Food for Thought: Essays and Ruminations

Book by: Alton Brown

“So, Elizabeth was right (there, it’s in print), as it turns out I do have a few things I’d like to share, and a few experiences to relay, which I sincerely hope collectively merit investigation by you, dear reader, especially if you are in any way a fan of my work in the culinary field,” Alton Brown excerpt from Food For Thought: Essays & Ruminations.

If you love Alton Brown’s quirky humor, culinary expertise, and endless curiosity, Food For Thought: Essays & Ruminations is a must-read. This engaging collection of essays offers a glimpse into Alton’s adventures, insights, and even a few kitchen mishaps that fans will adore. From laugh-out-loud stories to thoughtful reflections, this book is the perfect blend of entertainment and inspiration for food lovers and longtime viewers of Good Eats, Cutthroat Kitchen, and more. Read on to discover why this is one of my favorite books of the year—and why you’ll want to add it to your reading list ASAP.

I’ve been a fan of Alton Brown for as long as I can remember (I don’t think I missed a single episode of Cutthroat Kitchen over the years). His shows have always struck the perfect balance between entertaining and informative. So when I heard he had written Food For Thought: Essays & Ruminations, I knew I had to read it.

Funny enough, for all the hours I’ve spent watching him on TV, I realized I knew surprisingly little about the man himself before reading this book. For instance—I had no idea he’s from Georgia, which just happens to be where I grew up too!

Alton’s life, as told in these pages, is full of both adventure and misadventure. True to his on-screen persona, I found myself laughing and learning at the same time. If you’ve ever watched any of his shows, you know he’d be delighted by that combination.

One of the things I loved most about Food For Thought is the creative essay titles. A few of my favorites? Biscuiteering, Howl of the Husky, The Turkey Man Cometh, and The Smell of Time. The book’s format—short, witty essays—makes it perfect for picking up and reading in small snippets, or sitting down and devouring in one go.

My favorite story? Hands down the one about the buttermilk in the cereal. I laughed so hard I had to pause and reread it.

Of course, Alton Brown is best known for his TV work on Good Eats, Feasting on Asphalt, Feasting on Waves, Iron Chef America, Cutthroat Kitchen, Good Eats Reloaded, and Good Eats: The Return—many of which are streaming on various platforms (pro tip: check JustWatch to find out where). These days, you can also catch him on his YouTube channel, where his signature humor and knowledge continue to shine.

If you’re a fan of Alton Brown or Food Network, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Food For Thought: Essays & Ruminations. It’s one of my favorite books I’ve read this year—insightful, hilarious, and oh-so-Alton.