feasting on asphalt...

i just started watching alton brown's new show, feasting on asphalt. i wasn't sure what to expect from the show. when my wife first told me about the show, i figured it would just be another lame show trying to exploit the popularity of motorcycles.

for the most part, i like cooking shows. what i really like about cooking shows is learning new recipes or tricks i can use... i don't like cooking shows where the recipes are so far out, you wouldn't normally be cooking them in your kitchen. i really like to watch a show and think, hey, i can do that in my kitchen. or on my grill as appropriate. because of that, i like alton brown. what i also like about alton is that he gets into the science of cooking - like how different flours or sugars will affect recipes differently. i remember an episode he did cooking chocolate chip cookies - by using different amounts of sugar, he could make the cookie chewy-oowey-gooie or thin and crisp. one of the first shows i ever watch of his, he smoked salmon - i think it was salmon - in a cardboard box!! he took ordinary stuff you would have laying around the house and smoked salmon. that's pretty impressive.

soooo, i find out that alton was hosting feasting on asphalt. still not quite convinced, though... then i catch a commercial for it - and alton describes a little more about the show. the premise is alton and crew are traveling across the states on motorcycles. the goal is to stay off the interstate and travel smaller roads - thus running into more mom-and-pop type places. much like traveling before the interstate system was created. in addition, the trip will provide them the opportunity to showcase regional foods. pretty cool - it'd be nice to be on a trip like that!!! i decide i'm going to give the show a chance.

last night i watched the first episode feasting on asphalt. i must say, i was pretty impressed - which just goes to show it doesn't take much to impress me. first, i like the idea that they're traveling on motorcycles. they talk a little about their travels, but the show is more about the mom-and-pop shops and the regional food they find. in this episode they started in mt. pleasant, south carolina and traveled to savannah, georgia. alton gave some insight to what he feels makes a good roadside restaurant. not only does he describe the atmosphere, but also talks about the food - of course. overall, it's a very good mix of the travels, the places and the food.

i'd say the show is worth checking out. i've tivo'ed the rest of the episodes, just to ensure i don't miss them. here's the episode guide if you're interested...

ride on...