Saturday, August 18, 2007

My Favorite Food Network Star – Alton Brown

When people hear I’m a Chef (or at least that I play one on the internet), they always ask the same two questions. What kind of food do you cook? And, who’s your favorite TV Chef? The first question’s one I can never answer, since I cook everything I can get my hands on. I never understand that first question, and usually give some smart-ass response like, “edible foods” or “the kind you buy at the market.” The second question is easy; Alton Brown. His sense of humor, his entertaining delivery, and his scientific (yet simple) approach to food is what really makes me such a big fan. Besides, his jokes and puns are almost as bad as mine!

Here is a short, and I think inspirational, interview he did on the Big Idea recently. It’s an interesting look behind the man and his show, Good Eats. Enjoy.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

yes, he's my second favorite chef! ;)

Chef John said...

who's the first? Rachel or Bobby?

Anonymous said...

No! I'll give you a clue, he looks like george clooney :)

Stephanie said...

My two favorites are Giada De Laurentiis and Alton. I think I learn the most from Alton - as in why things happen the way they do.. but I'm more inspired by Giada.

Anonymous said...

Brown is the only watchable one on the network. I think he is at his best on Iron Chef and at his worst on season 2 Feasting.

He must not realize that he is coming across as egotistical when he gives knowing glances to the camera at the expense of locals who either do not know who he is or locals that do not "know things" the same way he does. (Hey I am a scientist, I know more than Brown does but I respect the home or back of the house cook/chef who is actually, you know, cooking.) You just do nto go into someone's home/kitchen and roll your eyes.

Without Brown, the network is just a place I point my PVR for ICA.

Thanks for sharing that video!

Wristbands said...

Yeah, I'd have to say I enjoy your cooking videos more than anything I've seen on the tele. You've actually inspired me, and about 5 of my friends, to cook for ourselves more. We really owe you a debt of gratitude.

But since we're on the subject, Anthony Bourdain is my television favorite. Hey, we both love punk rock, what can I say? I really wish he would do an instructional show, but No Reservations is so educational and entertaining. I really love that show.

Mario Batali (Why the hell was Molto Mario cancelled?!) is my favorite how-to celebrity chef.

Alton Brown rounds out the top three. I use his method for cooking the perfect ribeye steak. So good.

Anonymous said...

My two questions would be: Do you ever use the microwave or is EVERYTHING you make, even for yourself, on the stove, oven, or grill? And, How did you know that cooking was your vocation?

cube said...

I enjoy many of the shows on Food Network, but Alton is one of my favorites because I so love his presentation of the detailed culinary science.

BTW one of my least faves is the one that sounds like Bela Lugosi, Langella Feasts. Her food isn't bad, but I just can't get past her voice!

Anonymous said...

Even if I don't plan to do everything he says, it certainly is fun and educational to watch his show.

Chef John said...

Yes, I use a microwave. Not somuch to "cook' in, but for things like melting butter, defrosting sauasge I forgot to take out, and for the occasional popcorn i have no problem using a microwave.

As far as my vocation... I'm not sure. I think when I realized in highschool that you could go to college to learn to cook and then get paid for doing something I already did for fun...I guess that was it.

Chef John said...

I LOVE Nigela Lawson. Literally. I love her food, her voice, her smile, her accent. Sorry to disagree with a viewer, but Nigela rocks. Nigela,if youre reading this, call me!

Anonymous said...

That host was kind of hokey, but I do love me some Alton (no offense, Mrs. Brown!). I don't care for most of the food network stars, though I do like Nigela Lawson - never seen the show, but I've always liked her books - and Anthony Bourdain, who is like the culinary rock star.

Anonymous said...

Alton is good but you don't want to watch too many of his vids on youtube in a row.. the theme song begins to drive you a touch batty.

Nigella is awesome, though I totally envy her pantry and kitchen. She seems to be one of the few foodies on TV who doesn't feel they have to apologise every 5 seconds about what they're cooking up, and actually looks excited about eating it when it's done!

Thomas Andrew said...

Thanks for posting it. I am a fan of both the Big Idea show and Alton Brown. I like the creative yet educational format of Alton's shows. Unfortunately I missed this episode of Big Idea when it originally aired. Thanks for posting this video clip, I'm going to watch it now.

Dina said...

Totally love Alton! He is by far the most charismatic chef on TV!

Anonymous said...

Love Alton also, wonder how many people understand it when he says "wafer thin".. hint.. Monty Python