Aaron McCargo Jr.

[Big Daddy's House]

Has anyone been watching his show?

His show's new season starts tomorrow!

[Kitchen Ninja]

Haven't seen much at all, but I did enjoy the glimpses I caught. I liked him on Next Food Network Star, so I'm glad he's having some success. Same for Adam Gertler, his show is fun. Kinda like a Food Dirty Jobs.

[Big Daddy's House]

Aaron's show, Big Daddy's House, has just won a renewal for a whopping 20 more episodes! Fabulous!!

[Whoopie Pie]

I don't get much from his show, it looks like they are looking more for a gimmick than an actual chef, which seems to be the food network's MO lately.

[Big Daddy's House]

It'll be a year for him having his show this coming August, and I don't think that they are giving him the recognition and exposure that he so duely deserves! After all, he DID win the Next Food Network Star's 4th Season.

While other shows are often repeated throughout the week, his show is only shown once a week on Sunday afternoons at 13:30. I wonder why they can't at least run the show on weekday mornings or afternoons for those who might miss it on Sundays.

[Zippy]

While other shows are often repeated throughout the week, his show is only shown once a week on Sunday afternoons at 13:30. I wonder why they can't at least run the show on weekday mornings or afternoons for those who might miss it on Sundays.
I don't know of any of the other Sat or Sun morning shows that are aired again during the week.

I have watched BDH, but sometimes can't catch everything he says. Think he talks to fast for my ears. ;)

[Big Daddy's House]

He DOES seem to talk a little fast. :D

[miseenplace]

It'll be a year for him having his show this coming August, and I don't think that they are giving him the recognition and exposure that he so duely deserves! After all, he DID win the Next Food Network Star's 4th Season.

Just because he won doesn't make him a lock on getting recognition and exposure.

The first winners, The Hearty Boys, faded quickly. And season 3 winner Amy Findley did too. Thus far, Guy has been the only successful winner of the contest.

Only time will tell with Aaron. He is fairing better than Amy Findley, who didn't even get a second season.

For me personally, the show is a bit boring and his food isn't what I would make. Plus I've caught a few mistakes he's made in his instructing... that's a big turn off because if I know it he should too especially if the guy is going to be on TV telling people who to cook.

[Big Daddy's House]

His show is about to begin its third season soon.

What does that say? What else does it tell you? Everyone has to start somewhere.

You might find the show a little bit boring, but I don't. And others DON'T make any nistakes? Seems you're trying to find fault with the guy.

[Whoopie Pie]

His show is about to begin its third season soon.

What does that say? What else does it tell you? Everyone has to start somewhere.

You might find the show a little bit boring, but I don't. And others DON'T make any nistakes? Seems you're trying to find failt with the guy.

Well Sandra Lee has had how many seasons now, LOL! She stuck full sized taper candles in an angel food cake and sprinkled corn nuts around it. Somehow I don't think that Food Network is looking for knowledgeable chefs, they are looking for big personalities and gimmicks, and it looks like Aaron fits the bill.

[miseenplace]

His show is about to begin its third season soon.

What does that say? What else does it tell you? Everyone has to start somewhere.

You might find the show a little bit boring, but I don't. And others DON'T make any nistakes? Seems you're trying to find failt with the guy.

Like I said before, he's doing better than winners from two of the previous seasons but that doesn't mean Food Net will lavish "recognition and exposure" on him. I have yet to figure out why and how some of their hosts are teacher's pets and others rarely get attention.

I didn't say he was the only host to mistakes, I just caught a few while watching. Other hosts make them too, and that's why I can't watch majority of their shows.

But it's a first impression thing, you want to put your best foot forward. So, if my first encounter with the guy's show I noted some mistakes, then I start to question. Plus, if you remember on the Next Food Network Star, Aaron didn't know what a chipolte chile was when Bobby Flay asked him. That's a fairly common item these days. How could a chef or someone competing in a national contest to become a TV cook not know that? Things like that add up with me. And of course, as I said before, this is my opinion. Like your opinion on cake challenges and other Food Net hosts.

I liked Aaron all through the contest and gave his show a chance. The producers just need better fact checkers and culinary staff on the show.

Hell, I even critique Alton.

If Aaron gets to expand into another show like a lot of the Food Net hosts do, then maybe I'll like that show better.

[miseenplace]

Well Sandra Lee has had how many seasons now, LOL! She stuck full sized taper candles in an angel food cake and sprinkled corn nuts around it. Somehow I don't think that Food Network is looking for knowledgeable chefs, they are looking for big personalities and gimmicks, and it looks like Aaron fits the bill.

More nocuous than Aunt Sandy's cake

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss241/miseenplace08/kwanzaacake.jpg

is her show is in...

Season 13!!!!!! (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/episode_archive/0,1904,FOOD_32078_262,00.html)

[Whoopie Pie]

More nocuous than Aunt Sandy's cake

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss241/miseenplace08/kwanzaacake.jpg

is her show is in...

Season 13!!!!!! (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/episode_archive/0,1904,FOOD_32078_262,00.html)

LMAO, yeah that's the one! What a train wreck that episode was.

Did you see the holiday episode where she decorated an entire tree with wine and champagne glasses, it was a hoot!

[Zippy]

I don't know how anyone can forget that cake! Had the TV on FN this afternoon and Semi-ho came on. Aunt Sandy was doing a backyard BBQ and I swear the woman had more booze on the menu than food.

[Big Daddy's House]

Whoopie Pie;

It's not Aaron's fault that he hasn't been on the Food Network as long as Sandra Lee has been.

And if Aaron IS a gimmick, it IS because the Food Network has made him one. I don't have a problem with them searching for big personalities, as they could certainly use some new talent, but if they are making their newest stars gimmicks, then that is wrong.

[Whoopie Pie]

Whoopie Pie;

It's not Aaron's fault that he hasn't been on the Food Network as long as Sandra Lee has been.

And if Aaron IS a gimmick, it IS because the Food Network has made him one. I don't have a problem with them searching for big personalities, as they could certainly use some new talent, but if they are making their newest stars gommicks, then that is wrong.

Well you seemed to have missed my point completely. What I am saying is just because they gave him more episodes doesn't mean that he is a good knowledgeable chef, since Sandra Lee has had many seasons and she drove taper candles in an Angel cake.

[Big Daddy's House]

I read and understood what you said. The first time.

I didn't miss anything.

You might not care for him that much, but I happen to like the guy, and always will. I think he's great!

When I know ahead of time that he's about to be on a show, including his own, I'm right in front of the TV!

[Big Daddy's House]

Like I said before, he's doing better than winners from two of the previous seasons but that doesn't mean Food Net will lavish "recognition and exposure" on him. I have yet to figure out why and how some of their hosts are teacher's pets and others rarely get attention.

I didn't say he was the only host to mistakes, I just caught a few while watching. Other hosts make them too, and that's why I can't watch majority of their shows.

But it's a first impression thing, you want to put your best foot forward. So, if my first encounter with the guy's show I noted some mistakes, then I start to question. Plus, if you remember on the Next Food Network Star, Aaron didn't know what a chipolte chile was when Bobby Flay asked him. That's a fairly common item these days. How could a chef or someone competing in a national contest to become a TV cook not know that? Things like that add up with me. And of course, as I said before, this is my opinion. Like your opinion on cake challenges and other Food Net hosts.

I liked Aaron all through the contest and gave his show a chance. The producers just need better fact checkers and culinary staff on the show.

Hell, I even critique Alton.

If Aaron gets to expand into another show like a lot of the Food Net hosts do, then maybe I'll like that show better.



Aaron IS making more appearances on the Food Network now.

He can be seen on Dear Food Network with Bobby Flay. Viewers call or write letters to the show on how to do a certain dish on the grill. Bobby, Aaron and one or more other guests show them how to do a certain summer dish on the grill.

I think Bobby hosts it and Aaron makes guest appearances. Last night, he roasted a fresh pork shoulder and he stuffed a little bit of it into a grilled whole plantain. :)

[Big Daddy's House]

Like I said before, he's doing better than winners from two of the previous seasons but that doesn't mean Food Net will lavish "recognition and exposure" on him. I have yet to figure out why and how some of their hosts are teacher's pets and others rarely get attention.

I didn't say he was the only host to mistakes, I just caught a few while watching. Other hosts make them too, and that's why I can't watch majority of their shows.

But it's a first impression thing, you want to put your best foot forward. So, if my first encounter with the guy's show I noted some mistakes, then I start to question. Plus, if you remember on the Next Food Network Star, Aaron didn't know what a chipolte chile was when Bobby Flay asked him. That's a fairly common item these days. How could a chef or someone competing in a national contest to become a TV cook not know that? Things like that add up with me. And of course, as I said before, this is my opinion. Like your opinion on cake challenges and other Food Net hosts.

I liked Aaron all through the contest and gave his show a chance. The producers just need better fact checkers and culinary staff on the show.

Hell, I even critique Alton.

If Aaron gets to expand into another show like a lot of the Food Net hosts do, then maybe I'll like that show better.




I began to wonder about the chipotle chile, and thought to myself; 'Did Aaron really not know what it is, or did the FN prop him to say that?'

In other words, did the FN fix it so that he supposedly really didn't know? Maybe he's never worked with a chipotle before, but yes'm, all chefs should know what it is.

Before he became last year's contestant, he worked as excecutive chef at a hospital, and I'm thinking that while there, he didn't use them because usually in hospitals, spicy food is often not considered healthy for the patients staying there. That is unless he worked in one of the hospital's cafeterias.

And even then, he should've known. I like him, but I also, was dumbfounded to find that out! But as I said, he might have known, but I think the Food Network might have TOLD him to say that he didn't know. Sounds pretty fishy to me! :(

[miseenplace]

I don't understand why he would be told not to know something. That doesn't make sense.

[Big Daddy's House]

Anything's possible, but it was just a thought.

[Big Daddy's House]

Aaron's 4th season of Big Daddy's house begins on July 12 at 1;30pm!

He's also featured in the July issue of Essence Magazine!

[TheMetalChef]

Just because he won doesn't make him a lock on getting recognition and exposure.

The first winners, The Hearty Boys, faded quickly. And season 3 winner Amy Findley did too. Thus far, Guy has been the only successful winner of the contest.

Only time will tell with Aaron. He is fairing better than Amy Findley, who didn't even get a second season.

For me personally, the show is a bit boring and his food isn't what I would make. Plus I've caught a few mistakes he's made in his instructing... that's a big turn off because if I know it he should too especially if the guy is going to be on TV telling people who to cook.

Funny thing is, Guy is really only a success because of the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives show. The cooking shows these people are doing are bland and duplicitous, hence they're needing to get outside of actual cooking shows.

If Guy was still only doing Big Bite, they'd have canceled him by now.

FN is keeping McCargo around because of the very specific demographic he appeals to (and others they've attempted at that demographic have pretty much failed) - this is not a bad thing, by any stretch of the imagination. They really need to diversify. Too many Rachel Ray/Sandra Lee personalities on that network, which really, really limits their appeal.

I think Ask Aida is an abject failure at reaching the 21-35 demographic. Having a sidekick with a laptop isn't going to sell the younger crowd, they need something much more edgy to get through to that audience.

Problem is, I don't think they have the stones to reach out there and get a really wild personality, one that makes Guy look tame...

[Big Daddy's House]

To my recollection, Guy is STILL doing Big Bite. He also did Ultimate Recipe Showdown,
and he made one or more guest appearences on Dinner Impossible.

The concept behind the "branching out" theme, as one might call it, is to try to give the stars on that network more exposure, I would think, and to see where & how their talent lies.

Aaron has made guest appearances in other shows on the channel, as do most of the others. He also appeared on the Today Show and in another show with Bobby Flay.

Not sure if Aaron is being kept around for demographic reasons, but his show is definitely a big hit with FN and cooking fans everywhere. It got started with its explosive 4th season last week.

[TheMetalChef]

To my recollection, Guy is STILL doing Big Bite. He also did Ultimate Recipe Contest
and he made one or more guest appearences on Dinner Impossible.

What I'm saying is that Big Bite was not what really got him rolling as an entrenched personality as much as his antics on D, D, & D.

He absolutely had the star power, I saw that on the first episode of that season's Next FN Star.

Aaron is a good cook. He doesn't challenge me, but then I'm not really his target audience. He works well for his demographic.

[Big Daddy's House]

Some stars might appeal to fans more than others.

Aaron is kind of like a sports food cook like Guy. They BOTH like to do finger game food.
Aaron also likes to cook big steaks, and like Bobby Flay, he likes to throwdown with the backyard grill.

Guy's new motto is; if it's funky, he'll find it. Pertaining to DD&D.

[miseenplace]

It got started its explosive 4th season last week. What did he blow up? :p:D


Guy has been blessed to find a show that works for his personality, DDD. The other winners didn't get anything but a cooking show. The Hearty Boys and Amy Findley were bland and boring in their shows.

[miseenplace]

Some stars might appeal to fans more than others.

That's what is great about having all of the different shows and hosts.

I like the shows that teach, hence I'm a big Alton Brown fan. The travel and competition shows don't appeal to me, but others love them.

[TheMetalChef]

What did he blow up? :p:D


Guy has been blessed to find a show that works for his personality, DDD. The other winners didn't get anything but a cooking show. The Hearty Boys and Amy Findley were bland and boring in their shows.

I was stunned Amy Findley even won that competition.

This season is a testament to how poor their talent pool has become, what with Ms. Soul Food producing disaster after disaster and still surviving until last week.

Jeffrey is a lock unless he completely bungles it, but I'm not sure how many episodes the FN population can stand with him talking about what he does with his daughters over and over again. :D

And BigDaddy - that's exactly what I was talking about re: Aaron's demographics. He appeals to late 20's/early 30's guys who are just starting to find their way around the kitchen.

I hope you didn't think I meant a racial profile... :eek:

[miseenplace]

I read somewhere Food Net's target is male 20-30s, so Guy, Aaron fit that to a T

[TheMetalChef]

I read somewhere Food Net's target is male 20-30s, so Guy, Aaron fit that to a T

They may be reaching out to that demographic of late, but if that was their true focus, Sandra Lee would have been booted years ago.

Her show makes me want to hurl.

In fact, we're working on a new opening credits sequence for my show that completely mocks her, she annoys me that much... :D

[Big Daddy's House]

Yeah, Guy and Aaron aren't too far from each other in age.

Isn't Robert Irvine in that group as well? He stiil appears to be in his 30s.

[TheMetalChef]

Yeah, Guy and Aaron aren't too far from each other in age.

Isn't Robert Irvine in that group as well? he stiil appears to be in his 30s.

No way. He's 44. He just looks young because he's built like a brick (well, you know)...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Irvine

[Big Daddy's House]

More like an Army Tank!

I've seen those huge biceps which almost look like the size of Hulk Hogan's.

[TheMetalChef]

More like an Army Tank!

I've seen those huge biceps which almost look like the size of Hulk Hogan's.

I'm just glad FN finally got off their high horse about that crap in Florida and brought him back to D:I.

I like Michael Symon, he's a nut, but he is NOT cut out for that show.

[Big Daddy's House]

You're right!

That is ONE time that they just had to get up off that high horse of theirs and reinstate him. He was definitely on a mission to prove them wrong and he was very successful doing it!

And you're also right about Symon! Even though he's good on ICA, he totally sucked doing DI!!

[TheMetalChef]

Well, the stupid part is that it was just some stupid detail issues about him doing KP for the team that made Princess Di's wedding cake. The maker denies Robert's involvement in the project - but let's face it, the maker of the cake didn't know which cooking school lackeys picked through his dried apricots.

It was all way blown out of proportion, IMO...

[Big Daddy's House]

It WAS VERY MUCH blown out of proportion.

And I'm so glad that he made them see the errors of their ways because I think sometimes that they act like their crap don't stink!!

That network can at times really act stuck up and suck on themselves. Hopefully now, they'll be more careful and not assume the wrong things about their hosts.

[TheMetalChef]

That network can at times really act stuck up and suck on themselves.

This would be why, when we're ready to pitch, we'll be pitching my show first at Spike TV, then (if necessary) Viacom (they can figure out if they want it on MTV, VH1, or CC)

FN doesn't even figure into the equation. They'd run away screaming from a show as raw and edgy as mine gets.

[Big Daddy's House]

I liked them better when they first started out and not too long after that.

Notice that today, most of their one-hour shows are copycat versions of ICA? Everything, or almost everything seems to be a damn contestant or cake challenge program!!

I wish that they kept Emeril Live in the 7pm - 8pm slot. When the show was moved to FLN, that's when they went completely bonkers, ga-ga and ridiculously repetitive with that goddamn Food Network Challenge!!!!!!

[TheMetalChef]

Yep. Chopped is going downhill fast - but partly because of the stupid stuff they did (like bothering to bring vegan cooks on the show knowing they'd have to work with meat)...

[Big Daddy's House]

I was stunned Amy Findley even won that competition.

This season is a testament to how poor their talent pool has become, what with Ms. Soul Food producing disaster after disaster and still surviving until last week.

Jeffrey is a lock unless he completely bungles it, but I'm not sure how many episodes the FN population can stand with him talking about what he does with his daughters over and over again. :D

And BigDaddy - that's exactly what I was talking about re: Aaron's demographics. He appeals to late 20's/early 30's guys who are just starting to find their way around the kitchen.

I hope you didn't think I meant a racial profile... :eek:



No, I didn't take that as a racial slur.

But I think you're right about one thing;

Like you said, their talent search for this year was very poor, distasteful and crappy, to say the least. What with those geeky hairdos, cocky attitudes, and for a while, it looked as if they were about to come to blows because in the green room, they began to argue back & forth with each other!

Who is Ms. Soul Food, Jamika? I had high hopes for her. Guess she just couldn't hack it any more. So sad! :(

[TheMetalChef]

Who is Ms. Soul Food, Jamika? I had high hopes for her. Guess she just couldn't hack it any more. So sad! :(

Jamika's problem was that she had the image and the personality, but nothing in the way of cooking skill. All style, no substance.

Like I said earlier, there were only two contestants that really knew how to cook, and one of them is gone, leaving only Jeffrey.

[Big Daddy's House]

Who was the other one?

[TheMetalChef]

The big gay guy - what was his name... the one who was petrified of cameras but could cook his ass off and work the hell out of a live crowd.

[Big Daddy's House]

Was that Michael? He was chopped last week, I think.

[TheMetalChef]

Week before last. And yeah, it was Michael. Korean Redneck got cut after him, then Jamika.

[Big Daddy's House]

A woman was the 1st one to be chopped - and right before the end of the 1st episode.

I found that hard to believe and to be rather cruel & unusual punishment because in past seasons, they usually let everyone slide for a week after the 1st episode before deciding to disqualify someone.

[TheMetalChef]

A woman was the 1st one to be chopped - and right before the end of the 1st episode.

I found that hard to believe and to be rather cruel & unusual punishment because in past seasons, they usually let everyone slide for a week after the 1st episode before deciding to chop someone.

When someone is that bad, better to get rid of them early.

It was painful watching them keep Teddie and Eddie (the backstabber twins) around as long as they did.

First time the two of them displayed that lack of ethics would have been the moment I showed them both the door.

[Big Daddy's House]

Was Michael the one with the redish hair? The other one had kind of a cocky hairdo with it cropped up in the middle of his head.

Tell me something; Where in the hell do they find these wacky people? Such poor taste in character.

I realise that they could stand some new talent, and there is always room for improvement, but this is ridiculous!! Last year's contestants were better looking than the goons they picked this year!

[TheMetalChef]

Was Michael the one with the redish hair? The other one had kind of a cocky hairdo with it cropped up in the middle of his head.

Michael had two-tone spikey hair, Elvis Costello glasses, and a beard.

Tell me something; Where in the hell do they find these wacky people? Such poor taste in character.

I know that they could stand some new talent, and there is always room for improvement, but this is ridiculous!! Last years's contestants were better looking than the goons they picked this year!

I think the talent pool is drying up, really. People that send in videotapes for the show are just desperately seeking their 15m. People that actually want to do a real cooking show aren't lining up to be part of that charade.

[Big Daddy's House]

The show itself is getting boring.

And believe it or not, they are already accepting apps and video clips from prospective contestants for next year's Season 6!!

This year's season isn't even over yet - yet we might even see more cocky weird-hairdo-wearing goons next year!

[TheMetalChef]

The show itself is getting boring.

And believe it or not, they are already accepting apps and video clips from prospective contestants for next year's Season 6!!

This year's season isn't even over yet - yet we might even see more cocky weird-hairdo-wearing goons next year!

After season one, I considered sending something in. I'm glad I didn't. It just went from bad to worse, with entirely too many really stupid "challenges" that neither measured the person's cooking mettle nor their ability to function in front of the camera.

[Big Daddy's House]

I really don't think that there will be anyone who is as good as Aaron and some of the others before him.

This season is a disaster, mainly because they had too many weird & cocky contestants.

Someone had also suggested to me that I should enter the contest. I said; "No way will I ever go through that torture and stress!!"

[Big Daddy's House]

Yep. Chopped is going downhill fast - but partly because of the stupid stuff they did (like bothering to bring vegan cooks on the show knowing they'd have to work with meat)...



They just tend to keep on showing those repetitive and atrociously ridiculous cake challenges as wel!!

That Food Network Challenge needs to be chopped, also! It has run its course and it's long been time to say Goodbye.

[TheMetalChef]

The cake challenges are interesting occasionally - like the one guy who did a 3,000 pound solid chocolate rendition of some sculpture in Italy.

But the fact that they are OVERLOADING US WITH THEM is what is so brutal. FN has a mountain of material available to re-run, why beat us to death with the Challenge show?

[Big Daddy's House]

Part of the reason why I hate that show with a pure passion something fierce!!

[Big Daddy's House]

Has anyone seen the special that aired on the Food Network last night?

It is titled Outrageous Food and its host was Aaron McCargo Jr..

It puts me in the mind of Guy's travel show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It re-airs Wednesday at 8pm.