Where is Alton Brown?

Flipping through the latest edition of the Food Network magazine I notice, for the second issue in a row, an Alton Brown drought. It makes me wonder what the marketing and programming execs think of his show. It's informative, entertaining, and above all it's about actual cooking. Being that Good Eats is the only real cooking show left on prime time Food Network; it appears that FN is headed down the road of mindless entertainment that History Channel and others have fallen to. If history is now about loggers and fishermen, then obviously all foodies want is reality shows about cake.

So, the magazine. No Alton, no Giada, but there is Sandra and and even Jamie Oliver talking about making lunches for his strangely named children. And of course Bobby Flay is all over. How did he become the poster child for FN? Really, can't somebody else rehash the same southwest dishes over and over now? There's also plenty from all of the newer stars. Is the FN magazine just an advertising campaign for the next generation of foodie fodder?

Where's Alton? There's plenty in this issue he could have contributed. Ellie Krieger is making granola bars, there's an article on punch, a question about if any chefs tape shows at home, Ted Allen answering food science questions (including broiling with the door ajar), etc. All classic Good Eats and Alton Brown themes. I like to think Alton is just too damn busy with all of his other projects to contribute. Yeah, that makes me feel better. OK, I've rambled enough and have to get back to painting the living room now.