Big Daddy
Okay, so what do we think of this winner?
I've got to tell you, he doesn't make me gnash my teeth and want to throw things at the TV, but I don't think I want to eat his food, either. If I walked into his kitchen while I was cooking, I would probably think it would be okay, but I wouldn't be asking for the recipes before I went home.
And some of it is just plain messy. Yeah, it's messy in my kitchen, but this is TV, where you sort of expect someone is going to wipe off the drips and make sure that things look appetizing at every step of the way.
And I think maybe they've got him trying to do too many items in each show, so things either aren't done before the next step, or stuff magically appears. Example is a roux he was making while browning some beef, and there was visible dry flour in the pot, not even stirred in, and in goes the water. Or he's onto the next step and he's throwing things into a pot with not enough time to explain what he's adding.
I'm not saying this is all his fault, but from the standpoint of whether I'm going to watch any more shows -- probably not. I haven't learned new techniques or new ingredients, and the recipes all seem like something I could throw together or find in a church cookbook. If he's back next season, I might tune in and see if they've improved things for him.
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11 Comments:
Well when he won I was happy that it wasn't Kelsey. I have only watched his show once and have printed some of his recipes. He seems to be more "at ease" in front of the camera . I will have to watch him a few more times to determine whether I will tune in or out.
pjracz10 at 8:59AM on 09/10/08
I pretty much agree with all you've said. He almost lost me the other night when he used about $40 worth of tenderloin to make his "CheeseSteak Soup" that included, what he called, yellow cheese. It looked a lot like Velveeta.
grampart at 9:01AM on 09/10/08
For a soup? Hmmmmm I think that I have to MAKE time to tune in lol.
pjracz10 at 10:18AM on 09/10/08
My rule of thumb as to whether I'm going to watch a Food Network show is "Will this person teach me anything I don't already know how to do?" In this show's case it is, yet again, no.
When Food Network hires a real chef that is willing to make food that is beyond Cooking 101, I'll consider giving the show a whirl.
Amandarama at 11:38AM on 09/10/08
I can't watch his show at all. Not only do I find his life on there uninteresting, I think his food recipes are awful when you compare it to the rest of the talent on the network.
tricia_m at 1:35PM on 09/10/08
I think he is a great guy, nice family man etc. But......I have watched every show and I have tried some of his recipes, they sound and look good, but so far I have been disappointed in the taste. Maybe I am not use to his spices, they just seem to taste too strong like 2 teas. of nutmeg in the au Gratin potatoes, thats all I could taste, I wanted to taste the yummy cheese but the nutmeg ruined it . I probably won't tune in anymore.
cocoloco at 1:53PM on 09/10/08
I like him, the involved "daddy" in the kitchen thing is appealing. But I had to quit watching - "That's what I'm talking about!" was killing me. Fingernails on the chalkboard!!
Fanciesmom at 7:39PM on 09/10/08
I thought he was refreshing, and no different from the other southern cooks, such as Paula Deen. You have to like Southern cooking, with all of its oily drippy butter, sauces, rich fattening mac and cheeses, etc. If you don't, then it's simply not for you.I don't do it often, but the few things i've tried were pretty good. I thought he was the best and most consistent of the three. I also like that he incorporates his family into the show, making it real home style. Somebody's watching consistently, as FN has stated that it's been the highest watched new show. It will probably be back, and he's quite the celebrity now. He's not that horrible, you guys; although I agree i'm tired of "That's what I'm talking about!" I don't agree with you though,Tricia. There's lots of "mediocre" talent on FN, with recipes not that special at all; and some cooks are just downright boring and blah! Let's be fair across the board.
sassy at 8:00PM on 09/10/08
I was rooting for him, and glad that he won. But I'm no longer watching his show. He seems to be a real sweetheart, and I find he has a nice presence. But I just don't care for his food.
baboo at 9:18PM on 09/10/08
He is a lovable guy but his food is just ok. Bring on Lisa Garza!
Hillary
Chew on That
Chew on That at 12:56PM on 09/12/08
the so called talent on FoodTV has been circling the bowl for some time now. As soon as you think to yourself that they have found the most irritating, know nothing hack......you get "big daddy"! seriously, this guy makes me laugh and cringe and kick puppies all at the same time.
moronic is an apt description.
concreteoatmeal at 12:35PM on 09/14/08