Noted TV Producer & Writer Taking Part in 2025 Food & Wine Classic Charleston

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

His name may not be as easily recognizable as some of the on screen talent he's worked with, but nonetheless award-winning television writer, producer, and New York Times best-selling author Phil Rosenthal has made a name for himself in Hollywood, most notably as the executive producer of the long running CBS sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond' (1996–2005). 

Although he's currently not attached to any network TV show, in recent years, Rosenthal has presented and hosted food and travel documentaries 'I'll Have What Phil's Having' on PBS and 'Somebody Feed Phil' on Netflix'. The latter ran for an eighth season on Netflix in 2025.

Rosenthal admits to being a foodie. "I've always loved food, but I wasn't surrounded by it at an early age. My parents did the best they could. We didn't have a lot growing up, and frankly my mom wasn't a great cook. Almost all her meals were bland." He adds, "Honestly, I think the only spice we had in our house was salt."

He admits the family dining outside the home was rare. "We didn't eat out much. Once in while we'd go to a deli." At some point Rosenthal took matters into his own hands. "Basically I grew up on fast food. When I was old enough I began going to McDonald's. I loved the French fries."

His tastes expanded beyond the golden arches once he was on his own. "After I left home a whole new world of foods opened up to me. Frankly, I don't recall ever having tasted garlic until I left my parents house."

After graduating Hofstra University in 1981 Rosenthal pursued acting in NYC, eventually shifting gears to work behind the camera as a writer and producer. He hit pay-dirt in 1996 when he teamed up with Ray Romano as co-producer and co-creator of 'Everybody Loves Raymond', based on their respective families lives.

A total of 210 episodes spanned nine seasons, with Rosenthal co-writing 21 episodes during its epic run. Following it's sixth season, 'Raymond' was the fourth highest rated show on television. The show would go on to win 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, including 10 for acting, picking up one win from the Screen Actors Guild Awards as well.

Ironically, if it hadn't been for a series of rejections in Hollywood, Rosenthal's food shows may have not seen the light of day. "It took me 10 years after 'Raymond' ended to change course, and bring my passion for food to TV."

He explains further. "I was busy trying to bring the next big sitcoms to TV but was met with opposition. After 'Raymond' went off the air, the business began to change drastically in Hollywood. They didn't want those type of family shows. At some point I decided to switch lanes and strike out on my own."

A decade (2015) removed from his success from 'Everybody Loves Raymond', PBS aired six-episodes of Rosenthal's 'I'll Have What Phil's Having', as he travelled to different locations around the world to explore their respective food culture. Although PBS didn't renew the series, Rosenthal found a home on an emerging video on demand streaming service. 

"The networks didn't have any interest. Thankfully PBS jump started my food show career, and then this new start-up called Netflix came along and gave me a shot." Reworked, and with a new title, Rosenthal's 'Somebody Feed Phil' premiered on Netflix in January of 2018. "I found a home on Netflix, and they renewed an eighth season in 2025."

'Somebody Feed Phil' has taken Rosenthal all over the United States and the world, sampling cuisine in Europe, Asia, South America, Mexico, Canada, and South Africa. This past season he's been to Australia, Manila, Amsterdam, and Guatemala, with the sixth episode having him sample great steakhouse with Romano and Brad Garrett in Las Vegas.t

The show has literally fueled one of his greatest yearnings. "Aside from my family, travelling is my favorite thing to do. Being able to combine that with my passion for food is just an added bonus at this stage in my life."

Over the past 10 years he's eaten everything from haggis in Glasgow Scotland and fresh seafood in Croatia to chicharrones in Oaxaca Mexico and deep-dish pizza in Chicago, often sharing meals with pop stars, comedians, and culinary icons. He admits there's very little he's not open to trying when visiting a different part of the world. "It's all part of the adventure."

Rosenthal agrees food is one to the few things that draws people from all backgrounds together. "That's the whole point of the show. Food and drink are the great connection, and shared laughter is the cement."

Rosenthal plans to carry that same sentiment with him when he comes to Charleston to take part in the Food & Wine Classic (Nov 14-16) presented by Food & Wine Magazine. "I love doing these type of events. I've done their similar event in Aspen Colorado. 

Regarding the classic he goes on to say. "Personally I love coming to Charleston. It's a great city, with great food and history. I get to meet a lot of new people, sample great food, meet chefs, and too see what they have to offer. It's a win win for me."

Rosenthal has visited Charleston in the past, more recently bringing his storytelling and humor to the Charleston Music Hall back in 2022. Does he have any preferred dining destinations when he's in town. "Absolutely. I love eating at Lewis' Barbecue." The famed pit-master is also part of the talent showcasing their expertise during the classic.

Having chowed down on exotic and peculiar foods from all over the globe, Rosenthal admits, while he is a self-proclaimed foodie his overall tastes are rather simple. "I love everyday comfort foods. I always say, you can't put a price on delicious. I'd much rather sit down to a satisfying meal with my favorite comfort foods, than a four hour French dinner."

His deep appreciation for everyday comfort foods is about to come to an even greater fruition, as he is about to open Max & Helen's, an eatery dedicated to his parents at 127 N Larchmont Blvd, located south of Hollywood and east of Hancock Park in greater Los Angeles. Rosenthal is opening Max & Helen's with lauded LA chef Nancy Silverton. 

"It's a classic American diner. Very similar to the diners I grew up eating at back in my younger years, trying to make it in the business, and when I was attending Hofstra. We're going to serve a variety of comforts food, that's only elevated by great ingredients."

Rosenthal says aside for travelling for 'Somebody Feed Phil' and other appearances, he'd most likely be in Max & Helen's almost everyday. "It's close to home and the menu suits me." And he rarely eats at home. "Very seldom." Nor does he fancy himself a master in the kitchen. "I didn't inherit any of that." Adding, "No one eats out better than I do, and most places I dine at I love to meet the chef."

Charleston area food lovers can catch Phil Rosenthal as well as a host of talented people from the food & beverage industry by securing tickets to select events during the three day Food & Wine Classic Charleston event happening Friday Nov 14th through Sunday Nov 16th. For more visit https://foodandwineclassicincharleston.com/

To keep up on all that's happening in Phil's universe including tour dates and his podcast visit https://www.philrosenthalworld.com/ And to catch up on episodes of 'Somebody Feed Phil' check out https://www.netflix.com/title/80146601
Should you ever find yourself in Los Angeles and have a hankering for all day breakfast as well as old school comfort foods maybe check out Max & Helen's place at https://www.maxandhelens.com/