Ashley N. Barker

NOTE: You should probably read while eating a sandwich.

The competition television shows on the Food Network are surprisingly different than those of other stations. Some of my favorites are “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” “Iron Chef America,” and “Worst Cooks in America.” All of them, naturally, are food competitions, but they don’t have a lot of the fighting and drama that many other reality shows do. (We will definitely be getting to the drama ones in future postings.)

I know there are skeptics out there who probably think who wants to watch the Food Network? Trust me, I was one of them. I don’t cook and if I do it typically involves burning. But, I’ve found that these types of reality shows are not meant to be educational. You’re not going to learn how to make a meal from any of these. If you want to learn, then you should watch Rachel Ray or Emeril. No, these shows are definitely meant to entertain.

The types of foods that the chefs on these shows make are not simple ones, in fact they get points taken away on Iron Chef if they are not original and considered difficult. There is not a list of ingredients on the side of the screen and it’s not a step-by-step instruction manual. They are pure competition—which is what I’m all about. I compete about everything from sports, to number of drinks, who can get better grades, and even how much food one can eat in a certain period of time. I’m addicted to competition. I want to be the best at what I do and if I’m not then a.) I don’t care b.) I’m about to do everything in my power to be the best, no matter what.

So, when I watch these shows, I’m not watching to see the foods (although I do end up hungry at the end). I’m watching to see the competition. The people on these shows know what they are doing and are passionate about it. They are dedicated to learning their art (I call it art because I consider making delicious food an art) and perfecting it.

If you’re at all like me and enjoy good competition then these shows are definitely going to get you all flustered. You will immediately pick your favorite and least favorite chefs. You’ll start referring to them by first name and in everyday conversation. You’ll look at your plate of food at a restaurant and wonder if it compares to the chefs on the Food Network. And, you’ll find yourself flipping to channel 58 (on the UNCW campus) to watch the network as much as possible.

For next time, look forward to a post about the controversial and addicting finale of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and then eventually a post on the so-called “love” shows that are taking over your televisions.