Different friends are better in different party scenarios. While they're not really my "friends," I know which Food Network personalities I'd want to have over for different occasions. If I'm having a backyard barbecue, I'd invite Bobby Flay over to man the grill. If I wanted to feature elegant Italian dining, I'd be sure to call Giada De Laurentiis. (Giada, if you're reading, in addition to your services, I will also accept a marriage proposal.)
In terms of my BFF on the Food Network, meanwhile, that honor goes to Alton Brown, host of "Iron Chef: America" and "Good Eats." To me, Alton is so good because he succeeds on a number of levels. Obviously, the man can cook, but so can his other network mates. So what separates him from the rest of the culinary pack?
For one, Alton Brown is supremely knowledgeable about food. Of course, "Good Eats" is essentially scripted, but even when the heat is on Kitchen Stadium, Alton takes great care to share the tidbits he knows with the viewer and doesn't hide behind trite comments other competition-based shows and their announcers rely on. Alton's repertoire is versatile, too. Every episode of "Good Eats" features a new item (e.g. avocado) that Brown uses to its full potential, in entrées and desserts alike. Perhaps best of all, Alton Brown is a real entertainer. "Good Eats", especially, is infused with tongue-in-cheek humor and a fun spirit.
In short, when watching Alton Brown, I laugh, I learn, and I lust after the food he cooks. Alton Brown, you're my hero.
Who is your favorite Food Network personality?
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Comments (22)
Uhhh SAME! I love Good Eats, he gives so much useful info.
Him and Barefoot Contessa are my fav.
My favorite is Chef Michael Smith (who has two shows currently airing on Food Network Canada).
Yup, Alton Brown is my favorite of all of FN's personalities (Guy Fieri is 2nd place for me)
You could throw the guy any item, and he'll make you a full-course meal out of it. Also, He makes it very easy to make themed foods at parties if needed (500 Tortillas, thank you continued episodes).
I Salute your genius mind Alton. (And his awesome hair, that makes him look like a madman).
Note: August 29th is his 10th year of "Good Eats", and down at georgia, he will be doing a live show, awesome!
I love Good Eats! Such a great show.
not on food channel but i like andrew zimmerman's show "bizzare food" on travel channel. stuffs we think horrible could turn into edible.
Alton Brown rocks.
My favorite Food Network chefs are Giada De Laurentis, Masaharu Morimoto, Bobby Flay, Alton Brown and Michael Symon, Duff Goldman and Ellie Krieger. I cannot stand Paula Deen and Rachel Ray.
I might argue that Aida is becoming almost as informative as Alton, but in a slightly different way.
Has anyone been watching Next Food Network Star? Doesn't Debby seem like an Asian version of Ina Garten?
I watch way too much of that channel....
That man is a god among chefs.
He's the best! I made some amazing amazing amazing blueberry muffins thanks to him!
I love watching Good Eats. I watched it last night actually. It's such a great show because he gives suggestions you might not have ever thought of. It's pretty good to get tips on cooking for someone like me who can't cook instead of seeing the meal being prepared and they assume you know what you're doing already.
His show is awesome. :D
Alton Brown is amazing.
"Remember kids, a clean knife is a happy knife."
"Yes, there really is an entire network dedicated to food."
Random fangirl: "I love you, Alton Brown!"
Alton Brown: "Security?!"
Alton Brown is the absolute best! His science lessons have definitely helped me to be a smarter chef. (We tried all his different kinds of chocolate chip cookies and they were all delicious.)
he is the best! i love his science and history behind the foods!
Alton is crazy!!!! i love him. why does he know everything there is to possibly know about food?! barefoot contessa is definitely a favorite, oh ina... i like debbie on next food network star, too (food network is my life)
Haha!
I'm not alone!
Alton Brown is definitely my all-time favorite.
I LOVE Alton as well. And don't forget Ina! =)
Alton is amazing. =]
I LOVE Alton. He's the coolest. And his glasses are sexy.
i love alton brown, he is MY hero as well for SO MANY reasons; i'm so glad he surpassed that stinkin emeril for the 8PM slot. he was so annoying and audience/clap needy. i'm also proud of alton for getting the grape juice company contract!
also, barefoot contessa drives me up the wall, she's a fat, messy in the kitchen, woman who wishes she could be some mistress slut because she's always entertaining men and making gross sexual/gender jokes.
pardon my negativity, it's probably brought on by the recent DTV thing that happened, thus making comcast cancel my mistakenly viewable FOOD NETWORK. :( :( :(
Haha, I love Alton Brown. Guy Fieri is also second on my list. I kinda like Ted Allen, too.
@methodElevated@xanga -
I watch FN all the time. Don't worry. :)
Agree with you on the Debbie comment.
Looking forward to Sunday's episode.
Seems like Debbie's in trouble with the judges.
Yeah, Alton Brown's awesome. I like the chocolate dude, Jacques something-or-other. Lol! I may not know his name, but who wants to bother with names when there's chocolate art to watch? Seriously, I can watch that show on mute and still be entertained.
@Delphiki@xanga - TED ALLEN!! = cute + knows his stuff = win :D
@pheeb_s@xanga - I like barefoot contessa. I agree with you on Emeril, though. He is SO annoying. I've never gotten the hype about him.
cake shows XD lol