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 Sara Moulton (of Cooking Live fame) 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?"