When contemplating a new cooking show, AB sought to combine Monty Python, Julia Child and Mr. Wizard. Ten years and a packed theater later, it has proved a winning formula. The night was a rambling medley of favorite recipes, puppets, costumes, and guest appearances while Alton reminisced about the last decade. There was some good natured poking of other Food Network personalities: Rachael and her sammies and Giada and her...'characters'. Yes, you know what I'm talking about.
The best story had to be The Tale of the Haggis. Clad in their manly skirts, Alton and his assistant were supposedly rockin it true "Scottish style" and had the misfortune to build their little camp over a hornets' nest. He also admitted that his performance was one of the worst accents in not only Good Eats but possibly television history. All the more hilarious.
For one of the night's highlights, Alton was challenged to transform the kitchen's only UniTasker. The fire extinguisher, a water cooler and a tennis racket were employed to create a literal explosion of freeze-dried fruit. Whatever bits weren't sprayed all over the stage and the poncho-clad audience went for a spin in the blender and the resulting umm....smoothie?...was consumed by a triumphant AB.
For a splendid finale, beloved "sister" Marsha produced a 20 foot stack of pancakes which were blasted with glow in the dark icing by AB and Ted Allen with devices akin to flame throwers. The summit was set aflame to create a gigantic birthday candle. I'm afraid samples were not available. We did get an autographed postcard however, and I finally got to see my best Food Network buddy. I can't wait for the 20th anniversary special!
What fun would any of this be without having great friends to share it with? Thanks Holly!
