Ep 1. Episode #1.1

The Chef Show season 1 episode 1, titled "Episode #1.1," is a culinary journey that takes the viewers into the kitchen with renowned chef Roy Choi and actor/director Jon Favreau. The show is full of enthusiasm and passion for cooking, coupled with casual conversations between the two friends as they share their mutual love for food.

The episode opens with Jon preparing a unique grilled cheese sandwich, using aged cheddar cheese, sourdough bread, and a bacon jam spread. He explains every step of the process, from selecting the cheese to mixing the jam, in detail, to ensure that the final product is perfectly delicious. Meanwhile, Roy arrives to greet his old friend, and they both sit down to relish the grilled cheese sandwiches.

The duo then gets into more cooking, as Roy prepares a Cuban sandwich, using a pork shoulder, mojo marinade, mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese. He explains how the pork is marinated and cooked to perfection, and how it is essential to balance the flavors of all the ingredients to achieve the authentic flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich.

As the cooking continues, the show combines both indoor and outdoor locations, as Roy and Jon head over to visit Aaron Franklin, a famous pitmaster, for some barbecue action. Aaron begins by showing his process and techniques used to smoke meat, explaining the benefits of using oak and hickory woods, and then prepares the main course - a beef brisket. He details the importance of trimming the meat, seasoning it, and cooking it to perfection. As the feast is ready, the gastronomic friends gather around the smoked brisket, indulging in the juicy, tender meat, complimented with a selection of sides such as potato salad and barbecue sauce.

The show's concept offers a lot of variety, as the demonstration of recipes is not limited to these three dishes, and different approaches to cooking are also shown. For example, in one of the segments, Roy and Jon go freestyle, creating their take on the Vietnamese soup, Pho. The soup is made of beef bones, coriander, and cinnamon, followed by a selection of herbs and garnishes, such as cilantro, basil, and lime, which freshen it up.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to an abundance of cooking tips, insider knowledge, and information on the culinary industry, as well as intimate conversations with the guests, and some behind-the-scenes footage. The Chef Show season 1 episode 1 is a treat for anyone interested in cooking who wants to learn and see first-hand how professionals work their magic in the kitchen. It also offers an insight into the value of passion, discipline, and creativity in the kitchen.

In conclusion, The Chef Show season 1 episode 1 is a must-watch for culinary enthusiasts, who enjoy an entertaining representation of cooking knowledge. It combines the food culture of California with versatile dishes, laid-back vibes, and humor and is an excellent show for those who want inspiration in their kitchen endeavors.