Fridays Five Favorite Things - TV Chefs

5. Mary Ann Esposito - I remember watching Ciao Italia on Saturday mornings on PBS before
Food Network had even been conceived. It has been forever since I have seen one of her
shows, but she plays a large role in my love for cooking. I would watch her show and then
pretend I was her while making tuna salad for myself. Seriously, I would even practice
looking at the camera while stirring, just like she did.

4. Sara Moulton - Sara Moulton may not be as peppy as Rachel Ray or outrageous as Guy Fiore,
but she is an amazing chef to watch. I miss her on Food Network. I loved how she could make
a complex dish that would appear in Gourmet magazine seem approachable. She had the
ability to make cooking seem fun and glamorous without having to appear like a character,
which is what it seems Food Network has been going for lately in their new chefs.

3. Emeril Lagasse - Emeril has done more for New Orleans cooking than anyone. He has
brought our kind of cooking into the homes of millions of people. I think people feel they
relate to New Orleans just by watching his show. I prefer to watch Essence of Emeril because
it is more toned down, but Emeril Live is always fun when you need a dose of home.

2. Ina Garten - If I could come back as anyone, it might just be the Barefoot Contessa! I love
her show! It is so relaxing and comfortable feeling. Maybe it's the Hamptons setting, or
maybe it's just Ina, I don't know, but I always feel happier watching her cook. It would be
my dream to own a shop like hers and thrown Ina-caliber parties!!! Plus, she always has
the neatest houseguests!

1. Stephanie Bernard - It's official. My sister is a Food Network alum. That being said, she takes
the cake as my favorite tv chef. I can't wait to see her light up the screen.