Alton Brown plans future after “Good Eats”

During a break from editing the final episode of “Good Eats” at his secret headquarters in Atlanta, Food Network star Alton Brown called to talk about his upcoming plans, including a sold-out lecture Friday at Theatre Cedar Rapids.

Brown decided to end his 13-year-run of “Good Eats,” which combines “Julia Child, Monty Python and Mr. Wizard,” while it was still popular.

“I'm not willing to let this go downhill just because I want to take time to do other things,” he says.

He admits the show isn't typical.

“We look at each and every show as a clean slate,” he says. “Unlike most cooking shows, it's 100 percent scripted.”

The final one-hour episode will feature dark chocolate.

“Who doesn't like chocolate,” he says.

He doesn't know when the episode – which he says may be the best one ever – will air on Food Network.

“It's up to them,” he says. “I kind of like them dangling out there.”

On Friday, he plans to fly his own private airplane to the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids for the lecture which benefits the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

He is no stranger to Iowa, as he used to direct commercials of agriculture products throughout the state.

“I used to know Coon Rapids like the back of my hand,” he says. “I am intimately familiar with Iowa.”

He doesn't know yet what he will talk about on Friday night.

“That's in flux,” he says. “I have a couple of lectures that are constantly changing that never quite settle down.”

The Power Point presentation he runs through his iPad will depend on the crowd.

“Iowans are smart, some of your better educated Americans,” he says. “You can sometimes go with a brainier angle.”

One thing he knows for sure is that there will not be a cooking demonstration due to the venue's regulations. There will, however, be a question and answer session, including taking e-mails from the audience.

He will sign books after the show which will be available for purchase. Audience members are also welcome to bring items for him to sign.

His third “Good Eats” book will be available Sept. 27. He may also have a fourth “Good Eats” book in the making to bring closure to the series.

With his busy schedule, he made the Cedar Rapids date work primarily because it benefits the Cedar Rapids Public Library, which is being rebuilt after the Flood of 2008.

“I love libraries and I like books,” he says. “I wanted to be involved in some way in helping you rebuild.”

Alton said he is also bringing some books from his food library to donate to the new Cedar Rapids library.

Brown just signed a two and a half year contract with Food Network on which he will continue to host “Iron Chef America.” There are also new projects in the works for next year that he is “not at liberty to discuss.”

During his brief stay in Iowa, he hopes to have a pork chop or tenderloin sandwich.

But what he really wants is a piece of strawberry rhubarb pie.

“If they love me, they will bring pie,” he says.

Click here to listen to the full interview with Alton.