Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking Season 6 Episode 10 Chris Kostow and Charter Oak

Chris Kostow, a three Michelin-starred chef, invites us to his hometown of St. Helena in the heart of California's Napa Valley in this episode of Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking. Kostow shares with viewers the essence of his restaurant, The Charter Oak, which he co-owns with Nathaniel Dorn.

The Charter Oak is housed in a 1920s bungalow, where Kostow and his team serve dishes using local and seasonal ingredients. To celebrate the abundance of the Napa Valley, Kostow and Dorn make use of an outdoor fire pit and a custom-made hearth, along with a meticulously planned garden that provides many of the restaurant's ingredients.

Kostow takes viewers on a tour of The Charter Oak's stunning gardens, with plenty of time to stop and chat with some of the farm workers, every one of whom adds to the sense of community at the restaurant. The team takes great care to cultivate and grow their own produce, and Kostow talks passionately about the importance of utilizing a whole-animal approach to cooking.

Throughout the episode, Kostow prepares a series of dishes, each showcasing the bounty of the Napa Valley. He begins with a whole roasted squash, and advises viewers to cook the vegetable with the skin on to add flavor and texture. The next dish is sautéed shishito peppers with ponzu sauce, which he roasts in a cast-iron pan over the fire pit.

For the main course, Kostow cooks a succulent pork shoulder that has been marinated in a combination of garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. He serves the pork with a side of heirloom carrots, which he roasts in a wood-fired oven, and a dollop of confit garlic to add an extra layer of flavor.

As the meal draws to a close, Kostow concocts an irresistible dessert: roasted butternut squash with cardamom crème fraîche and crisp apple slices, dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into Kostow's personal life, as he shares stories of growing up in Napa Valley and the reasons why he decided to open The Charter Oak. His passion for cooking and his love of good food are evident in every step of the way.

Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking season 6 episode 10 is a must-watch for anyone who loves to cook or eat and wants to learn more about the importance of using local and seasonal produce to create truly memorable dishes. Kostow's enthusiasm and expertise are infectious, and watching him work is both inspiring and entertaining. If you're looking for a great cooking show, this is definitely one to add to your list.