Jeff Bradley, who represents Hilton Head Island in the state legislature, loves preparing and enjoying delicious meals and desserts.
Bradley’s passion for preparing food began as a youth in Alabama, when he learned that cooking and sharing meals was often an ideal time for bonding with old and new friends.
Now, five decades later, Bradley has become a key participant in an engaging new South Carolina ETV pilot show, Food for Thought, which will premiere in 2025 and portray how unlikely friendships can be forged across political party lines.
The show’s director, Keith Bogart, said, “Food for Thought is more than just a TV food show. It’s a profound heartwarming ‘buddy show’ focused around the love of cooking by these two South Carolina legislators who come from very different backgrounds.”
In episode one, Jeff Bradley and JA Moore embark on a culinary adventure around the city of Charleston.
The unlikely friendship is between Bradley, a seasoned, life-long Republican who has served in the state house for four terms, and JA Moore, a youthful Democrat and professional chef who represents North Charleston and parts of Goose Creek in Berkeley County. They serve together on the House Committee for Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Cyber Crimes, of which Bradley is chairman.
According to SCETV, the new show’s format will follow the duo as they visit locations across the state exploring unique and interesting food growers, sellers, and food festivals. With a light-hearted “buddy show” vibe, the two use their platform to engage in political dialogue, cook delicious meals, and invite guests to join in on spirited debates – all while enjoying the rich flavors of South Carolina cuisine.
In episode one, Bradley and Moore embark on a culinary adventure around the city of Charleston, searching for intriguing ingredients to prepare for a dinner party for their friends. As they move from one locale to another selecting ingredients from popular establishments, they exchange ideas about the evening’s menu. Then, once the shopping is complete, they return to the kitchen to prepare an elaborate meal.
Bradley’s passion for preparing food began as a youth in Alabama, when he learned that cooking and sharing meals was often an ideal time for bonding with old and new friends.
Moore, who has a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University, led the way in the kitchen. Bradley remembers most the remarkable fragrance of the kitchen as Moore prepared the main dish he called “Ollie Blend,” named after a favorite aunt. “I realized it was a tangible connection to JA’s family history,” said Bradley, noting that the “amazing meal” also included greens, kale, fish, lobster, shrimp, red rice, and peach cobbler.
The dinner party serves as the perfect setting for Bradley and Moore to introduce a political topic and engage their guests in a lively discussion. A surprise visit from a political friend adds an unexpected twist to the first episode’s evening and we learn more about a tragic event that profoundly shaped Moore’s life leading to the dinner’s central topic – gun control.
The show beautifully illustrates that a genuine bond has begun to form as the two men blend the ingredients and exchange memories over simmering pots. It also demonstrates good food is not just about sustenance but can also break down barriers and forge unlikely but enduring friendships.
