The Next Food Network Star Is…
Well it was a day of errands. I got home from the market at around 10:30. The Next Food Network Star Finale is on. For the first time in Food Network history, there are THREE final contestants. Lisa Garza, Adam Gertler and Aaron McCargo, Jr.
First up, Lisa Garza and her show, “Beautiful Basics”. Her premise? Taking basic ingredients and turning them into elegant meals for any day of the week. In her “pilot” she made Black Cod with a Sabayon Sauce over Crispy Leeks.
Second, we have Adam Gertler and his show, “Hungry in Philadelphia”. His show is kinda interactive. A viewer from the internet is “cammed” in while he answers the user’s cooking dilemma. Today’s dilemma is roasted chicken. He brings Fauxbecue (barbecue without the grill) with a beercan roast chicken with a paprika-based rub.
Finale, we come to Aaron McCargo, Jr and his show “Big Daddy’s Kitchen”. Big bold flavors to all his food is the basis of his show. Today’s pilot features a Jerk spice. He is making a Jerk Steak with Plantains.
All three shows were interesting. I have to say that Lisa’s was very prepared and kinda stiff. I absolutely love Adam’s show. He was real and he was informative. Going back to Lisa, I think she is just trying to hard and I think people will be turned off by her presence. Adam is just doing it as he sees it. He explains what he is doing without being patronizing to the viewer. Very important. I have to say that I was kinda impressed with Aaron’s pilot. He has been kinda a yawner for me all season and I kept questioning why he made it week after week, but he has grown on me.
But who would “I” choose if it were up to me and not Bob Tushmann or Suzie Fogelson? I would choose “Hungry in Philadelphia”. I’m a big nerd and integrating the webcam/interactive part into the show is great! But, it’s not up to me. It’s up to Bob and Suzie, VPs of Programming for the Food Network.
This season’s winner of The Next Food Network Star is announced by Brooke Johnson, the President of the Food Network. The winner is: AARON McCARGO, JR.
I’m a bit surprised, but he really pulled it out for the finale. It’s been an incredibile season. Aaron’s new show “Big Daddy’s Kitchen” premieres on the Food Network in ONE WEEK!
Stay Tuned!
