The Mind of a Chef: Season 4—Gabrielle Hamilton

Offering an interesting look at the professional life of NYC-based Gabrielle Hamilton, this PBS-aired compilation includes all eight episodes from the 2015 fourth season, which focuses on the James Beard Award-winning chef. The first episode, “Prune,” takes its name from Hamilton's baby—i.e., her “intensely personal” East Village restaurant—following the proprietor through a day, from raising the graffitied storefront gate to singing the praises of the luscious quality of eggplant and her usual triumvirate of condiments (olive oil/lemon juice/garlic), and bargain shopping (no focus on farm fresh veggies here), as well as preparing deep-fried sweetbreads and working with her staff. “Rome” follows Hamilton as she rides a Vespa around the Eternal City, talking about her Italian former husband and encountering a Carciofi alla giudìa vendor (fried Jewish artichokes), as well as making a visit to the 500-year old La Campana restaurant, where she tells the waiters that the classic puntarelle anchovy salad is “highly opinionated.” Also featuring the episodes “Garbage,” “Hunger,” “Past” (Hamilton journeys to her Pennsylvania childhood home and roasts rabbit with a friend), “Hustle,” “Napkin,” and “Evolution” (where she comments on culinary master guest Jacques Pepin's butter rosettes), this series spotlighting the colorful Hamilton—whose personal life has included many L-words (including lesbian, larceny, and lies)—is interesting and entertaining. Narrated by Anthony Bourdain, with extras including deleted scenes, this is recommended. (J. Williams-Wood)