two dudes have openly spoken about their distaste for each other. The answer to your ATK question is probably the same as for MythBusters: unrelenting professionalism. You got the job...you do the job. But yeah, it bleeds through. No way it cannot.
This guy always seemed like a huge jerk but I really loved his passion and his perfectionism. I remember when I graduated from culinary school a long time ago the food network was just starting and it was great. Now every show is stupid no more cooking shows. Very similar to how MTV ended up. The thing that made it was no more. I like that he's 72 and thriving and still creating despite being let go because of this age. The ultimate revenge. I hope he lives to 100 and creates even more resources for people who love to cook
I totally agree about cooking shows. I too went to culinary school and I can’t stand to overproduced cooking shows. Chris is a great guy and a fantastic employer. He got ousted by no fault of his own. He didn’t want to be a slave to advertisers and he stood his ground. I respect that. I’m also glad he didn’t let the suits silence him and continued doing what he loved. Too old my ass. Go Chris!
There's something about this story that doesn't seem to ring true. At some level, Kimball's story is being sanitized. It's clear that certain things in the story were minimized, maximized, and ignored for effect. This was essentially a puff-piece promotion for him.
That they did. Kimball did some seriously unethical stuff behind everyone's back and was secretly poaching talent for his future solo project while still employed by ATK.
As I know it, the Publishers were taking away the Show that Kimball created and wanted to push him into the Background. If you look at the last year that he was on the Show, his role had been diminished pushing screentime with Bridget and Julia. He wanted more control over the Show as well as more money when his contract expired, but the majority owners would not agree to it. Seeing the writing on the Wall, he prepared his exit. And I don't blame him. ATK is not the same without him.
No. He started the other company while he was still working at ATK. He had every intention of leaving once his startup got going. He used ATK resources to create is program. So. I refuse to watch Milk Street.
No, they sacked him because he refused to alter the ATK policy of not accepting any advertising. Kimball over the years sold a majority of the company to other investors, who eventually wanted to see some return on investment. After firing him as CEO of ATK, they wanted him to stay on as an on-air performer just as before, but he refused. because he has a very big ego.
Imagine if they told Julia Child she was too old, removed any input she had, and then told her to stick around if she wanted. Christopher created unique paths in the cooking universe and deserves credit. I like ATK but this really makes me question their leadership if they really care about cooks vs. their profit. Good on Christopher Kimball for fighting for his passion.
Love that magazine! It is wonderful to be able to see the process of breaking down recipes and cooking/baking methods to understand the hows and whys of cooking.
I have followed Chris through all his publishing endeavors starting with Cooks magazine. It was a breath of fresh air after the ad heavy commercial cooking mags. I was sad to see him leave ATK as his off beat humor and interactions with the other staff were fun and interesting. I haven't quite accepted Milk Street in it's current set up as it seems to have become more interesting in sales of equipment and classes. Although to be honest even Cooks seems to offer a new cookbook for sale every month. This was an interesting rehash of the break-up of his former empire.
I’m sure many people noticed that on “America’s Test Kitchen” none of the people on the set except Christopher were allowed to look at the camera. Very weird.
I’d seen an account of that elsewhere online - that nobody was allowed to address to camera except Chris - and now it’s all I can see when I watch the show (awkward)! But I thank Chris for blazing the trail with CI and ATK, and I’m glad he found something that keeps him going. In fact I’m binge-listening to his Milk Street podcast and I love it.
It actually made perfect sense bc the idea is to teach, and the teacher who is cooking is explaining/teaching how to make the dish. It's not about being weird as much as it's about learning in a teacher/student vibe
Sorry for necromancing this topic, but although this is an astute observation, this likely isn't unusual. It may be seen as too distracting to have more than one person on-screen addressing the audience directly (breaking the fourth wall, as it were).
I think this was one of the rare instances where instead of having a split where both attack each other head-on, Milk St & ATK et al have made 2+ great, distinct shows, and I watch and enjoy both.
I still have my collection of "Cooks Illustrated", start to finish. Mr. Kimball's Editorials are special to me. Of course that does not include decades of amazing cooking skill hints, recipes in my list of kudos. On the flip, I have the more recent books as well.. Well done, Mr. Kimball and Team(s).
I do not miss Chris on ATK, but I thought that I would. Bridget, Julia and the rest of the crew have not only carried on, they have improved the show, IMO. I have tried watching Milk Street, but I just can't seem to develop an interest in it.
Agreed. I don't miss him from ATK or Cooks Country. And I find 'Milk Street' dull. I couldn't get into it. And unfortunately, the presenters on the show are just like him; flat and somewhat forced personalities that just irritate me no end.
I liked him on ATK and thought the show would collapse after he left, but the two ladies have done a great job. The atmosphere changed, the woman made it feel more friendly and you feel included in their banter. I enjoyed the old ATK, and I like the new show
I imagine this was Kimball's idea: only the presenter was allowed to look into the camera, and everyone else looked at the presenter, and since he was always the presenter everyone looked only at him when they were on camera, and only he was allowed to look into the camera. That was a really weird way to make a show.
His ex wife took half his stake in the business and got him run out of his leading role in the company he created. It seems he was a hard man to work for and the ambitious and bitter folks that replace him are eager to show they have better taste than the old boss. They’ve had their chance and, although it is still a fine show, they certainly haven’t improved on it and it seems to be missing a lot of the charm cranky Chris K brought to the picture.
WOW!! Thanks so much for all this GREAT info!! I had wondered what happened to him. His palate was a billion times better than anyone else's on the show and I loved when he did brand testing. It was always so impressive to see how refined his palate is. ATK was never the same after he left. No offense to the two ladies but, they are no where near as good as he is in presence and knowledge.
He never bothered me one way or another until they did a segment reviewing tortilla warmers. I still remember when they chose they’re favorite him complaining about how bright and colorful it was and not understanding how someone would like it. Me being Mexican and thinking umm, a lot of us would like it. We are kind of known for embracing bright beautiful colors and patterns. It silly but it felt like a put down and never sat right with me.
Wow! I can't believe it - I remember that so well - and I had the same reaction! Adam showed him the winning warmer, which was colorful and beautiful and said it was the favorite and Christopher muttered something snarky like, not in my house. That left such a bad taste in my mouth that I never liked him after that. Amazing that I'm not the only one that caught that.
I know right! The audacity of him to not like the looks of something that you personally like... how dare he have a different view of something than you.
Christopher Kimball and Americas test kitchen I responsible for my choice of pots and pans, range, microwave, coffee makers and everything else in my kitchen. I was devastated when Christopher left the show. I still watch America’s test kitchen today but I very much miss Richard
I always follow Christopher Kimball. He taught me so much. I always refer back to the cookbooks and the recipes from that company as they are excellent.
LOVED LOVED LOVED Cooks Illustrated. that said...he is insufferable, and complicates things that should remain simple. Sarah does her best to reel him in on their podcast
So here's the thing: Kimball has been iconic in bringing the science of cooking to the masses, and I will always be in debt to his work with the magazine and creating the show. That being said, as time was going on, his camera demeanor was getting increasingly grumpy and sometimes antagonistic to his colleagues as well as towards the audience. It was too obvious that the warm chemistry between Julia and Bridget and the rest of the cast that uplifted the shows they do ever since.
@twostepcub How ***DARE*** the originator, creative force and BOSS act like a boss! SHEESH what sort of non-equity stuff is that??? He should have been SOOOO much more sensitive to feewings of everyone else. You really are a gem ain't ya kid....
I felt he was the heart and soul of America’s Test Kitchen and the show was never the same for me when he was no longer there. Same with Cook’s Country. I continued to watch it for awhile, but it was never again ‘appointment television’ as it was when he was a part of it.
I love Chris, I miss him on ATK. I was a magazine subscriber and never missed a show. My culinary skills and tastes improved greatly from the Cook's Illustrated mag and ATK. I still watch, even though I tire of Julia's orgasms on camera. She has toned it down, but, pull it back a little more. I love the food tasting portion as well as the gadgets. We have a fair amount of the tools they recommended over the years. Milk street is ok, learning about world cuisines is fine, but, I know I'd never try and cook 99% of them.
I loved Cook's Illustrated in the early 2000s, but I noticed around the same time that they got rid of Kimball as editor that recipes started being repeated. A LOT. As in the mag usually had about 5 -7 major recipes and why and how they worked, and one issue had 3 recipes they had already done in the last decade. That was half the magazine! And for the last 6 months of my subscription there wasn't a singe issue that didnt reuse at least one recipe. On top of that they kept pushing people to the TV show and online (we had bad internet and no TV signal for PBS way out in the country) so I gave up on them.
Completely agree. I too cook better and consider their product reviews before buying. I watch Milk Street for the travel. I have only made 1 pizza recipe from Milk Street....because I had access to the ingredients. I live in a small town and I am not interested in ordering a long list of ingredients from Amazon just to make a recipe. But as a traveling and informative way to learn about the world, it is entertaining.
I love his new show even more. I feel like his new show is “ The world in your own kitchen.” I’ve learned about recipes in Asia and Africa that I’ve never heard of in Milk Street. I even ordered his Milk Street book .
This video is packed with information; no one can deny that. I used to watch Cooks Country on public television up until maybe about a decade ago. I had no idea Chris had left the show.
Love ATK! Since it’s very beginning, the format was extraordinarily diverse with clear concise instructions, as well as offering choices for kitchen tools and appliances. While Chris was a bit stiff, the energy of the show was cooperation. Love the gals loved Chris, tried Milkstreet but it fell flat for me and was too much about perfection. He just wasn’t joking around like he would on ATK, but also just no chemistry. Since I watched ATK and others, I was about the recipes and instructions! 🙏🏻❤️
We get all 3 magazines, cooks country, cooks and milk street. They are all different and the ones we go to again and again for dinner ideas. We wouldn't have gotten any of them (or the internet versions) without him.
When I heard that Cook Country’s was filmed at CPK’s country house I assumed it was just his way of getting the show to pay for his mortgage as well as being able to write off improvements and updates needed to an old farmhouse - I’m sure his neighbours were happy it was filmed over a 2 week period. Martha Stewart ran into opposition from her neighbours as they quickly got tired of the filming at her place of residence CPK became a real curmudgeon his last few years on ATK so I wasn’t sad to see him leave. It also drove me crazy how close he would stand to the cooks (male and female) demonstrating on ATK - like they couldn’t move their arms normally without bumping him - I felt like shouting ‘we all know it’s your show, you don’t need to be in every camera shot’ Happily the new hosts, Julia and Bridget, never have a problem giving the demonstration cooks all the elbow room them need ! Maybe because they remember how uncomfortable it was to be crowded while demonstrating in the past
I agree 100%! The guy is a total jerk! He made it seem that no one could do anything without him in the camera. Best thing that ever happened to ATK and CC.
@@tinof5829 Actually, it wasn't the best thing that every happened to ATK. They lost a huge number of subscribers, their viewership tanked and never recovered, and now, they are stuck schilling cookbooks on QVC.
Wow, what a success story!! Fascinating. Thanks for a really well done documentary on an inspirational man surfing life's ups & dwns.... yet rolling with the punches in style.
America's Test Kitchen is actually pretty great. I got their "Complete Mediterranean" cookbook after borrowing my mother's and loving it, I use it so much it's getting damaged, lol. Great recipes. And so many of them.
All I know is my food tastes a LOT better thanks to this guy and chefs on ATK. My brother is self-appointed master chef at family gatherings. I like to take him down a rung with "Maillard reaction" or any of a number of other science-based explanations Kimball beat into my head. He's learned a lot from Kimball too, albeit indirectly.
The original shows aren't the same since he left. The new hosts don't seem comfortable without someone else leading the conversation. It's too bad because I always liked the way they come up with the recipes and make them simple for us.
Maybe it was just poor screen presence, but it seemed to me he was there because he was the boss and wanted to be seen. hHis contribution seemed to be totally scripted and learned the day before. I’m probably wrong, but it’s how he came off. Sorry, he is creepy.
I was an email subscriber of cook's country magazine and the ATK and Cooks Country TV shows. When Kimball launched Milk Street I started getting all kinds of email spam from him. To me this seemed that he had poached my email information from the Test Kitchen databases. This is something which was alleged in the lawsuit and I think it is true based on my own experience. I have found Milk Street's recipes too reliant on obscure ingredients that I am unable to source even though I live in a major city. My Milk Street cookbook when to a donation site because too many of the recipes were things I could never make due to ingredient sourcing.
Agree, he stole my email and I was spammed by him and Milk Street that I threatened legal action if they did not stop. Never liked him, too arrogant and narcissistic.
I am 100% team Chris Kimball. I followed him on ATK, Cooks Country and now on Milk Street. Still have all his magazines and a lot of his cook Books, many signed by him. Met him a few times at book signings. This man is a genius and a wonderful chef. I have not watched ATK since he left.
It’s really funny because I was in Boston approximately 50 years ago and got lost. And I always remember the name of the street sign that I was on. It was Milk Street! 😊
my radar tells me that Christopher Kimball behind the scenes is a control freak and very hard to get along with. Whenever you see him interacting on screen with other staff they always act very rigid with a very superficial level of camaraderie. In my life experience, men who wear bowties always fall into one of two camps...either some of the most intelligent and kind people you will ever meet or they are the most arrogant god-complex douchebags of which I sense he fits the latter rather than the former,
Kimball's onscreen persona was conspicuously uninviting; he seemed (and looked) like a Methodist minister who had somehow gotten host responsibilities on a cooking show. Too, his cooking knowledge was sketchy (though he often pretended otherwise). Good that he can now be behind the scenes, where obviously he does better.
So the new CEO says they were looking for a succession plan because Kimball was 65, then Kimball starts a brand new venture? Succession wasn't the issue. It always comes down to control. People who create a product/show/brand are a different breed. They like autonomy and don't do well in a structured environment (ie: being in meetings all day). The problem comes when they allow a "meetings person" to come in and run the business and they end up in a fight over control. This is where guys like Kimball simply leave and start something new that allows them the creative control.
The content not directly from Kimball was excellent. Kimball is arrogant and does not communicate a concern for his employees or the people with whom he is directing content. I find Bridgett and Julia much easier from whom to learn.
Over 50 years ago a friend and I took a bus to Boston Massachusetts. We walked around a lot and got lost and the one street that I always remembered seeing the sign of was… Milk Street! 😊❤
Love Christopher.... America's Test Kitchen was a brilliant idea...learned so much over the past 2 decades. That said....Sad breakup! My problem with Milk Street is that it involves exotic ingredients that are not easily found. Not for average folks such as myself... What's been eating Dan is brilliant...all episodes on RUclips
I watched Milk Street a couple of times, went to the website to register, they insisted on my email address, and from that day on was bombarded by their emails trying to sell be stuff. And I never asked for email! That was the end of it for me -- I put them in my spam folder. Last week, my wife was cleaning out drawers and found a dozen issues of his magazine. I went through all of them over a period of 5-6 hours, and found one thing worth saving. It was about the characteristics of cuts of pork. The recipes were so dull as to be a waste of time.
What did you think of Christopher Kimball on "America's Test Kitchen?"
I liked the show but heard he was a bit of a monster. If so, there was no way to approach him on plans for the future without causing an upset.
Christopher Kimball made the show & while I adore Julia Collin Davidson, it just isn’t the same without him!
@@SalVitroNY Agree💯
@@SalVitroNY Also agree, it's just not the same.
I personally did not care for him.....seemed a bit stiff. I tried watching Milk Street but it just doesn't grab me. While he may explore world cuisine.....he is no Anthony Bourdain.
Turn off the music.
This. ?Or at least choose a less "retail fitness" track.
Without The music it would be boring
Right? Music obnoxious AF
I was so glad he left. He was awful
@@OnePotMealsyeah seems so cold
What? The new CEO had to 'move on' (fire) Christopher Kimball because Christopher was 65 years old? That's ridiculous. Jacques Pepin is older than time and he is a living icon.
Your boy Jacques, a living absent-minded, irrelevant corpse. Sad for this gentleman.
That's also age discrimination and there are US laws specifically about that.
In 1999/2000, 65 year old Jacques Pépin did 22 episodes of a cooking show with an 88 year old Julia Child.
@@stephaniechochotte434 Exactly. I'm sick of excuses that people make for firing others. People fall for it. We live in a "firing" culture and the masses accept it.
@@stephaniechochotte434 I loved watching those two! It was a great Saturday afternoon watching them, Justin Wilson, ATK, can't remember the name of the chef that featured foods from Mexico, and Lydia-the Italian woman.
Damn. The CEO straight up admitted to firing Kimball for ageism. That guy still has a lot of fire and passion in him. He's not some old zombie.
It just goes to show how out of touch these high-level corporate monkeys are. As much as I love and appreciate the new young chefs that are making a name for themselves in the culinary world. If you give me a show with Jacques Pepin, I will sit and watch and learn something new.
@mikeland7699 I didn't watch it, but I did see the little previews of it. I like cooking competition shows sometimes, but that one looked so bland and uninspired.
my ex used to work for him and said he was an asshole lol it made me sad because I watched him growing up on pbs
Kimball has awesome content and seems like a solid guy.
Kimball played an important role on ATK, acting as the somewhat dour overseer of the other 3 main cooks. Plus, he did have the food chemistry knowledge to tie together the resultant dishes and the various methods used in their preparation. Also, he interacted with the young chap who did the testing of the various tools and techniques. One I still remember is, What's the best way to whisk eggs? The answer is obvious, but I cannot tell you how many commercial cooks and bona fide chefs are wasting time and energy!
Anyway, even given his intolerance of spicy foods and other personality quirks, I always looked forward to ATK as the happy marriage of the scientific method with a cooking show!
Never sell your company. Eventually the new owners will get rid of you.
*Yup*
Well, if you don't want people to decide things you don't like, don't take their money!
@betsy658 Heh Heh Heh!
Always sell your company. You'll be able to retire early.
I enjoy Christopher and Bridget and Julia. There is room for both Milk Street and ATK. Anything but those assinine cooking competition shows. I learn from shows. Keep on going.
Totally agree! I hate what “food tv” has become!
Except The Great British Baking Show. It’s in a class by itself.
@@arribaficationwineho32 Remember when Food Network had freaking cooking shows? Now it's that awful Guy Fieri and cooking competitions. I miss Alton Brown and Good Eats! Hell, he also did a travel show centered around food and it was SO much better than Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!
@@Craxin01 I loved the old Food Network but they dumbed it down and no real cooks are featured now. I hate the game show mentality that is all they show. Or I should say I HATED what it became and gave up cable because most channels were just as bad as food network, vh1, mtv and others that were much better networks with previous management.
@@piros44 totally agree abt that show! I tink they don’t give them enough time but I think it is a fantastic show. It does not have a game show feeling
"He was 65..." told me everything. Their loss. Kimball's doing more professionally and in his personal life since he was fired. They should have taken a look back at Julia Child and realized that Kimball was only getting started!
Ageism at its best...terrible
that's a fake reason. it was only about the money and control.
Nah. It was Chris's company. They ousted him. He was entitled to more money regardless@@1MinuteFlipDoc
@@1MinuteFlipDoc The last name of the new CEO tells you everything.
Yes, pretended he had no value, ousted him for being too old, and then when he went on his own way, suddenly he was, and still 65, a threat to business and sued him for being viable competition. The way we do business is psychotic.
I always liked watching this guy. And everyone who worked with him. Very informative shows.
So the CEO admitted that the decision to remove him was because he was a certain age, otherwise known as age discrimination. Not because he wasn't doing his job, or could continue to do it. Knowing that the current hosts are getting older you can bet they will get dumped too.
I always loved his programs! He is able to break down cooking for novices so they understand why certain techniques work and others may not. He educates on regional foods and how best to prepare them. I learned a lot about cooking from this man!
Still do, on his weekly radio show.
...shudder... you can't un-see him dressed up as a baby in a high chair in the butterscotch pudding episode. I still have nightmares.
I like those shows because they focus on cooking, not ridiculous elimination competitions. I have liked magazines also. I enjoy reading abt why things turn out better if done well.
We’ve been wondering what happened! Thank you for the detailed explanation! Mr. Kimball’s programs are enjoyable because he’s straightforward, personable, and easy to understand. He cares about the everyday cook and helping them to have the best outcome in their cooking methods. Go Milk Street! Thank you🎉
Absolutely. It sounds like he was pushed out by the new management because he was “old”, and he insisted on being compensated for his value to the company, and his creation. Shame on them. I stopped watching after Chris left. Nussbaum screwed up.
@@senoritaperdidaDespite Mr. Kimball being absent, I still watch both shows and tune into "Milk Street" as often as possible just to get a taste of the former cast member (pause!)
Good for him he always seemed very authentic to me and I learned a lot from him and his show .
"authentic"
his whole bow-tie-yankee-rural schtick was fake.
like him if you want BUT IT'S REALLY WEIRD to label him "authentic".
it was a schtick.
@@op3129 really you don't think your reply is weird ? Suck a dick .
@op3129 and you know this how? Why do you feel the need to stomp all over this person's positive comment with your ire?
@@MsMars. Kimball wasn't "authentic" on tv.
Kimball has said exactly my post in interviews. He thought having a "shtick" (originally for the letters from Vermont in the print) would be good "hokum".
that's an unusual word, which is why it stuck with me.
he's said in interviews that for the tv show, he decided to wear a bow tie (bc it's "corney") and pretend to be ignorant (opportunity for didactic pieces) bc it would be good tv.
Kimball wasn't "authentic" on tv.
He brought a lot of knowledge to the reason why we love food.
America Test Kitchen is not the same without Christopher Kimball.
He created an amazing tool for cooks. He was Cooks Magazine and Cooks Illustrated.
Christopher Kimball is a true OG. I hope he continues doing what he's doing for as long as he can, and as long as he wants!
Sounds like they sacked him for being too old.
This promo-style video from his makes it look like that, but way back before he left ATK there were many published stories about his ego and jerk-ish behavior, and nothing about his age.
@@leapintothewildAgreed. He always seemed arrogant and elitist to me.
He was using company resources for his side gig.
@@leapintothewild Yes, that's called a prepatory smear campaign on the company's part.
@@leapintothewild How ***DARE*** the owner and boss act like the boss! WHAT AN INSENSITIVE man! ***shudder***
YOU are the problem.
ATC has not been the same since Christopher Kimble left the show. The hosts of the present ATC are all accomplished chefs. And it just doesn't ring true when they stand there watching someone cook and act like they're learning something new. Unfortunately, I really don't like Milk Street. I have no desire to make some of the exotic and complicated recipes he highlights from his travels. Getting back to basics is what made ATC so relatable to as home cooks, like me.
To me, it seems like both of the hosts never quite got comfortable in front of the camera. They come off as corny and trying too hard. ATK would be better off with TV personalities that belong there with zero cooking knowledge than what they're doing now. Knowing how much better it was with Chris there just makes it unwatchable.
The two female hosts are doing a great job. I don't miss Christopher Kimball at all. It's so much better without him.
one person's exotic is another person's home cooking . . . .
For the entire time I watched the show I never actually saw him cook anything! All he did was watch other people cook and often got in their way!!!
Christopher Kimball made thousands of new and better cooks!! We are all indebted to him and his vision! Boston Common Press screwed up and shouldn't have listed to clueless CEO Nussbaum who has no idea who their customer's ARE!
The fallacy was his arrogance and that he did it all, none of which was true,
I grew up watching Julia Child on PBS. Back then we only had 3 or 4 channels to choose from, and I attribute my interest in cooking to her and Jeff Smith. As an adult I found the show Cook’s Country and America’s test Kitchen which I absolutely loved. Chris explained the scientific reasons behind doing things a certain way that really improved whatever they were making. It was the only show that did that at the time, and Chris like Julia, explained things in a way that anyone could learn. I think he is a great teacher. While Bridget and Julia are great chefs, it’s just not the same as when Chris was there. I really miss him. I’ve bought cookbooks from all the seasons of America’s Test Kitchen, and had a subscription to the magazine. I’ll have to check out Milk Kitchen program- it sounds likes something I would like. I wish Chris the best.
What? No Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet?
Still remember when he had Liberace on.
@imsodone4309: "Milk Street" is a great program! It's almost the same as Cook' Country (semi-science information, corny jokes and all), but just with a much different cast.
You know Jeff Smith was a child molester, right?
Cooks Illustrated Magazine took cooking to the next level. Using a engineering approach to developing, testing, and refining recipes. Some of the recipes are amazingly complex and require trips to multiple stores to source the correct ingredients. Also he didn't shy away from twice cook - thrice cooked recipes that can take over a hour. I'm never been disappointed with the results but boy do you have to work hard. I just wished they would have a test kitchen restaurant so I can have someone else cook these so all I have to do is eat them.
I agree. And I tip very well.😀😁
@@sunrae7680 I totally agree, especially the part about tipping.
@@sunrae7680 when the frothy right whines about "virtue signaling," my take HAS been "maybe it's just virtue."
your "And I tip very well" has changed my mind.
well done you, tipping very well to a non-existent UNDERPAID restaurant worker
Apparently they have a food truck? I've seen it in the background of a couple of shots when they grill food outside for a recipe.
Julia Child, one of the most famous if not THE most famous television cook, worked well into her 80's and was at least partially active right up to within months of her passing at nearly 92. Obviously they let Kimball go due to his being 65. I'm 63 and a sous chef and my employer is already hinting at my impending retirement despite the fact that I get more done in an hour than most of the employees accomplish in a day.
They retired Kimball like they retired Bob Barker from the Price is Right and Miss USA pageant
Well said!
@@chichibangbang3667, and just look at the crap both have turned into today.
@@richardcline1337Drew Carrey actually was funny, but I did miss the nostalgia of Mr. Barker.
Get sick one day; your boss will figure it out.
Absolutely loved Cooks Magazine it was so much fun and you learned about new products on the market from food to gadgets and appliances, I was so disappointed when I ordered another 3 years, but received a Gourmet magazine with a note saying we have good news and some bad news, which basically meant for the next three years I would be receiving Gourmet magazine instead of Cooks, two totally different kind of cooking magazines, needless to say I was disappointed. I really respect Chris Kimball, his dedication to whatever he chooses to do is a win win for all concerned.
I loved Cook's Illistrated, but I noticed around the same time that they got rid of Kimball as editor that recipes started being repeated. A LOT. As in the mag usually had about 5 -7 major recipes and why and how they worked, and one issue had 3 recipes they had already done in the last decade. That was half the magazine! And for the last 6 months of my subscription there wasn't a singe issue that didnt reuse at least one recipe, at least one of which I know for certain was nearly word for word (I had liked that one and put a photo copy in my favorites binder.) While I don't mind a revisit/refresh when new information is found, just recycling content is beyond lame when you're asking high prices to support the subscription model.
Between that and the psudo scientific focus whilst refusing to consider anyone living more than 100 feet above sea level, I canceled my subscription.
@mwater_moon2865,
That was several years after Cooks Magazine, Cooks Illustrated was interesting, but so different from the original which was the only one I subscribed to, but every once in awhile I would pick one up Cooks Illustrated, sorry to hear they disappointed the fans on that one too, sad they don't learn. I don't blame Chris for what happened, it's a weird business and he is on the creative side.
this didn't happen. Gourmet is Conde Nast.
sounds like you were drunk one night and signed up for Gourmet.
also sounds like you don't know how credit cards work.
op3129,
My mom told me to never bet unless it's a sure thing, I'd like to bet $1000,00 As$Hat that is exactly what happened back in the 90's, I never liked Gourmet magazine, and as for being drunk
GFY! WTF are you talking about credit cards, where did I mention anything having to do with credit cards? You are a Jerk, and if you had any decency you'd apologize! I'll be waiting right here.
I preferred Gourmet magazine. Gourmet vs. Cook's magazine was like The New York Times vs. USA Today.
I am a fan of ATK and Cooks Illustrated and have been super happy with some of the new additions to the show (Lan Lam and What's eating Dan make are now my favorites). I was never a fan of Kimball's personality but I do have to say he deserves so much credit for maintaining a level of unparalleled quality. While he was there, I cannot recall one recipe that ever failed me. These days I have tried many that I have not been too happy with. Not sure if there is a connection but I have noticed a difference.
I'm happy with Julia and Bridget. But the rest of the new folks are uniformly awful.
I agree with you.
I must correct myself; I agree with @JA-tg2if
Agree. He was stodgy but solid. The new team is trying a lot of things, fast. It feels to me that his "perfection through engineered cooking" approach has given way to, "wing it, then fling it". Their focus appears to be rapid vids for social media that look good, but don't produce much for those who try them. That said, I like Lan Lam and her focused approach. She is the one ATK'er who most reminds me of Kimball.
I agree with everything you said. Whenever he was on screen I wanted him off of it, but those old recipes hold up so much better than the new ones. I have a go to pad Thai recipe from them from a book that looks like it's from 1992 lol I don't know the exact year but it's old as hell.
I learned how to cook by watching Chris Kimball, subscribing to the mag, and buying the cookbooks. I am forever grateful
I both liked him and not? Most of the time h was informative and relatable. Then there were his " food snob" moments. It was off putting. He seemed condensing towards the other on air cast( cooks).
"condensing" should be condescending...
I thought I was the only one who had that reaction to Mr. Kimble . . .you expressed my exact thoughts while watching every Saturday on PBS.. .I also did not enjoy the other two guys who did gadgets and the food comparisons.
@@jennifer1329
He condensed them by being condescending!! 😂
While I loved Cook's Illustrated and still have pages from it in my recipe binder, I watched ATK from the very start *in spite* of Kimball. He just came across as so arrogant and better-than-thou, an uptight old man, really rubbed me the wrong way. Oh the other hand, I just love Julia and Bridget, and all their fellow hosts! Their relaxed, fun style is still so informative -- but they're actually FUN and kind!
I completely agree. I totally could not stand him. The arrogance was unbearable.
Complete opposite for me. Kimball exuded confidence and backed it up with deep skills and insights. The whole format of the show, with multiple presenters focusing on specialties, was his idea. All other shows of the time were just one chef and their personality. Julia and Bridget were always OK as a segment, but as main presenters, they're just boring moms telling 'mom-jokes' and cooking dinner using some recipe some staff member gave them. The only presenter on ATK that holds my interest anymore is Dan Souza, and it's exactly because **he knows more than me**. YMMV.
I agree! I like it so much better now without him. He always bothered me and I've never been able to put my finger on it -- maybe just arrogance?
Guess you guys didn't put two and two together that Kimball's divorce diluted his shares in the company which would have impacted his controlling interest in the company, allowing the board to be able to install a new CEO to dilute Kimball's control, and move the company away from Kimball's vision and direction.
Should have bought her out and kept the shares.
@@michaelplunkett8059 was he married to a woman?
Thank you. I learned more from this comment than I did through the entire video.
why? are you hot for him?@@spinningbackspin
Dude was cheating on his wife and milking the company for his own gain. Glad he's gone.
Thanks Mashed for a great story! Christopher Kimball is as good a writer as he is a chef and visionary. In the earlier days of Cooks Illustrated I eagarly looked forward to his editorials chock full of colorful stories about his life, family, neighbors and the unique New England way of life as he remembered it growing up.
My biggest takeaway is "There's no such thing as perfect authenticy." I've gotten into cooking Indian recipes, and in every cookbook there are several suggestions for spice mixes, and it dawned on me, I just need to put together the standard Indian spices and enjoy a slightly different flavor every time. And it's always YUM!
Anthony Bourdain pointed this out 15 years ago, over an argument that authentic Cajun cuisine could no longer be found in New Orleans. "Authentic to WHO?!? Authentic WHEN?!? We are in the here and now, and we're certainly not cooking and eating as they did, 200 years ago!" And look at the hundreds of different curries there are, Who's to say what's authentic? Judge not, on pain of looking like a fool.
@@markcollins2666 The ingredients used today are very different from decades and centuries ago. Most Asian and European cuisine today is most definitely not historically authentic since they incorporate ingredients brought over from the Americas (chilis, potatoes, tomatoes, etc), and there's been a lot of cross-regional transfer between all parts of the world.
@@poppinc8145 , you're repeating what we all know. Tell us something we don't.
Cooking is a living, breathing entity to me. It evolves every time I get out the pots and pans to prepare a meal. To cook a dish like my grandmother and mom did and to achieve the taste and texture I remember is the ultimate connection I have with them.
This is why I find so many Italians, even though Italian is my favorite type of cuisine, talking about authenticity insufferable.
I still love America's Test Kitchen it's the only kitchen appliance tester I trust.
I've followed the show from the beginning and I feel that lately they've fallen for the advertisement placement trap. I get a sense the product they use is what they care about more than us learning.
You trust them?
You could trust their reviews before but now they are basically shilling for OXO, Breville and KitchenAid
@TheDevnul they have always been trust brands. I've we been watching the show since the 90's
agreed@@TheDevnul
Was it just me, or did it seem like the lady hosts _absolutely _*_hated_* him? Every episode I can remember, there'd be at least one briefly awkward moment, where somebody would make some cutting remark, then continue like nothing ever happened. And you could tell it wasn't just good-natured ribbing.
Always gave me a weird vibe, that show. Never understood why, if Kimball was the boss, he wouldn't just find another co-host, one whom he'd get along with better?
I'm a fan of all PBS cooking shows! I watch cooks country, cooks illustrated, Milk Street and all the rest of the fabulous chef's are cooks related to PBS! Thank you for your information it was informative 👍
"Like" but while you're at it, who's behind Mashed?
As a cooking enthusiast, I had been watching ATK & CC on PBS for several years, but maybe only as far back as 2010, can't recall. For all that time, Kimball truly was the face of both of those shows & I was used to that, so that when I heard news he was suddenly gone, it really was profound of a change but also mysterious of a reason why. I think there was even an episode of ATK explaining why Kimball was not there anymore. Anyway, whenever I catch them on TV, I still watch both shows, post-Kimball, even though they are now helmed by the 2 gals & I will also catch Milkstreet whenever I spot it on PBS, although I have only seen very little episodes of Milkstreet, even though they have many episodes & now in their 6th season. I've probably only seen around 10 episodes of Milkstreet. But it doesn't matter, I get the bulk of my food recipes & food fascination here on RUclips.
Love BOTH shows. hate all that litigation though. Made many recipes from ATK. Milk Street is a fascinating journey.
Christopher. Had no idea all of this was going on in the backdrop of my favorite shows- thank you for all your hard work and helping us all learn how do cook 🙋🏼♀️
So glad RUclips served this to me.
One time he was cooking with the other lady host and they were talking about like leaving something they were preparing somewhere dark like a basement and out of nowhere she said "yeah dark just like your soul" and to top it off he calmly responded "yes". I was like wtf? 🤣 Talk about strange co-worker dynamics.
Omigod, I was scrolling around the comments for something like this! On any random episode I'd tune into, there'd always be some sort of uncomfortable moment, where you could just _feel_ how much they loathed each other. What I could never figure out, was why the show kept them together?
@@pcdm43145 Kind of like MythBusters. Those two dudes have openly spoken about their distaste for each other. The answer to your ATK question is probably the same as for MythBusters: unrelenting professionalism. You got the job...you do the job.
But yeah, it bleeds through. No way it cannot.
This guy always seemed like a huge jerk but I really loved his passion and his perfectionism. I remember when I graduated from culinary school a long time ago the food network was just starting and it was great. Now every show is stupid no more cooking shows. Very similar to how MTV ended up. The thing that made it was no more. I like that he's 72 and thriving and still creating despite being let go because of this age. The ultimate revenge. I hope he lives to 100 and creates even more resources for people who love to cook
I totally agree about cooking shows. I too went to culinary school and I can’t stand to overproduced cooking shows. Chris is a great guy and a fantastic employer. He got ousted by no fault of his own. He didn’t want to be a slave to advertisers and he stood his ground. I respect that. I’m also glad he didn’t let the suits silence him and continued doing what he loved. Too old my ass. Go Chris!
Is AI responsible for the hideous music on so many videos now?
No -- blame the person choosing the music for their video.
There's something about this story that doesn't seem to ring true. At some level, Kimball's story is being sanitized. It's clear that certain things in the story were minimized, maximized, and ignored for effect. This was essentially a puff-piece promotion for him.
That they did. Kimball did some seriously unethical stuff behind everyone's back and was secretly poaching talent for his future solo project while still employed by ATK.
@@Melancthon7332 Proof?
@@Melancthon7332Hello???
As I know it, the Publishers were taking away the Show that Kimball created and wanted to push him into the Background. If you look at the last year that he was on the Show, his role had been diminished pushing screentime with Bridget and Julia. He wanted more control over the Show as well as more money when his contract expired, but the majority owners would not agree to it. Seeing the writing on the Wall, he prepared his exit. And I don't blame him. ATK is not the same without him.
@@jjflash2611 Good riddance. Milquetoast slimeball.
Keep doing you Mr. Kimball . Sounds like they sacked him for being too old..
That's the thing I disliked about this video--it implied but could not reinforce any of their statements with proof.
SMEN !
Amen
No. He started the other company while he was still working at ATK. He had every intention of leaving once his startup got going. He used ATK resources to create is program. So. I refuse to watch Milk Street.
No, they sacked him because he refused to alter the ATK policy of not accepting any advertising. Kimball over the years sold a majority of the company to other investors, who eventually wanted to see some return on investment. After firing him as CEO of ATK, they wanted him to stay on as an on-air performer just as before, but he refused. because he has a very big ego.
Imagine if they told Julia Child she was too old, removed any input she had, and then told her to stick around if she wanted. Christopher created unique paths in the cooking universe and deserves credit. I like ATK but this really makes me question their leadership if they really care about cooks vs. their profit. Good on Christopher Kimball for fighting for his passion.
Not only that...but then ATK sues him for being a competitor and using his influence to start a similar business. That's just crazy.
Love that magazine! It is wonderful to be able to see the process of breaking down recipes and cooking/baking methods to understand the hows and whys of cooking.
I have followed Chris through all his publishing endeavors starting with Cooks magazine. It was a breath of fresh air after the ad heavy commercial cooking mags. I was sad to see him leave ATK as his off beat humor and interactions with the other staff were fun and interesting. I haven't quite accepted Milk Street in it's current set up as it seems to have become more interesting in sales of equipment and classes. Although to be honest even Cooks seems to offer a new cookbook for sale every month. This was an interesting rehash of the break-up of his former empire.
I’m sure many people noticed that on “America’s Test Kitchen” none of the people on the set except Christopher were allowed to look at the camera.
Very weird.
I’d seen an account of that elsewhere online - that nobody was allowed to address to camera except Chris - and now it’s all I can see when I watch the show (awkward)! But I thank Chris for blazing the trail with CI and ATK, and I’m glad he found something that keeps him going. In fact I’m binge-listening to his Milk Street podcast and I love it.
It actually made perfect sense bc the idea is to teach, and the teacher who is cooking is explaining/teaching how to make the dish. It's not about being weird as much as it's about learning in a teacher/student vibe
Sorry for necromancing this topic, but although this is an astute observation, this likely isn't unusual. It may be seen as too distracting to have more than one person on-screen addressing the audience directly (breaking the fourth wall, as it were).
I think this was one of the rare instances where instead of having a split where both attack each other head-on, Milk St & ATK et al have made 2+ great, distinct shows, and I watch and enjoy both.
I still have my collection of "Cooks Illustrated", start to finish. Mr. Kimball's Editorials are special to me. Of course that does not include decades of amazing cooking skill hints, recipes in my list of kudos. On the flip, I have the more recent books as well.. Well done, Mr. Kimball and Team(s).
I don't miss Mr. Kimball's arrogance and aloofness on ATK. Julia and Bridget are delightful.
Yeah, I agree. I always picked up on that arrogance. No wonder he was fired.
We don't watch "America's Test Kitchen" since he left. It's quite boring now.
It is SO BORING
I do not miss Chris on ATK, but I thought that I would. Bridget, Julia and the rest of the crew have not only carried on, they have improved the show, IMO. I have tried watching Milk Street, but I just can't seem to develop an interest in it.
ATK is MUCH better without him. Never could warm up to his pompous personality. His unethical behavior didn’t surprise me at all
Agreed. I don't miss him from ATK or Cooks Country. And I find 'Milk Street' dull. I couldn't get into it. And unfortunately, the presenters on the show are just like him; flat and somewhat forced personalities that just irritate me no end.
I agree. His departure seems to have energized the ATK crew.
Agreed, the show is so much better without him.
Am I the only one that noticed he puts NO blondes on Milk Street ? Not a single one. Just a funny observation 😊
I liked him on ATK and thought the show would collapse after he left, but the two ladies have done a great job. The atmosphere changed, the woman made it feel more friendly and you feel included in their banter. I enjoyed the old ATK, and I like the new show
He's an EXCELLENT TEACHER and AMAZING CHEF.
I have almost a full collection of America's test, kitchen magazines and cookbooks. Amazingly informative stuff.
He always came off as being arrogant. I was just as glad to see him go as his first two wives were.
I agree , didn’t care for his personality .
Love Chris! I met his second wife. Now there was a cold snobbish person.
I imagine this was Kimball's idea: only the presenter was allowed to look into the camera, and everyone else looked at the presenter, and since he was always the presenter everyone looked only at him when they were on camera, and only he was allowed to look into the camera. That was a really weird way to make a show.
His ex wife took half his stake in the business and got him run out of his leading role in the company he created. It seems he was a hard man to work for and the ambitious and bitter folks that replace him are eager to show they have better taste than the old boss. They’ve had their chance and, although it is still a fine show, they certainly haven’t improved on it and it seems to be missing a lot of the charm cranky Chris K brought to the picture.
He was a jerk
Good for her she probably survived years of being with the narcissist
@@WRMRanch How DARE the creator and boss of an endeavor act like a boss!
My goodness you are a hot-house flower aint' cha?
The show has a very Midwestern feel to it now...
I've noticed that his demeanor seems to make the cooks nervous
The people on America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country always seemed terrified of him. They are all a lot more relaxed now.
So boring without Chris… it has no spark without him!
@@vaughngaminghdSo much more enjoyable to watch without him.
I noticed that from the beginning. They seem relaxed and happy nowadays. Finally free😂❤
WOW!! Thanks so much for all this GREAT info!! I had wondered what happened to him. His palate was a billion times better than anyone else's on the show and I loved when he did brand testing. It was always so impressive to see how refined his palate is. ATK was never the same after he left. No offense to the two ladies but, they are no where near as good as he is in presence and knowledge.
He never bothered me one way or another until they did a segment reviewing tortilla warmers. I still remember when they chose they’re favorite him complaining about how bright and colorful it was and not understanding how someone would like it. Me being Mexican and thinking umm, a lot of us would like it. We are kind of known for embracing bright beautiful colors and patterns. It silly but it felt like a put down and never sat right with me.
Wow! I can't believe it - I remember that so well - and I had the same reaction! Adam showed him the winning warmer, which was colorful and beautiful and said it was the favorite and Christopher muttered something snarky like, not in my house. That left such a bad taste in my mouth that I never liked him after that. Amazing that I'm not the only one that caught that.
Yeah, you thinking that WAS silly..
@@Lizzy720 Females..
I know right! The audacity of him to not like the looks of something that you personally like... how dare he have a different view of something than you.
@@optionoutReally?? In this day and age? Wow...
What a horrible loss. Loved Cooks magazines. Great content.
Christopher Kimball surely is Dwight Shrute’s father. Undeniable.
LOL!! You are totally correct!
Now I’ve got a taste for beets.
Did anyone get to the end of the video? Music was too much. Couldn’t hear her over it. Is Kimball publishing a magazine or on another channel?
Christopher Kimball and Americas test kitchen I responsible for my choice of pots and pans, range, microwave, coffee makers and everything else in my kitchen. I was devastated when Christopher left the show. I still watch America’s test kitchen today but I very much miss Richard
I always follow Christopher Kimball. He taught me so much. I always refer back to the cookbooks and the recipes from that company as they are excellent.
I don't miss him. He had a way of always turning the focus of conversation back towards himself. And ATK seems much more relaxed now that he's gone.
LOVED LOVED LOVED Cooks Illustrated. that said...he is insufferable, and complicates things that should remain simple. Sarah does her best to reel him in on their podcast
So here's the thing: Kimball has been iconic in bringing the science of cooking to the masses, and I will always be in debt to his work with the magazine and creating the show. That being said, as time was going on, his camera demeanor was getting increasingly grumpy and sometimes antagonistic to his colleagues as well as towards the audience. It was too obvious that the warm chemistry between Julia and Bridget and the rest of the cast that uplifted the shows they do ever since.
I am sure you would be all sunshine if you were being pushed out of the company you created because you are TOO OLD!
@twostepcub How ***DARE*** the originator, creative force and BOSS act like a boss! SHEESH what sort of non-equity stuff is that???
He should have been SOOOO much more sensitive to feewings of everyone else.
You really are a gem ain't ya kid....
@@phlogistanjones2722 dude, there's a difference between being a "boss" and being camera-friendly. You must be a producer.
There was just something sour about him that I realized I don’t like once it was removed from the mix.
Oh yes, but it was mainly Bridget that caused the sour notes. Over and over. You were not watching with a fair mind.
I felt he was the heart and soul of America’s Test Kitchen and the show was never the same for me when he was no longer there. Same with Cook’s Country. I continued to watch it for awhile, but it was never again ‘appointment television’ as it was when he was a part of it.
I LOVED THIS GREAT SHOW AND STILL DO, BUT SADLY CHRIS IS GONE I MISS HIM BUT LOVE ALL THE OTHERS!!
I love Chris, I miss him on ATK. I was a magazine subscriber and never missed a show. My culinary skills and tastes improved greatly from the Cook's Illustrated mag and ATK. I still watch, even though I tire of Julia's orgasms on camera. She has toned it down, but, pull it back a little more.
I love the food tasting portion as well as the gadgets. We have a fair amount of the tools they recommended over the years.
Milk street is ok, learning about world cuisines is fine, but, I know I'd never try and cook 99% of them.
I loved Cook's Illustrated in the early 2000s, but I noticed around the same time that they got rid of Kimball as editor that recipes started being repeated. A LOT. As in the mag usually had about 5 -7 major recipes and why and how they worked, and one issue had 3 recipes they had already done in the last decade. That was half the magazine! And for the last 6 months of my subscription there wasn't a singe issue that didnt reuse at least one recipe. On top of that they kept pushing people to the TV show and online (we had bad internet and no TV signal for PBS way out in the country) so I gave up on them.
Completely agree. I too cook better and consider their product reviews before buying.
I watch Milk Street for the travel. I have only made 1 pizza recipe from Milk Street....because I had access to the ingredients. I live in a small town and I am not interested in ordering a long list of ingredients from Amazon just to make a recipe. But as a traveling and informative way to learn about the world, it is entertaining.
I love his new show even more. I feel like his new show is “ The world in your own kitchen.” I’ve learned about recipes in Asia and Africa that I’ve never heard of in Milk Street. I even ordered his Milk Street book .
This video is packed with information; no one can deny that. I used to watch Cooks Country on public television up until maybe about a decade ago. I had no idea Chris had left the show.
Absolutely love Kimball! ATK was never the same without him. Now I'm loving Milk Street, but it doesn't have that same playful feel
Loved this slice of Americana. He was one of my favorite TV chefs.
Love ATK! Since it’s very beginning, the format was extraordinarily diverse with clear concise instructions, as well as offering choices for kitchen tools and appliances. While Chris was a bit stiff, the energy of the show was cooperation. Love the gals loved Chris, tried Milkstreet but it fell flat for me and was too much about perfection. He just wasn’t joking around like he would on ATK, but also just no chemistry. Since I watched ATK and others, I was about the recipes and instructions! 🙏🏻❤️
I agree. He just has no personality and Milk Street feels very clinical.
We get all 3 magazines, cooks country, cooks and milk street. They are all different and the ones we go to again and again for dinner ideas. We wouldn't have gotten any of them (or the internet versions) without him.
When I heard that Cook Country’s was filmed at CPK’s country house I assumed it was just his way of getting the show to pay for his mortgage as well as being able to write off improvements and updates needed to an old farmhouse - I’m sure his neighbours were happy it was filmed over a 2 week period. Martha Stewart ran into opposition from her neighbours as they quickly got tired of the filming at her place of residence
CPK became a real curmudgeon his last few years on ATK so I wasn’t sad to see him leave.
It also drove me crazy how close he would stand to the cooks (male and female) demonstrating on ATK - like they couldn’t move their arms normally without bumping him - I felt like shouting ‘we all know it’s your show, you don’t need to be in every camera shot’
Happily the new hosts, Julia and Bridget, never have a problem giving the demonstration cooks all the elbow room them need ! Maybe because they remember how uncomfortable it was to be crowded while demonstrating in the past
I agree 100%! The guy is a total jerk! He made it seem that no one could do anything without him in the camera. Best thing that ever happened to ATK and CC.
@@tinof5829 Actually, it wasn't the best thing that every happened to ATK. They lost a huge number of subscribers, their viewership tanked and never recovered, and now, they are stuck schilling cookbooks on QVC.
Wow, what a success story!! Fascinating. Thanks for a really well done documentary on an inspirational man surfing life's ups & dwns.... yet rolling with the punches in style.
America's Test Kitchen is actually pretty great. I got their "Complete Mediterranean" cookbook after borrowing my mother's and loving it, I use it so much it's getting damaged, lol. Great recipes. And so many of them.
I submit that an undamaged cookbook ain't worth its salt!!
All I know is my food tastes a LOT better thanks to this guy and chefs on ATK. My brother is self-appointed master chef at family gatherings. I like to take him down a rung with "Maillard reaction" or any of a number of other science-based explanations Kimball beat into my head. He's learned a lot from Kimball too, albeit indirectly.
The original shows aren't the same since he left. The new hosts don't seem comfortable without someone else leading the conversation. It's too bad because I always liked the way they come up with the recipes and make them simple for us.
The new hosts are trying to fit in with a lame imitation of a Laurel and Hardy type attempt at comedy.
@@thenomadicchef1844 they just seem so forced. He was much more natural.
Maybe it was just poor screen presence, but it seemed to me he was there because he was the boss and wanted to be seen. hHis contribution seemed to be totally scripted and learned the day before. I’m probably wrong, but it’s how he came off. Sorry, he is creepy.
I think the photo at 2:15 was at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, WA.
The guy seems like a total jerk. I may be mistaken. People seem very uncomfortable around him. The body language looks painful
I was an email subscriber of cook's country magazine and the ATK and Cooks Country TV shows. When Kimball launched Milk Street I started getting all kinds of email spam from him. To me this seemed that he had poached my email information from the Test Kitchen databases. This is something which was alleged in the lawsuit and I think it is true based on my own experience. I have found Milk Street's recipes too reliant on obscure ingredients that I am unable to source even though I live in a major city. My Milk Street cookbook when to a donation site because too many of the recipes were things I could never make due to ingredient sourcing.
What a douche
Agree, he stole my email and I was spammed by him and Milk Street that I threatened legal action if they did not stop. Never liked him, too arrogant and narcissistic.
I am 100% team Chris Kimball. I followed him on ATK, Cooks Country and now on Milk Street. Still have all his magazines and a lot of his cook Books, many signed by him. Met him a few times at book signings. This man is a genius and a wonderful chef. I have not watched ATK since he left.
I love ATK with Julia and Bridget hosting. He was missed but they have really kept it going very well.
I never cared much for him, something always seemed off about him. I enjoy watching ATK more now that he isn't on it.
I always thought he was a condescending jerk. Glad he's gone. Love watching ATK .
It’s really funny because I was in Boston approximately 50 years ago and got lost. And I always remember the name of the street sign that I was on. It was Milk Street! 😊
my radar tells me that Christopher Kimball behind the scenes is a control freak and very hard to get along with. Whenever you see him interacting on screen with other staff they always act very rigid with a very superficial level of camaraderie. In my life experience, men who wear bowties always fall into one of two camps...either some of the most intelligent and kind people you will ever meet or they are the most arrogant god-complex douchebags of which I sense he fits the latter rather than the former,
I still have several copies of Cooks Illustrated.
Kimball's onscreen persona was conspicuously uninviting; he seemed (and looked) like a Methodist minister who had somehow gotten host responsibilities on a cooking show. Too, his cooking knowledge was sketchy (though he often pretended otherwise). Good that he can now be behind the scenes, where obviously he does better.
So the new CEO says they were looking for a succession plan because Kimball was 65, then Kimball starts a brand new venture? Succession wasn't the issue. It always comes down to control. People who create a product/show/brand are a different breed. They like autonomy and don't do well in a structured environment (ie: being in meetings all day). The problem comes when they allow a "meetings person" to come in and run the business and they end up in a fight over control. This is where guys like Kimball simply leave and start something new that allows them the creative control.
I watched the show because of his knowledge on cooking. The bottom line.
Thank you, exceptionally good presentation and analysis.
The content not directly from Kimball was excellent. Kimball is arrogant and does not communicate a concern for his employees or the people with whom he is directing content. I find Bridgett and Julia much easier from whom to learn.
Over 50 years ago a friend and I took a bus to Boston Massachusetts. We walked around a lot and got lost and the one street that I always remembered seeing the sign of was… Milk Street! 😊❤
Love Christopher.... America's Test Kitchen was a brilliant idea...learned so much over the past 2 decades.
That said....Sad breakup!
My problem with Milk Street is that it involves exotic ingredients that are not easily found. Not for average folks such as myself...
What's been eating Dan is brilliant...all episodes on RUclips
I watched Milk Street a couple of times, went to the website to register, they insisted on my email address, and from that day on was bombarded by their emails trying to sell be stuff. And I never asked for email! That was the end of it for me -- I put them in my spam folder.
Last week, my wife was cleaning out drawers and found a dozen issues of his magazine. I went through all of them over a period of 5-6 hours, and found one thing worth saving. It was about the characteristics of cuts of pork. The recipes were so dull as to be a waste of time.
It was the USA Today of culinary publications.