An Escape From the City
Weekend Special
The World’s Most Improbable Smash-hit Cooking Show
The YouTube channel Country Life Vlog has become an unexpected sensation, amassing nearly 7 million subscribers and 2 billion views over its five-year run. The channel features serene cooking videos set against the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains in Azerbaijan, where a matron prepares traditional dishes like pilaf with beef and pumpkin, all without modern kitchen gadgets. Viewers are drawn to the tranquil atmosphere, which evokes a simpler time filled with natural beauty and agricultural practices. The absence of special effects or dramatic narratives allows the audience to experience a sense of relaxation and connection to nature, as they watch the matron chop vegetables and season meats amidst the sounds of birdsong and flowing water.
Despite Azerbaijan's geopolitical complexities, the channel showcases a peaceful lifestyle that resonates with audiences worldwide, including those from London to Kyiv. Its success has inspired similar niche cooking shows in Turkey and Uzbekistan, but Country Life Vlog stands out for its authentic representation of Azerbaijani cuisine and culture. The videos emphasize traditional cooking methods and ingredients like turmeric and saffron, creating an immersive experience that promotes both culinary appreciation and mental tranquility. As viewers engage with this bucolic content, they find solace in the simplicity and beauty of rural life, making it a unique phenomenon in the realm of cooking shows.
Song Recommendation — Time by Hans Zimmer
Enjoy your weekend. Cheers! Americano!