Good Eats' Alton Brown-I'd vote for him for President!

[Kerryclan]

In all fairness to Food Network (we've snarked Sandra Lee and Rachael Ray so thoroughly) I think we should give the channel it's due for having the great Alton Brown on.

Super smart, great info and excellent cooking instruction. Plus, he has a sense of humor, is a great chef and has not yeilded to FN's apparent "just be cute (loud, ridiculous) and it will be great" policy.

And let's not forget Ina Garten and Paula Deen! I hope FN doesn't decide to replace these real chefs with more "personalities".

[sancyr]

I LOVE "Good Eats"! I have had dreams about making donuts after I watched his show, complete with chocolate glaze.

Sara

[Kerryclan]

He showed how to make a prime rib of beef once that broke rules and is superb!

I tried doing prime rib on holidays before and it was O.K., but not great. I tried the Alton method for a special dinner (I'm brave) and couldn't believe how fantastic it came out. Everyone wanted to know how I got it that way. It was a proud moment for this Irish gal!

[MarkV]

Alton Brown is the best. Real instruction, not just the science but the "how".

And without an annoying personality.

Mark

[Jim]

I had the pleasure to meet and talk with him a few years ago. He is as he appears; grounded in fact, colored with whimsy and gloriously talented. For my 11th grade Culinary students, we use his book and practice his techniques. My students see him as an insightful cook rather than a televangeliculinarian (say it slowly... you'll get it!)

Who needs Emeril? A helping of Alton goes much further!

[Kerryclan]

Originally Posted by Jim

I had the pleasure to meet and talk with him a few years ago. He is as he appears; grounded in fact, colored with whimsy and gloriously talented. For my 11th grade Culinary students, we use his book and practice his techniques. My students see him as an insightful cook rather than a televangeliculinarian (say it slowly... you'll get it!)

Who needs Emeril? A helping of Alton goes much further!

.................................................. ..................................................
Jim, you met HIM!? He's my hero. I agree totally with your post. Glad your teaching his techniques, they do work.

But that word - televangeliculinarian. I know what it means, but it sounds like a Sandra Lee dessert (uh,oh! Better not give her any ideas).

[Mezzaluna]

I've got to admit I've become an AB groupie. I even stay up past my weekday bedtime (9:00 ) to watch his shows. I trust his recommendations on equipment as well as technique. As I consider a successor to my aging food processor, I will look to him for advice.

Thanks for starting a great, positive thread, Kerryclan.

[Kerryclan]

Saw Alton's Fish & Chips episode last night. This will be my Saturday dinner adventure. He solved a problem I've had when frying battered fish - the fish should be partially frozen before coating and frying! Stops that yucky too well done or mushy thing from happening.

I love AB!

[Jim]

Kerryclan,
When I met him, he was very down-to-earth and humble. Very insightful individual. And, yes, his techniques do work... and my students get a kick out of all his goofy-ness.
If you are interested in ever meeting him, keep an eye out for FoodTV events in your area. Often, he does signings or demos throughout the country.

[sancyr]

Originally Posted by Jim

Very insightful individual. And, yes, his techniques do work...

Yes! They DO work! I wear glasses, and Alton Brown's Good Eats Fish & Chips episode suggested wearing a hat when frying to prevent oil droplets from collecting on your glasses.

I tried it with shallow and stir fry and it works! How simple!

Sara

[wwittman]

Yes, he's the only non-pro-chef who's remotely watchable on the Food Network (well, Giada DiLaurentis is watchable, but not for the food)

[blue_wolf]

Yeah, I got introduced to Good Eats a couple of years ago by a friend. We currently don't have cable, but do take every oppertunity we have to go visit friends who do have it... I know it's cheap, but it's killing two birds with one stone. Anywho, when we move to Madison in a few weeks, we get digital cable and Good Eats will be mine. And I would like to second the Giada DiLaurentis motion

[kuan]

I still like that cute sara girl.

What about Jacques Torres, he hasn't dumbed down his show has he?

[Kerryclan]

A word from the other sex - I'm glad Dave Lieberman is on now that Tyler Florence got puffy, greasy and annoying. We like the eye candy too!

[Pete]

I love AB!!! Years ago, a friend of mine, when I lived in Atlanta, and I wrote up a bunch of outlines for scripts of a cooking show we wanted to do. It was very much along the lines of "Good Eats". A lot of serious instruction, presented in a very tounge-in-cheek way. I hate Alton for beating us to the punch, but I love his show. Now my goal is to become the first cartoon chef on FNTV