The Best Thing I Ever Ate Season 5 Episode 4 Better Than Mine

In season 5 episode 4 of The Best Thing I Ever Ate, titled "Better Than Mine," the show's panel of food critics and chefs take a deep dive into dishes that they believe are better than their own versions of the same dish.

Kicking off the episode is Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, who shares her deep love for the classic French dish coq au vin. While she admits that she makes a pretty solid version herself, she insists that the coq au vin at New York City's famed restaurant Balthazar is truly in a league of its own. The dish features tender chicken cooked in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and pearl onions. Alex gushes over the rich, complex flavors of the dish, declaring it the best coq au vin she's ever had.

Next up is chef Jet Tila, who is on a quest to find the world's best pad Thai. He's sampled the dish in its country of origin, Thailand, as well as all over the United States, but he insists that the pad Thai at Krua Apsorn in Bangkok is truly unrivaled. The restaurant prides themselves on making their pad Thai the old-fashioned way, with slow-cooked tamarind and palm sugar sauce and hand-pressed noodles. Jet is in awe of the expert level of balance between sour, sweet, and salty flavors in the dish, and he notes that the addition of fresh chives and lime wedges really makes it sing.

Food writer Alison Roman takes us on a journey to Copenhagen to try her favorite avocado toast in the world. She's long been a proponent of the dish and insists that it's something she makes exquisitely herself, but she was completely blown away by the version at Atelier September in the Danish capital. The dish is certainly not traditional Danish fare, but it has become a staple at the cafe nonetheless. The toast features a creamy avocado spread with just the right amount of lemon and hot sauce, served atop a thick slab of sourdough bread. Alison notes that the presentation alone is a work of art, but the taste and texture of the dish are what keep her coming back for more.

Chef Jonathon Sawyer takes us back to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, to showcase his favorite fried chicken. While Sawyer is a chef known for his innovative and elevated cuisine, his heart will always belong to the beloved comfort food dish. His favorite version comes from the legendary Hot Sauce Williams, which is known for their crispy, moist chicken that is bathed in a spicy-hot sauce. Sawyer insists that while he's tried making fried chicken at home and even in his restaurants, nothing can compare to the perfection that is Hot Sauce Williams' version.

Finally, we head to San Francisco to hear from chef Michael Voltaggio, who is on the hunt for the best sandwich in the city. He's long been a fan of the humble sandwich, but he insists that the torta at Tortas Boos Voni is nothing short of magical. The torta is a Mexican sandwich that features a soft, chewy telera roll filled with savory meats, tomatoes, avocado, and plenty of queso fresco. Michael notes that the sandwich has the perfect amount of heat and acidity, and the combination of soft and crunchy textures really make it stand out.

As always, The Best Thing I Ever Ate delivers a mouth-watering episode full of delicious dishes from around the world. Whether you're a fan of classic French cuisine, Thai street food, or humble comfort food, there's something in this episode to satisfy every taste.