Congrats to Aaron McCargo, Jr. the Next Food Network Star

I must admit that I purposely didn’t follow the Next Food Network Star very closely this year – more about that in a minute. However, I did see the submission videos of the contestants prior to the airing of the first episode. I instantly picked Aaron out of the group as my favorite to win. No, I was not real impressed by his microwaving a frozen burrito, wrapping an egg crepe around it then topping it with jarred salsa. I’m not sure who would have been impressed by that, other than perhaps some kids who’ll eat anything with cheese in it. However, there was something about his personality that got my attention, which didn’t happen with a single other contestant.

As far as my not following the show, after watching the submission tapes I was left dumbfounded as to why my tape wasn’t one of the chosen ones. I mean, they liked the tape well enough to give me not one, but two callbacks. And then… nothing. Not a peep out of the Food Network. So I figured they found some people who were really the bomb in the kitchen and in front of the camera. And then I saw the videos, which I have to say in my opinion, most of them sucked.

After getting over my initial pissed off-ness and boycotting the show for the season, I decided to watch the finale. This time, not only did Aaron’s pilot come off with even more confidence and personality, but his food actually was appealing. I’m now walking around as proud of him as if he were my own brother. I’ve come to the conclusion that this was obviously Aaron McCargo’s year to shine. And this is my year to be big and pregnant, one last time.

I may consider throwing my hat in the ring again, as that is my ultimate goal like thousands of others, to have my own cooking show. My video submitted for this past season can be viewed at myspace.com/culinarytherapy. I made grilled ground chicken kabobs and served them on a bed of couscous and orzo. Feel free to critique it as you please. I need to develop a leathery tough skin if I plan to sit before the Food Network judges in the future. That’s what Aaron did, and it paid off big time for him. Congrats bro!