Ep 5. Past

The Mind of a Chef season 4 episode 5 titled "Past" delves into the history and origins of Chef Gabrielle Hamilton's culinary career and explores how her childhood and previous experiences have shaped her as a chef.

The episode starts with Chef Hamilton reflecting on her childhood and the influence her parents had on her love for food. She talks about her mom's love for cooking and how she would often find joy in feeding others. Her father, on the other hand, had a passion for hunting, and Chef Hamilton would often accompany him on hunting trips, which sparked her interest in working with whole animals.

Chef Hamilton takes viewers on a journey to some of her favorite places in her hometown of Lambertville, New Jersey, including her family's farm and the kitchen of her restaurant, Prune, in New York City. She talks about how her upbringing influenced her cooking style and how it still influences what she serves in her restaurant today.

Throughout the episode, Chef Hamilton also shares stories of her time working in various kitchens in France, where she learned the importance of understanding ingredients and the impact they have on a dish. She also shares her love for simple, elegant dishes and how she strives to make them approachable for her customers.

Viewers get a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing some of the staples at Prune, such as the roasted bone marrow dish that Chef Hamilton says is a tribute to her father's love for hunting. She talks about the importance of using every part of the animal and how she strives to have a minimal waste kitchen.

The episode also features Chef Hamilton's take on classic French dishes, such as escargot and bouillabaisse, and how she incorporates her personal touch into these dishes to make them her own. Throughout the episode, Chef Hamilton emphasizes the importance of knowing where your food comes from, respecting the ingredients, and keeping things simple.

Overall, "Past" offers a personal and insightful look into Chef Gabrielle Hamilton's background and how her upbringing has shaped her culinary career. Viewers get to see the passion and dedication that Chef Hamilton puts into her craft and how her past experiences have contributed to her success as a chef.