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A Chef's Life
Shake, Rattle and Pole (Beans)
Season 5
Episode 2
With Summer heat high and rain levels low, Vivian struggles to scrounge up enough green beans to add to the menu at Chef & the Farmer. Her kitchen capers continue as she stumbles to find her rhythm with a new chef firmly in place. Mrs. Tessie Mae offers levity by giving Vivian a golf cart tour of her garden, an intro to pickled pork, and a lesson in snapping pole beans.
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24:40
As Vivian waits for Spring’s vegetables to appear, the new best-seller is a whole chicken.

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24:40
Vivian finds “run-up” turnip greens, which are central to her approach to southern food.

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24:40
Fun Summer vegetables are long gone, so Vivian looks to liven up the unglamorous turnip.

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24:40
November has arrived and the restaurant is busy. Vivian feels the stress at work and home.

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24:40
Vivian presents a few of the many ways fish makes its appearance in Southern cooking.

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24:40
Vivian returns from her road trip and confronts her long absence from the restaurant.

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24:40
Vivian almost reaches her breaking point, but everyone pulls together for the big event.

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24:40
Vivian undertakes mammoth preparations for her huge Souther Foodways Alliance luncheon.

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24:40
Vivian and Ben face challenges on the cusp of opening a new restaurant, the Boiler Room.

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24:40
A family beach trip turns competitive for Vivian and her sisters.

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24:40
A year after overcoming a devastating fire, Vivian and Ben go all-in on a 2nd restaurant.

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24:40
Vivian visits Broad Slab Distillery, and talks about the art and soul of white lightning.