A Chef's Life

Sep 5, 2015 · 30m

With squash season in full effect, trouble with the twins, staffing issues at the Boiler Room, and a new cookbook overloading her plate, Vivian seeks motherly advice from Mrs. Scarlett and her sister Johna over a Southern classic: squash and onions. Despite nerves, Vivian plays it cool on camera, as Ben and all of Kinston anticipate her appearance on The Today Show.

Sep 12, 2015 · 30m

Vivian's mother shares the secrets of Gramma Hill's canned peaches as well as memories from her childhood. Vivian also sweats through a Thanksgiving-in-July photo shoot, and there's a major mix-up at the restaurant.

Sep 19, 2015 · 30m

Vivian has three days to write a book chapter on figs. The resulting stress leads to a fig-honey-bourbon slushie tasting; and a fig preserves session. In other events, Vivian and Ben decide to charge for bread at the restaurant.

Sep 26, 2015 · 30m

Vivian visits a friend, who serves homemade pickles, chicken salad and chocolate cake. Ben and Vivian also audition a new chef.

Oct 3, 2015 · 30m

Vivian learns that picking okra is a prickly business and receives a crash course in food styling during a photo session for her cookbook. Scott Barton, Vivian's mentor, visits the restaurant and they discuss the African roots of okra.

Oct 10, 2015 · 30m

Vivian learns to make pickled beets. She also incorporates beets into an unconventional chocolate cake for Ms. Mary's 89th birthday.

Oct 17, 2015 · 30m

A new manager signs on at the Boiler Room; and a family reunion features an impressive spread of home-cooked casseroles.

Oct 24, 2015 · 30m

Vivian makes chicken livers drizzled with hot honey. Ben preps for his art show in Durham, N.C. and Vivian checks out the city's restaurants.

Oct 31, 2015 · 30m

Vivian learns to bring out the bitter and sweet in rutabagas. She also showers her team with gifts while they prepare a holiday menu and, despite brewing tension, a busy New Year's Eve at the restaurant ends in a toast and smile.

Nov 7, 2015 · 30m

Vivian heads to the Charleston’s Wine and Food Festival, the South’s premiere gathering of world-class chefs and food folk. Her jam-packed schedule includes the prestigious “perfectly paired” dinner at Frank Lee’s High Cotton Restaurant. A clamming trip with lowcountry legend, “Clammer Dave” adds a bit adventure to her everyday.

Nov 14, 2015 · 30m

Conclusion. Charleston, S.C., is visited. Included: the Waffle House Smackdown; the proper way to open a clam; and clam hash.

Nov 21, 2015 · 30m

After some initial hiccups, Vivian’s whole cow program finds its groove. Mrs. Scarlett shows her how to make a classic cubed steak, inciting an epic tantrum from Flo. Vivian nervously heads to New York to meet her new editor as work on her upcoming cookbook continues.

Nov 28, 2015 · 30m

Vivian judges the Southern Sides competition at the annual BBQ Festival alongside Mrs. Scarlett and Ms. Lillie, who prove to be finicky judges. Vivian follows up with a take on the BBQ plate, featuring a crispy potato salad. When the Avett Brothers stop by the restaurant for dinner, the entire staff, including Vivian, serve up a side of girly giddiness.