Ep 8. Obviously, It's Pecans

Obviously, It's Pecans is the eighth episode of the second season of A Chef's Life, a documentary-style cooking show that follows chef and restaurateur Vivian Howard as she navigates the complexities and joys of running her award-winning restaurant, The Chef & the Farmer, in rural Eastern North Carolina.

In this episode, Vivian turns her attention to the humble pecan, which she describes as "the nut of the South." She visits the Warren family farm, where she gets a crash course in pecan farming from Randy Warren, a fourth-generation grower who teaches Vivian about the various types of pecans and how to harvest them.

Back at the restaurant, Vivian experiments with pecans in a variety of dishes, including a savory pecan pesto served with seared scallops and a pecan praline pie with a flaky butter crust. The latter proves especially challenging, as Vivian struggles to perfect the crust while also managing the demands of a busy night in the restaurant.

As always, the episode is peppered with moments of humor and camaraderie, as Vivian and her team work to create delicious, seasonally inspired dishes using the freshest ingredients available. Throughout, Vivian's passion for southern cuisine and her deep respect for the farmers and producers who supply her kitchen shine through, making Obviously, It's Pecans a must-see for foodies and fans of authentic storytelling alike.

Overall, A Chef's Life season 2 episode 8 is a charming and informative exploration of the storied history and culinary versatility of the pecan, as well as an engaging look behind the scenes of a bustling restaurant kitchen. Whether you're a fan of comfort food or simply appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of a talented chef, this episode is sure to delight and inspire.