The 10 Best Food Network Shows

For a network that began just 17 years ago, the Food Network has become a cable television fixture and a pop culture sensation. Its cooks and chefs and foodies of Food Network have become celebrities.

Since its debut on Nov. 23, 1993, Food Network has expanded like mad. It launched food products that fill our supermarket shelves. There's media exposure via a website and monthly magazine ... and that doesn't include Rachael Ray's talk show and Guy Fieri's game show and Alton Brown's grape juice commercials. And it launched a secondary outlet in The Cooking Channel.

But the key to all the success is the Food Network itself.

Recently, a TV Squad reader offered us her favorite programs on the Food Network and there were some good choices on her list. In fact, a few made our list, too. The 10 shows we've spotlighted are entertaining and, in many cases, enduring successes.

Here's our take on the 10 best Food Network shows. You may agree or not, but please share your thoughts below.


10. 'What Would Brian Boitano Make?'
Who knew that Olympic skating star Brian Boitano was such a good cook? And who knew that he would create such an entertaining and different food show for The Food Network? It's not at all typical because every episode tells a story; it's not just about making a dish or two. Add to that the off-kilter humor and you have a show that has some of the fun of 'Good Eats' and a lot of Boitano's gold-medal charisma.

9. 'Tyler's Ultimate'
Like Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence has hosted a lot of Food Network shows. With 'Tyler's Ultimate,' we go into the kitchen with him to perfect just one meal. From start to finish, he takes you through the steps and explains why he's doing what he's doing. It may be personal preference, but when it comes to southern cooking, Tyler's my choice over Paula Deen or the Neelys (although they're pretty darn good, too).

8. 'The Next Iron Chef'
This is Food Network's version of 'Top Chef.' The difference is that these contestants are already top chefs who are running restaurants. In fact, some have been challengers on 'Iron Chef America.' This competition is all about finding one winner who is worthy of joining the pantheon of America's Kitchen Stadium, to become an Iron Chef. That means the competition is intense and tough. And very, very entertaining.

7. 'Throwdown with Bobby Flay'
There are a lot of Bobby Flay shows on Food Network, but this is the best of the bunch. Bobby takes on the challenge of beating someone who has already perfected a particular dish. Bobby's a pro, so he knows how to compete, and he's helped by two Food Network sidekicks, Stephanie Banyas and Miriam Garron, who tell him when he's off-track. What makes 'Throwdown' work so well is that whether he wins or loses, Bobby's fun and personable when he's out of the kitchen and hanging out with the public.

6. 'Chopped'
In 1995, there was a Food Network show called 'Ready, Set, Cook,' a game show with audience members joining chefs for a race to make a meal. 'Chopped' is a much more advanced variation of that, with professional chefs given baskets of diverse ingredients and told to make something appetizing out of them. Each round is timed and judged by three of the toughest food critics on TV. And it has Ted Allen as host. You can't watch this show without feeling for those chefs when they get a strange ingredient, even if they are playing for $10,000.

5. 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'
Food Network truly found the right venue for Guy Fieri when they put him on the road and told him to eat his way from coast to coast. Guy is wonderful at eating and reacting. He finds fun, unusual eateries and goes into the kitchen to make stars of the cooks conjuring up the homemade specialties. Whether it's barbecue or burgers, tacos or calzones, Guy asks the questions we'd like to ask and tastes it all. This show is as much a travelogue as a food show, and it makes you want to find these places and order off those menus yourself.

4. 'The Barefoot Contessa'
There's no warmer or more welcoming home chef than Ina Garten. Ina takes you into her home, or around the garden, maybe into town to shop for croissants, rarely venturing far from the Hamptons. She has a style that's just easy and fun, assuring you that whatever she's cooking, you can cook, too. Adding to the ambience is the occasional appearance of her husband, Jeffrey, who is the No. 1 taster and Ina's biggest fan. This show is like a cup of really good cocoa.

3. 'Giada At Home'
It's not just that Giada DeLaurentiis' food looks delicious or that she's so much fun to watch. Giada's confidence and charm as she makes dishes is gentle and inviting. 'Giada At Home' is a real slice of life from Giada's life. She cooks for her friends, she cooks with her Aunt Raffi, she has her toddler Jade in a highchair and feeds her pasta, and there are family dinners with husband, Todd. That personal touch adds to the appeal of the show and makes every episode something special. It's also beautifully filmed and the food looks amazing.

2. 'The Best Thing I Ever Ate'
This is a simple idea that has really taken off. What are the best dishes the personalities on Food Network have ever eaten and where can we, the viewers, try them for ourselves. The enthusiasm of all the stars, from 'Ace of Cakes'' Duff Goldman to 'Iron Chef America's' Cat Cora, is infectious. The episodes are themed, so you have the best crunchy foods, the best thing between two slices of bread, and the best food off the grill. It's the kind of show that makes hungry just watching it.

1. 'Good Eats'
Alton Brown has described 'Good Eats' as a cross between 'Peewee's Playhouse' and 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,' but it's much more than that. With every show, Alton doesn't just show you how to make something; he shows you the science of the food and the correct way to prepare it in a variety of ways. And every program is unique and clever.

There are goofy characters that appear now and then and situations are played for laughs, but never at the expense of the food. Now in its eleventh year, 'Good Eats' remains a Food Network jewel.




So there you have our 10 best Food Network shows! What did we miss and which show would you have added? Share your thoughts below.