If you know about Steamed Hams, you know Bill Oakley’s work. As co-showrunner for The Simpsons during its salad days (seasons 7 and 8), this bit from one of the most iconic episodes has become a meme but also part of Oakley’s identity – he founded the Steamed Hams Society to celebrate culinary curiosities, collaborated with Level Beer for Steamed Hams Lager, and created the Steamie Awards to humorously honor the best and worst in food each year. Now the Emmy-winning writer meets with iconic pitmaster Aaron Franklin to share culinary commentary and amusing anecdotes about American regional dishes as Franklin puts his smoky stamp on them. Over seven courses and a slideshow, lucky guests will learn about and taste some of America’s most unusual foods, and who knows? Maybe the aurora borealis will even make an appearance. – Kat McNevins
