The Next Food Network Star - Season 9 - 2013

With many of us still smiling over Justin Warner - "The Rebel with a Culinary Cause" - winning last season's Next Food Network Star, it's hard to believe it's that time again.  Season nine of the Food Network's Next Food Network Star premieres tonight, June 2, and the finalists are already established on the website.  I haven't checked out the profiles yet, preferring instead to meet the contestants during the opening of the show.

It looks like Bobby, Giada, and Alton will again host the hopefuls, but I don't think I am alone in hoping the network has done away with the team competition from last year.  That approach led to Giada really embarrassing herself with many insecurities that were at times hard to watch.  And, I just don't think the overall approach was very effective or interesting.  Too many times, less skilled chefs stuck around based more on the team work issue than their own skills.

Let's hope for some new challenges that will entertain, as we still focus on the culinary arts presented by engaging personalities.  The past three seasons have given us Arti Party, Jeff the Sandwich King, and Justin the Rebel. All three of these people were talented chefs with the confidence and point of view necessary to anchor a Food Network show.  While I haven't watched their shows enough to be a regular, I have been impressed with their work.  I only wish the Food Network would actually market their shows and develop the ideas - as opposed to simply continuing to be the Guy Fierie network with endless re-runs of Diners Drive-ins and Dives.

So, here's looking forward to a great season, and a new Food Network Star.