Ep 1. Season 4 Kickoff Cookout

Season 4 of The Chew kicks off with a cookout that is sure to have viewers drooling. Hosts Mario Batali, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, Daphne Oz, and Michael Symon gather outside to celebrate the start of a new season and the joys of summertime cooking.

The hosts start the show by demonstrating the best way to grill a steak. Michael Symon loves his ribeye with a good char, Carla Hall likes to season hers simply with salt and pepper, and Clinton Kelly stresses the importance of letting the steaks rest before slicing into them. After the steak demo, the whole crew gets in on the grilling action, cooking up a variety of meats and vegetables.

One of the standout dishes from the cookout is Michael Symon's grilled lamb chops with a cherry tomato and mint salad. He marinates the chops in a mixture of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil before grilling them to perfection. The cherry tomato and mint salad adds a bright burst of flavor to the dish.

Carla Hall shows off her baking skills with a delicious cherry cobbler. She uses fresh cherries and a homemade crust to create a dessert that is both rustic and elegant. The hosts also whip up a batch of sangria to enjoy alongside their meal, with Daphne Oz adding some fresh peaches for extra sweetness.

In addition to the cooking segments, the Season 4 kickoff episode features several guest appearances. Melissa Joan Hart stops by to chat about her new memoir and share her family's recipe for watermelon gazpacho. The hosts also welcome Iron Chef winner Alex Guarnaschelli, who helps to judge a friendly "Chew Throwdown" between Michael Symon and Clinton Kelly.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of getting outside and enjoying the summer weather with good food and good company. They encourage viewers to experiment with new recipes and techniques on the grill, and to not be afraid to take risks in the kitchen.

Overall, the Season 4 Kickoff Cookout is a fun and festive episode that captures the spirit of The Chew. The hosts' easy rapport and love of cooking are infectious, and viewers are sure to be inspired to fire up their own grills and get cooking.