logo
This (taste) bud's for you: What's your super dish pick?

This (taste) bud's for you: What's your super dish pick?

Yahoo09-02-2025

Stick with me through most of this column because I need your advice.
Plus, I'm more willing to listen to you than the halftime entertainment.
In case you need confirmation that everything might be going to hell, Google Trends reports that the top trending search for Super Bowl foods in the past week was 'charcuterie board.'
When did America's most-hyped, most-discussed, most-Budweiser-Clydesdales sporting event turn into cheese, crackers and warm grapes?
Take solace, New Mexico residents, because our favorite revenue-generating sport is buying high-quality footwear to go hiking.
We're SEO different.
We have taste buds.
Google Trends show New Mexicans' favorite flavor for chicken wings is Buffalo — a solid-if-not-surprising nod to a symbol of the Southwest. (In New York, where the spicy-sauced wing flavor became legendary thanks to Buffalo's Anchor Bar, the current flavor of choice is … baked garlic?)
When it comes to Google searches for unique dips, the Land of Appetizing Enchantment favors birria dips. Finally! If there was a ranking of 50 states on unique dips that make you nod emphatically, New Mexico is No. 1 in a tasty way.
The complexities of consommé and chiles in a birria dip raise a culinary quandary: Is Texas' questionable desire for cranberry jalapeño dip reason enough to revive the debate over which state should be credited with the Frito pie?
No will-Travis-pop-the-question-to-Taylor drama here.
New Mexicans treat Fritos like a food group. New Mexicans celebrate sophisticated and simple tastes that don't require a bog. Just a bag.
My first Santa Fe meal years ago was a Frito pie at Tia Sophia's. Tourists fork their Five and Dime lunch from that iconic Frito bag while sitting on Historic Plaza benches. And if you want to fill up for a few days, dive into a large-bag Frito pie at Blake's Lotaburger (because you don't go there for the effervescent counter service.)
My wife and I typically design a Super Bowl spread of homemade dishes and a couple of takeouts honoring local flavors. We'll have Fritos as part of our snack options Sunday, but that's not our go-to New Mexico choice.
When we lived in Texas, takeout barbecue was a given.
In North Carolina, it was fried chicken.
The food here is soooo good — from high-level cuisine to everyday comforts — that it's hard to pick which New Mexico dish should reign supreme on Super Bowl Sunday.
Please help.
Send an email to bchurch@sfnewmexican.com and tell me:
What's your favorite takeout dish reflective of Santa Fe? Why?
Food is an important part of the acculturation process for newbies. Read local books, visit rural towns and buy local to understand your new home. But it's essential to learn from locals and respect their choices. Experience local food as a social bond.
My regret early in 2025 was missing Santa Fe's truly super sporting event involving bowls. The Food Depot's annual Souper Bowl, where attendees can slurp gourmet dishes, drew about 1,500 local foodies and raised enough money to provide 550,000 meals throughout Northern New Mexico, according to André Salkin's story in The Santa Fe New Mexican.
I applaud Johnny Vee, a chef and Pasatiempo contributor, who summarized the importance of it all:
"My New Year's wish for all of us is that our lives may be filled with talented singers, musicians, artists, actors, doctors, writers, comedians, lovers, and chefs to make life more delicious. As Shakespeare's Duke Orsino says in Twelfth Night, 'If music be the food of love play on, give me excess of it.' '
So, please, send me your favorite local takeout dish and tell me why. And what I'm missing.
I can take the heat.
Just no pictures of cheese on boards.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From AI-powered public health breakthroughs to smarter social media feeds and reimagined fast food – the cutting-edge tech reshaping our world
From AI-powered public health breakthroughs to smarter social media feeds and reimagined fast food – the cutting-edge tech reshaping our world

News24

timean hour ago

  • News24

From AI-powered public health breakthroughs to smarter social media feeds and reimagined fast food – the cutting-edge tech reshaping our world

Personalised digital spaces are becoming the norm, with TikTok's updated For You feed giving users more control over their online experience. AI is driving impact on the ground, as seen in Google's Open Buildings project helping vaccinate zero-dose children and build flood-resilient African cities. Everyday experiences are getting smarter, whether it's Col'Cacchio's tech-driven fast-casual dining model, AI-powered business apps like Zoho Solo, or Nintendo Switch 2's next-gen gaming features bringing friends and family together in new ways. TikTok's new features let you take back control of your for you feed TikTok's iconic For You feed, the heartbeat of the app is getting a well-timed update, and it's all about giving users more say in what shows up on their scroll. Whether you're deep in cooking hacks, art tutorials or just here for the dog videos, the new tools make it easier to curate your feed around your interests and skip what you'd rather not see. Now rolling out across South Africa, the updates include Manage Topics, which lets you adjust how often certain categories like travel, sport, nature or creative arts appear. It's not about muting them completely, but giving your feed a nudge to better reflect what you're into right now. There's also a new Smart Keyword Filter that goes beyond the usual word blocklists. This feature understands synonyms and related terms, making it easier to filter out content you're over or just not in the mood for. The filter now supports up to 200 keywords and shows you what else might be linked, so you're in the driver's seat when it comes to shaping your digital space. Importantly, TikTok is also rolling out an easy-to-use educational guide to help users ,teens included, to better understand how the For You feed works. Think content explainer videos, safety tools, and ways to reset your feed or block mature content. In a local context, it's creators like Tricia Mpisi discovered on TikTok and now acting in streaming films and grace_the_cookist, whose home cooking has gained a loyal following, that reminds us why a smart, personalised feed matters. These tools aim to help more South Africans find creators they love and spaces they feel safe in. Because let's be honest, we all deserve a feed that feels a bit more like you. Col'Cacchio GO: The Future of Fast Casual is Here—and It's Fresh, Fast and Smart Fast food in South Africa is changing, and Col'Cacchio is leading the charge with a bold new concept that puts quality, convenience and tech-first thinking at the centre of your next meal. Enter Col'Cacchio GO a modern take on the Italian favourites South Africans have loved for over 30 years, now served faster and smarter. Launched in April at Westlake in Cape Town, Col'Cacchio GO takes the brand's gourmet roots and makes them work for today's on-the-go lifestyle. It's not just a smaller format it's a full rethink of how premium food can be delivered at speed. With Col'Cacchio GO, we're delivering the same craftsmanship and authenticity that has defined our brand for over 32 years, but in a format that meets today's fast-moving consumer needs. Etienne Pieterse, Group CEO. The model is designed to meet the rising demand for quality takeaway and delivery, with more locations planned in Johannesburg, Durban, and even Mauritius. Seamless digital ordering, partnerships with major delivery platforms, and a pricing promise that keeps meals affordable whether you're dining in or using an app are all part of the tech-led approach. Supplied Menu highlights include generous Family Mega Meals (think 45cm pizzas and 1.3kg pasta trays), low-carb and gluten-free bases, and smart lunch offerings like the new pizza-which a gourmet wrap-meets-pizza filled with fresh ingredients. 'We want to give customers healthy options, but also keep it convenient,' says Pieterse. 'Nothing is pre-made or processed. Our sauces are made in the kitchen every few days.' Col'Cacchio GO also offers something rare in today's delivery scene: consistent pricing. The worst thing is when your favourite restaurants are two to three times more expensive on delivery apps, we've got one price, whether you eat in-store or order via Uber Eats. Etienne Pieterse, Group CEO. With strong consumer demand for fast, nutritious food and South Africa's delivery market seeing double-digit growth, Col'Cacchio GO is more than a meal it's a forward-thinking blueprint for the future of dining. Vivo Y Series launches with industry-first 7-star quality promise in SA Durability is the new must-have in smartphones and vivo is stepping up. This week, the brand launched its latest Y Series lineup in South Africa - the vivo Y29, Y19s Pro, and Y04 256GB, each combining innovation, value, and protection. Leading the pack is the vivo Y29, backed by an industry-first 7-Star Quality Promise, the most comprehensive service plan in its class. Durability shouldn't be limited to premium phones, our 7-Star Promise delivers real protection, not just specs. Tony Shi, GM at vivo SA The plan includes military-grade impact resistance, SGS-certified drop protection, IP64 water/dust resistance, 5-year battery health, and 360° accidental cover—one free repair for screen or body damage. The Y29 also adds 50-month performance optimisation. The lineup highlights: Y29 (R7 999): Slim powerhouse with 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, Snapdragon 685, 120Hz display, Anti-Drop Armour and full 7-Star coverage. Y19s Pro (R5 999): Balanced performer with IP64 protection, dual 300% audio speakers, and 365 days 360° repair cover. Y04 256GB (R2 999): Entry-level champion with 256GB storage, 5500mAh battery, IP64 resistance, and 180 days 360° repair cover. The Y Series isn't just about specs, it's about phones built to last, with after-sales service ranked #1 in SA. Whether you're after premium battery life, rugged durability or unbeatable value, Vivo's Y Series has a smart option ready for everyday life. Google's Open Buildings data helps vaccinate zero-dose children and protect African cities from flooding AI is driving real-world impact across Africa, with Google's Open Buildings dataset emerging as a game-changing tool for health and climate resilience. The dataset, which maps over 1.8 billion structures, is already improving lives across Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa, helping to reach unvaccinated children and prepare vulnerable cities for flooding. In Northern Nigeria, mapping teams uncovered over 10,000 structures previously undocumented, helping health workers reach 70% of zero-dose children in just six months. In Rwanda, the Ministry of Health used Open Buildings data to optimise clinic locations ensuring 92% of citizens are now within 30 minutes of care. Screenshot WATCH | Why we'll always listen when David Attenborough speaks Meanwhile, cities like Johannesburg, Gqeberha and Kigali are using the data to build flood-risk exposure maps, helping authorities make better urban planning decisions. With Africa's urban population set to nearly double by 2035, tools like Open Buildings are becoming vital to direct resources where they're needed most. This shows what happens when local expertise meets open, scalable technology, mothers reach clinics sooner, children receive vaccines, and planners get ahead of the next flood. Dr Aisha Walcott-Bryant, Head of Google Research Africa. The Open Buildings dataset, including tutorials and its new 2.5D visualisation layer, is freely available at OPPO Watch X2 Lands in South Africa: Smarter Health, Smarter Life OPPO has launched its most advanced smartwatch yet, the OPPO Watch X2 designed for South Africans who want seamless health tracking, fitness features, and lasting battery life, all in one premium device. The Watch X2 brings a sleek stainless steel body, a sapphire crystal glass display, and military-grade durability. Built for the boardroom, gym and hiking trail, it offers a 60-second health scan at the tap of a button, tracking heart rate, blood oxygen, arterial stiffness, and stress in real time. For active users, there are 100+ workout modes, including badminton and tennis tracking, plus dual-frequency GPS for pinpoint outdoor performance. Supplied The Watch X2's sleep tracking is also a standout, offering insights into sleep quality and breathing patterns synced to OPPO's OHealth app. Inside, the Watch X2 is powered by a dual-chip architecture and offers up to 5 days of battery life, with 24 hours of use from a 10-minute charge. It runs Wear OS by Google, supporting Google Assistant, Maps, Wallet, and third-party apps via Google Play. Our mission is to empower South Africans to take charge of their health, time and ambitions says Bradley Young, OPPO Available from 20 June in Lava Black for R6999, the OPPO Watch X2 delivers a smart, stylish companion ready for whatever life throws at you. The Nintendo Switch 2 launches in SA Nintendo Switch 2 officially lands in South Africa, bringing with it a brand-new Mario Kart experience, improved hardware, and a fresh wave of more than 20 game titles ready to play. Nintendo Switch 2 offers a bigger 7.9' HD screen, upgraded graphics, 256GB of storage, and smart new features like GameChat, letting up to 12 friends chat live while playing even across different locations. There's also CameraPlay, which lets players video chat in-game using a USB-C camera which is sold separately. The headline game, Mario Kart World, is the biggest Mario Kart to date. Players can now race with up to 24 drivers in huge, open racing environments. It also introduces Free Roam mode and Knockout Tour, where the slowest drivers are eliminated at each checkpoint. Supplied The Switch 2 launch lineup includes Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Street Fighter™ 6, SPLIT FICTION, and a new Nintendo GameCube – Classics library. There's also a Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle available in stores and online. Whether you're racing with friends, exploring new missions solo, or catching up on your favourite franchises in 4K, Nintendo Switch 2 is designed for more powerful play—anytime, anywhere. More info at Tech and Ideas Take Centre Stage at Singularity South Africa Summit 2025 Africa's future will be front and centre this October as the SingularityU South Africa Summit returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 22–23 October 2025. Now in its seventh year, the annual event brings together leading voices in technology, business and innovation to explore how exponential tech can unlock progress across the continent. With the theme Igniting Africa's Future, this year's summit will feature two physical stages, immersive workshops, a premium expo and networking sessions, plus a fully interactive metaverse experience via local platform UBU. Over 30 global and local speakers are expected, covering everything from AI and robotics to spatial computing, health tech and leadership. Confirmed speakers include biotech trailblazer Tiffany Vora, disruption expert David Roberts, and AI pioneer Vukosi Marikate of Lelapa AI, alongside innovation leaders shaping everything from future cities to accessible healthcare. Backed by headline sponsor Old Mutual, the event is focused on real-world impact. 'We're backing technology that improves lives and builds long-term opportunity,' says Old Mutual's Celiwe Ross. In-person and metaverse ticket sales are now open, with early bird prices available until 1 June. Visit for more details. JAWS Turns 50: Spielberg and National Geographic Dive Deep into a Cinematic Classic This July, National Geographic and Disney+ South Africa are making waves with the premiere of JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, the only authorised documentary marking the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the blockbuster that redefined cinema and sparked decades of shark fascination. Supplied Premiering Sunday 13 July at 21:00 CAT on National Geographic (DStv 181) and later on National Geographic Wild and Disney+, this 90-minute film gives fans and cinephiles unprecedented access to the making of Jaws. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau (Faye, Music by John Williams), the film features never-before-seen footage from Steven Spielberg's personal archive, as well as brand-new interviews with Spielberg, the original cast, and some of Hollywood's top directors including James Cameron, J.J. Abrams, Guillermo del Toro, and Jordan Peele. Supplied Expect candid stories from malfunctioning sharks to Spielberg's post-production stress that reveal just how risky and revolutionary the production was. The documentary also reflects on the cultural impact of Jaws, from its controversial 'shark fear' legacy to its influence on marine conservation, with commentary from scientists and ocean advocates like Wendy Benchley and Philippe Cousteau. This isn't just a behind-the-scenes doc, it's a celebration of a film that changed everything. XLink Crowned Africa's Top Tech Company South African fintech leader XLink won Technology Company of the Year at the 2025 Africa Tech Week Awards. Recognized for innovation in payments and connectivity, the PASA-certified firm bridges financial access gaps across Africa. 'We're unlocking Supplied futures, not just connecting businesses,' said CEO Dr. Thanusha Govender. The award cements XLink's role in shaping Africa's digital economy through secure, agile solutions. Zoho Targets SA Solopreneurs with New App Zoho reported 35% South African growth and launched Zoho Solo, a mobile app for freelancers. The all-in-one platform handles invoicing, tasks and expenses, with features like real-time profit tracking. Solo understands solopreneurs' unique needs Andrew Bourne, Zoho Africa Priced from R99/month, it joins Zoho's expanding local offerings amid rising demand for AI-powered business tools. Salesforce Showcases AI Workforce in Joburg Salesforce's Agentforce Tour hit Johannesburg, demonstrating AI's role in modern business. The event highlighted how enterprises use AI agents to automate tasks and boost efficiency. This is the biggest tech shift of our time Linda Saunders, Salesforce Africa With 5,000+ recent contracts, Agentforce signals AI's growing impact on Africa's digital workforce. Supplied Beyond expert-led sessions, attendees at the Salesforce Agentforce World Tour Johannesburg will gain hands-on experience in building AI agents and explore the broader Salesforce ecosystem through networking with peers, industry leaders, and Trailblazers. They'll hear firsthand how South African brands are using Salesforce to strengthen customer relationships and drive productivity. Salesforce executives will also share insights on key cloud and AI trends, alongside the company's growth plans for Africa. A special media roundtable will feature Robin Fisher, Linda Saunders, and Ursula Fear, offering a closer look at Salesforce's vision and the future of AI across the region.

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for June 9 #259
Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for June 9 #259

CNET

time3 hours ago

  • CNET

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for June 9 #259

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles. Atlantans, today's Connections: Sports Edition should be easy for you -- or at least the green group. Read on for hints and the answers. Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That's a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn't show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic's own app. Or you can continue to play it free online. Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta Hints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groups Here are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group. Yellow group hint: Woo-hoo! Green group hint: Georgia's capital city. Blue group hint: Billie Jean King. Purple group hint: Little kids learn to draw these. Answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groups Yellow group: Lively. Green group: An Atlanta athlete, past or present. Blue group: Names of women's tennis players. Purple group: Can be preceded by "line." Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words What are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for June 9, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNET The yellow words in today's Connections The theme is lively. The four answers are animated, energetic, excited and spirited. The green words in today's Connections The theme is an Atlanta athlete, past or present. The four answers are Brave, Falcon, Hawk and Thrasher. The blue words in today's Connections The theme is names of women's tennis players. The four answers are Coco, Iga, Madison and Mirra. The purple words in today's Connections The theme is can be preceded by "line." The four answers are backer, man, score and up.

YouTube TV Review: The Best Channel Selection You'll Find
YouTube TV Review: The Best Channel Selection You'll Find

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Yahoo

YouTube TV Review: The Best Channel Selection You'll Find

YouTube TV has solidified its reputation as one of the best live TV streaming services available. The Google-owned platform features an extensive array of channels and is known for its easy-to-navigate user experience. These are important details to highlight, considering the fact that the streamer has steadily increased its price over the years. It now costs $83 a month, which is more than twice its original cost. It may feel like the overall value of the service isn't as clear-cut as it once was, but its price mirrors that of its closest rival, Hulu Plus Live TV. YouTube TV's main strength for cord-cutters is its sheer number of channels. It now offers 78 of the top 100 networks, the most of any streaming service, a count that includes numerous cable staples plus all four local networks -- ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC -- and local PBS stations nationwide. See at YouTube Beyond channels, YouTube TV is easy to use: It's slick and speedy on a variety of TVs and mobile devices. Its cloud DVR is also one of the best, with unlimited storage and pretty much all the capabilities of a hardware DVR. The service also offers a 4K streaming upgrade -- for an additional $10 monthly -- which, importantly, includes unlimited simultaneous streams and downloadable DVR recordings. The big snag is the price, and if you're a cord-cutter, the trimmed-down Sling TV Blue at $46 a month is the best way to save money. At the other end of the spectrum, the $83 Hulu Plus Live TV offers a similar mix of channels, but the addition of the modified Disney Bundle that gives you access to on-demand Hulu, ESPN Plus and Disney Plus, brings some extra value. If you're wanting to stick with a familiar cable tv experience, the myriad of channels and unlimited DVR feature offered by YouTube TV makes the $83 price associated with its base package well worth the money. It's still a good deal for what you're getting. Read more: Best Streaming Devices YouTube TV is different from YouTube, the free video service with more than 2.5 billion users a month. YouTube TV offers an experience similar to cable TV, with live channels and on-demand content available on a variety of devices. It works with Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV, along with numerous smart TVs, phones, tablets, game consoles and web browsers. YouTube TV's channel selection is excellent, with more from CNET's list of 100 top channels than any other competitor (although Hulu isn't too far behind). More channels don't necessarily mean more of what you want. Some services, such as Fubo, lean heavily on sports, while others are increasingly expansive. It's best to check the list at the end of this article, which compares individual channels across services, to ensure you're getting the channels you want. While competitors include several channel upgrade packages, YouTube TV includes everything for one price, with one exception explained below. The service also includes 5.1 surround sound, where available, for all subscribers (most competitors are only in stereo) and an expansion of the DVR search, which can now pick out specific sports, which is most useful for events such as the Olympics. Compared to some services with multilevel interfaces, YouTube TV is fairly simple. There are three main tabs at the top of the interface: Library, Home and Live (on mobile, these tabs are located at the bottom). Library is where your DVR content lives, and Home is where featured and live thumbnails appear. The Live tab is a familiar-looking program grid that displays both currently playing and upcoming shows. You can search for content from the top of any page, making it relatively easy to jump straight to the programming you want. Additionally, viewers can customize the live guide with their favorite channels, or set it to be sorted alphabetically or by the most-watched channels. There's also a button at the top that offers the ability to buy add-on packages and rent or buy movies within the app. A search icon allows you to type in networks or what you want to watch, and we should note that YouTube TV uses your search history for its recommendation engine. If you want, you can delete your searches. You can also perform searches with a compatible voice remote or Google Assistant. This is easier if you have an Android TV streamer, you could also perform searches on your Google Nest Mini and play it on a Roku, for example. The DVR works as you'd expect -- both time-shifting live content and playing back recorded shows -- and the system assigns your recorded content to manageable categories, such as recently recorded and most viewed. The DVR also includes the ability to rewind and fast-forward freely through recordings, even ones that aren't yet completed. The Roku interface offers a 15-second skip by default, while the Apple TV's control system via the Siri Remote is even better. You can use the touchpad to scroll through videos and it's glorious. It's so much fun, and auto-generated thumbnails make it relatively easy to get to the part you want. In the past, when a show appeared in a network's on-demand library, it would automatically replace the version in your cloud DVR, meaning you'd lose the ability to fast-forward through commercials though Google says this should no longer occur. Additionally, YouTube TV's DVR isn't truly unlimited; the shows will expire after nine months (just like Hulu), but this is still much longer than the 30 days you get with most rivals. YouTube TV rolled out a multiview feature in 2023, enabling subscribers to watch up to four separate sports streams on one screen. The functionality has since been expanded to include news and weather channels with the option to watch either two or four streams at a time. It works on smart TVs as well as phones, and all you have to do is scroll to the "Watch in Multiview" section on the home screen. On a mobile phone, the YouTube TV app operates as smoothly as the TV version. I was able to filter by channel and genre to comb through content, and the multiview feature is available on my phone as well. If your phone is connected to a smart TV or media player, you can cast YouTube TV to those devices, which can come in handy if you're watching while away from home. It's also easy to download TV show episodes and movies on the mobile app and stream them right on your phone. Although Google used to integrate YouTube into YouTube TV -- with trailers and related content on a show's About page -- this appears to no longer be the case. The company is continually tweaking the interface, and we may see YouTube content appear again at some point. It depends. The $10 4K Plus upgrade could be useful if you're looking to stream 4K sporting events and on-demand programming, but the amount of content available in 4K is still limited. There is one new feature that may prove the most useful, especially for travelers, and that's the ability to view an unlimited number of simultaneous streams, and the option to save DVR recordings for offline mobile viewing. If you're a frequent flyer or subway rider, the ability to watch prerecorded shows without an active connection is an attractive feature. As per YouTube TV's 4K page, the additional content includes shows from Discovery, ESPN, Fox Sports, FX, NBA TV, Nat Geo, NBC Sports and Tastemade. If you want to watch certain premium content (e.g. South Park), you may need to subscribe separately to premium add-ons for Max, Peacock and other services. The interface includes a 4K button to help find content, but at present, this doesn't constitute enough to stick around for. In addition to a handful of shows, there's Thursday Night Football, "live" Premier League soccer and college football on ESPN. The NCAA adds a bunch of 4K content, but if you want football, 4K or a combination of the two, Fubo offers even more sports for a $90 price tag. The 4K content that is available with the basic subscription, such as the cooking show Make This Tonight or the travel competition show Basic Versus Baller, does look good, with better contrast and color than regular broadcast TV. In context, the top tier of Netflix costs substantially more at $25 per month, but it offers thousands of hours of 4K content alone, plus offline viewing. When it originally appeared for $35, YouTube TV was an exceedingly attractive way to save money over cable. But as the service has piled on more channels, it's added further costs. When you take that $83 monthly fee and apply it to the $55 you're probably already paying for internet service, it means you're paying over $130 a month. Many cable TV providers will give you a TV and internet bundle for around the same money. Prices vary a lot, of course, and with cable, you probably have to pay rental equipment fees, taxes and other extras. Cable providers usually reserve the best bundle pricing for people who sign a contract. The same goes for "streaming" offerings, such as Comcast's StreamSaver, which can be paired with its NOW TV offering. The reason you want to cut cable in the first place remains. Read more here: Streaming vs. Cable: Which One Saves You More Money? Like Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and others, YouTube TV is contract-free, so you can cancel anytime. Streaming services also have other advantages over cable. They're easier to watch on phones and tablets, for example. At $83 per month, you'll have to be coming from a relatively expensive cable bill to realize substantial savings with YouTube TV. If price is no object, YouTube TV goes neck and neck with Hulu Plus Live TV as the premier live TV streaming service, with a huge array of entertainment options and one of the best DVR/search combos on the market. It offers more channels than anyone else and its 5.1 surround is great for sports and movie fans. If you don't want to be beholden to a traditional cable company, it's a great alternative. Though $83 a month is a tough expenditure for some people, without a contract to worry about, you're free to jump ship to a better deal at any time. The extra $10 is still too much for so little 4K content, even if unlimited streams and DVR downloads are useful for extended families or travelers. If you want more on-demand content for your buck, then Hulu Plus Live TV's Disney bundle is fairly unbeatable. Lastly, if you're a hard-core cord-cutter and determined to save money, Sling TV Blue offers a compelling alternative, especially when paired with an antenna or an AirTV 2. Below, you'll find a comparison of the top 100 channels offered by a few of YouTube TV's competitors. For more information and comparisons with additional services, check out the full article. Yes = The channel is available on the cheapest pricing tier. No = The channel isn't available at all on that service. $ = The channel is available for an extra fee, either a la carte or as part of a more expensive package or add-on. Not every channel a service carries is listed, just the "top 100" as determined by CNET's editors. Minor channels such as AXS TV, CNBC World, Discovery Life, GSN, POP and Universal Kids didn't make the cut. Regional sports networks -- channels devoted to showing regular-season games of particular pro baseball, basketball and hockey teams -- aren't listed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store