I couldn’t agree more with Dan Cederholm’s sentiment of Alton Brown and his Food Network show, Good Eats
On a more recent episode, Alton delved into the history of the common sweet potato. Maybe ignorance is bliss but I never knew a yam and a sweet potato were one in the same. I also learned on this particular episode that if you’re hunting for a good waffle maker avoid buying the plastic versions and instead go for a solid medal machine. In one particular scene in the show, Alton casually drags an extension cord into the home appliance section of what looked like Target or Walmart and proceeded to try out every machine. As he is doing this, the security guard is discussing with who appears to be the store manager about the disadvantages of a cheaper plastic waffle iron as opposed to the mightier and cost-effective medal varieties.
In just one episode I learned about the history of sweet potatos (and yams), in addition to the right choice for a waffle iron. If that’s not good television I don’t know what is.
I think I’m going to have to check this one out. I’ve never been into cooking shows, but this one sounds different indeed.
I agree, it’s a great show. I was just watching an episode about yogurt last night. I think yogurt is disgusting, but the show was still incredibly entertaining.
Chad — I definitely recommend Good Eats. It’s a very entertaining show. Erik is on the money: you learn something in every episode. Unfortunately I also get really, really hungry whenever I watch it, especially the fried chicken episode.
Another favorite of mine is 30 Minute Meals with Rachel Ray. Not so much for the cooking but because I have a tv crush on her. Now that my wife knows that she makes fun of the show all the time.
For some reason, Greg, your disgust with yogurt comment reminded me of the infamous oatmeal scene in Eddie Murphy’s Golden Child.
For those that haven’t seen nor heard of that movie, the scene I’m talking about is when Eddie, whilst looking for the Tibetan child guru happens upon a bowl of oatmeal that literally oozes blood.
Now, who is hungry?
Great Erik, I was gonna have oatmeal for lunch. Looks like it’s Fruit Loops again :)
Yep, now I’m disgusted with oatmeal too. And that nasty goo they ate in the Matrix.
The monkey martini guy is right. Rachel Ray is especially delicious…haha. Sorry about that. My girlfriend got me started watching her show, so I’m guilt free. Mostly.
That Monkey Martini guy has a lot of wisdom to share. In other un-related and off-topic news, I just got some blood work done. Last time the nurse gently slid the needle into my arm and pulled out the blood via the tube/needle contraption.
I had a different person do it this time and she literally jabbed the needle in my arm, and needless to say, it’s sore as Hades. Not to mention the fact that my entire right arm is numb and it’s difficult to tell if I’m even hitting the right keys.
Todd: Toucan Sam thanks you.
In college my roommates and I found a place to sell plasma for 25 bucks a pop. After the first session the nurse informed us that we shouldn’t drink for at least 24 hours.
We proceeded to our apartment and had a party of course. I had 2 beers and was drunk out of my mind.
Moral of the story? Always listen to what the nurse has to say.
I’m Just Here For The Food, is a great addition to the cooks repertoire, beginner or advanced. And do be sure to check out his blog, as Dan mentioned; it’s some great writing.
What I think really makes the show so appealing is the manner in which Alton provides the information to his audience. The shows are entertaining, but also focus on a relatively small concept, usually an ingredient or type of food (i.e. pie). The benefit of spoon-feeding small portions is we are not overwhelmed with the steps and complicating techniques of creating an entire banquet, as many other cooking shows do so often. The KiSS theory is implemented superbly.
Mike: Since I’ve become the resident cook (an overnight sensation) around here, I might purchase Alton’s book. Ever since we moved into our new apartment I’ve been cooking 3 – 4 star meals and it always surprises me when I actually enjoy it.
It doesn’t feel like a cooking show, that’s for sure. More of a culinary version of Mr. Wizard — remember that show? Another guy who makes culinary endeavors exciting and fun is Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook.
Chopsocky: I’ll try to tune in to Yan’s show when I have the free time. Lately I’ve had very little of it, but it’s always nice to add another show to my list.