You probably know of Anne Burrell. At least if you’ve ever seen an episode of Iron Chef America when Mario Batali is the chosen steel warrior of the day. If so, then you know Anne is the sous chef helping Batali out with the mop of yellow popping all over the screen during the competition.

But Anne is second place no more (ok, we’re talking figuratively as I’m sure she still is one of Mario’s assistants, but that said …) It’s time for Chef Burrell to take a walk in her own limelight with Secrets of a Restaurant Chef starting tomorrow, Sunday at (the ungodly werid hour all new FN shows start) 9:30am. It’s long past time for the Food Network to hire actual chefs as hosts and not the endless supply of home ec teachers, Rachael wannabes, and others who, have their place when in small doses, have of late taken over the entire channel as Ming Tsai, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Chiarello, Emeril Lagasse and in large part Batali (he’s still an Iron Chef but his next new food show is on PBS) have all said goodbye to FN leaving one gigantic culnary black hole to be filled.

From the press release: “Burrell with extensive experience as a top restaurant chef and a lifelong passion for food, takes the mystery (and apprehension) out of the professional kitchen and highlights the practical techniques necessary to create delicious at-home meals. Based on her love for rustic food with simple ingredients and intense flavors, Anne prepares surprisingly achievable dishes such as Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb with Roasted Fennel, Artichoke, and Red Bliss Potatoes and Brined Grilled Pork Chops with Parmesan Polenta, Sautéed Swiss Chard and Bacon. With stand-out recipes perfect for a party but easy enough for an everyday meal, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef will make the viewer’s dinner table the hottest reservation in town.”

On her first show, Anne “reveals the secret to preparing rich, meaty Pasta Bolognese – a recipe that doesn’t require any overnight simmering or pricey ingredients. Her simple technique earns a huge flavor payoff and still leaves time for a perfect side of Grilled Asparagus with Poached Egg, Parmigiano and Lemon Zest.”

Btw, speaking of the Sunday lineup and new shows, Chic and Easy with came-from-nowhere cook Mary Nolan isn’t on, as she’s done her six-show quota — it’s a Food Network thing; new shows get six shows only. If they like them, they go back into production with new ones quickly. Yeah, and they call that a “season” too. Six-ep season, yeah, weird werid. But it’s their “way”. Does Mary get the nod? Dunno yet. Too early or I would have heard something. To be candid I missed all her shows. DVD’s on the fritz. Can’t get up that early and everything I’ve read on other blogs and boards about her and the show makes me shudder.

Another newer show is Paula’s Best Dishes which seems to showcase, yes, Paula Deen’s best recipes along with guests showing up. Two of the last three episodes had such incredible guests on as her husband Michael (yawn) and her brother Bubba (snore) … which I guess are considered celebs if you’re some kinda Paula groupie, but for the rest of us normal people, family ain’t guests. Dunno about you but is there any house any where where family are considered guests? Nope, I didn’t think so. So why should she get away with it?

Anyhow, I guess for once her new show actually lives up to the second part of the description as Katie Lee Joel is on today. You know her at least. Wife of singer Billy Joel? The one who hosted Top Chef before Padma? And my number one choice as a person Food Network will announce they’ve hired sometime in the next six months and getting her own show. Again, never read about this any where. This is my guess only. And I’m always right! Anyow “they’re sharing some of their favorite brunch recipes including Paula’s Crab Benedict and Katie’s Souffléd Pumpkin Pancake.” Paula’s show is on at a more respectable (that means I know I won’t sleep through it) 12:30 in the afternoon.

{28 Jun 2008}