I'LL HAVE WHAT PHIL'S HAVING
PBS, 10:00 p.m. ET
SERIES PREMIERE: Phil Rosenthal, the co-creator of Everybody Loves Raymond (think of him as the answer to an SAT question: Phil Rosenthal is to Ray Romano as Larry David is to Jerry Seinfeld on Seinfeld), steps out into his own TV series and spotlight here. Not in a sitcom, but in a very entertaining travel and food nonfiction series, in which he visits a new location each week and dives in, eager to know the local food, and especially the local people. It’s highly recommended, and you can read my full review, and an interview with Rosenthal, on Bianculli’s Blog. And here’s your opportunity for personal feedback from an actual TV producer, director, writer and star: Rosenthal, in the interview, asks me to ask you to identify your favorite places to eat, where you live and around the world. Tonight’s series opener presents Phil sampling food, and interacting with the locals, in Tokyo. Check local listings.