Food for Thought

Essays and Ruminations

By: Alton Brown

Narrated by: Alton Brown

From Alton Brown, the New York Times bestselling cookbook author and beloved culinary food personality, a debut collection of personal essays defined by his flair, wit, and insight.

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 cultural appropriation to his ultimate quest for the perfect roast chicken. Deliciously candid and full of behind-the-scenes stories fans will love, Food for Thought 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.

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.

Loved It

Alton is a great narrator. I laughed at a lot of parts. I only wish it were longer!

A most enjoyable book

I have been a fan of Alton Brown’s for a long time (back all the way to Good Eats). I find his wit and humor enjoyable. This book did not disappoint. I was pleased to discover that the author was also the narrator. I found the book entertaining and engaging. A book well worth the time listening to. Thank you, Alton Brown, for sharing your thoughts with us all.

Delicious

Absolutely wonderful. I've always been a fan and this book simply reinforced that admiration. Anyone who cooks anything should listen to this. It's moving, thought provoking, heart warming and fun. The author speaks of audience questions being a search for commonality and after this listen come away wanting more than ever to speak with him, even if just to discuss cigars. This is an absolutely great time. Highly recommended.

I learned to cook from good eats

This book made me so happy. I remember being a kid and making sure to be home in time for the hour of "Good Eats" that was sandwiched between whatever boring, run-of-the-mill cooking show was on Food Network (not Giada—I loved Giada). Alton's passion for food, while keeping it silly and light, threw so much knowledge into every minute, and this book was no different. I love it. I felt like a 16-year-old sitting on a crate out back of my first cooking job, being forced to read "Kitchen Confidential" as instructed by my chef while doing my prep lists today for the kitchen I run. Thank you a lot. Sorry for the long comment

Entertaining and knowledgeable

I’ve loved Alton’s stuff for years. This collection of stories did not disappoint. Entertaining and some clever nuggets of culinary expertise delivered in only a way Alton can deliver.

a fantastic culmination of the adventures of AB

entertaining, funny, informative and wonderfully honest. excellent stories, from an excellent artist, great cook, and talented chef

Surprisingly good.

Story was great as was narration. I’m a big AB fan and was not disappointed!