What's your favorite recipe in your new cookbook?
Gotta be the same answer as my favorite episode: Timpano baby
If you were to hit 2 million subscribers would you consider releasing the Fraiser episode?
I'm still hurting but yes.
Sounds absolutely appropriate to the subject of Frasier. Tries to make a fancy meal, and things go horribly wrong.
Hah holy shit that's true
Did he do one and then not release it?
Had a dinner party to eat the results, we got a lil too drunk and rowdy, ended up not properly filming the final plating shots. Tragic.
Hey, I love your show! Did you ever run across a movie food that turned out to be too difficult to recreate? If so, what was it and what made it too difficult?
Hah definitely the opening scene of Eat Drink Man Woman - lots of requests for it, which means there's a lot of people out there that greatly overestimate my cooking ability.
What happened to your theme song?
It was the Frasier theme song, I ain't got the rights to it!
Hey Babish, Thanks for doing this AMA.
Got any more plans to work with Sean from Hot Ones? Really liked the stuff you did together and you seem to get on well.
Hey man no problem!
I'm gonna be on First We Feast next week or so! Sean, Anthony Fantano and I do an exotic melon tasting as the three bald melons of YouTube.
Any suggestions on a chefs knife? Outside of that, what's the one thing that everyone should own in a kitchen but most don't?
I love Wusthof Ikon Classic - and while that can be prohibitively expensive, Wusthof just came out with their "Pro" line that is super-affordable - cheaper even than my previous budget recommendation, the Victorionox Fibrox line!
EDIT: Didn't finish the question - a big fuck-off cutting board. Most people get those shitty 3-packs from IKEA, and they're totally useless. Get a gigantic cutting board, preferably wood, but OXO makes a great one for $20!
what's up with food?
I know right it's like get in my mouth already, food
TBH I thought it was an exchange between Eric Andre and Hannibal Burress
Where do you buy your clothes? You have some very nice button-ups.
Why thank you - I'm a total Marshallista, but other than that, Uniqlo, Banana Republic, and Zara.
Have you thought about making food from video games? Eg the cake from Portal?
I've actually done foods from Zelda! Portal cake is definitely coming up!
What's a cuisine or cooking style you wish you knew more about?
The entirety of SE Asia - I have very little grasp of it and I wish I knew more about it/could cook it better!
Hey! The wife and I are big fans.
Do you have a graveyard of over-requested meals that you think just won't make good episodes or are just too basic?
Any requests you are afraid are too intricate or beyond your ability?
Hey thanks!
And yes to both - I actually shot one that turned out to be too simple/easy, no matter how much I tried to jazz it up: jam and toast from Wallace and Gromit. Still did a crossover episode with William Osman!
Too hard - definitely the opening scene from Eat Drink Man Woman! Literally anything from that scene! I'll make that inflated duck one day though.
What’s in the book that isn’t on YouTube?
Lots! The book has a bunch of recipes that are more tributes to the films rather than direct adaptations (eg, French Toast Sticks from Kramer vs. Kramer) - but also has many recipes lifted straight from the show!
What is your go to lazy meal to cook?
Those stir fry kits they have nowadays fucking rule.
And this is gonna be embarrassing but if I'm drunk, it's too late to order take-out, and there ain't nothing in the house - buttered goddamn pasta. Been my favorite thing since I was like 0.
Would you ever consider doing more instructional videos on cooking? I love the format as it is now but it would be awesome to learn some more basic tips on cooking from you as well.
That's the new show comin out next week! Basics with Babish!
Is that going to be its own channel or on your original channel?
Going to be on the original channel, and accompanied by a biweekly livestream cookingalong on Twitch!
What's your favorite drink to relax with after a long day of filming?
Old fashioned all the way
What's your favorite Kanye West album?!
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy for sure
What is the weirdest request for a video that you've gotten?
One dude asked me to eat him yesterday - does that count
Hey, I love the quality of your content! I was wondering if there was any particular method you use to determine which dish you make next?
Hah it is really by the seat of my pants - like I just realized this morning that I missed the season premiere of Curb Your Enthusiasm, so guess what the fuck next week's episode is gonna be.
Is there a famous dish that you refuse to make?
Love the show! Binging your show makes my work day less boring!
The turkey-stuffed-in-a-monkfish from Malcolm in the Middle. I don't have room in my heart for that.
And thanks!!
How much has your life changed since that video of you with a head full of hair, slicing fruit?
So goddamn much haha
Fellas, if you're losing your hair, grow a pair and chop it all off.
EDIT: and happy cakeday!
Hey Andrew! I just wanted to say first that your show really made start cooking again after i lost my motivation a few months ago so thanks! My question is, How did you figure out that cooking was your true calling? Thanks
Hey man that's great to hear, keep it up!!
Hah actually I went to film school - didn't really realize that till last year! Happened quite on accident! But I knew that food/film were my true calling(s) back in 9th grade when I made my first video project to get out of writing an essay, and when I cooked my first meal for a date and it came out horribly.
How do you take your garbage plate and whats your favourite place to get one?
White hots, hot sauce, Henrietta Hots
Are you from Rochester???
Yahuh
It seems music is always playing while you cook. What is your favorite jam?
I either have Frasier/Star Trek TNG/Always Sunny/MST3K going in the background while cooking, or: Vulfpeck/Young Thug/Ariel Pink
How do you feel about Discovery and The Orville?
Haven't watched The Orville yet, have heard bad things :(
Just watched the first episode of Discovery last night, it was...okay. I heard it picks up over the next couple episodes
Hey Andrew, big fan!
What's up with you, Shaun, and Antony buying melons? Are we going to get a melon based sitcom starring the 3 of you?
God I wish - upcoming episode of Sean in the Wild!
Are there any cooking shows or food shows that you enjoy watching? Whether they be on TV or YouTube?
Oh lord yes - on YouTube, Chef John, Gordon Ramsay, Brad Leone (BA), You Suck at Cooking
On TV, Alton Brown, Jacques Pepin, Anthony Bourdain
Are there any cancelled babish episodes we're unaware of?
Just my Frasier episode :( and my Lovers' Delight episode is being copyright disputed right now, hopefully that'll be back up soon
Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized Frasier Crane's or 1 horse-sized Niles Crane?
1 horse-sized Niles Crane just to give him a fair chance
I'd still give you the edge
Actually I just remembered that dope swordfight he had with that beefcake, maybe he's a more worthy foe than I imagined...
Is there any food that you wonuldnt try?
Anything penile. I'm all set, thanks.
Do you prefer making Main courses or desserts?
Main courses, mainly because I suck at baking, which is usually involved in desserts!
Other than J. Kenji López-Alt, who are some chefs that inspire you?
Chef John for sure, Gordon Ramsay, Alton Brown, Brad Leone!
Famous Movie/TV-Series foods seems like a finite source for new episodes. Already it feels like we've had the most iconic foods featured on the channel. What's the plan for the future, when you can't find any more famous foods to recreate?
Hah honestly I have a list a mile long of ideas - but I'm expanding and making new shows/podcasts/books!
Hey Oliver. This isn't a food related question but I was wondering if maybe we could get a close up of your tattoos and maybe some backstories ? love your videos. thanks!
Hah idk about close ups, but the explanation of my tattoos is here on my website!
I don’t really have much of a question, so I’ll try and think of one as I write this. I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning and it’s been amazing to watch it grow. You make some seriously high quality content, and you never disappoint. You deserve all the success you’ve been getting, congrats on the book, and have a stiff glass of Angel’s Envy right now at 10 am because you deserve it.
I actually did think of a question: what’s your favorite drunk bodega food?
Aw thanks very much man!! I gotta lay off the Angel's Envy till tonight haha, gonna go out and celebrate!
Fuckin ham, egg, and cheese on a bagel for sure.
What is the biggest project (cooking or otherwise) you want to tackle? What is stopping you from doing it?
I've got a full-length series I'm developing for Netflix - really just waiting for it to be in the right place to pitch, and for my career to be in the right place to pounce!
How's the progress on cracking the good burger sauce going?
Bad - he boils pickles in ketchup!
I'm pretty sure he mentioned he's allergic to Bananas in the cocktail special
Correct
When will we be getting the next Seinfeld Special?? I swear I’ve watched the first one at least 8 times... maybe more.
Definitely coming up soon - and expect a Curb episode next week!
What's your favorite thing to cook?
Boeuf Bourguignon - and/or any kind of stew/soup!!
I made your Boeuf Bourguignon (or I guess it's Julia's) for mothers day and it was a HUGE success. I can't wait to make it again! :D
Nice dude glad to hear it!! And yeah credit where it's due, that's all Julia :P
I’m so bad at cooking chicken. Like, I am the worst chicken chef alive. What are your tips on producing some tender, flavorful, juicy chicken instead of the dry or raw garbage that comes out of my kitchen?
Get bone-in/skin on chicken breasts - sear the fuck out of them in a ripping hot pan, then place in the oven and finish them at 400F until they're 165F internally. Use the fond in the pan to make a pan sauce. Wuhbam.
Hey Andrew, I'd love to see you make some appearances on some of the big cooking shows. Have you been approached by any shows or chefs to make your tv debut?
Yes, and I'm not sure if I want to go TV! The tide is changing rapidly and I want to be where the market is headed!
Any plans to branch out to do recipes that aren't in movies/shows?
Absolutely - new show coming out, Basics with Babish, is going to be a purely instructional series, accompanied by a biweekly livestream cookalong!
what dish wasn't worth the time it took to make?
Good lord so many - the one that stands out is this very week's episode actually, Cailles en Sarchophage - there are better uses for truffles and foie gras!
Has there ever been anything you’ve attempted to make that has made you consider giving up cooking?
I used to want to be a chef until I tried making a gingerbread house. That thing fell apart almost as quickly as my dreams.
Hah if that Timpano didn't work out? If it blew up, leaked, wasn't cooked through? I'd have given up the whole show in an instant. So I'm happy it turned out.
I'm a food YouTube junkie and you're, by far, my favorite channel right now.
I know you describe yourself as a chef and filmmaker (loved the 10 minute cooking school shout out), but now that you've made a name for yourself through food content, do you have any dream projects as filmmaker that seem more achievable now with your reach?
Thanks man!!
I'm not quite there yet, but yes absolutely - I have a script for a short film that I've been wanting to make for years, and there's a Chinese short that I want to remake. I have a longform Netflix series I'm going to be trying to pitch soon, and a travel show as well!
I pre-ordered your book as a birthday gift for my wife. My question is; was this a good birthday gift or am I heading for the doghouse??
No it's dogshit you're screwed dude
Kidding she'll like it I think, I don't know her very well
Hey Babish! What was the backstory for the photos & videos of you, Sean Evans and Anthony Fantano all with melons? Future collab? If not it's all good, those were amazing.
Also, any plans to make more videos based on Video Game food? Maybe not as much to pull from, but the Breath of the Wild video is one of my favorites.
Upcoming episode of Sean in the Wild!
And absolutely - actually already did BotW ;)
EDIT: Oh shit I read that wrong, I didn't realize you were saying that episode was one of your favorites, thought you meant the game! My bad!
Your videos are a perfect midway between personality and straight up cooking/food porn. After wading through so many channels of over zealous personalities that talk for 6 months before cooking, And videos like Tasty.com, I found yours when looking for Philly Cheese Steaks! Hooked on your channel ever since.
So my question is, where did the inspiration to do torso only, to the point cooking with no kidding around and a great comedic tone? Was it a happy accident or something you specifically tried for?
And thank you for your channel! Can't wait to grab the book.
Thanks man that's exactly what I've been going for!! And the very reason that I decided to show only my torso - I watched some cooking video about a burger that was 30 minutes long, and they didn't start cooking for 10 minutes. I decided to make a show that was focused solely on the food.
Thanks for watching!!
More of a personal question feel free to not answer it, we all know balding is a tough thing to go through, how did you deal with yours?
Chopped it all off and stopped giving a fuck. When you're balding, people only see how afraid you are of your own hairline. I get way more dates now than when I had hair and was scared I was losing it.
Not to get personal but don't you wear a ring in a lot of your videos?
Hey man get personal, I ain't mind - I got divorced last year
Where in Harlem do you do your food shopping for the show? You get some pretty unique ingredients.
I have to go all over for the unique stuff! But happily they just opened a Whole Foods in my area, so that helps!!
Have you ever had trouble keeping in shape with all those wonderful foods around you?
Hah I do my best to eat clean and exercise every day of the week that I'm not shooting the show :P
What do your roommates think of your show?
Just one roommate - and I think he digs it, he gets to eat all the results
Hey Babish, big fan! Anyway, what is something you absolutely REFUSE to cook? Be it time consuming, difficult, or just downright nasty, what will you never EVER cook?
The turkey-in-a-monkfish from Malcolm in the Middle for sure
Is basics with babish still happening?
Next week baby!
How do you think the show will develop as you might eventually begin to exhaust the different dishes from movies/television?
I don't know if I'm going to run out of ideas anytime soon - but I'm pushing to make new/bigger/better content to continue growing my channel!
Any advice for a newbie cook? I'm a huge fan of watching cooking shows/YouTube videos, just never had the courage to actually cook.
Also, would you ever consider doing an episode with Alton Brown? I kind of freaked out when you cooked popcorn his way in one of your episodes. Haha!
Don't be afraid of making mistakes, master the BASICS first (don't try and get all fancy right out of the gate), get a big fucking cutting board and a sharp fucking knife!
I would fucking love to haha, my goal is to become famous enough that he'll swing by!
Andrew, first off, love your show
What is your go-to comfort food?
Thanks dude! Gotta be a chicken parmesan hero - there is nothing more delicious in the known world.
Hey Babish, love your work!
My question is: Can I call you Babs?
Fuckin, yeah dude
Hey Andrew, just curious. Where did this alter ego 'Oliver Babish' come from?
Love your show! :)
The West Wing! Never really expected the show to take off, so I kinda named it arbitrarily...
And thanks!
What helps you when you are frustrated and in a creative block? I'm in a bad writers block and I'm trying to break it
Weed.
Kidding - sort of - but seriously, meditation and a good night's sleep. Laying off the booze for a few days. Getting rid of some of that fog.
Hey Babish, Huge fan of yours, what’s one thing about cooking you wish more people were aware of ?
It can get you laid way easier than playing the guitar.
Kidding - that, even when it's indulgent, it's way healthier than eating microwaved crap like Lean Pockets and the like. There are some deep misconceptions about what is healthy and what isn't in the modern food arena, and I hope to one day be one of the voices that helps inform the public!
And thank you!!
If you were asked to be on The Amazing Race, Who would you choose as your partner? (I'd be almost anyones partner, even yours :), just to get on the show, but if I had my choice, I'd choose my wife or twin brother.)
You!!
You wanna go grab some bourbon in the city?
Depends, how many chromosomes do you have?
All the ones I need, no spares.
...touché. It's a date.
What podcasts do you like?
Pod Save America, My Favorite Murder, Special Sauce, Sporkful, Nerdist!
You need to get on the nerdist podcast
Someone call Chris Hardwick for me pls
What are the best resources for someone who wants to learn how to cook in order to save the money they spend weekly eating out?
America's Test Kitchen, and honestly, Blue Apron/other meal delivery services. You can learn some great fundamentals from those and eventually just do it yourself!
You referenced Mary Berry and Hollywood in one of your vids, you about that GBBO life?
Anytime I feel like I need a hug, I just throw on GBBO
Huge fan Man! Keep up the great work!
Q: You seem to have a pretty extensive set of kitchen tools to work with, but has there been anything you haven't been able to attempt due to kitchen space, hardware, etc..?
Thanks man!!
Not yet - thanks to the growing revenue from the show, I've been able to purchase the equipment I need - I plan on auctioning off the stuff I'm never gonna use again for charity!
I always appreciate the amount of effort you put in each video. About how long does it take to plan out each episode and actually execute the recipe?
Also how did you find the inspiration to create BWB on Youtube?
Thanks! Between planning, shooting, editing, and finishing - each episode takes between 20-60 hours depending on its complexity/if I fuck something up.
Yes I did, in channels that were more about the people cooking than the food they were making!
Just back from Japan and there is a temporary exhibit on at the Studio Ghibli Museum about the art of food and animating eating in their movies. Is it a topic you've considered an episode on before? Also how much Food Wishes have you watched? Can definitely see a bit of an influence in your videos and a few tricks used seem to be similar
Absolutely expect Ghibli foods in the near future!
Probably almost every one.
Will there be a Halloween special?
Yessir, some foods from Hannibal (TV Series)...ethically sourced.
I read this as enthically sourced...
I read that as ethnically sourced
hey Andrew. My question is : how do you get your dulcet tones so silky smooth? They spread metaphorical honey on my burnt toast on a weekly basis.
Gaww thanks - I admit I use an equalizer to make it sound a lil richer, but other than that, just good luck I suppose!
You have collaborated with other YouTube channels recently, are there any other people (YouTube or celebrity personalities) that you would like to work with?
I'm desperate to work with You Suck at Cooking but he's a busy busy man! And utterly anonymous!
Hi! What's your connection to Rochester and what are some of your favorite restaurants and places to eat/drink there?
Born n' raised there! Gotta say garbage plates, obviously - Henrietta Hots for me.
I love your show! when i first discovered i watched every episode in one day.
What is your culinary background and how it end up landing you as a YouTube chef?
Hey man thanks! Zero culinary background, just an avid hobbyist - my background is in film, and the two were able to intersect once I was able to afford a camera and a light!
Hey Andrew! Thanks for doing an AMA on top of your already pretty great engagement on your subreddit.
Probably the most interesting question I can think of is what recipes using fictional ingredients do you most want to try, and what might you use instead of the fantasy components?
No problem bro!
Definitely Harry Potter foods - they all sound so tempting, and so practically out of reach!
Ok, time to get to know the real Andrew. What is your favorite fast food joint? And at 3 AM?
Taco Bell all the way. Double Decker tacos, Crunchwrap Supreme, Quesarito, Baja Blast.
When you did a collab with the guy who does the funny nature stuff and you started rambling about drugs, how much of it was a joke and how much was based on real life?
No comment
Give some love for Ashwin, when it comes to nature there is nobody more knowledgeable.
Thanks for learning
Hiya Andrew!
Have you gotten any fascinating sponsorship offers due to your meteoric rise in popularity? I see pop culture articles posted about your videos all the time!
Definitely some weird ones yeah! I can't really talk about em because some of them are pending :P
Hello! My boyfriend and I are huge fans! Have you considered putting out merch? Like T-shirt’s and hoodies and maybe even rubber spatulas? I’d buy the shit out of your merch, just saying!
Keep an eye out! Definitely going to be dropping more and more product in the near future!
EDIT: and thank you!
Would it be possible to do more grill based recipes a lá the House of Cards episode?
Doing Katz's Pastrami from When Harry Met Sally in the very near future - going to need to utilize my buddy's smoker again!
Have you ever wanted to collaborate with You Suck at Cooking?
Dearly, yes
Hi Andrew! My girlfriend and I watch your show together, it's one of the weird things we bond over.
If you had to move to another part of the world and continue making your show using films from only that country, where would we see you shooting your next episode?
Has the creation of this show affected the way you cook at home? Do you find yourself cooking less or more?
Any plans for another drinks special? We notice you always have a pretty choice stash of hooch in the background, would you consider doing a whisky episode or feature on a drinks channel?
Cheers!
Oh man - gotta be France. I'd just make a show about cooking with the dope shit I find bicycling around Provence.
Great, now you've got me all wistful for a fantasy life.
I think I cook more for myself! Especially because I need to eat healthier as a result of the show :P
And yes expect another cocktails episode in the near future!
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever cooked?
Charlie's milk steak, for sure
Your road bike from the "behind the scenes" video looked nice, what's the make/model?
Hey thanks! It's a Felt Z85
Hey Andrew! Huge fan from the start. I was particularly pumped when you did the strudel from Inglorious Basterds. I'm certain I was one of a few who suggested it. My question to you is: Of all the recipes you've done so far, are there any that you now cook regularly? You tend to say how surprisingly good some of them turn out. And any particular ones we should be cooking RIGHT NOW?
I can't say that there are any that I cook regularly! Except maybe boeuf bourguignon, but I was already making that regularly. Yeah you should be cooking that right now, especially as it starts to get cold out!
You have wonderful forearms (partial focal point of the show).. Do you do any exercises to combat all the large meals you make for the show? Do you meal prep?
Why thank you - I have two pull-up bars stationed around the apartment haha, and I jog a lil 5K at least 3x/week.
I don't really have time to meal prep unfortunately! It's one of the few things I miss about having a full-time job.
Hey Andrew! My roommate and I are big fans, and since we moved into our new dorm with a kitchen we've made a bunch of your recipes.
As fellow NYC residents, what's the most unique/notable dish you've found here?
Thanks dude!
One of my favorites is Gnocco Fritto at Via Emilia - it's a simple enough Italian fritter served with charcuterie - but something about it, I don't know, it's fucking fabulous. And it's the only place you can get it in the city as far as I know!
Holy shit, Via Emilia is like five blocks away from us, maybe we'll check it out tonight!
Thanks for the reply, keep up the incredible content (as I'm sure you will). It's been awesome seeing your channel blow up, every sub is well deserved <3
Aw thanks man! Yeah go check it out!! It's incredibly cheap, almost everything is around $20, mostly handmade pastas
Have you ever considered having Action Bronson on the show?
Considered, hoped, wished for.
What's your favorite restaurant?
Also were you in Brooklyn last weekend, in the DUMBO area? I swore I saw you lol
Hah I was in the Greenpoint area last weekend, but not DUMBO!
Hmm that's a really tough question...I think I'd have to give different favorite restaurants for different categories, because you can't really compare a hole-in-the-wall dumpling place I love with a two-star tasting menu I love!
How is "Basics with Babish" coming along? I've been dying to learn more about the basics of cooking so I can get a better grasp overall. Any ETA?
Next week baby!
What recipe didn't live up to the hype / was the biggest disappointment? And what do you do with the leftovers?
This week kinda falls in that category - Cailles en Sarcophage seems like kind of a waste of some beautiful ingredients - I'd much rather have truffles shaved over some buttered pasta, foie gras spread on some grilled bread!
I loved your show since the beginning. You even „liked“ my comment on the inglourious basterds strudel video (it was the no raisins allowed comment).
Now to my Question: what tips would you give to a guy who is about to move out for the first time and is starting to cook for himself and wants to eat good but has a low budget?
Hey man thanks!
Get yourself a really sharp knife, a big ol' cutting board, and a good sauté pan (T-Fal Professional is a good place to start) - and see what you can make with just those! Way more than you think!
Stumbled into you channel with the Prison Sauce Episode.
So far I've tried making Pasta Aioli, oven style Freddie's Ribs (came out amazing and I finally got a proper smoker for round two) going to do Dave's Carbonara later today for work meals.
A good amount of wit, smooth voice, a taste for good drinks and food and I've become hooked on your channel.
My question to you: propane or charcoal?
Thanks very much!!
Much as I love Hank Hill, I gotta go charcoal
Hi Andrew! Love your show, wish you did some regional cooking as well!
Love your show Babish! It's one of the few channels I regularly follow and keep up to date with!
Might be a personal question, but noticed you stopped wearing a ring in your videos? Single now? Up for a bromance? I know someone... (it's me, it's always been me).
Thanks very much!
And I guess enough time has passed that I can talk about this haha, yes, I went through a divorce last year. Loooooong story.
Love your work. Just wondering what you did before YouTube and how you got started? Thanks!
Thanks! I was working as a VFX artist on commercials, just started making the show for fun, and it happily got noticed right here on Reddit!
Hello Andrew. Love the channel. What would you say is the hardest thing to do for each show? Finding a good recipe? Keeping yourself from eating everything? Something else?
Thanks for the AMA.
Thanks! Depends entirely on the episode - some recipes are super challenging, some ingredients are super hard to source - and some are a fucking breeze haha
Hi, since you base your youtube channel on content from movies and tv-shows I assume that you have watched quite a few films during your lifetime. Therefore I would like to know what movie is your favorite of all time and why so? And thank you very much for inspiring me to cook food more often!
My two favorite films are 12 Angry Men and Crimes & Misdemeanors!
Really glad to hear that - keep it up!!
If you ran a restaurant what style or category of food would you focus on serving?
Definitely French, it's what I'm best at making, and what I love most!
What kind of exercises do you do to stay in shape? My girlfriends and I made the pasta aglio e olio, szechuan sauce, and GoT lemon cakes. We had quite the food hangover the next day.
Also thanks for signing your cookbook last week!
Haha regular jogging and pull-ups :)
Thanks for watching and trying the recipes for yourself!!
Love everything you’ve done. Wanna pick up the book even though I suck at cooking.
What can you say to motivate me to start cooking?
Also how was hanging out with Sean Evans?
And can we hang out when I’m in nyc?
I would start with some of those Blue Apron-type meals, they can teach you some skills and help grow your confidence at the same time!
Sean is the man and yeah dude hmu
What's your forearm routine? Also, do you only work-out on your forearms?
Post on /r/forearmporn for free karma.
Mostly pull-up stuff! And those dudes are huge haha, I can't hang
Andrew, love your show.
Describe what you think qualifies as a perfect taco?
Thanks!
Honestly a fried fish taco comes to mind - light, crispy beer batter, creamy slaw, spicy sauce, perfect chips...fuck I'm hungry
What bicycle set up do you use and what complete would you recommend for a college campus commuter?? Thanks Andrew love your videos!
I use a road bike because I like long-distance hauls - for a college campus commuter, especially if it's flat, some nice lil single-speed that you can hop on/hop off!
Hello from Australia!
Have you considered making videos for other Wes Anderson flicks like “Fantastic Mr. Fox”? Loved the Courtesan Au Chocolat!
I actually made the liver-stuffed donuts from Fantastic Mr. Fox as a patreon exclusive!
Hey Andrew
I've just started uni and have never really cooked before and just wondered what would you or did you cook as a student on limited budget time and motivation?
Love the show!!
Thanks!!
Red sauce all the way - garlic, finely minced onion, two 28oz cans of san marzano tomatoes, wooden spoon, sprig of basil - freeze, use for everything. Good luck at uni!
Would you consider recreating food from animes, eg Shokugeki no Soma? Though unrealistic, it provides tons of ingredient/cooking process knowledge.
Definitely want to try the ramen cook-off one!
hey Andrew! What would consider to be staples in the kitchen, as far as equipment and utensils go?
Chef's knife, big ol' cutting board, 12" cast iron pan, fast-read thermometer!
In terms of culinary, what were you doing before cooking on YouTube. And how did you get to get to your level of cooking skill today?
Nothing! And just lots and lots and lots of practice - anything I can do, you can do, I guarantee it
Hi, I've watched all your episodes ever since I first saw your szechuan sauce episode posted here on Reddit, love your work.
This is more a request than a question, but would you ever try to recreate cheesy blasters from 30 rock?
Thanks!
Oh that is totally happening soon.
Do you still have the miracle blade from 7 years ago?
Hah those like...dissolved after a year.
What made you want to start cooking? I often find myself in a rut and just want to default to boxed pasta or pizza when I know I could probably be making some killer meal pretty easily.
I feel you man - sometimes you gotta pull yourself up by your bootstraps and just do it. I was super-depressed this time two years ago and had almost given up cooking, but the first step was getting some help - then doing the things I love came back naturally!
Hey Andrew, love your videos and congratulations on releasing your book
Do you have any long term plan for the show? Or any projects you would like to work on but aren’t sure how to go about doing?
Thanks very much!!
I've got no fewer than 4 projects in the pipeline - a new show, a podcast, a travel show, and a longform show for streaming platforms!
It's an Oxo Good Grips bowl. They make em with handles and measuring lines inside, too. They're good bowls!
Correct!
Hey Babish, are there any plans to do episodes that aren't related to food in film and TV? I'm from upstate NY as well, so I'd love to see an episode about classic chicken wings or an episode about garbage plates, but I'm not sure either make any major TV or film appearances.
Absolutely - new series will revolve around kitchen instruction! And Garbage Plates were featured in The Place Beyond the Pines, so keep an eye out for that ;)
What would you recommend to a newer chef? I've been playing in my kitchen, but feel I lack in creativity and have been repeating the same recipe with slight variation. And is a kitchenaid mixer necessary for doughs?
A kitchenaid, like most kitchen tools, is a crutch in most cases. Learn the essentials (from my new show, and/or an incredibly helpful resource like America's Test Kitchen), get yourself a sharp knife and a big cutting board, and you'll find yourself growing more inventive in no time!
Hey Andrew big fan. just wanted to ask what convinced you to start your channel and at what point did you seriously start thinking it could be a full time thing?
Hey thanks! I first realized I might have something worth pursuing back in November when the Moistmaker episode first blew up - since then, I committed to making an episode every week, and was able to quit my job back in June!
Hey Andrew thanks for doing this I love your work,
I watch your videos every night before I go to sleep, and I do this for a few reasons: first your voice is so soothing it is almost therapeutic, secondly your beard gives me sweet dreams and I envision myself having one of similar quality someday, lastly your videos are so incredibly informative I learn more than I do everyday sitting in class.
But, I have two questions: Is there any backstory to the tattoos on your arms? and do you have any recommendations to a young "cook" who wishes to learn more about the science regarding cooking?
Hey thanks! You'll enjoy my new podcast, Bedtime With Babish, coming soon - I just read some nice short stories/poetry to help you get to sleep :)
Each one has a backstory! I've got the original Kodak logo, a lens focal length diagram, a chef knife/whisk, and others. I'd recommend learning the essentials with a powerful resource like America's Test Kitchen, outfitting yourself with some basic/quality tools (good chef's knife, cutting board, sauté pan, thermometer), and keep at it!!
Hi Andrew, I noticed you have what appears to be an IFGA tattoo on your forearm. As a former Photographer's Mate in the Navy, it caught my eye. What's the story behind the tattoo?
Hah which one? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the IFGA!
Right forearm. Sorry, should have mentioned that in the original post. Here is an image showing the IFGA application for aerial photography. The hatched area is the lens location with light travelling through the lens, which is what your tat reminded me of. IFGA stands for Image Size, Focal Distance, Object Size/Ground Coverage, Focal Distance
Anyway, I'd love to hear what the tattoo actually represents!
Oh wow - haha sorry I thought it stood for International Fish and Game Association :P it is indeed a focal length diagram! Just because I went to film school and am a filmmaker first, chef second.
What's the best hole in the wall restaurant you've been to?
The Golden Mall in Flushing - some of the most amazing dumplings and noodle soups you will ever wrap your mouth around.
Hey Babish, love the show!
So, with Eat What You Watch coming out today (very excited by the way), I've got a couple questions.
First what's the ratio of foods seen on the show to never-before-seen ones in the book? Also, did you enjoy developing the book and would you like to do a volume 2, or something more "traditional" when it comes to cookbooks?
Hey man thanks!
I would say a 50/50 split between foods featured on the show and entirely new ones - lots of the recipes are more 'tributes' to their respective films (eg, french toast sticks from Kramer vs. Kramer). Am definitely developing volume 2 (TV recipes) and volume 3 (video game recipes)! Hoping to do a more traditional cookbook down the line as well!
Last year sometime, you held an AMA and I asked you why your show was called "Binging with Babish". I had been reading it as "Chandler Bing-ing with Babish" minus the Chandler and you said that it was supposed to be Binging like binge watching with your last name. Now it comes out that your name is in fact not Oliver Babish, but instead Andrew Rea. My question is why all the deception? Also, what is your culinary background prior to internet fame?
Haha no deception intended - I never really expected the show to take off, so I named it kinda arbitrarily after my reddit handle, which is named after a character from the West Wing - now I'm stuck with it! I can assure you I never made the claim that this is my actual name, and you can see that I refer to my actual name in that last AMA.
Have you ever considered narration? I'm blind amd love listeniing to your voice I'd totally pay to hear you read audiobooks.
New podcast coming very soon, Bedtime with Babish, where I read short stories and poetry!
Loved the Breath of the Wild video. Are you considering any more video game foods?
Definitely - Portal Cake, Guild Wars stuff, Skyrim stuff!
On the video where you replicated szechuan sauce and had your friend taste it he said one tasted more like vinegar than the other. Which one was more vinegar-y the homemade sauce or the official mcdonalds sauce?
Mines was more vinegar-y - and I ain't mind
What's your scotch of choice?
Changes with the wind my friend. Right now I have a Macallan 15 on the bar, but once I polish that off, we'll be doing something smokier I'm sure - maybe an Oban?
Can you please do a movie/tv club!? Like a book club but where people can sign up and then we can do a weekly chat on the episode or movie ...
Ooo that's a fun idea...
Has your life changed in any significant way since your site took off? Any crazy surreal moments? Do you have an end goal in terms of where you want Binging with Babish to go?
Lots and lots of them - I'm represented by William Morris Endeavor, I just gave a presentation at Google HQ, and just had my first book signing. Life is fucking crazy surreal haha
And I'm hoping to build a brand of food entertainment to which I can start adding other talents! I want to assemble a team of the finest YouTube has to offer in food programming.
Would you ever consider doing a Miyazaki film episode? Also, as someone also trying to monetize a creative endeavour, what are the logistics of Patreon? (I am not very good with taxes and finances but would very much like to be able to pay my writers)
Absolutely!
And it's a little tricky - they pay you via w-9, so you're essentially a contractor - I'd recommend setting up your own LLC so you can better pay your writers.
Do you get recognized in person by your voice often?
Also, what are the chances you get Sean Evans to get Oliver Platt on hot ones and you guest host because that would be awesome?
Lol that'd be nuts
Yeah it's happening more and more nowadays - one guy said he recognized my 'disposition' - I was like woah
Are you going to do a book tour? If I make a trip out to NYC can we go get drinks? Will you be my best friend?
Trying to get one approved by a sponsor! Sure! Sure!
Outside of filming, and cooking what else do you do you take as a break?
I jog, I bike, I go out and eat, I get mega-stoned and watch Rick & Morty
Are there any dishes you've wanted to cook but they're still too daunting?
The answer to this question, for a while, was Courtesan Au Chocolat, but I managed to make that one! So I'm feeling pretty capable at the moment - that's gonna change very soon when I fuck something up hard.
What are some good guides/videos/books for someone that loves to cook, but wants to learn how to do it properly?
Three words: America's Test Kitchen!
Favorite type of cereal?
Love your videos, man. You deserve it!
CTC till I die
EDIT: and thank you!!
Are you single?
Yep!
Big fan of the show and you’ve even RT and replied to a few of my things on Twitter! swoon
My question: I know from previous episodes of BwB you have other tattoos, what are they?
Also, I just wanted to say that your show is one of the most original I’ve seen in a long time and really inspired me to start getting back into cooking again.
Hah well you must've said fun stuff then! You can see my tattoo-splanations here on my website. And that's really lovely to hear :D keep it up!!
Hey! I wonder if I am your only fan from Ireland! Anyway. 2 questions. 1. I know i contacted you before and you gratefully replied but could you please look to do a vegan dish in the future. 2. Non food related: How do you maintain that glorious beard? Thanks and love your show!
Hey! I've actually done a bunch of vegan episodes - Pasta Aglio e Olio springs to mind - and with regular trimming, shampooing, conditioning, brushing, and oiling ;)
Can you make meth from breaking bad? Please?
Sigh...okay
What would you say inspired your passion for cooking/ what is your most technically challenging but most rewarding dish to make?
Also do you watch chopped?
Well my mom taught me to cook when I was young - she died when I was 11, so cooking is a nice way to remember/feel closer to her.
Probably the Timpano - I made it on a weeknight when I was still working a fulltime job, and it damn near drove me crazy, but it was so satisfying to cut it up and see it work out perfectly. I can tell you that if it had blown up or leaked, I'd have given up cooking for many moons, probably never made the show again!
EDIT: And I haven't watched chopped in a while, I burned through the episodes on Netflix, and I'm a cable-cutter!
Ever had one of those meals where you are so genuinely surprised that you can’t help but smile? If so what was it?
Definitely - I did a tasting menu years ago when I was celebrating a promotion, and everything was amazing, but this little palate-cleanser of carrot gelato with hazelnuts and sherry just blew my mind, made me laugh out loud at how good it was.
Hey! I used to think your show was called, "bing-ing", and not "binge-ing" - I have no idea why, please forgive me.
Anyways, what is the strangest piece of fan mail you have ever received and could you please do a 100 Foot Journey episode? Edit: if you haven't replied yet, what are your hobbies outside of YouTubing now? Reading, Gaming, Watching other people cook?
Hah common issue with the name of my show :P
Lots of people calling me daddy, one guy asking me to eat him, one guy asking if he could come hang out at my apartment and genuinely upset when I thought he was joking.
Definitely gonna do a 100 Foot Journey episode, some tasty lookin vittles in thar.
I game a little bit, I watch other people cook a lot, I bike some, jog some, listen to podcasts, and clean up after the huge messes I make making the show.
Hey Andrew, first off wanted to say my girlfriend and I are big fans of the show and we try and cook as many of your dishes as possible. It’s one of our favorite things to do together as a couple and we particularly loved your carbonara from Master of None. What is your favorite pasta dish and will there be any more pasta recipes coming up on your show?
Aw that's sweet!
My favorite pasta dish has gotta be cacio e pepe - something so goddamn good about it despite how simple it is. Will definitely be more pasta dishes in the near future!
Could you maybe give us a preview/any details on this new show you are going to be doing? Would love to know more!
So Basics is gonna be very much the same form-factor as Binging, but with additional camera angles so you can better see what I'm doing. It's going to come out every other week - then every week following an episode's release, I'll be making the food from that episode in a livestream cook-along on Twitch, so you can make it with me! Gonna be other fun stuff like contests/giveaways too!
Thanks for doing an AMA!
What would you cook for a romantic dinner? What would the set up look like? I'm picturing something with a sexy cross-section in dim lighting.
Hah I just cooked a romantic dinner recently - made some homemade focaccia, topped with heirloom tomatoes, stracciatella, basil, dill, balsamic - then gnocchi with sage and fontina for the main course, then me for dessert.
Sorry.
Hey man, I love your videos, they make me want to learn how to cook and really hungry at the same time..
How long have you been cooking for? Has it always been something you've been interested in? Also why are you up so early, i can barely function in art class right now.
Thanks man! I've been cooking since high school but started taking it seriously about 4 years ago - by taking it seriously, I mean mastering the basics, so I have a foundation upon which to build other things!
if you consider doing video game foods again where would you start?(idk if I'm allowed to do a request with the question)
Portal, Guild Wars, Skyrim!
Have you ever tried Green Chef or any other service like it? Any preference or critique of them? Suggestions?
I've tried Blue Apron in the past, and it was pretty awesome - I also like meal planning apps so you can have a bit more freedom in choosing menus and learning to shop properly.
Do you have plans to do an episode of Basics where you make both tossed salad and scrambled eggs? (Please say yes.)
Hah definitely doing an episode of Binging that'll focus on Frasier - and I think that's a necessity.
Hey Andrew, I'm obsessed with your channel!
Is there anyway you could show us how to make chicken Kiev? No idea if there is a movie or a show that had it, however i need your help. I've already recreated few of your receipies and they worked wonders!
I am always gonna recommend America's Test Kitchen as the first place to look when trying to master a classic dish like that! Lemme know how it comes out!
And thank you!!
What dish is your ultimate goal to make, and how close are you to making it?
One day I aspire to make a vegetable taste as good as Dan Barber manages to. It's lofty, because he's essentially at the peak of that craft, but just like...one carrot that tastes as good as his. That's all I'm asking for god, come on.
Hey Andrew,
any plans on recreating some of the culinary cuisine from the show Hannibal?
Thanks for your content, I watch your vids on the weekly, they are fantastic!
Yep, this halloween! Thanks!!
When are we getting the Bedtime with Babish episode where you read us Go the Fuck to Sleep?
Soon as I get the rights to it haha
Hey! I noticed that you haven't been using the theme song (likely because it's Frasier). As somebody who wants to write jingles, would it be cool if I wrote an opening song for your show?
That's awful kind! I actually just got a new opening song though, so I'd hate to put you through the trouble for nothing! Thank you very much for the offer though.
Hey Babish! You're the owner of one of my favourite YouTube channels and the only one I have to send me notifications with each new upload.
Are there any food items you really wish you could create, but don't think you could live up to the expectations of it?
Also, did you think when uploading your first video of this type it would blow up into what you are today?
Thanks man!
Hmm I'm gonna have to think on that...I'm sure there's a bunch but none are springing to mind. And I had no, fucking, idea haha - hence the dumb name!
What is the dish that you want to cook the most but hesitate to do so? And why
HMMMMM probably anything from Eat Drink Man Woman or Jiro Dreams of Sushi - these are masters at the peak of their craft, and my even attempting to them seems pointless. But I still want to.
First it was Ratatat, now it's Broke for Free. What's your next artist you have planned to use as background music? (I need some new recommendations!!)
Hah well I switched to BFF because he lets me use his music! Probably going to stick with him for a while - but I can tell you that the theme song to Basics is going to be an amazing ditty called "Stay Tuned" by Wuh Oh.
Hey, love your show! Going to buy your book soon, but just gotta make sure it's somehow available in Denmark.
My question: Are there any movie/TV foods that you'd love to make, but it isn't possible/you've tried and failed?
Hey thanks man! Hmm well I've been saying Eat Drink Man Woman ITT, but I'm sure I'll try and tackle something from that movie one day. I guess Harry Potter foods, because most are not possible as a muggle.
is there any recipe you did on your show that you are still doing outside of it?
Definitely - pasta aglio e olio, NY style pizza, boeuf bourguignon, puerco pibil, carbonara - lots!
Hey, love the show. Is there anything you've tried to make for the show that went so wrong it got scrapped?
Yyyyyyep - my Frasier special - meal turned out beautifully, but we got too rowdy toward the end of the night, and the camera wasn't rolling for the final plate-ups.
What is your approach to plating a meal? Aside from always doing a juicy cross-section of course.
/r/culinaryplating has been a great resource for fancier plate-ups - other than that, just try and keep it simple, central, nice color contrast, keep all the elements visible, don't overdo it.
Hey Babish, on the popcorn episode you had this little metal plate on your induction stove. What is that called?
Love the show! Hope you still enjoy it as much as I do!
That's an induction interface disc! You can get 'em at BB&B
What's the most you've ever spent on the ingredients for a recipe? A lot of the things you make look goddamn expensive.
Probably the Game of Thrones episode - between equipment and exotic ingredients, probably ran me $500
Your show made me want to start cooking again. Unfortunately, as a guy who just started a family, I have very little time to get creative in the kitchen. Do you have any suggestions on what to make when I'm short on time?
Hey man that's great to hear!! Definitely recommend roasting whole chickens, pasta alla norcina, roast pork tenderloin - and things that can be made in big ol' batches like lasagna, red sauce, beef stew, soup! Good luck, keep it up, and congratulations!!
Automoderator won't let me post a compliment unless it's posed as a question so here is my attempt.
Did you know you're my fav bearded man out there?
Hah I did not, and I appreciate your rephrasing it into a question.
Are you ever going to do a cross-over episode with /u/J_Kenji_Lopez-Alt? I've heard the several shout-outs for him in your episodes so this is a thing that should happen. Love the Channel by the way and am really looking forward to your new channel too!!
Him and I are talking, next time his ass is in NYC he better swing by Harlem! He promised me karaoke too...
Would you consider revisiting hangover cures? The one from the Starsky and Hutch movie comes to mind. It has Pepto-Bismol, Aunt Jemima mix, Tang, a little flat tab, and a raw egg. Try making that palatable.
Hah I tried the hangover cure from HIMYM - did not work, was gross.
Hey Andrew, what do you usually snack on while watching movies/shows?
Since my popcorn episode...popcorn. Both because I am now overstocked with it and because it's delicious.
Other than that, breakfast cereal or pomegranate seeds.
I'm definitely buying your book man! I love some of the simple stuff like the smash burgers (cook those things too damn often!). My question is, where's a good place to get budget cast iron that's still good?
It seems like it can go from super cheap to really expensive quick!
Hey man thanks! Go with Lodge Logic or try and find some ancient one at a garage sale and re-season it (old ones are better - new cast iron usually has a pebbly bottom from a different manufacturing process). If you can't find that, Lodge Logic shouldn't run you more than $30 and it's kinda the gold standard!
I know you're not doing your AMA any more, but figure you're on reddit enough you might see this:
I pre-ordered from Amazon back in August and just got a notice from them asking for update approval to ship at a later date because they're all sold out! Not mad at all, just think it's crazy! Congratulations on the success of the book!
To make this a valid question that doesn't get deleted, can you believe how well this book has sold already?
Hah I can believe how understocked Amazon was :( I'm very sorry man I'm hearing a lot of this, from months-old preorders...all I can say is that my publisher is scrambling to get 10K more copies to Amazon post haste. I'm very sorry this was mishandled and I'm sure they're going to get you your copy asap!!
Hey, what's your favorite Rochester restaurant? Since you're from the area, I just moved there a year ago.
Wish I could tell you man, I've gone back so infrequently since moving away, I'm sure there's a bunch of amazing restaurants that have opened in the past few years that I'm fully unaware of :( bout the best I can do is say that my favorite garbage plate is at Henrietta Hots!
What is your favorite position?
The magic bullet
