Access to this video is a benefit for members through PBS Passport.
Up Next
Back to Show
Watch Preview
A Chef's Life
Persimmon Style
Season 5
Episode 7
On a short hiatus from the book tour, Vivian takes the twins to pick persimmons off Mrs. Betty’s tree and learns about the different varieties of the fruit. She then takes that knowledge to Atlanta where an event called “Hired Guns” pits chefs and their dishes against each other. Back in Kinston, Vivian gets a pudding lesson from chef Bill Smith of Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill.
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
As Vivian waits for Spring’s vegetables to appear, the new best-seller is a whole chicken.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Vivian finds “run-up” turnip greens, which are central to her approach to southern food.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Fun Summer vegetables are long gone, so Vivian looks to liven up the unglamorous turnip.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
November has arrived and the restaurant is busy. Vivian feels the stress at work and home.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Vivian presents a few of the many ways fish makes its appearance in Southern cooking.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Vivian returns from her road trip and confronts her long absence from the restaurant.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Vivian almost reaches her breaking point, but everyone pulls together for the big event.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Vivian undertakes mammoth preparations for her huge Souther Foodways Alliance luncheon.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Vivian and Ben face challenges on the cusp of opening a new restaurant, the Boiler Room.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
A family beach trip turns competitive for Vivian and her sisters.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
A year after overcoming a devastating fire, Vivian and Ben go all-in on a 2nd restaurant.
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:40
Vivian visits Broad Slab Distillery, and talks about the art and soul of white lightning.