Ep 2. Shake, Rattle and Pole (Beans)

In A Chef's Life season 5 episode 2 titled "Shake, Rattle and Pole (Beans)," renowned chef Vivian Howard focuses on one of her favorite ingredients - beans. She sets out to explore different ways in which beans can be integrated into Southern cuisine and how their culinary legacy has influenced the region's food.

The episode starts with Vivian's team harvesting a patch of "rattle" beans, a rare find that is only available for a short period. She discusses the significance of beans in Southern cooking and how they have become a staple crop, providing a cheap and nutritious source of protein to families.

Vivian then visits one of her favorite bean purveyors, who takes her through the process of selecting and buying beans. She learns about the various types of beans available, their qualities, and what makes them unique. She also discovers how the surge in the popularity of heirloom beans has led to a renewed interest in this legume.

Back in her kitchen, Vivian decides to experiment with new dishes using beans. She takes inspiration from one of her favorite joints, the pole shed at Scott Farms, where they serve beans that are cooked overnight and smothered in a rich gravy sauce. Vivian tries her hand at recreating this classic dish for her restaurant's menu.

However, Vivian discovers that creating the right texture and flavor profile for the gravy isn't as simple as she thought. She seeks out the expertise of a neighbor, Ms. Mary, who is renowned for her cooking skills and ability to make gravy. With Ms. Mary's guidance, Vivian learns the secrets behind creating the perfect bean gravy.

Vivian also takes on a new challenge - creating a veggie burger using beans. She visits the local brewery, where she meets Chef Tony, who shows her how to make a delicious lentil burger. Vivian modifies the recipe, using other types of beans to create a more complex flavor profile. She decides to serve her bean burger for the Music on the Mountaintop festival, anticipating a great response from the vegetarian crowd.

As the festival approaches, Vivian heads to the nearby Pole Shed Cafe to get some tips on serving bean dishes to large crowds. She observes how they operate at a high volume during the annual Oyster Festival and how they efficiently cook up large portions of food. Vivian takes these lessons back to her own team, preparing them for the high volume of customers they expect to serve at the festival.

The episode culminates in Vivian's team serving thousands of bean burgers and poles shed beans at the Music on the Mountaintop festival, showcasing the versatility and culinary legacy of beans in Southern cuisine.

Overall, "Shake, Rattle and Pole (Beans)" is an enlightening episode that explores the significance of beans in Southern cuisine and showcases how a talented chef like Vivian Howard can elevate them to new heights with creative recipes and cooking techniques.