Alton Brown interview recap

Thursday afternoon, thanks to the wonders of the Internet and streaming audio, I heard Alton Brown's interview on a Miami, Fla. public radio station. He was great and funny, but I have to say, the show's host was completely clueless. This woman, Linda Gassenheimer, is supposed to be some kind of foodie, cookbook author and journalist. Really? Hard to tell from this program.

First she started the intro off by calling AB's show "Great Eats." WTF? Everyone knows that was the name of Paul's show in "Dip Madness."

Then she asked if AB was still doing the commentator role on ICA? Her other clueless moment was asking if the sea water dip Alton made in FOW was real. She thought he was joking. She even asked if he would make his own beer. Umm, "Amber Waves" season 6.

Sheesh. Do much research, lady?

I felt so badly for Alton. He had to put up with this dumb woman and her asinine questions. And, of course, was wishing I had the opportunity to interview him. I'd show how a fangirl/former journalist would handle it.

Despite the bumps in the road from the host, there were some great nuggets of info that came out of the interview. In talking about Good Eats being on the air for 10 years, Alton was not to expecting the show to last. Therefore, he only prepared for 50 topics for the show. He also said the basis for creating many of the out of the ordinary culinary devices came from the show being on a tight budget in the early years.

There were also some gems of Alton quips in the interview. When Linda Gassenheimer was giving out a recipe during the show and mentioned using premade pesto. Alton quickly jumped in saying something like only suckers buy pesto. Then proceeded to tell everyone how quick and easy pasto is to make at home. And that he makes basil paste from the fresh basil he grows then freezes it to make things like pesto.

Another great moment was between AB and the show's wine expert. Alton asks what wine goes with Frosted Flakes! Too funny.

One thing that disappointed me was when AB stated he made a grill out of a bird bath and the host didn't follow up on it. I was champing at the bit to know what type of bird bath. How he rigged it up. I had all sorts of follow up questions. She just went on to another things.

I was happy to get to hear AB's interview. He never does anything in my area. But I wish the host was a better interviewer.


So Alton should let me interview him!