Seems the Food Network is just rolling out new shows left and right lately. Seems too they’re finding talented cooks/hosts as well. There seems to be a bit of irony in the fact that last years Next Food Network Star produced, in my opinion at least, a dud of a winner Sorry Amy, but to me you and your food were both uninspired. Yet the new shows and the cooks that host them that have come out of left field since that time — Ingrid, Neelys, Sunny — have all been winnners. Let’s see if Mary Nolan can make it four in a row.

First off, just who is she? From Food Network: Born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Mary Nolan was inspired by a creative and food-loving family who exposed her to hands-on epicurean adventures including working on her grandparents’ rural farms, preparing meals, and culinary-focused vacations. While studying journalism at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mary enrolled in nutrition and food science courses and began catering bridal showers and parties. Spending a semester in Italy provided yet another source of inspiration for Mary’s cooking. After graduating from college, Mary moved to New York City to become an assistant at premier culinary magazine, Gourmet where she eventually became an advertising copywriter. Dedicated to sharing her fresh perspective and passion for accessibly chic entertaining, Mary is currently attending The Institute of Culinary Education.

As for the show, it’s described as this: Whether it’s a ladies-only soiree, a posh picnic, or big movie night, Mary Nolan proves that successful entertaining results from mouth-watering menus and stylish, welcoming atmospheres. Her exciting twists on the traditional create entertaining delights like Stilton-Stuffed Dates, Sweet and Smoky Popcorn, and Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting. Whether highlighting her practical approach to using local produce, showcasing a single splurge ingredient, or impressing guests with a unique flea-market find, she always offers crowd-pleasing and affordable solutions to make memorable entertaining Chic & Easy.

To be honest, my gut feeling here is … I dunno. I’m just not personally a big of fan of the Sandra Lee meets Martha Stewart meets “Party Girl” thing of turning a lamp O-ring into a napkin something, a carved watermelon into a planter or any of that stuff. And while I’m not totally sure this show is or isn’t going that way, it seems they might. Two things though, if this show does go that way, I’m cool enough to say that there aren’t enough of these kind of shows on for the folks who do get a kick from them. And the second thing is, again, it might not go this way afterall, not fully. Like you, I’ll have to take a peek and find out.

Chic and Easy debuts Sunday, May 18th at 10:30am Eastern.

{13 May 2008}