By Pink Sherbert

April 24, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

ALTON all the way! Rachel Ray and Giada DeLaurentis are so friggin irritating. Paula Deen has so much butter, mayo and fat in her recipes….my family would weigh 500lbs each if i cooked by her standards. Martha Stewart is too time consuming….yes, ALTON BROWN is the man!

By Belinda

April 24, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

I kind of like a few of the shows. The Down Home with the Neelys are fun to watch. G. Garvin is pretty good, mainly because he is so hot.

By Ee Vee Oh Oh

April 24, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

From a guy’s point of view: Rachel Ray rocks! Giada’s smile is intoxicating. And - Kylie Kwong is so seductive and sexy. I’ve cooked selected recipes from all their shows and enjoyed them all, too. Alton’s interesting - he teaches you how to use the basics and extend them to your own unique recipes. Paula Deen seems friendly - but reminds me of an aunt who always kisses your cheek and leaves lipstick marks behind.

By Anne

April 24, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I’m a food network junkie and will have it on all day when I’m putzing around the house. I love Jamie Oliver’s new show, watch Giada, Ina Garten and Alton Brown. I used to love Molto Mario. I also watch some of the shows on PBS….Lydia, Rick Bayless and will always tune in to Julia Childs. Of course, I still throw in a little Paula Deen. I used to watch Rachel, but she’s gone the way of Emeril and Paula…over-hyped and over-exposed. I’ve never been able to stomach Martha Stewart. I’m so glad that you feel the way you do about Gordon Ramsey, if I worked for him, he’d have a skillet upside his head in no time.

By bbb

April 24, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

I am cheering for R.Blais to do well on Top Chef as it always helps to have an Atlanta chef do well. The bookie now turned celebrity line cook R Ray is not only not enjoyable to watch but makes me cringe.Everyone else is pretty entertaining except for the new Iron Chef they picked and the guy who does Diner Drive Ins- he sponsors TGIF’S! Does anyone else have a problem with that? I would liken it to Michaelangelo endorsing an Panama City airbush T-shirt company. I am not calling that guy the Michaelangelo of culinary arts though. Bon Chance!

By Zee

April 24, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Rachel Ray and Sandra Lee are the best.

By One

April 24, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’m a Food Network junkie. Ace of Cakes is great, Meredith, you should check it out (maybe I’m a little biased because my 15 yr old started a cake baking business about 3 yrs ago and is doing GREAT!!). And yes, G. Garvin is HOT, HOT, HOT!!!! I’d like to light his flame any day!! lol Alton’s cool too……love the “scientific” spin!

By Mrs. C

April 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Like Anne I too am a food network junkie.Paula Deen is the absolute best….Then there’s Ace of Cakes with Duff and the crew… Down home with The Neeleys and you can’t leave out those semi-homemade receipes with Sandra. And I have to agree with Belinda G. Garvin is HOT!!!

By Mrs. C

April 24, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Like Anne I too am a food network junkie.Paula Deen is the absolute best….Then there’s Ace of Cakes with Duff and the crew… Down home with The Neeleys and you can’t leave out those semi-homemade receipes with Sandra. And I have to agree with Belinda G. Garvin is HOT!!!

By Sara Anne

April 24, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

I have learned so much from Alton Brown, my all-time favorite. I was sorry to hear that Robert Irvine’s stupidity cost him Dinner: Impossible because I liked him as well.

By reservoirDAWG

April 24, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I enjoy Guy’s Big Bite, the Neely’s(because of the BBQ) and Good Eats, but can’t stand Rachael Ray(tard)or Giada or Paula.

By Rodney

April 24, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Love Alton - but as for the casual Food Network viewing, I’m not that much into it anymore. I love Good Eats, probably because I can learn things I don’t already know. Most of the other shows are geared now toward the casual cook, not someone who REALLY enjoys being in the kitchen (in my opinion).

As for my favorite TV Food show, I’d have to vote America’s Test Kitchen on PBS, followed by This is Atlanta Cooking. Saturday mornings just wouldn’t be the same without these two! I watch ATK to learn, and TIAC to stargaze. :)

TO BBB I’m a Blais fan (Blais-er?) from way back and each week it seems he pulls something new out and just rocks it. He’s had a few low points but, if you watch and listen carefully to the other contestants, they all make these snide little jabs at him which to me makes them all seem a bit jealous!

GO BLAIS!

MERIDITH Honey, I’m right there with you re: Gordon Ramsey. There is no reason anyone should act like that, short of a Jerry Springer show. Which is kind of how I look at his show - Springer, in the kitchen.

By spence

April 24, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives is the best new show on TV! Alton Brown’s “Feasting on Asphalt” and the Deen brothers “Road Tasted” are very good, too. Why? Because they all feature REAL food - the stuff we all eat every day.

By Nurselady

April 24, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Oh dear Alton, my love. You are the one man I would leave my hubby for. Well not for good, just for a good meal and a good romp. Also I am really diggin’ the Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives guy. I’d like him to take a “big bite” out of my neck :) Sorry nurselady is feeling very raunchy this morning.

By Bart

April 24, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Alton taught me the proper way to cook a steak, I am eternally grateful. I love his shows but he shure don’t sound like no Atlanta boy. Wheres your accent. Giada and Sandra rock, Rachel needs to shut up, Paula has a great voice and reminds me of my mom. Don’t watch any of the guys other than Alton and Guy.

By JJ

April 24, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I love Sandra Lee and Rachael Ray. Paula is great also. There is an opinion that she uses ya’ll too much. But then again I always say see ya’ll later on. Haha!!!

By Stacey

April 24, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

bbb…TGI Friday’s sponsored a contest on Food Network where home cooks won a chance to have their recipes featured at Friday’s restaurants. Since Guy and Marc Summers hosted the show, it makes sense that he’s a pitchman for the chain.

I love Guy - Guy’s Big Bite & Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. I love Paula’s Home Cooking but hate Paula’s Party. I love Tyler’s Ultimate, Down Home With the Neely’s & Cooking For Real. I like Duff but I don’t particularly like Ace of Cakes. Throwdown is currently my favorite FN show. I like Alton Brown.

I used to like Rachel Ray but I’m sick of her. Giada and Sandra Lee both come off as extremely phony so I can’t stand to watch either of them. I used to love the competition shows but they’ve become too numerous so I’ve grown bored with them. Plus I hate one of the cake contest judges (the one with the black hair w/ Princess Laya style) and I always want her to trip and fall on to the winning cake. :-(

By BossLady

April 24, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Rachel Ray, as I only want to stay in the kitchen for 30 minutes and that’s the MAIN reason. Paula cooks the food I like but it is too fattening. Guy is the man and I fix his recipes for my husband and son.

By DJ

April 24, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I am obsessed with Food Network. I really like “Throwdown With Bobby Flay” right now. It highlights great local cooks and actually has a plot. I really like Barefoot Contessa, too - simple, fresh ideas make it great. I have to admit that I like Giada and Paula, too - even if they are overexposed.

By Betty Crocker

April 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Alton is the man!!! He is very cool - Rachel is getting annoying - Iron Chef is fun!

Is it me or do you feel like you are watching porn when you watch that Giada chick? They can’t seem to have enough boob shots of her….

By reservoirDAWG

April 24, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Ilespecially like Throwdown when that snot Bobby Flay loses.

By Paulaisgross

April 24, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Paula Dean is so gross. I hate seeing her kiss everyone on the mouth. I hate seeing her sexual close-ups after she takes a bite. It’s like she’s having a big O or something. Bobby Flay is a jacka$$. He thinks he’s a bada$$. He reminds me of the guy that was a nobody in school and now that he has some money or fame, he shows off. Guy from diners and dives is more like it. Just an average guy that likes to snack it up.

By Lisa

April 24, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Alton’s shows are pretty much the only thing I watch on Food Network anymore.

He is so funny and entertaining. I have learned so much from him. :)

And from this gals point-of-view, he’s so cute too! :D

By Becky

April 24, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

The last Food Network recipe I tried was from “The Barefoot Contessa” and it was delicious!! I like “Paula’s Home Cooking” but am sick of her cackling on her “party”. I like Bobby Flay and Michael Chiarello(sp?) but am sick of Rachael Ray and Giada’s boobs. However, I do enjoy Food Network as a whole - am glad we have it.

By amy

April 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

On the Travel Channel: Anthony Bourdain’s Show, and Also the show “How Bizarre” with Andrew Zimmern. It’s the best of both worlds-travel and food. Both hosts used to be chefs so they are highly qualified on the commentary aspect of the show. But for those of you who’ve not seen it—they travel the world and taste foreign cuisine and show you different cultures and what the customs are behind preparation and actually the reason for eating these foods. Anthony Bourdain’s show features regular foods, while Andrew Zimmern’s show features “bizarre” foods (not for you if you get grossed out by insects and weird creatures) They are both way more interesting than any Cooking Show on the Food Network.

By reservoirDAWG

April 24, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

I stopped watching bizarre foods because of Zimmern’s smacking. It is annoying as Giada’s fake orgasm behavior when eating something she likes.

By Amy

April 24, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

ACE OF CAKES! It’s art that you can eat. I can’t believe how realistic their cakes are. Definitely worth the time.

By Amy

April 24, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

ACE OF CAKES! It’s art that you can eat. I can’t believe how realistic their cakes are. Definitely worth the time.

By Amy

April 24, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

ACE OF CAKES! It’s art that you can eat. I can’t believe how realistic their cakes are. Definitely worth the time.

By red

April 24, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I often watch food network but have to seriously focus on the food. If I focused too much on the chef I’d rarely watch it. Rachel Ray has recently begun to get on my nerves with all those silly made up phrases. Sandra Lee, Giada and Nigella bring too much breast (not chicken) to the show. Paula has begun to carry on too much. Before you know it she’s going to have her whole family on the show. Ina keeps asking those annoying questions: Who would like that? How good does that look? and Jeffrey needs to either stay at home or learn to cook for himself. Ellie Keigers recipes are boring. Bobby Flay needs a boob job. I halfway like Robin Miller. There>

By Peace

April 24, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I love Paula D. when she fried a cake I thought I would pass out, but goodness she can cook and I bet her food taste delightful

By Peace

April 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I love Paula D. when she fried a cake I thought I would pass out, but goodness she can cook and I bet her food taste delightful

By red

April 24, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah. Mario needs a new wardrobe. The sneakers and crocs with the shorts are kinda played out.

By Cooker

April 24, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

What about Tyler? He’s my favorite. He make the “ultimate” everything. And he’s fun to look at!

By Joy

April 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I love most cooking shows. I don’t like Ace of Cakes because that guy kind of gives me the creeps. I love Rachael Ray & Paula Deen. I watch Barefoot Contessa & Semi-Homemade because I like their recipes not necessarily the women themselves. I cannot stand Ellie Krieger or the other one, who’s name I cannot even remember. I like Giada too - sometimes.

By mechi

April 24, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

I like Giada, Ina, and Paula on Foodnetwork. Top Chef and Martha are cool, too. I use to like Rachael Ray but she’s become a little obnoxious to me. I DON’T like Alton or Garvin, they totally annoy me. I don’t like the science spin Alton gives and Garvin acts like he’s trying to hard to be someone he’s not with the whole hip-hop flare.

By wm

April 24, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Alton Brown and America’s Test Kitchen

By dorae

April 24, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

I enjoy most food shows. For information: Alton Brown, and the America test kitchen. For recipies : Rachel Ray, Giada, and Paula Dean. For fun: Bobby Flay, Jamie and Cooking in Brooklyn. I’m not all that interested in the contest shows. There are many others. I take away from most of them ideas for my family. One can find something to like and not like in all shows. I agree the boobs are a little much and the level of fat in Paula Deans cookig is a little high. Yet, the quick recipies have been a real help for me and I really like Paula’s southern joy. Alton Brown and the America Test Kitchen are great shows which gives one the basics in an entertaining style. Alton Brown’s show is, of course, much more lively than the test kitchen but I like them both.

By sweetlliz

April 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

I love the Foodnetwork. Love Ace of Cakes, Barefoot Contessa, Paula’s Homecooking (I, too hate the Party show). I like Giada show but she does sometime get on my nerves. Rachal Ray is so annoying although I like the 30min show sometimes the meals are just yuck.

By Zee

April 24, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Whatever happened to Curtis the Take Home Chef? I loved that show. Curtis such a hottie.

By Noelle

April 24, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Alton is The Man. Ina Garten is fabulous, too. America’s Test Kitchen is dry, but the recipes turn out great.

I also like Giada, Paula, and Rachael, but all of them have mannerisms that will drive you nuts if you watch them very often. How many times can Paula say “y’all” in 30 minutes, y’all? Can Rachael possibly talk MORE? Will Giada’s giant head fall off her tiny neck?

Sandra Lee makes me want to throw things at my TV. So does Emeril, Mr. Fake Cajun/Creole Overexposure. Most of the others are nothing spectacular but fine overall.

I still miss Justin Wilson!

By chris

April 24, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

The food network has some good shows. Emeril actually has two shows on the food network and the one where he is not in front of the audience is actually very informative not as much of a caricature. Paul Prudhome had a great show on PBS that really showed you why you do things they way you do (build flavors etc). And Alton Brown is always interesting and fun.

I also love TOP chef. And for the Gordon Ramsey haters the BBC version of Kitchen Nightmare’s is an excellent show. Not like the over produced American version, and is a very good show. Well that is my two cents.

By KJS

April 24, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

I just love to watch Paula Deen , she is the best. Rachel Ray is just too fast & hyper for me, EVOO !

By Becky

April 24, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

I love Paula, Bobby & Rachel..But as Noelle said, you can only take any of them in small doses at a time..I love Guy’s show, Diners & blah blah.. I also really miss Justin Wilson..

By red

April 24, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

LOL!!!!!!!! Man there are some funny post here about these chefs. Noelle you are cracking me up!!!

By S.C. BBQ Boy

April 24, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

I was able to hear Alton Brown give a speech at an event about a month ago, where he gave his views on food, eating and did a Q&A with the group. No cooking, all talking, the best time I have spent on a Saturday afternoon in a while. He is great on TV, even better in person. He stayed and signed stuff for people for two hours or more after the speech.

By rbp

April 24, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

I’m an old school PBS fan - Julia Child and Frugal Gourmet. America’s Test Kitchen is always informative and gives you more of the “why” of cooking. I think that’s why I like Alton Brown so much, too. My 15YO daughter loves Duff and the Ace of Cakes crew. She’s already picked out her wedding cake from their site. And she loves to make fun of Rachel Ray and her EVOO….

By lovelyliz

April 24, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I love Good Eats because I find it interesting. The format is well suited to my inner cfood nerd/scientist.

Everyday Italian is another fav because Giada know what she is talking about. She’s Italian and as someone who has lived in her native country, this good is spot on most of the time.

Nigella Lawson….I am an Anglophile and she has the same attitude about food that I do.

Barefoot Contessa is almost a guilty pleasure because even though her recipes tend to be rather expensive and some ingredients are difficult if not impossible to find, I secretly want to be Ina Garten

Jamie Oliver is so passionate about what he does that I can’t help myself. see: anglophile

By reservoirDAWG

April 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Justin Wilson was the sh!t. I guaranTEE.

By kar

April 24, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I have to agree about Alton & “American Test Kitchens.” Informative shows that actually teach you to cook! Plus, Alton’s movie and other pop culture references separate them from the other “let’s cook something today” format. Ace of Cakes is mildly amusing but those mountains of fondant just gross me out. Like eating congealed Crisco.

Same thing about Paula Deen. Five sticks of butter may be country cooking but it hasn’t made her better lookin’.

Out of curiosity though, has anyone every seen Rick Bayliss & Steven Raichlen in the same room together? Just wondering.

Nigella grosses me out. There’s a fine line between sensuality and being a glutton. Plus, that story about her and the piglet in Spain? Something about that is fundamentally wrong with that. http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/Food%20&%20Dining/bestbites/5717.html

By lovelyliz

April 24, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I am not a fan of shows with hosts/cooks who look like they never eat their own food. Neither am I a fan of those who use too many overly processed products because meals taste overly processed which is fine, but something I can easily do myself without watching more television.

By jess

April 24, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Many years ago I would have placed Justin Wilson at the top. However, in this new age, and with Justin absent, Alton is tops.

By Rodney

April 24, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

OMG - how could I have left Justin and Julia off my favorite food shows list???

I’ll be doing penance for days … I too miss both of them!

Bon Appetit, I guarantee!

By Jar

April 24, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

BTW, did anyone see Gordon Ramsey the other night on Cook’s Tour? Funny seeing him so relaxed and casual in the kitchen.

What’s to love about Nigella’s attitude? She ate a roasted pig fetus. Imagine THAT next biology class.

By Lucia

April 25, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

I prefer Gordon RAMSAY’s (is a copy editor reading this?) BBC shows to the U.S. versions. He seems more relaxed and there’s less shticky shtuff. Rachael is shrill and the Ray-speak is just flat-out annoying. I like Giada and Ina. Paula is ok, if you like meals that serve 16 with 65% of the calories coming from fat. Sandra lee doesn’t cook, so what the heck is she doing on the Food Network? I enjoy Alton Brown, feel like I learn something, even through the shticky shtuff. And Top Chef Chicago is the best season ever.

By marla

April 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Love love love cooking shows, especially Barefoot Contessa. My absolute favorite was taken off a couple of years ago and it was called “Calling All Cooks”. The host of the show went into the home of one of the viewers who had written in regarding their favorite recipe. Super interesting and don’t know why it was taken off.