Mario Batali Leaves the Food Network

  • Posted by Editor
  • September 6, 2007

Posted by Madeline Miller on Edible TV.

Mario BataliWell, I consider this a sad time for the Food Network.  The New York Post reported yesterday that Mario Batali is no longer employed by the Food Network.  This means no more Molto Mario and no more Iron Chef America.  Network reps wouldn’t comment, but an insider said: “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.’ “

But don’t you worry about Mario.  He has several restaurants, a huge line of kitchen products, and several cookbooks.  He should be able to continue to afford those orange clogs. Plus, he’s been with the Food Network since 1996, so he’s certainly had a good run. 

Mario also has a PBS show coming out where he and Gwyneth Paltrow will cook Spanish food.  Yes, that’s Gwyneth Paltrow and Spanish food.  Find out more about that here.

Photo from mariobatali.com.



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September 6th, 2007
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Comment Number:
1
Written by:
D. Elliott
Posted on:
September 6, 2007 at 3:26 pm

Chef Batali has made the right choice.

The Food Network becomes less impressive with each new season.

Time to scrape them off his clogs — and move forward.

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Matt
Posted on:
September 7, 2007 at 12:59 am

I’m speechless…

Iron Chef without Batali is like Emeril Live hosted by that “Guy” new guy… :)

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
Rosa
Posted on:
September 7, 2007 at 1:22 pm

Heat by Bill Buford goes into some detail about Mario’s changing role on the Food Network from Molto Mario to Iron Chef Mario. I’ll miss him on Iron Chef America, but he really is above having a cooking show on the same channel that considers Sandra Lee’s work to be “cooking” as well.

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
Audrey Menne
Posted on:
September 7, 2007 at 2:27 pm

A day without Mario Batali, is like a day without sunshine. Let’s see a little less of “30 minute meals,” or “Paula Deen.” There is too much of them already. Is jealously a factor in deciding not to renew Mario?? I think there is!!