Jacques Pepin Fast Food My Way Set of 6 [DVD]

I loved these cooking videos. It is amazing how much you can learn when someone like Jacques Pepin is the teacher. Unlike some cooking shows, almost all of the steps are shown here, with clear explanations of each step. I am learning techniques like how to hold the knife, how to chop vegetables different ways, how to coordinate different activities in meal preparation, etc., aside from just the recipes themselves.I prefer these videos over the ones by Emeril Lagasse (Mr. Bam!) because these are more calm, less frenetic, and I learn more. I don't buy cooking videos to be entertained, I buy them so I can learn about cooking. With this series, I am learning a great deal.The recipes are also found in the book that accompanies this DVD series: http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Way-Jacques-Pepin/dp/0618393129/ref=pd_sim_d_4The book has the same title as this series "Fast Food My Way" by Jacques Pepin. On Amazon the book is searchable online and you can see the recipes and menus that are presented.It is true that the sound quality is not perfect -- I am watching the show on my computer and turn the volume down somewhat to compensate. It sounds all right that way and does not buzz.Some of the recipes have shortcuts I don't know that I would take, since I don't really look for fast cooking in general. I like to cook more complex recipes at home, and some ingredients like canned peaches I would probably avoid. But this is a matter of personal preference. I did not gravitate towards this series because the recipes were fast (and they are), but because I like learning new techniques and like Mr. Pepin's style of teaching. Many of the recipes are very good, though, even though they are pretty streamlined.I would recommend the book to beginning and intermediate cooks, or anyone who enjoys watching good cooking shows and wants ideas for quick meals to prepare.

The great strength in this dvd series resides in its simplicity.You do not need to be an experienceed cook to replicate any of these recipes.If you are, however, you will still learn a great deal, as you realize that the ultimate skill lies in the ability to reduce complex techniques down to a few simple tasks.Mr Pepin is a great teacher, and I have not found a book or another dvd (like the one with Mrs J. Child) that were not of the highest quality.Beyond the educational value of this dvd:it is great entertainement listening to Mr Pepin funny and sometimes sharp comments (I found myself laughing a lot watching the dvd!).I have not purchased the "More Fast food my way" dvd but watched the PBS series, and probably will get it, as it is also a a high quality series.I will be giving a lot of these dvds for Christmas or Birthday presents.

I am never disappointed with Jacques Pepin. I have many of his DVDs and find him very relaxing to watch. Unfortunately these DVDs has terrible audio quality. Almost like it was recorded louder than the DVD could take - if that makes sense. It’s very muffled and hard to understand what he is saying. I wish I read the reviews before I purchased the set.

Love the series. My favorite TV chef of all time. Too bad I received double copies of the first disc, and no second disc. If not for this, would warrant a solid rating. Jacques is a great instructor, very simple to prepare menu ideas.

I love Jacques and own a lot of classic cooking DVDs, but these DVDs aren't great. As several other reviewers mentioned, the audio is lousy on many episodes. In addition, my collection is missing a disc. I've returned and replaced the box set, but the same disc was missing from the replacement set. More accurately, I have the second disc in the second set twice, and no "1 of 2" disc. I'm debating exchanging it again since it's likely that a second replacement set would have the same error. I think I'll probably just keep the set and enjoy the 20 episodes I have. Jacques is still amazing, after all!

This is classic Pepin as he was. A great teacher, I learned so much from his demos on technique and how to execute them with elegance. (my friends are impressed everytime I prep food)As for the DVD itself, well, there are some noticeable sound problems. This series was produced in 2003 and the dvd duplicating process probably wasn't the best, given the PBS budget shortfalls. Remember, "HD" wasn't around at the time (how time flies, nowadays, HD is standard!). Nonetheless, You'll enjoy and learn from this great series.Classic lives forever.

Pepin is the greatest tv chef of all time in my opinion. His methods are easy to understand, straightforward and his humble approach to the food is both refreshing and delicious. This dvd set is outstanding for bringing his instruction to my home to be replayed whenever I need a refresher when I'm in a cooking rut.

In these DVDs, Jacques is totally relaxed and you get the feeling he is demonstrating his personal methods for cooking in his home. He uses many "short cuts" and substitutions that are never a part of what he does on TV shows. His personality really shines.It is a wonderful set to have and view (more than once) and reference for your home cooking! I highly recommend this set for all serous home cooks.