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A Chef's Life
Sweet Corn & Expensive Tea
Season 1
Episode 1
Chef Vivian Howard and her husband Ben leave New York to open a restaurant in her small North Carolina hometown. Vivian revisits the Southern tradition of “putting up” corn and shares her method for making smoked corn relish. As the episode concludes, a devastating setback threatens their new life.
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24:33
Vivian films a segment for a morning TV show where cornbread takes center stage.
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24:34
Vivian visits one of her favorite farmers and a restaurant known for its fried livers.
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24:33
Vivian plans a respite from the road during the holidays, but finds herself busy at home.
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24:32
Vivian takes the twins to pick persimmons and learn about the fruit's different varieties.
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24:33
Dinner at Maker’s Mark in Vivian’s honor turns into an American history lesson.
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24:33
Vivian heads to NYC where her book launch means a full itinerary.
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24:33
The arrival of Vivian's cookbook sparks a well of emotions.
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24:33
Vivian preps peppers for Lambstock, a party where chefs, food, and music converge.
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24:33
With Summer heat high and rain levels low, Vivian struggles to find enough green beans.
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24:34
Vivian’s plate is full of everything. Except tomatoes.
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24:40
As a new chef takes the reins, Vivian's diminishing role at the restaurant becomes clear.
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24:40
A view behind-the-scenes reveals the hot and cold of curing ham.