Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an event put on by the Smithsonian Associates — a lecture by Food Network star Alton Brown.

I’m a big fan of Alton’s, and his show Good Eats. He’s successfully combined two of my favorite things — geekdom and cooking. And judging by the sold-out audience, I’m not the only one who TiVOs every episode.

Brown is on tour to pimp his new show, Feasting on Asphalt, wherein Brown and a cabal of friends make their way from South Carolina to Las Vegas on motorcycles in search of American road food. (The show premieres this Saturday at 9p EDT on Food Network. Set your TiVO now.) And judging by the clips he showed us last night, the new show is a must-watch.

But enough about that. Let’s talk about Alton. I’ve seen him before — a brief talk before a book signing at the Borders near my house. But last night, he was in top form. My friend Jeff Harrell — who has a much better memory than me and is a much better writer — has all of the details.

Suffice it to say that Alton was hilarious. Every minute. At one point during his chat, Alton turned to the audience and asked, “Is there anyone here from Indiana?” A few people applauded. “Is there anyone here from Evansville?” A gentleman one row behind us began wildly clapping and waving his arms. From the stage, Brown located the man, and turning with a semi-sneer, asked the man, “What is it with you people and brain sandwiches?” After a brief discussion, the man let it be known that while he didn’t particularly like brain sandwiches, they had been served to him in his elementary school cafeteria. Seized with a fit laughter, Brown managed to stutter, “Oh. I have to use that on my daughter. No more bitching about fish sticks.” The audience was rolling.

All in all, it was a great night and great event. And there’s no way I’m going to miss the new show.

And there’s no way you should miss Jeff’s account of the evening. It’s here.