Comments on Alton's new show? The first two episodes have already aired; two left to go. Food Network is showing lots of reruns, though, if you missed them.

I really enjoyed the two episodes so far. The show is a refreshing contrast to the other marketing-laden dreck that dominates most of Food Network now, and it shows off Alton's personality a bit more than his other shows.

One could argue that it's a direct ripoff of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" show on the Travel Channel, just a U.S. version, with motorcycles thrown in (not to mention the all-male staff) to make Alton's usual nerdiness score a little higher to Tony's on the macho scale. That thought certainly occurred to me. But I think Alton really holds his own here, and starting out in his own stomping grounds (the South) allowed him to really shine. He does seem to have a sincere appreciation for old-style, mom 'n' pop roadfood establishments, which is a wonderful thing.