From 'dump, stir' to reality, Food Network still cooking

Food Network Fan · 02-27-2008, 02:36 PM

From 'dump, stir' to reality, Food Network still cooking

Food Network tries to stay hot with its viewers

By Erica Marcus

February 27, 2008

At 6 a.m. on Nov. 22, 1993, a handful of early-risers turned on their TVs and were greeted by Donna Hanover and David Rosengarten, co-hosts of a show called Food News & Views on a cable channel called the TV Food Network.

At 7 a.m., Robin Leach, formerly of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, anchored the call-in show Talking Food. For the next 22 hours, the two programs alternated with each other, along with two airings of Getting Healthy with former sportscaster Gayle Gardner.

Now, almost 15 years later, the Food Network is going strong. In 2007, it had 90 million subscribers, which, according to Derek Baine, cable analyst with SNL Kagan, puts it on a par with such cable stalwarts as ESPN, Nickelodeon and MTV.
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bakerman · 02-27-2008, 05:55 PM

It is amazing the impact that food network has had on the food we eat. 15 years ago you would never find the variety that we have in the grocery stores. Who other than those in the southwest had heard of chipitole peppers before Bobby Flay? Food in restaurants is now more interesting with more exotic ingredients.

MAC

Food Network Fan · 02-27-2008, 06:10 PM

And if you can't get them you can order online. Because of the Food Network more people know what to look for.

bluejeanz · 02-28-2008, 06:30 PM

I don't know how many years I've been watching FN but I do remember David and Donna on "In Food Today", which I think started around 10 years ago, and David on "Taste". I don't recall which came first.

We had a few cooking shows here in Cleveland 'back in the day' when I was very young. Alice Weston was one. I can't recall the others. Cooking was always 'womens' work' back then so I'm glad that there's such a variety of cooking show on now and that the whole family has gotten interested in it.

BerryBaby · 02-28-2008, 09:43 PM

My Dad always liked to cook, way back in the 1950's! I mentioned this before, but I grew up watching Francoise Pope and his son, Bob, on "Creative Cookery" which was in the 1950's.

Years later, the whole family would watch Julia Child, and then Graham Kerr, "The Galloping Gourmet". Cooking and cooking shows have been with me since I was 4...so, it's been about 50+ years for me.

Also, our Dad owned a produce store, so interesting and unusual fruits and vegetables were just part of growing up. We ate like Kings and Queens but didn't realize it back then.