Food for Thought: Essays and Ruminations

Written by Alton Brown

Narrated by Alton Brown

This instant New York Times bestseller by Alton Brown, the acclaimed cookbook author, beloved culinary personality, and food science expert, is a “must-read” (Gaby Dalkin, New York Times bestselling author of What’s Gaby Cooking) debut collection of food essays, cooking tips, kitchen stories, and behind-the-scenes insights, all infused with his signature wit and flair.

From cameraman to chef, musician to food scientist, Alton Brown has had a diverse and remarkable career. His work on the Food Network, including creating Good Eats and hosting Iron Chef America and Cutthroat Kitchen, has resonated with countless viewers and home cooks. Now, he shares exactly what’s on his mind, mixing compelling anecdotes from his personal and professional life with in-depth observations on the culinary world, film, personal style, defining meals of his lifetime, and much more.

With his whip-smart and engaging voice, Brown explores everything from wrestling a dumpster full of dough to culinary appropriation to his ultimate quest for the perfect roast chicken. Deliciously candid and full of behind-the-scenes stories fans will love, this “fabulous read” (Michael Ruhlman, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of a Chef) is the ultimate reading experience for anyone who appreciates food and the people that prepare it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Feb 4, 2025
• ISBN: 9781668124635

Alton Brown

Alton Brown was directing TV commercials when he got the crazy idea to go to culinary school and reinvent the cooking show. The result was Good Eats, an irreverent, science-forward program that led to Brown working on the Food Network for over twenty years. His live culinary variety shows have toured to hundreds of sold-out crowds across the country since 2013. He is also the winner of a Peabody Award and two James Beard Awards. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, the designer Elizabeth Ingram, and three nefarious canines. Find out more at AltonBrown.com. 

Reviews for Food for Thought

[Ross Taylor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Funny and interesting. Read well by author. I enjoyed it.

[Shannon Mahler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I never saw Alton Brown's cooking shows but had heard of him and wanted a change after listening to many podcasts on decluttering and cleaning. This book was so refreshing, fun, smart, interesting and engaging! I love the author's vocal/verbal style, humor and honesty. From tales of his childhood to the Iron Chef to the pandemic recording YouTube videos with his wife and his introspection...LOVED IT. Great listen that I highly recommend. * Recipes too!

[vegeatalian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love everything AB produces and this is one of them. I highly recommend listening. He definitely made me laugh through out and a lot of good life lessons. I wish there was more but I’m very happy with what he shared about himself in this book. Go read/listen!

[ursula wuerner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really liked it and he talks so fast. It’s amazing.

[Ashlyn Forstall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great, easy listen! Slightly more swearing than I prefer, but I would listen to it again all the same.