Top 4 Food Network Shows of 2008

There are only about three television channels I watch constantly and Food Network is one of them. As a matter of fact 70% of the time I watch television I am watching Food Network. I've seen just about every show on Food Network and I've got to tell you there are great ones, good ones and some pretty terrible ones. Without further ado, and in no specific order, here are my personal top four picks of the best on Food Network of 2008.

1) Diners, Drive-ins and Dives
Within the past year and a half I have seen Guy Fieri explode on the Food Network. He now has got about three or four shows along side this one. If I had to guess, I'd say he is by far the fastest growing celebrity on Food Network. He's just got that lovable personality, and a way with people that is irreplaceable. This show reveals who he really is, his amazing amount energy, his passion for food, and the special way he can interact with people on the fly. In combination to the unique places he goes to, it is just flat out entertaining.

2) Good Eats
Alton Brown is probably the most technical chef on Food Network and anyone out there who says otherwise is bonkers. Good Eats has been a personal favorite for a few years for the simple fact that Alton doesn't waste time telling you stories about his children or where he grew up. He knows you want to learn about food, so he is teaches you about food! At first, I absolutely hated this show. It was so quirky and tongue and cheek that I completely just dreaded it when it was on. Ironically, now I think this is what makes this show one of the greatest on the network - He presents extremely detailed information about food in a way that almost anyone can understand. Using humor and quirkiness just makes it more enjoyable!

3) Jamie At Home
Jamie Oliver, if I remember correctly, was actually the first chef on Food Network that I was a real fan of. Back when he had longer hair, a seemingly thicker lisp, and cooking at his Flat in the city. Jamie At Home is such a great show because he takes that same warmth as he has with all of his other shows, talking to you like you're one of his best friends just watching him cook, and doing what he does best. He teaches how to utilize home grown herbs, vegetables, and fruits, and make homemade creations to die for. In each episode he creates 3 to 4 dishes and shoots each creation at a different spot around his house or garden. I remember a specific episode where he literally took you outside next to his garden, pulled up an old wooden crate laying around and started chopping herbs and cooking on a portable grill... Who does that?! Very awesome.

4) Dinner: Impossible
This pick is due only to the episodes airred starring Robert Irvine. The guy is a genius. They give him a matter of hours to prepare a multi-course meal with no kitchen, a couple hundred bucks and three people to help, and he still prepares a meal to die for. This show is probably the most intense show on Food Network - Think Jason Bourne but as a food show! When I first saw they were replacing Robert Irvine with Michael Symon, I was very disappointed but after watching a few episodes it is still almost enjoyable as the original series.

I recommend any and all of these shows - You may not like them at first but the more you watch them, the more you'll love them!