Food Network — Page 3

I used to love Rachel Ray back when she first started at Food Network. She felt like a total breath of fresh air. But here's my issue. When one's personality is...let's say 'strong' (Ray, Fieri, Deen), that personality can be fun for a little while. But when it becomes part of your brand, and it becomes what is expected of you, it can become calcified. And then it starts to feel put on and fake. And then, I turn on the person. The second is stops feeling authentic is the second I lose interest. Conversely, I used to find Michael Chiarello a warm and charming presence. Then, I watched him on Top Chef Masters and it turns out that he's a d*ick-swinging douche.

One of my favorite people in the celebrity food world is Tom Colicchio. He's tough, but he always seems to be just himself. I got to meet him and Gail Simmons at the premiere of the documentary A PLACE AT THE TABLE and who they are on television is who they are in life. That's why, for me, it works.

I agree with you two guys about Rachel Ray- at first she seemed like a breath of fresh air, and I might still be able to tolerate her personality if her food didn't taste bad.

I never could stand Paula Deen's accent so there was no watching her.

These days, I rather enjoy watching the competition shows like Master Chef, Top Chef, Iron Chef America, and Chopped.

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SonofMammaMiaSam - I love Ina. I agree she is a tad predictable but she is a comforting watch.

The Nadia G trailers put me off watching her shows.