Ever wonder what the biggest food stars and chefs eat in their free time — when they're paying? Find out on The Best Thing I Ever Ate! It's the ultimate guide to the country's most-amazing meals, eats and treats as told by the pros who spend their lives obsessing over food.
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See Episode GuideBrilliantly Baked
It's time to indulge in some of the best baked goods imaginable as Martha Stewart shows off a beautifully perfect brioche she can't get enough of in New York City. Then, find out why Alex Guarnaschelli's favorite lemon bars are simply off-the-charts brilliant! Finally, Tregaye Fraser has a new take on an old classic in Atlanta.
Back to School
We're going back to school to learn once and for all what the ultimate nostalgic dish is. We're joining Chef Beau MacMillan in the cafeteria with his Supreme Boffa super-sub sandwich and heading down to homeroom where Jeff Mauro teaches us all about the best pepperoni pizza creation on the planet. And we're sticking around after class with Tregaye Fraser to learn about her irresistible ricotta cannoli.
Layers of Goodness
Get ready to pile it on thick as we're talking layers of goodness that are stacked to the ceiling. We take a trip to Chicago where we meet up with Jeff Mauro to discover all the magic colors hidden inside the Rainbow Cake. We find Monti Carlo over in Seattle cutting right to the middle of a plantain lasagna. And we indulge in every delectable layer of Geoffrey Zakarian's grasshopper dessert.
Decadent Donuts
We're paying respects to a treat that is universally loved and has stood the test of time -- the doughnut! Alton Brown takes us on a trip to Memphis to honor the original glazed doughnut that started it all. Alex Guarnaschelli goes weak in the knees for an apple doughnut from New York City. And we can't contain our taste buds as Scott Conant shows off all the tropical flavors of a coconut cream-filled delight.
I'll Have What They're Having
Word of mouth is strong and we're urged to have what the people are having! Antonia Lofaso listens to what the people and immediately falls in love with a sourdough cinnamon roll in Los Angeles. Geoffrey Zakarian can barely contain himself as he gushes over the famous meatball and salad -- a dish that truly everyone is having. And Monti Carlo listens to the crowd and indulges in pork belly pastrami.
Low and Slow
Patience is a virtue, and the greatest mouthwatering dishes can't be rushed. Wolfgang Puck admires APL Restaurant in Los Angeles for making a sandwich that's well worth the wait. On the opposite coast, Antonia Lofaso finds the cavatelli truly irresistible at Coppa in Boston, and Geoffrey Zakarian shares his love for the smoked brisket at Hill Country Barbecue Market in New York City.
Borrowed Favorites
Sharing is caring, and the treats that family and friends love become personal favorites too! Robert Irvine takes his wife's advice and discovers the world's greatest omelet at Babystacks Cafe in Las Vegas, Nev. Sabin Lomac is a true believer after a close friend spills the secret of a genuine Philly cheesesteak from Boo's Philly in Los Angeles, and Duff Goldman borrows his brother's favorite spectacular surprise that awaits at the mysterious Magic Castle in Hollywood, Calif.
Low and Slow
Patience is a virtue, and the greatest mouthwatering dishes can't be rushed. Wolfgang Puck admires APL Restaurant in Los Angeles for making a sandwich that's well worth the wait. On the opposite coast, Antonia Lofaso finds the cavatelli truly irresistible at Coppa in Boston, and Geoffrey Zakarian shares his love for the smoked brisket at Hill Country Barbecue Market in New York City.
Borrowed Favorites
Sharing is caring, and the treats that family and friends love become personal favorites too! Robert Irvine takes his wife's advice and discovers the world's greatest omelet at Babystacks Cafe in Las Vegas, Nev. Sabin Lomac is a true believer after a close friend spills the secret of a genuine Philly cheesesteak from Boo's Philly in Los Angeles, and Duff Goldman borrows his brother's favorite spectacular surprise that awaits at the mysterious Magic Castle in Hollywood, Calif.
Special Occasion
Nothing makes a special occasion more memorable than having the best food! We're counting down the best meals for any special occasion, starting with Beau MacMillan's unforgettable gnocchi in San Diego. Tregaye Fraser casts her vote for a one-of-a-kind gourmet burger in Atlanta, and Martha Stewart celebrates with the most exquisite salmon in New York.
Genuine Legends
We're celebrating eats and eateries that have withstood the test of time. From America's best pancakes to the ultimate doughnuts, find out which dishes make the cut and go down in history as true legends. Legendary chef Wolfgang Puck writes history with the world's most perfect seafood dish ever, Geoffrey Zakarian tells the tale of the infamous Caesar salad and more.
Yummy in the Middle
It's that ooey-gooey goodness in the middle that we just can't get enough of, so we're heading straight to the middle of things to see what greatness awaits. Jeff Mauro indulges in a 100-layer vanilla creme doughnut that's full of surprises. Antonia Lofaso cracks the yolk on ricotta and egg ravioli in Los Angeles, and Chef Lee Anne Wong heads to Hawaii for a unique and irresistible quesadilla that packs a powerful punch.
Culinary Revolutions
There's no denying that some foods have revolutionized the culinary game while making stomachs happy. Scott Conant gives new meaning to an old favorite with an updated take on classic potato tots. Jernard Wells devours a delectable dish of salt and pepper calamari in Atlanta, while Tregaye Fraser changes the game forever with the Belly Benedict.
The Upper Crust
The best part of any dish is what holds it all together -- the crust! Chef Beau MacMillan's favorite pot pie in Phoenix, Arizona, takes on Duff Goldman's seafood pie pick in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Next, Jason Smith's favorite picture-perfect pork tenderloin boasts a clever crust that is sure to turn some heads.
The Closers
There's no better way to end a meal than with these delicious dishes. In New York City, Martha Stewart gushes over the most irresistible piece of lemon meringue she's ever had. Simon Majumdar travels all the way to Kentucky for a world-famous avocado dessert. And Chef Antonia Lofaso goes all out with a perfect puffy pastry known as the Napoleon.
Let's Do Lunch
The best lunchtime hot spots are sure to fill any craving, satisfy any hunger and generally just make you happy. Ali Khan makes a beeline for an over-the-top pistachio chicken salad creation in Austin, Texas. In Atlanta, Jernard Wells gets bad to the bone with finger lickin' good ribs, while in New York City, Martha Stewart has a lunchtime special you won't want to miss.
High Steaks
We're paying tribute to the best styles, cuts and steakhouses serving up the best steaks. Chef Jonathon Sawyer takes us on a trip to Dayton for a ribeye cut so incredibly, it's fit for a king. Jaynard Wells travels down to Atlanta for the best of both worlds -- the sea and land -- in a surf-and-turf combo of steak and shrimp. And Duff Goldman drools over a butter steak that melts in your mouth ... like butter!
Sandwich Hall of Fame
We're honoring the all-time favorite sandwiches in the Sandwich Hall of Fame because it's all about the bread and what's in between! If you've never had a BL"G"T, Eddie Jackson will tell you where to go. Fanny Slater hasn't missed a week without her "Friday Special," and Katie Lee heads to a small shop in New York to get the best Italian hoagie she's ever eaten. And Southerners don't have to travel to Philadelphia for the best cheesesteak, as Alton Brown reveals a hidden gem in Atlanta.
Serious Spice
Good food is the spice of life, and we're adding a little kick with our flavor-filled favorites! Jeff Mauro takes us to Chicago for 23 mole sauces, and Donal Skehan will have you sweating as he attacks the hottest taco in Los Angeles. Aaron Sanchez talks about his beloved barbecue with a surprise twist, while Duff Goldman's intricate 16-spice favorite is a can't-miss dish in New York.
Hamburger Heaven
It's burger time, and your favorite food personalities are pointing you in the right direction. Carla Hall unveils an unbelievable burger masterpiece, while Tregaye Fraser will have you traveling to New York to grab the ultimate cheeseburger and fries. Ali Khan showcases a traditional burger, but Eddie Jackson's favorite is decidedly nontraditional.
Small Plates, Big Taste
Our favorite small plates are bursting with flavor. Chef Beau MacMillan dives into some scallops, while Roger Mooking takes you to Texas for succulent chicken. Don't miss out when food blogger Molly Yeh reveals the secret to her favorite fried pickles. And if you drink wine, save the cork as Monti Carlo unleashes the truth behind an old brining wives tale.
In the Last Place You'd Expect
Sometimes the best dishes are in the last place you'd ever expect to find them. We've scoured the globe, searched far and wide, and the hunt stops here. Alex Guarnaschelli ends the debate over where to find the best bagel -- it's in North Yarmouth, Maine! Jeff Mauro finds a game-changing falafel in the back of a jewelry store, and Geoffrey Zakarian unearths hidden Mexican treasure in Buffalo, New York.
Desert Island Dish
Mayday! Mayday! The chefs and foodies are stranded on a desert island with nothing but an appetite, and they're sharing the one dish they simply can't live without. Duff Goldman turns to an irresistible doughnut from Baltimore's Paradise Donuts, Alex Guarnaschelli brings along her must-have paella from Black Bull in Chicago, and Wolfgang Puck chooses one dessert above all others from Angelini Osteria in Los Angeles.
In the Last Place You'd Expect
Sometimes the best dishes are in the last place you'd ever expect to find them. We've scoured the globe, searched far and wide, and the hunt stops here. Alex Guarnaschelli ends the debate over where to find the best bagel -- it's in North Yarmouth, Maine! Jeff Mauro finds a game-changing falafel in the back of a jewelry store, and Geoffrey Zakarian unearths hidden Mexican treasure in Buffalo, New York.
Desert Island Dish
Mayday! Mayday! The chefs and foodies are stranded on a desert island with nothing but an appetite, and they're sharing the one dish they simply can't live without. Duff Goldman turns to an irresistible doughnut from Baltimore's Paradise Donuts, Alex Guarnaschelli brings along her must-have paella from Black Bull in Chicago, and Wolfgang Puck chooses one dessert above all others from Angelini Osteria in Los Angeles.
Terrific Italian
Mangia! Mangia! Mangia! Celebrity chefs and Cooking Channel personalities are talking about the most sensational Italian food they've ever had. Alton Brown revisits a decadent, old-world pasta dish while Ali Khan chats up his favorite chicken parmigiana sandwich. Alex Guarnaschelli then gives a shout out to a not-to-be-missed lasagna and Duff Goldman reveals his pick for the best dish to end a perfect Italian meal.