Ep 10. Wine Country Cookouts

Man, Fire, Food Season 4 Episode 10, "Wine Country Cookouts," takes viewers on a culinary journey through California's wine country, exploring the unique ways chefs and pitmasters are using fire to enhance the flavors of their dishes. Host Roger Mooking visits three different professional kitchens, each with its own signature style and approach to cooking over live fire.

The first stop is at a restaurant in Napa Valley that specializes in wood-fired cuisine. Chef Sean O'Toole demonstrates how he uses a custom-made Argentine grill to cook everything from meat to vegetables to seafood. Roger helps prepare a dish of grilled octopus with chimichurri sauce, showcasing the smoky, savory flavors that can be achieved with the right technique and ingredients.

Next up, Roger heads to Healdsburg to visit a chef who has taken the concept of "farm-to-table" to a whole new level. Perry Hoffman runs a restaurant that is located on a farm, where he sources all his ingredients locally and uses fire to transform them into delicious dishes. Roger helps Perry prepare a delightful meal of grilled lamb chops with heirloom tomato salsa, highlighting the freshness and simplicity of the ingredients.

Finally, Roger travels to Sonoma County to check out a catering company that specializes in outdoor wine country events. Chef John Toulze shows Roger how he uses a variety of grills and smokers to create different layers of flavor for his dishes. Roger gets in on the action, helping to smoke salmon over applewood and assemble a stunning charcuterie board with house-made sausages.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to gorgeous shots of California wine country, along with mouthwatering close-ups of the dishes being prepared. The focus is on the fire itself, with each chef explaining how they use different types of wood, charcoal, and other fuel sources to achieve the desired level of heat and flavor. Whether it's the smoky aroma of a wood-fired grill or the seared crust on a perfectly cooked piece of meat, the show celebrates the power of fire to transform raw ingredients into unforgettable culinary experiences.

Overall, "Wine Country Cookouts" is a must-watch for foodies, BBQ enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the artistry of live fire cooking. With its beautiful cinematography, expert guidance from professional chefs, and mouthwatering dishes that are sure to inspire viewers to try new techniques and flavor combinations at home, this episode of Man, Fire, Food is a feast for the senses.