Chef Mario Batali Cut From Food Network TV !
I’ve always been a fan of Mario Batali’s shows on Food Network. Molto Mario has been on for many years and he is a regular on Iron Chef America. Hopefully he will get a program on another channel. Next time I’m in the city, I’m going to check out one of his restaurants.
NEW YORK POSTSeptember 5, 2007 — Chef Mario Batali has been chopped from TV’s Food Network, the influential cooking channel that made him a household name.
Sources said that network executives told the spotlight-loving chef last month his multiple shows, which includes the long-running “Molto Mario,” would not be renewed and that he would no longer be competing in the popular “Iron Chef America” series.
“He said that if his shows weren’t going to be renewed, then he wasn’t going to do ‘Iron Chef,’ ” said a network insider. “And then they essentially said ‘ciao.’ ”
“We do not comment on contractual agreements that Food Network has with talent,” said network spokeswoman Lisa Del Colle after numerous calls.
The ubiquitous chef, who runs several Italian-themed restaurants in Manhattan – with recent additions in Los Angeles and Las Vegas – has also made a fortune plugging products ranging from clogs to the NASCAR tailgate-party circuit.
He began with the Food Network in 1996 after opening Po and two years before opening Babbo with business partner Joseph Bastianich.
“Having a show on the Food Network is like gold,” said one industry analyst. In 2005, Batali received a $1 million advance for his book, “Molto Italiano.”
Good for Mario! I have always been a big fan of his. Those idiots over at Food Network just lost a great a thing! I am sure he does not need them and he will find another home. Food Network just lost a viewer!… Way to go Food Network!
couldn't understand him too much history on certain foods talked too fast
Mario was the only reason I watched Iron Chef. Stupid move by the Food Network. I suppose shows like Unwrapped are more to their liking. What an ignorant move on their part. Mario will do better without people like this.
What's going on with the food network in general, it is obvious no one is happy with suble comments made on shows. I have been a food network junkie for many years, but rerun after rerun after Paula after Racheal (the real damaging viruses!) Some of the very best leaving. Come on Gordon Ramsey, i personally am changing to the other networks with Gordon – at least he has something new to present. Bye Food Network, Emerill, Sara, Mario and now Irvine–what are you to think? I think Paula and her boys and Rachael have much to much to say and should be the ones leaving!
Great blog post mate. This in turn makes me ask for lots more.
Interesting article. … 🙂
Great post it is definitely. My mother has been awaiting for this update.
“Having a show on the Food Network is like gold,” said one industry analyst. In 2005, Batali received a $1 million advance for his book, “Molto Italiano.”
Well, why not? Food network in the first place is all about food and restaurants, right? So it's very unquestionable that having a show on Food Network really sells. Of course there are homebody mothers who need a change in their recipe and it's a Godsend opportunity for them to be able to watch it on TV.