Feeding Phil Rosenthal and an Autograph Hound

I have a friend who is a ‘foodie’. The Wife is a semi foodie. I collect autographs.

When Phil Rosenthal announced a tour stop in Dallas, it seemed natural a group of us would go to see Phil. If you don’t know, Phil was the genius behind the TV Series, Everyone Loves Raymond. And he is the genius behind the Netflix series, Someone Feed Phil. It’s a show where he travels and eats. While I was drooling for an autograph, the others (coworker, his wife, and The Wife) drooled over the anecdotes and memories that Phil shared at the Majestic Theater.

He was funny and polished. He had everyone laughing. The moderator did well with asking questions and getting out of the way. She also had some good questions and was well prepared.

After the event, there was a Meet and Greet. Phil posed for photos and signed books. He exchanged a few words with everyone. The Wife was excited to get her book signed. I was happy to get my photo signed.

Afterward, it was nice ride home with friends as we discussion what was said.

Two things that stand out from the appearance:

He talked but a romantic location on the water in Italy (I think), the table is set out on a jetty and is very isolated. Phil decided to take his wife to that restaurant and dine at that romantically isolated table. He called and talked to the owner, who was very excited to speak with Phil. They discussed how busy the restaurant had become since the episode aired. Phil was happy to hear that. Then Phil asked if he could make reservations and get that table on the jetty.  The short answer was ’no’. It was booked for the foreseeable future. Very funny.

Based on the show, it appears Phil loves everything he eats. He took the question and said, yes, everything he airs on the show he likes or loves.  The things he did not like are not aired. He explained, there is no reason to show something he doesn’t like and possible give ‘bad press’ to a small business owner. Just because Phil didn’t like it didn’t mean it wasn’t good.  Which is something I appreciate. People often try to make me eat things they find delicious that just look or smell noxious.

My friends got their appetite whetted and I got my autograph. A good night for everyone.

AH