What Food Network Star Do You Miss Most?

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Emeril Lagasse talks with the 305th Services Squadron during 9/25/06 taping of Emeril's Thanksgiving special at McGuire Air Force Base, NJ.

My love affair with Food Network ended when they canceled Emeril Live in December 2007. How about you? Do you like their revamped format–or not? Three years later, I still don’t really like what Food Network has to offer.

I remember being really confused when I heard the news about Emeril Live going off the air. I just couldn’t understand the reasoning of the execs at Food Network.

Little did I realize that this was just the beginning of a whole lot of changes at Food Network. And as each change was made–as chefs Tyler Florence, Bobby Flay, Gale Gand, Jacques Torres (and more) had their shows discontinued, I railed at the TV. Why was Food Network taking chefs Florence and Flay and putting them in a format where you couldn’t learn much, if anything, from their culinary knowledge? I’m sure the promise of better profits had much to do with it.

I was sad when Food Network started doing reality shows, like The Next Food Network Star and Chopped, and disgusted with the boring features on how certain candies and snacks are made (Unwrapped). I occasionally enjoy watching Dinner: Impossible, but doubt I’ll watch their new offering, What Would Brian Boitano Make.

The only show I still like to watch regularly is The Barefoot Contessa. Even my kids will watch it with me, marveling at the amazing food Ina Garten whips up. My 3-year-old son watched The Barefoot Contessa with me today, exclaiming at the chicken pot pie she was making.

“That looks delicious,” he said. “You’ll have to make that tomorrow, Mommy!”

“Well,” I told him, “I’ll have to make it this weekend after I go to the grocery store. I think I’m out of shortening.” Maybe it’s unusual for someone so young to love to watch The Barefoot Contessa. But I think The Barefoot Contessa’s audience comes back for seconds because of the content and format. I admire her because she’s a great cook, I learn new techniques from her, and her show tells a story. People love that!

What food network star do you miss the most? Vote in the poll. And if you have a second, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject in the comments section! What do you think of the Food Network changes the past few years?