I’ve been a fan of the Food Network for a while now. Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed a distinct change in the programming and the entire feel of the network…and it’s not a good change. Programs featuring talented, informed chefs like Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse are being cancelled in favor of big mouths like Rachael Ray. There is a great article over at the NY Times that discusses the change, which includes the demise of “Emeril Live” and the addition of a new show hosted by Rachael Ray. Because Ms. Ray will be so busy in ‘08, the Food Network is having her make 20 less episodes of “30-Minute Meals”. At least something good is happening.

Chef Batali has summed the whole thing up better than I ever could in this brusque statement:

“They don’t need me. They have decided they are mass market and they are going after the Wal-Mart crowd, which he said was a smart business decision. So they don’t need someone who uses polysyllabic words from other languages.”

Too true. Give me more Ina and Emeril! I can’t survive on the bobbleheads you are promoting!