New Faces Join Familiar Chefs on Food Network
By Julieanne Smolinski
The Food Network is hedging its bets this summer, bringing new hosts into the fold while backing them up with a few MVPs.
Bobby Flay, host of a panoply of Food Network shows from “Iron Chef” to “Throwdown,” will add the competition show “Grill It” to his lengthy resume. The program, set to premiere July 6 at 9 a.m., sees Mr. Flay competing alongside skilled home grillers selected via audition tapes and casting calls.
Ted Allen, an “Iron Chef” judge and star of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and “Top Chef,” also is getting another regular Food Network gig. “Food Detectives,” premiering July 29 at 9 p.m., will focus on food science, exploring new culinary technology and debunking old cooking myths.
New programs, staffed with relative unknowns, are set to include:
—“How'd That Get on My Plate?,” an investigative cooking show that follows the path of a food from its raw state to the plate. It’s hosted by Sunny Anderson and premieres July 7 at 9:30 p.m.
—“Road Tasted With the Neelys,” in which married couple Pat and Gina Neely explore dining options for the American traveler, premieres July 22 at 9:30 p.m.
—“Ask Aida,” which adds an interactive element by inviting viewers to submit their food questions for resolution on the show, is hosted by cooking expert Aida Mollenkamp and premieres Aug. 2 at 12:30 p.m.
—“The Cooking Loft,” an instructional program hosted by chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli, aims to give home cooks professional tips. “Loft” premieres Aug. 31 at 12 p.m.
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