Ep 5. WANTED: Broccoli

In A Chef's Life season 5 episode 5, titled WANTED: Broccoli, Chef Vivian Howard embarks on a mission to discover the perfect broccoli. Vivian is eager to add this versatile vegetable to her menu, but is struggling to find a local grower who can supply her with the quality and quantity of broccoli she needs for her restaurant.

The episode follows Vivian as she reaches out to farmers and learns about the challenges of growing broccoli in the hot and humid North Carolina climate. She even experiments with growing her own broccoli in her garden, but quickly discovers it's not as easy as she thought.

Along the way, Vivian also explores the culinary possibilities of broccoli, from roasting it to stir frying it in a flavorful sauce. She shares recipes and tips for getting the best flavor and texture out of this nutritious vegetable.

In addition to her broccoli quest, Vivian also juggles the demands of running a busy restaurant and catering business. She faces unexpected challenges, from a broken oven to a canceled catering order, and must adapt on the fly to keep her business thriving.

Throughout it all, Vivian's passion for cooking and commitment to local, sustainable ingredients shines through. The episode is a celebration of the hardworking farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts who make up the vibrant food scene in Eastern North Carolina.

WANTED: Broccoli is a fun and informative episode that showcases the joys and challenges of being a chef in a rural community. Vivian's wit and charm make her a delightful host, and her love of good food is infectious. Whether you're a broccoli lover or a skeptic, you'll come away from this episode with a new appreciation for this cruciferous veggie.