Ep 5. Heston's 70s Feast

Heston's Feasts season 2 episode 5, titled Heston's 70s Feast, takes viewers on a journey back in time to the era of disco, flared pants, and groovy music. In this episode, Heston Blumenthal, the renowned British chef, recreates some of the most iconic dishes from the 1970s, using his trademark blend of science, art, and imagination.

The episode begins with Heston explaining his fascination with the 70s, a decade that was defined by bold flavors, vibrant colors, and an anything-goes attitude towards food. He talks about how this era has influenced his own cooking style, and how he plans to bring some of those flavors and aromas back to life.

The first dish on Heston's menu is a classic prawn cocktail, a dish that was ubiquitous in the 70s. However, Heston adds his own twist to the dish by creating a foam from the prawn shells, which he then uses to coat the prawn meat. This gives the dish a unique texture and an intense, concentrated flavor.

Next up is Heston's take on the humble chicken kiev, a dish that was popular in the 70s but has since fallen out of favor. Heston uses a variety of herbs and spices to create a flavorful filling, which he then injects into the chicken breast before rolling it in breadcrumbs and frying it to a crispy golden brown. He also adds a liberal amount of butter, just as one would expect in a classic chicken kiev.

For dessert, Heston creates a showstopping black forest gateau, a decadent cake that was all the rage in the 70s. However, Heston's version is a far cry from the sickly sweet, artificial versions that were common back then. He uses high-quality chocolate and cherries to create a rich, indulgent cake that is both nostalgic and modern.

Throughout the episode, Heston also takes time to reflect on the cultural and social changes that were happening during the 70s. He talks about how food was both a reflection of and an influence on these changes, and how the dishes he is recreating tell a story about the era in which they were popular.

As always, Heston's Feasts season 2 episode 5 features stunning visuals and exquisite attention to detail. Viewers will be transported back in time as they watch Heston work his magic in the kitchen, creating dishes that are both delicious and nostalgic. Whether you're a fan of the 70s or just love great food, this episode is not to be missed.