The Best Thing I Ever Ate Season 5 Episode 9 French Favorites

In season 5 episode 9 of The Best Thing I Ever Ate, titled French Favorites, viewers are taken on a culinary adventure through some of the best French dishes in America. Hosted by Food Network personalities and renowned chefs, the episode features a diverse range of French-inspired dishes from savory to sweet.

The episode starts off with Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, who takes us to Café Boulud in New York City to indulge in their decadent escargot. She describes the dish as "a classic French dish with a twist," as the escargot is paired with bone marrow and a garlic-parsley butter. Next up is Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, who visits his own restaurant, The Lambs Club, to share his love for coq au vin. The classic French dish is made with tender chicken cooked in red wine, bacon, and mushrooms.

We then move on to Chef Marcus Samuelsson, who takes us to his restaurant, Red Rooster, in Harlem to try his take on a French classic, bouillabaisse. The seafood stew is filled with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish and is served with a side of grilled bread. Chef Jet Tila joins the mix and introduces viewers to a lesser-known dish, croque-madame. The dish is a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with an egg and a creamy béchamel sauce.

The episode also features some sweet French treats, starting with Chef Katie Lee's visit to Maison Ladurée in New York City for their famous macarons. The delicate French dessert comes in a variety of flavors, including traditional favorites like chocolate and vanilla, and unique options like rose and lavender. Lastly, Chef Scott Conant indulges in his favorite French pastry, the canelé. The small, golden-brown cakes are soft on the inside with a caramelized crust on the outside and are a perfect way to end a French-inspired meal.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated not only to mouth-watering French dishes but also to the stories behind them. From the history behind the dishes to the chefs' personal connections to them, French Favorites is a delightful journey through some of the best French food in America.