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About the site
Obviously, I created this site because I have too much time on my hands.
No, I really created it because I’m such a fan of Alton Brown. I wanted to share my excitement and enthusiasm for everything Alton… of course, without crossing that line from being an enthusiastic admirer to creepy Misery-like crazy fan. I promise, Alton I will never go that far.
Why am I such a fan? Because.
Because, Alton created the best cooking show…ever!
Because, Alton created the best travel-food show… ever!
Because, Alton’s cookbooks are the bomb!
Because, Alton has taught me more about cooking that anyone!
Because, Alton is funny and keeps me entertained while teaching me!
I can remember the first time I saw Good Eats. Still remember which episode, A Grind is a Terrible Thing to Waste. It was March 2001. I was home on spring break, lucky enough that my job at a local university allowed me the time off. I had recently, as in the week before, got DirecTV. So one night--a very late night--I was clicking through the channels. For years, I pined for the Food Network. Over my time off I watched several shows, I liked some didn't like others. Then, at the wee hours of the morning (probably 2 am or so) I spied this one show. I stopped to give it a try.
So this kinda goofy blond guy with glasses is talking about grinding your own hamburger meat. He's kidding right? You can buy that already ground. No, he's not kidding.
I keep watching. This is a cooking show, right? There are comic strip characters referenced in this show! What's going on here? Why isn't he standing behind a countertop? Why are there strange camera angles? Well after the episode went off, I found myself searching for the time this show aired during the day. After learning the regular time slot for this usual show, I watched and watched. It fascinated me. Before learning about Good Eats, I considered myself a good cook. In fact, I dreamed of going to culinary school. But after watching several more episodes, I realized that I could follow a recipe but didn't understand a lot about the science of cooking. The more I watched the better and more confident I felt with my culinary skills and knowledge.
Now, I know a lot more about cooking than I ever could possibly have imagined without going to culinary school. And it’s all because I found a quirky little cooking show late one night.
When I realized I was more that just a Good Eats fan had to be the day I watched Iron Chef America. I never cared for the original Japanese version. Never knew if it was the cheesy dubbed voices or the cheesy music, it just never appealed to me. So, I figured, I wouldn’t like the “American” version either. But whom did the Food Network select as the culinary commentator? None other than Alton Brown! That sold me. I watched. I loved Alton’s rapid-fire tidbits, his fast-paced commentary. Yes, I could watch this version. Why? One word… Alton.
By the time Feasting on Asphalt was announced, there was no doubt I had to admit to being a full-blown Alton Brown fan. I had all of his cookbooks (no one else holds that honor in my vast culinary library), I had several Good Eats dvd sets, I never missed a new episode of Good Eats or Iron Chef America, I watched the repeats, I made all sorts of recipes from the show and the cookbooks and I even found myself quoting Alton—telling people the “right” way to do things. Yep, I needed serious help. I had to admit that I was a complete, utter, absolute fan.
The next step… I had to meet him. During his book signings, Alton never found his way near me. I figured as much, I live in nowheresville. But I hoped. I wanted to meet him. I read about other fans that had great experiences meeting him. He seemed like a great guy. I had to meet him someday too. I got lucky… very lucky.
In August 2007, I attended his cooking demo at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. I convinced my friend go. Under the guise of visiting Vanderbilt University (my friend is interested in the Vanderbilts like I am with cooking and Alton), I asked her if she wanted to go. I still feel bad we never made it to the school.
But we did see Alton. His demo was a laugh-a-minute. Just like Good Eats. I got to see Alton make marshmallows before the marshmallow episode aired. The live show was awesome, completely worth the trip. Later that evening was the meet-and-greet. I paid for it, figured I’m coming all this way I have to meet him. I was nervous, had been for weeks. I didn’t want to make a complete fool of myself in front of him. I also worried he wouldn’t be that nice, maybe a hi and sign my item then move along.
Nevertheless, my friend and I got down to the location of the meet and greet early. We were second in line. As we waited I thought about what to say and a above don’t make a fool of yourself. The event people pulled a man and his family up to the head of the line, so they got to meet Alton first. Then we were let into the room. I got my nametag and stood there waiting.
He came out. He talked to the enormous line of people. We clapped for him. I got even more nervous. The first group was finished, then the people in front of me approached him. I know my palms were sweaty. When the usher told me and my friend to come up I could feel my knees weakening. Everything was becoming a blur. There was Alton Brown standing in front of me. What was I to do? Don't act like a moron, that's what!
He signed my friend’s apron first. Then turned to me. I looked right at him. He asked my name. I forgot it. His wisecrack about my nametag made me feel better. Then the floodgates opened. I started talking to him. We chatted. Chatted about a lot of things include what I did for a living. That was a little surreal, here I am wanting to see him and he's asking me about my job! Anyway, his affable manner really made me feel better, almost like a friend. I got my picture with him. He is an extremely nice man, a real genuinely great guy. And maybe that’s why I’m such a fan.
That goofy guy on Good Eats, that cool motorcycle dude on Feasting on Asphalt, that quick-witted commentator on Iron Chef America, all of that IS Alton. And I'm happy to call myself a fan of Alton Brown.
**Update**
Since writing this originally, back in January 2008, I have met Alton Brown two more times! Those meetings are chronicled in my All About Alton blog. Here's the report on meeting Alton Brown for the second time: Meeting Alton Brown, cleaver title, no? And here's my most recent meeting with Mr. Brown: Meet and Greet with Alton Brown. Another fabulous title.
**Another Update**
I met AB again in March at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. He was there for the Understanding Sustainability weekend. I posted several entries on the blog about the event. Here are a few:
Another AB Meeting
My mom's experience meeting AB
Sustainability Panel Report 1
Sustainability Panel Report 2
All About Alton |
Some of the items Alton Brown has signed for me
From my first meeting with Alton Brown. An apron was part of the package at the Opryland event
After my lapse where I forgot my name, Alton quipped that if what was written on my nametag wasn't my name I'd need therapy. That's when I finally could talk with him. He made me laugh and after that I was comfortable around him. I told about how my coworkers won't listen to me when I explain cooking and food. He gave me a photo with a 'special' message. although he misspelled losers!
The next time I met Alton Brown was in his hometown! No, I'm not stalking him! He was doing his book signing for Feasting on Asphalt and it was the closest town.
I also brought a special item for him to sign in addition to the book because I'm into film too! Read about this meeting with Alton Brown in my blog.
Meeting Alton Brown
My most recent encounter with Alton Brown, back at the Opryland, was yet another excellent experience. This year I proclaimed myself the number 1 Alton Brown fan. And being the sweet guy he is, Alton signed my poster as such.
Another blog entry
about this meeting here.
Meet and Greet with Alton Brown
The plate Alton signed made it home from Nashville in one piece. As I was leaving the table at the event, Alton told me not to break the plate. I told him I wouldn't.
