Ep 4. Toasting the Classics

The Best Thing I Ever Ate season 13 episode 4, "Toasting the Classics," takes viewers on a journey through some of the most beloved classic dishes and their modern-day takes. Hosts and celebrity chefs share their favorite versions of classic dishes, with a focus on toasting, whether it be bread, pasta, or rice.

The episode begins with Chef Marcus Samuelsson sharing his love for classic Swedish meatballs, but with a twist. He takes viewers to a restaurant in New York City where they serve a version of the dish that includes lingonberry jam and a toasted bread crumb topping.

Next, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli takes viewers to a modern Italian restaurant, where she indulges in a classic dish with a toasted twist: spaghetti carbonara with a crispy, toasted breadcrumb topping.

Chef Alton Brown shares his favorite dish: shrimp and grits. He takes viewers to a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, where they make the dish with toasted hominy and bacon.

Chef Geoffrey Zakarian takes the viewer to a contemporary American steakhouse, where he delights in a modern version of the classic dish, Beef Wellington. The chefs toast the dish's pastry crust, giving it a crispy, flaky texture.

Chef Martha Stewart shows off a classic French dish with a toasty twist: Croque Madame. She takes viewers to a restaurant in New York City where they use brioche bread, bechamel sauce, and a perfectly toasted top layer to create a dish that's both savory and indulgent.

Chef Vivian Howard shares her love for a classic southern staple: chicken and rice. She takes viewers to a restaurant in North Carolina where the dish is elevated with a crispy, toasted rice crust.

Finally, Chef Katie Lee takes viewers to a contemporary restaurant in New York City where they serve a modern twist on a classic dessert: s'mores. The restaurant's version has a toasted marshmallow topping, with layers of chocolate and graham cracker crumbs underneath.

"Toasting the Classics" is a mouth-watering episode that showcases some of the best classic dishes and their delicious modern-day takes. The emphasis on toasting adds a crunchy texture and enhances the flavors of these timeless dishes. Whether it's a classic Swedish meatball or a southern staple like chicken and rice, the chefs in this episode prove that toasting is the perfect way to give these dishes a new lease on life while honoring their traditional roots.