This week, we’re looking at the pioneers of food television. Emeril Lagasse reflects on his unlikely start at the Food Network, how he’s different from his on-screen persona and why he just opened his first Portuguese restaurant. Plus, Michelle T. King tells the story of Fu Pei-mei, Taiwan’s first cooking TV star, our very own co-host and food TV star Sara Moulton answers caller cooking questions, and Adam Gopnik weighs in on the spectacle of Iron Chef.

Questions in this episode:

"My oven seems to work differently depending on what I’m cooking: baked goods are done early and meat takes longer than anticipated. What’s going on?"

"What is the best kind of pan to use for quiche?"

"What dishes should I make with Szechuan peppercorn oil?"