Counter Space
These days, food is news. Amid the throes of a global pandemic and a changing climate, Sophia Roe uses food as a lens to explore our changing world. Counter Space is an experiential journey through culinary news, trends and innovations.
- 2020-2023
- 2 seasons
- Vice TV
- Documentary
These days, food is news. Amid the throes of a global pandemic and a changing climate, Sophia Roe uses food as a lens to explore our changing world. Counter Space is an experiential journey through culinary news, trends and innovations.
Season 2 Episode Guide
12 Episodes 2023
Episode 1
WTF is Breakfast?
Tue, Jan 17, 2023
We get up extra early for the unique flavors of Thailand, as Sophia creates a bacon egg and cheese pop tart. Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner tells us what makes her breakfast personal, and we meet a man with a large cereal box collection.
Episode 2
Chinatowns
Tue, Jan 24, 2023
China's recent wealth is re-imagining Chinatowns worldwide as Sophia pays tribute to Buwei Yang Chao with a classic recipe. Comedian Jenny Yang explains diaspora foodways over shaved ice, and we eat the best fried rice in the Mississippi Delta.
Episode 3
Wild Pantry
Tue, Jan 31, 2023
Hunters in Appalachia use wild game to address food access as Sophia cooks duck gumbo at the New York's Soul Fire Farm. Black forager Alexis Nikole shows us that the beach isn't just for surfing and we meet a man who turns to roadkill for his dinner.
Episode 4
Food Guards
Tue, Feb 7, 2023
Researchers in the Netherlands are creating a better banana as Sophia makes chow chow on a bunless burger. We meet the task force charged with intercepting smuggled food at JFK and a retired detective working to make sure that no apple goes extinct.
Episode 5
Agave Forever
Tue, Feb 14, 2023
The mezcal boom has made sustainability a crucial part of Mexico's recipe, and actor/entrepreneur Eva Longoria explains why business is a key ingredient. Sophia makes ceviche with tequila and we meet the man who has dedicated his life to saving bats.
Episode 6
Thanks, Honey
Tue, Feb 21, 2023
Climate change threatens a way of life for Turkish honey producers as Sophia elevates popcorn shrimp with something extra sweet. We meet a beekeeper who explains the link between bees and food and another who creates a link between buzzing and beats.
Episode 7
Vitamin Sea
Tue, Feb 28, 2023
Nomadic sea tribes in Malaysia unlock the power of seaweed as Sophia uses it to make a Semifredo with Furikake crumble. Bren Smith explains how ocean farming could save the planet and we meet an innovator who makes a snack that tastes like the ocean.
Episode 8
Faux Real
Tue, Mar 7, 2023
An old taste for plant-based meats is back on the menu in China and Sophia grills up a convincing take on shawarma. Dirt Candy's Amanda Cohen sings praises for the humble vegetable and the developers Mortal Kombat show us the meaning of Fruitality.
Episode 9
Chocolate Reign
Tue, Mar 21, 2023
A new generation reclaims Ghanian chocolate, and Sophia makes a hand-cut chocolate pasta with a bacon cream sauce. Sophia catches a cacao ceremony and we take a trip down memory lane of chocolate bars and golden tickets.
Episode 10
Meals Served
Tue, Mar 28, 2023
A prison in Maine has a solution to the problem of unhealthy food in prisons as Sophia pays homage to instant ramen. We discuss ice-cream with Mikey Cole and meet a formerly incarcerated person who makes food a key part of his annual freedom day.
Episode 11
Jamaican Roots
Tue, Apr 4, 2023
We explore the roots of veganism in Jamaica's Rastafarian community while Sophia makes grilled cheese on ube bread. Shaggy takes us to his favorite NYC restaurant and we meet the folks working up a dance hall sized hunger.
Episode 12
Taste Makers
Tue, Apr 11, 2023
Science and senses collide in the food labs of the Netherlands and Sophia creates a savory gravy and braciole. Chef Eric Huang talks about the racist roots of the falsely maligned MSG, and an ecologist makes a tree-sized case for flavor.
