Ep 18. Feast Of The Middle East

The Best Thing I Ever Ate is a popular food show that explores the unique and delectable dishes that renowned chefs and food personalities crave. In season 10, episode 18, entitled "Feast Of The Middle East," the show takes a dive into the tantalizing and exotic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.

As the episode begins, viewers are introduced to Chef Tregaye Fraser, who takes them on a journey to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. Chef Fraser herself is well-versed in varying cuisines with experience in hotels in Atlanta before becoming a popular personality on shows like Food Network Star and where she tested her culinary chops. She begins by highlighting one of her favorite Middle Eastern dishes, the shawarma.

She dives into how shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern meat dish that is revered for its tender and juicy meat that is beautifully marinated and slow-roasted until it is cooked to perfection. Chef Fraser explains that the meat is typically served with fresh pita bread and a variety of condiments such as hummus, spicy harissa sauce, and tzatziki.

Next, the show features Chef Michael Symon, who takes viewers on a tour of a popular Middle Eastern restaurant that specializes in Lebanese cuisine. Chef Symon particularly enjoys the restaurant's lamb kibbeh, which is a Lebanese delicacy made with ground lamb, cracked wheat, and a variety of fragrant spices. The kibbeh is typically deep-fried until it has a crispy exterior while retaining its juicy meaty interior. Chef Symon goes ahead to express his love for the dish, noting how the combination of lamb meat and crack wheat creates the perfect texture and a flavorful meal.

The episode moves on to Chef Eddie Jackson, who shares his love for Kafta meatballs. The Kafta meatballs are a popular dish served in Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. They are made from a combination of ground beef, lamb, or chicken, and are usually seasoned with a blend of spices that includes coriander, cumin, and parsley. Chef Jackson explains that the best way to cook the meatballs is to char them on the grill until they are well-cooked and have a smoky flavor.

Next up, Chef Kristen Kish takes viewers on a journey to her favorite Middle Eastern bakery. The bakery is known for its Sambousek, a savory pastry filled with spiced meat or cheese. Chef Kish particularly loves the meat-filled pastry, which is made with a combination of ground lamb, onion, parsley, pine nuts, and a blend of spices that include cinnamon and allspice. She explains that the pastry is full of rich flavors and has a satisfying crunch that makes it a perfect snack or appetizer.

Last but not least, Chef Aarti Sequeira introduces viewers to her love for Persian cuisine. She takes them to a popular restaurant where she enjoys feast of various Persian-inspired dishes. One of her favorite dishes is fesenjan, a traditional Iranian stew made with chicken and walnuts that are slow-cooked in pomegranate juice. Chef Sequeira explains that the dish has a delicate balance between sweet and sour that is hard to resist. She also shares how the dish is typically served on special occasions, making it even more special.

Overall, "Feast Of The Middle East" is a delectable journey into the tantalizing and exotic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. The unique dishes featured in the episode are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region, and viewers are sure to come away with an appreciation for the many delights that this cuisine has to offer.