Paula Dean and Michael Chiarello

As part of my self assigned food homework, I’ve been watching a lot of Food Network - probably more than a college graduate should be watching. I’ve salivated over Paula Dean’s butter infusions (most of which should not be consumed more than ONCE in a lifetime) and Bobby Flay’s grilling masterpieces. I’ve even begun to appreciate some Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals (I still can’t get through one of her daytime shows on ABC), as well as newcomers like the Neeleys- also in small doses. The verdict is still out on the new “Ask Aida”, and don’t get me started on Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee and her TJ Maxx/Stein Mart themed monstrosities she calls sets. But, where are the young people? Is the food loving public (and you tell me) only interested in the seasoned experts? Is the Food Network even looking at young people and not finding “the one”?

I would venture to say my younger brother who is in college, and also loves food would enjoy seeing someone closer to his age running their own gig and would not require them to have owned a NYC restaurant or attended Le Cordon Bleu. My husband and I are on a journey to eat what we see the chefs eat, dine where they say to dine, and entertain the way they do, yet on a much smaller budget and scale, and of course add our own flair. It’d be nice to see someone about 2-3 years ahead, rather than a decade plus, doing things 25 year olds do - not wealthy businessmen, soccer moms, or Napa Valley rock stars (I’m talking about you Michael Chiarello). Don’t get me wrong, you gotta be good at what you do: know your kitchen and your food. You have to if you’re going to roll with the foodie giant that is becoming the Food Network. I bet there are some solid 26-28 year old foodies out there, working in an office, cooking on the weekends, with lots to share. With the right personality - I’d probably tune in to a young newcomer and tune out to Cooking for Real with Sonny. Please hurry Food Network!

Tags: Food Network