Changing the world one stomach at a time

If we are what we eat, then we have certainly changed over the last 30 years. “American Masters: Alice Waters and her Delicious Revolution” (7 p.m., PBS, check local listings) examines one woman’s crusade to get Americans to buy and appreciate fresh, locally obtained produce. A self-described Berkeley hippie, Waters opened her now legendary Chez Panisse restaurant as a home to a counter-cuisine and a place to feed her activist friends.

While some of the causes of the 1960s may seem as faded as tie-dyed jeans, Waters’ culinary movement has taken hold. It’s easy to forget that 30 years ago, to most Americans, salad meant iceberg lettuce, strawberries were tasteless, and fine dining was limited to snooty French cuisine. Waters saw the link between food and what used to be called “consciousness-raising.” “I’m just convinced that having this understanding about food will change the way we live in this world,” says Waters. “And I’m on a mission to engage people in this way.”

Tonight’s other highlights

  • The new coed tribes compete, and brace for eviction number six on “Survivor” (7 p.m., CBS).
  • The votes are tabulated on a one-hour “American Idol” (7 p.m., Fox).
  • A film-obsessed teen moons over a girl with a guy’s name on the series pilot of “Dawson’s Creek” (7 p.m., WB).
  • Arsenio Hall hosts “Star Search” (8 p.m., CBS).
  • Chris Rock and Jay Leno appear as themselves on “The Bernie Mac Show” (8 p.m., Fox).
  • Trista and Ryan discuss their wedding plans on “The Bachelor: Where Are They Now” (8 p.m., ABC).

Series notes

Kady’s teacher (Serena Williams) criticizes Janet on “My Wife and Kids” (7 p.m., ABC) … Transformed by the transporter on “Enterprise” (7 p.m., UPN) … George asserts himself on “George Lopez” (7:30 p.m., ABC). Lost in the heartland on “The West Wing” (8 p.m., NBC) … A loser questions his luck on “The Twilight Zone” (8 p.m., UPN).

Late night

Barbara Walters, Eddie Griffin and Greg Fitzsimmons appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts Oprah Winfrey, Scott Foley and Raphael Saadiq on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC).