Ep 13. La Concha Hot Buffet

The Galloping Gourmet season 1 episode 13, titled "La Concha Hot Buffet," is a culinary adventure that takes viewers on a journey through the world of hot buffet cuisine. This episode features the host, Graham Kerr, showcasing his talents in the kitchen by preparing a sumptuous spread of hot dishes that are perfect for a large gathering of friends and family.

The episode begins with a breathtaking view of La Concha beach located in the beautiful Condado area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Graham then introduces the La Concha Hot Buffet, explaining that he has been inspired by the numerous hot buffets he has seen all over the world.

As he starts to prepare the dishes, Graham first demonstrates how to make a delectable seafood chowder that is perfect for any occasion. He then moves on to create a colorful array of hot dishes such as chicken cacciatore, meatballs in tomato sauce, and a delightfully fresh vegetable lasagna. Viewers will be amazed at the speed and efficiency with which Graham works, seamlessly moving from one dish to another while providing useful tips and tricks along the way.

One of the standout dishes in this episode is the classic Puerto Rican dish, arroz con gandules, which is a flavorful rice dish that is filled with the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico. Graham skillfully explains the various spices that are commonly used in this dish, and elaborates on how they contribute to the overall flavor.

The audience will also be treated to a unique and exciting demonstration from Graham on how to prepare a fiery hot sauce that is perfect for spicing up any dish. Kerr's tips on how to tone down the heat by adding ingredients such as sour cream are sure to come in handy for viewers who want to try this sauce at home.

As the dishes are prepared, Graham Kerr highlights the importance of presentation, explaining that food not only needs to taste good but look good as well. He creates an attractive spread of food and shows viewers different ways of serving each dish.

Towards the end of the episode, Graham provides viewers with his Time-Temperature Chart which is a quick reference chart on how long food needs to be cooked based on the type of meat and how it is cooked. This is a valuable tool for kitchen novices as well as professional cooks.

Overall, "La Concha Hot Buffet" is a captivating episode that showcases Graham Kerr's skills as a master chef and his ability to create delicious dishes that are perfect for large gatherings. The beautiful scenery of Puerto Rico combined with the vibrant flavors of the country's cuisine make this episode a must-see for any culinary enthusiast.