Ep 10. Ultimate Bistro

Tyler's Ultimate is a cooking show hosted by Tyler Florence that showcases his favorite dishes from around the world. In season 2, episode 10, titled "Ultimate Bistro", Tyler takes inspiration from Parisian bistros and creates a menu of classic bistro dishes with his own twist.

The episode begins with Tyler introducing the concept of the bistro and how it came to be a cornerstone of French cuisine. He then takes the viewers through his own take on three classic dishes: French onion soup, steak frites, and crème brûlée.

First up is the French onion soup, and Tyler starts by caramelizing onions until they're brown and sweet. He then adds some red wine and beef broth to the pan and simmers it for an hour to deepen the flavors. Finally, he tops the soup with a slice of crusty bread and a layer of gruyere cheese before broiling it until golden and bubbly.

Next, Tyler moves on to the steak frites, a bistro staple that's simple but always crowd-pleasing. He starts by seasoning a ribeye steak with salt and pepper and searing it in a hot cast iron skillet until it's medium-rare. He then tops it with a pat of herb butter and serves it with a heaping pile of crispy shoestring fries.

Finally, it's time for dessert, and Tyler makes a classic crème brûlée with a twist. Instead of using vanilla, he infuses the custard with Earl Grey tea for a fragrant, floral flavor. He then tops the custard with a layer of sugar and uses a blowtorch to caramelize it until it's crunchy and golden.

Throughout the episode, Tyler shares tips and tricks for making these dishes at home, such as using a mandoline to slice the potatoes for the fries, adding a sprinkle of brown sugar to the onions for extra depth of flavor, and using a thermometer to ensure the custard is cooked just right.

In addition to the three main dishes, Tyler also shares some bonus recipes for accompanying appetizers and cocktails. He makes a simple bistro salad with frisée, bacon, and a poached egg, as well as a classic Kir Royale cocktail made with crème de cassis and champagne.

Overall, "Ultimate Bistro" is a delicious and informative episode that showcases the best of French bistro cooking. Tyler's dishes are approachable and easy to make, but still feel elegant and special. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you're sure to learn something new and delicious from this episode.