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

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.

A Must for Alton Brown Fans!

If you like Alton Brown it's a must. If you don't know Alton Brown, it will leave you liking Alton Brown. Decent for foodies but even better for people whol like life stories they can learn from.

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.

Dough, Chocolate, Pineapple and Chicken. This book was enlightening and helped me reflect.

what's not to like? I would have loved more! I really enjoyed Alton reading to me as I felt I had a private screening!!!

A most enjoyable listen

I just finished my sixth time of listening to this. I find Alton Brown to be somewhat soothing when he speaks. He’s very theatrical in a great way. It’s an interesting story. I can relate to a good portion of it and I enjoy it because I can both listen to it and have it playing in the background of my ears while I’m doing tasks, but then can pick up right where I left off of paying attention.

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.