Contact: 
Leah Seupersad, 404-413-1354
University Relations  

ATLANTA—Alton Brown, a chef and Food Network star, will speak at Georgia State University at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 in the Student Center Ballroom.

In his lecture, "Where the Heck Am I and How Did I Get Here?,” Brown will discuss the new popularity of food and lifestyle shows, how he got his start, and how he creates “Good Eats,” an offbeat Food Network show that blends history with pop culture and science with common cooking sense. Alton acts as writer, producer, and star of the show, which first premiered in 1999.

Brown is also a commentator on “Iron Chef America,” on the Food Network. He regularly appears as the resident food historian and scientist, who is usually heard throughout the episode explaining what the competing chefs are doing and identifying cooking techniques.

Although Brown's flair in the kitchen developed early with guidance from his mother and grandmother, he spent a decade working as a cinematographer and video director. After realizing that he spent all his time between shoots watching cooking shows, which he found to be dull and uninformative, Brown left the film business and moved to Vermont to train at the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vt.

Alton has also written a variety of books, including “Feasting on Asphalt”, “Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen” and “I'm Just Here for More Food.” His first book, “I'm Just Here for the Food” won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Cookbook in the Reference category.

Brown’s speech is part of GSU’s Distinguished Speakers Series, hosted by Campus Events in the Division of Student Affairs. The next speaker in the series is F.W. de Klerk, former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He will speak at 3 p.m., Feb. 17 in the Student Center Ballroom.

The Distinguished Speakers Series events are free, open to the public and no ticket is required.

Published Feb. 7, 2011