Food for Thought

Essays and Ruminations

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-listen” (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 listening” (Michael Ruhlman, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of a Chef) is the ultimate listening experience for anyone who appreciates food and the people that prepare it.

©2025 Alton Brown (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Roller Coaster of Fabulous

Fantastic read. Great personal stories, tips tricks and just an over all great time. I will never look at restaurant garbage containers the same. 😂😂

My family has love Alton since the Good Eats days. And this book has left me even more impressed.

I wanted more stories when it ended. It was well written and handled some sticky subjects with grace and finesse.

Alton’s Most Personal Book

Through his career, Alton Brown has been notoriously private, which I respect. It is delectable to learn a little bit more about the man he is and how he came to be. I would covet a second edition of his essays. I think he has so much to share, and I will listen to every word. I am profoundly grateful that his wife bullied him into writing this book.

Laughing Out Loud!

Alton managed to make this old gal laugh out loud many times! He may be a cook and scientist but he is first and foremost a skilled storyteller. Im even recommending this read to my millennial daughter.

So Real

I wish he would do more with audible. He makes his stories come alive. Can not wait until he tells us more about life and food

The stories

Always love Alton Brown and his knowledge around the kitchen. Have been following him for years.

Absolutely refreshing book from my childhood hero

I loved this book and the author's narration. Great reflective essays and very unique.

Take the time to cook

Always enjoy everything by Alton Brown. This book gave a peek into who he truly is. Enjoyable from start to finish. Can’t wait to try his roast chicken “recipe”.

The only way to read Alton Brown is to listen.....

This was fun to listen to. Alton Brown and his inimitable style and sense of humor. IYKYK. Good Eats was always one of my favorites. I liked the why. Thank you, Alton, for an enjoyable afternoon.

A must have for Alton/Good Eats fans

I'll preface this by saying I'm a huge fan of AB. I've digested everything he's released over the years, though I've never been a fan of Iron Chef. I met him at a book signing and have been to his live shows.

First and foremost, this is not a recipe book. It is a collection of short stories and anecdotes about his career and history as he moved from childhood to his current fame levels. Funny and thought-provoking, I must admit that even though I'm a fan boy, I still learned a great deal about him. Perhaps the greatest thing about this title is the performance. I can't imagine anyone else narrating the story with as much energy. I did knock off a single star because it's not perfect, and not all of the stories are at the same level of interest and engagement for the reader/listener.

For me, this was a no-brainer, and if you like AB at all, I highly recommend it.