'The Next Food Network Star' Runner-Up Jeffrey Saad Gets His Own Show Too, Sorta
Earlier this month, The Next Food Network Star season five finale shocked some people when Bel-Air real estate agent Jeffrey Saad lost to stay-at-home Texas mom (and almost eerily Sandra Lee-reminiscent) Melissa d'Arabian. But based on the fourth season's results (when runner-up Adam Gertler landed a show in addition to the actual winner Aaron "Big Daddy" McCargo, Jr.) it's no big shocker that Saad wound up with his own little show himself.
The Spice Smuggler is just online—at least for now. The name was clearly a riff on the The Ingredient Smuggler, Saad's pilot for his hopeful show in TNFNS's final episode. (Food Network was not going to let the opportunity to use smuggler slip!) In each of the four-ish minute webisodes, Saad spotlights a spice then prepares a dish with it. So far he's focused on anise seed, smoked paprika, garam masala, and five-spice powder. Maybe the sixth season will finally call itself The Next Food Network Star(s).
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17 Comments:
I like it. Hopefully expanded to 30 minutes and on tv soon.
MarvinDog at 6:59PM on 08/17/09
I'd watch him, his dishes are a welcome departure from the usual FN fare. The guy made Chicken Pot Pie w/ Garam Masala, he deserves some props right?
nikonratm at 7:20PM on 08/17/09
People were shocked by the results of TNFNS.
People actually still watch the Food Network?
Allan at 7:37PM on 08/17/09
I can't take the name of his "show" seriously.
Smuggler? All I keep thinking about is that scene from Pulp Fiction with Christopher Walken and the wristwatch...
Eep.
Missus Martian at 8:41PM on 08/17/09
In what way is Melissa "eerily Sandra Lee-reminiscent"? They both have blond hair and cooking shows? No one who actually knows anything about either one of them wouldn't have made that comment. I stopped reading the post right there.
RegrettableFoodie at 9:03PM on 08/17/09
From a very funny food blog, grocery guy: Someone christened the FNTV stars "a kabuki turd circus". Just thought y'all should know.
MNLisaB at 9:49PM on 08/17/09
While I'm sure there are plenty of people who need help making a full dinner for four for under ten dollars - I think that is hardly a new concept on the Food Network.. (god help us, Sandra Lee is doing something similar now) Jeffrey Saad's international approach is much more interesting, and so is he. Do we really need more corn-fed mama's showing us how to cut corners with pie crust?
Kenntab at 9:55PM on 08/17/09
@RegrettableFoodie -- I agree!
@Kenntab -- We probably don't need more corn-fed mama's showing us how to cut corners with pie crust -- but Sandra Lee is the only one doing that, as far as I know. We do need more people encouraging others to get in the kitchen and cook rather than reheating.
IndyGal at 9:06AM on 08/18/09
When will they actually feature REAL CHEFS on the network. The Food Network are tailoring their shows for quick meals, stay at home moms and wannabe daddy cooks. This suburb-esq type of programing is getting REALLY annoying.
egghunt at 10:02AM on 08/18/09
Indeed!
When will be get another Alton Brown, or Mario Batalli?
Some one that actually wears an APRON more than designer slacks!
Chef Colin at 6:51PM on 08/18/09
This guy is a phony.
Barabus at 2:36PM on 08/19/09
The idea is nifty - focusing on a different spice per week - mediocre follow-through. It would be nice to have a little credible history on the spice and someone who can pronounce things correctly and/or consistently.
Cassaendra at 8:59PM on 08/19/09
I didn't like Jeffrey. I thought he was pretentious and boring. In my small town I would never be able to find Harissa. His personality was lacking as well.
I liked Melissa on NFNWS because she was the underdog.
(I hope FN gets rid of Sandra Lee and keeps Melissa. I hate Sandra Lee.)
GirlPower at 4:05AM on 08/20/09
I agree with IndyGal.......we DEFINITELY need to get more people into the kitchen to cook from scratch! In my job as a merchandiser for an artisan bakery, I see tons of people who have carts filled with nothing more than frozen/preservative laden food items. No one cooks anymore. I was bowled over when I had 2 customers ask me where the croutons and bread crumbs were located.......duh, can't fry up some bread squares with a little olive oil/spice, or throw stale bread into the food processor for crumbs? Probably takes less than 5 or 10 minutes for either.
People will say they are sooooooooo busy, however I think it's lazyness or downright dumbness.........cooking is an art and some don't want to learn.
jackie2830 at 6:30AM on 08/20/09
Bring back the original "THE FRENCH CHEF"! Julia Child's show from the late 60's and 70's. The accompanying cook book is the companion and the whole premise is based upon the original "Mastering The Art of French Cooking." DO SEE THE MOVIE JULIE & JULIA"!
I have been a food professional for more than 30 years and I learned everything I know-and I teach as well, from watching and preparing and re-watching to check result against every Julia show. Just like Julie in the movie! (why didn't I think of a blog-because it didn't exist-oh well!) Food Network has become a major disappointment. Even Alton gets to be a bit much. For the person who "HATES" Sandra Lee, that's a mighty strong word for someone you never met-The woman is a genius and self made multi millionaire. I don't care for her show or her style, but you have to admire her. You can learn from Giada, Ina learned her art in a similar fashion as I, from Julia for the most part, but she is forgetting how to "teach" the craft. Enough Paula Deen and The Neely's do make me want to barf, (Me-NYC girl!) The NFNS show can also turn your stomach. Check out PBS-There is where you will find fine programing. From America's Test Kitchen to varied Julia Child re-runs. That's programming for people who want to learn. Adam G is adorable!
Gail Blackman at 8:22AM on 08/20/09
PS: As for Mr. Saad. Michael Chicarello (spelling?) does a grand job from the California side-w/no arrogance whatever.
GB
Gail Blackman at 2:49PM on 08/20/09
I was so disappointed and frankly shocked when Jeffrey Saad lost in the final round of TNFNS. I too hope that he will make his way to the Food Network with his own show. He was enjoyable to watch; charismatic and informative. Do we really need a stay home mom telling us how to make inexpensive meals? Wow exciting… not. Seriously, don’t we already do this on our own every night of the week? I’ll take a pass thanks. Please add a few new programs that have substance, featuring skilled chefs that go beyond the cookie cutter program of “today I’m going to show you how to make a pie crust and fry chicken for just $10.” I watch Food Network to be inspired... cheap cooking tips from a stay home mom with no quantifiable skills is so uninspiring.
thassel at 4:22PM on 08/20/09