Credit: Planet Green/Chris Ramirez
I love that television now has a summer season. Something to entertain and distract me from fretting too much over the latest season cliffhanger for Bones. Back in April, I attended the Discovery Communications Upfront and had the opportunity to preview what all their different channels’ offerings would be for the upcoming summer, fall and 2011 seasons. I was immediately taken by the adorableness that was The Fabulous Beekman Boys. Just a two minute preview of them and their show and I was seriously hoping that it would go on to huge success. I think it will, it just has that feeling about it. This from someone who never watches reality television.
A fish-out-of water comedy on the relatively new Planet Green Channel, The Fabulous Beekman Boys (premiering June 16, at 9PM EST) is about Josh Kilmer-Purcell & Brent Ridge, a couple from Manhattan, who find a farm while on an apple picking excursion in upstate New York, immediately fall in love with it, purchase it and start the eco-friendly business Beekman 1802 – specializing in products like Goat Milk Soap and Beekman Blaak Cheese. Beekman 1802 products are made exclusively and organically on their farm. The show follows their trials as they adjust to farm life and attempt to run the place with the help of Farmer John, a local who lands a job with them after describing his down-on-his-luck story in a handwritten note which he leaves in their mailbox, neighbors, and advice googled on the internet. I previewed the first two episodes, and while at 21 minutes you only get a little peek into their lives, it is enough to be charmed by them, worry about the success of their relationship in the midst of all the chaos, and root for them to realize their dreams – and of course it would seem they have done just that.
Credit: Jameson
Last Wednesday, I attended the launch party held for the The Beekman Boys appropriately at Jean-Georges new “farm-to-table” restaurant, ABC Kitchen, located in the East Village. They had quite a spread and I very much enjoyed sampling the yummies made with the Beekman Blaak cheese – the spinach topped pizza and the bacon quiche were my faves- saying hi to Gloria Reuben and chatting with Isabella Rosellini with my new friend Jameson.
Credit: Jameson
Later in the evening Allie from Hist Fic Chick joined me at the event and we spent a lovely time chatting with Alison Rudnick, the Director of Corporate Communications and Amber Haris, Manager of Digital Communications at Discovery. I hate that Gayle wasn’t able to join us, but thankfully we got to spend the afternoon together at Book Expo America, so I did get to spend some time with her!
To wrap up the evening and put that little cherry on top, Allie, Jameson and I spent a few minutes chatting with Josh Kilmer-Purcell one of the stars of The Fabulous Beekman Boys and the author of The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir. I think we were all prepared to have to explain to Josh just what bloggers were, but he surprised us when he jumped right into the conversation with just how instrumental Myspace (back in the day) and social marketing had been in the sales of first book. You can read more of his thoughts on social marketing in the comments of my cheekily titled post “Are Books Originally Published in Trade Paperback Lesser Books?”. We also chatted a bit about his book and his giving his Thanksgiving Turkey shots of vodka to ease the pain of her death. I think he needed to take some shots as well!
All in all it was a wonderful night. I managed to sneak in quite a few of my favorite things – good food, drink and conversation, and even some bookish talk.
And just a little FYI – I am about half way through The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir, and I am really loving it. Jill from Fizzy Thoughts enjoyed it quite a bit as well, and Kim from Sophisticated Dorkiness is looking forward to it. Just saying.
Other reviews and posts:
How cool for you! And how funny about the Thanksgiving turkey!
It is funny, but I feel a little bit sad about the turkey. She seemed sweet!
I’m really sad that I don’t think we get this channel, I’d love to watch this show!
Jen – Devourer of Books´s last [type] ..TSS: Getting My Head on Straight Post-BEA
They have some really cute clips up on the Planet Green site. Maybe they will put up a full episode or two.
The poor turkey appears in the book, too…have you gotten that far? I felt sorry for her, as well. And I don’t think I could’ve eaten her. After all, they were practically drinking buddies!
How cool that you were able to attend the launch party!
I was talking with Josh about the book, though he did say that there was a certain episode to watch out for, so I guess she will be making an appearance in the show as well.
I got the Bucolic Plague book this week, and it sounds like it will be awesome; enjoy!
diane´s last [type] ..Sunday Salon ~ June 6, 2010
I hope you love it Diane!
I am so jealous you got to go to this — it looks like so much fun! I don’t have cable, so I’m hoping the show will be available online or on DVD soon after it’s finished.
Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)´s last [type] ..The Sunday Salon: Summer Reading and Reading Rituals
I wish his had taken place when you were here. It would have been fun to hang out. I am hoping that they will stream at least a few episodes somewhere!
Looks like you ladies had a fabulous time! I’m so jealous that you get to go to all these fun events. It’s like being at BEA on a regular basis (but thankfully not as hectic!).
Michelle´s last [type] ..One Question With Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Sounds like you had a fantastic time! I’m so jealous you have access to all these exciting events! It’s so quiet here in DC
Jenn’s Bookshelves´s last [type] ..Tales of a (Formerly) Reluctant Reader: Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventure
I’m very excited about The Bucolic Plague, too! It’s one of the top books I brought home from BEA. It was SO FUN to meet you!
Care´s last [type] ..Ethan Frome
I am so envious for what seems like the perfect evening-food, conversation and books-thanks for this recap-I am going to read this book. I am also going to get The Bucolic Plague.
Esme´s last [type] ..Neck Tie Cakes for Father’s Day and A Guest Post from Matt at Tiepedia