It's Alive with Brad Season 4 Episode 1 Brad Forages for Porcini Mushrooms

It's Alive with Brad is a food and travel show hosted by Brad Leone, a chef and fermentation enthusiast. In the first episode of season four, entitled "Brad Forages for Porcini Mushrooms," Brad travels to Maine to hunt for the elusive and highly-prized porcini mushroom.

The episode opens with Brad driving through the winding roads and quaint towns of rural Maine, narrating about his excitement for the upcoming foraging trip. He meets up with his friend and fellow forager, Nick, and the two set off into the forest with baskets and knives in hand.

As Brad and Nick navigate the dense underbrush, they discuss their strategies for finding the mushrooms. Brad shares his extensive knowledge of the different types of trees that porcinis tend to grow under, and Nick explains how he looks for signs of recent animal activity as an indicator of where the mushrooms might be.

When they do finally spot a porcini cap peeking through the leaves, Brad's excitement is palpable. He explains how to properly harvest the mushroom, making sure to leave the stem intact and to cut the cap cleanly from the ground. He also notes the importance of leaving some mushrooms behind to ensure future growth and a healthy ecosystem.

Throughout the episode, Brad incorporates the freshly-foraged porcinis into various dishes. He makes an appetizer of sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme, and later grills them with olive oil and herbs. For the main course, he prepares a rich and savory mushroom risotto, explaining in detail his technique for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Interspersed throughout these cooking segments are charming and quirky moments that have become a hallmark of It's Alive with Brad. He and Nick joke around as they walk through the forest, Brad makes fun of himself for struggling to open a jar of pickles, and he muses on the importance of eating locally-sourced food.

The episode ends with Brad and Nick back in the woods, reflecting on their successful day of foraging. Brad notes the gratifying feeling of finding and cooking with food that he's collected himself, and the two share a heartfelt moment of appreciation for the natural world.

Overall, "Brad Forages for Porcini Mushrooms" is a delightful and informative episode that showcases Brad's passion for food and the outdoors. It's a great introduction to the show for new viewers, and will surely satisfy longtime fans.