The fifth season of The Next Food Network Star is now four episodes deep, and I'm wondering how much you've been tuning in to watch it. After four seasons, does the show still feel compelling and fresh?
A week ago, I introduced you to this season's contestants on The Next Food Network Star, and last night we saw the 10 competitors in action for the first time. They'd barely settled into their new digs before facing their first challenge: to cater the network's sweet 16 party for more than 75 guests, including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and stars like Giada De Laurentiis and Alton Brown.
Although all 10 cast members appeared to bond right away, I wasn't experiencing the same connection to them on the small screen. Hopefully, I'll soon be convinced otherwise. Find out my thoughts on the show — and share yours! — when you read more
Clear your Sunday night schedules, because season five of The Next Food Network Star kicks off June 7! The last competition — which produced both Aaron McCargo and Adam Gertler — proved to be a major success, and this crop of contestants looks to be every bit as talented. Read on to find out who they are.
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During the last season of the Next Food Network Star, many of you thought perky blond Kelsey Nixon had serious star potential and were shocked when she got kicked off the show. But the spunky home chef assured readers she wouldn't be going anywhere when she announced she was getting her own show with Top Chef's Spike Mendelsohn on Food Network spinoff site Food2.
The enthusiastic contestant kept her word. Today, Kelsey & Spike Cook debuted on Food2's website with two episodes: one demo of easy-to-make steak and another featuring breakfast items. Unlike Food Network's other new show, 5 Ingredient Fix, I feel an instant connection with the duo — especially since we've gotten to know them on reality shows past.
They have a fun, lighthearted chemistry that holds my attention. Watch the video below and tell me what you think. Do you like the duo's dynamic? What do you think of the Food2 beta website and its other new shows?
Belong to the camp that loves watching the Food Network? You'll be happy to know that it's not only bringing back some of its popular shows for more seasons, but it'll also be adding some surprising new developments into the mix.
The Next Food Network Star is back for a fifth season in June — and a sixth is already planned for 2010. Once Top Chef Masters is over, you can tune into season two of The Next Iron Chef, which returns in October. Wondering what happened to season one contestants Chris Cosentino and Aaron Sanchez? Well, they'll be featured in a new program called Chef vs. City.
In the show, which debuts this July, the duo will be "pitted against two local foodies in a winner-takes-all race through a different city each week."
Intrigue is only one word we have for a new cooking show airing in August, starring none other than — you'll never guess — Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano. In the daytime show — tentatively and humorously titled What Would Brian Boitano Make?, the ice skater will demonstrate how he entertains for friends.
Also coming this year is Sandra Lee's budget-friendly cooking show Sandra's Money Saving Meals and Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin, which sounds like Food Network's answer to Bizarre Foods. In 2010's lineup, Rescue Chef Danny Boome will host a new series that shows diners how to prepare healthier, cheaper versions of their favorite take-out dishes; Alton Brown will host a miniseries on foods that have changed the world; and Anne Burrell tackles a team of hopeless home cooks in Worst Cooks in America.
I can't wait to check out Boitano's show, for the shock factor. I'll also tune into watch Chris Cosentino and Aaron Sanchez, some of my favorites from Next Iron Chef. What shows are you looking forward to watching?
What would the food industry be without reality TV food competitions? 2008 was filled with interesting characters, odd-ball personalities, and plenty of heat in the kitchen. We covered the three main shows: Top Chef, Next Food Network Star, and Hell's Kitchen. While we love Stefan and Fabio from Top Chef 5, we thought to be fair, the poll should include only contestants from completed seasons. So as part of our ongoing Best of 2008 coverage, tell us: which cheftestant is your fav?
Kelsey Nixon, the perky blonde contestant on the fourth season of the Next Food Network Star, is getting her own show. In the November issue of Utah Valley magazine, she discusses her new role at Food Network:
I've been approached by so many production companies, but I think Food Network is the route I should go. I'm working on a project with them right now — a web show about teaching cooking basics. . . My co-host on the show is Spike Mendelsohn from Top Chef and we have a great time. I'm the one to do the 'by-the-book' classic methods, and he uses crazy ingredients from all over the world.
The show will be a part of F2 a new website the Food Network is launching in early 09. According to Kelsey they plan to shoot 65 episodes and have wrapped filming on the first 13. This is an interesting move for Food Network and I definitely look forward to checking out the chemistry between bubbly Kelsey and spastic Spike. What do you think of the unlikely duo?
An overwhelming majority of you felt Lisa Garza should get her own show on the Food Network, yet she was the only finalist on last season's Next Food Network Star to walk away without a deal.
Now the food and media world is abuzz with rumors that the Dallas restaurateur scored herself a new show on CBS. When asked about the rumors, Garza reportedly stayed mum, saying she "can't afford to screw it up" by saying anything to the media just yet.
If this rumor turns out to be fact, I'm curious to know what type of format the show will use. Would you watch this chef on her own show, even if it weren't on the Food Network? Stay tuned for further details.
The Food Network has announced that the Next Food Network Star runner-up, Adam Gertler, will have his own series. The show will feature Adam demonstrating how food-industry insiders perform their jobs. Entitled "Will Work For Food," the series is scheduled to debut on Sept. 30 at 9:30 p.m. Bob Tushman, a judge on NFNS and senior vice president of Programing and Production for the Food Network explained why Gertler gets his own show:
On the Next Food Network Star Adam exhibited a unique combination of quick wit, passion for food, and an engaging personality. He earned millions of fans across the country who have let us know that we have a second star in our midst. We feel this series is a perfect fit for his talents, letting him showcase his brand of humor while he works for food.
I preferred Adam to the winner Aaron McCargo Jr. and am excited Adam was rewarded a show. How about you? Will you watch Adam on the Food Network?
