A simple piece that combines very personal storytelling with the universal themes of cooking, family, and growing up, this is about a change of scenery leading to a change of attitude. Some of my favorite Food Network personalities - Paula Deen, Giada de Laurentiis, and Ina Garten (who some would argue overdo comfort food and Americana, but so nicely fit into this story), help Dinh fall in love and find a home in the kitchen. With ease and sincerity, Dinh To explains her transformation from lazy student in Vietnam to burgeoning family chef in Philly.

So many great stories express the power of food, but it was especially nice hearing it from an Asian perspective. Without the transcript, I might have had trouble understanding fully, and I would have loved to hear more from Dinh To's parents, but the natural sound and fluid pacing propelled me through. The narration had great tone. The sounds of utensils clanging against pots and pans brought me right next to the stove, and familiar voices from the Food Network made me smile. It could have easily delved a bit deeper into family issues and the past, but this simple treatment was sufficient, and made me hungry for more. This would fit nicely into a weekend feature show on food, family, or immigration.