I just saw that James Barber died this past week. I didn't know him personally, but my did I ever spend a lot of time him. James, or the Urban Peasant as I knew him, was an early inspiration to me. He demythologized food and cooking and gave me permission to try things. His somewhat chaotic approach to cooking, constant interruptions on the phone to tell him that the pot was going to boil over, odd in-fridge camera shots, on-set crutches, and unique approach to food will always stay with me. I'll miss you, James. Thank you for teaching me to enjoy food, simple food.