Well Fed Network

Posted by Chris Arpante on Edible TV.

I don’t know about you, but I have been known to do whatever I need to do around the house while having the television on in the background, set to the Food Network.  In fact, my foodie friends and I talk about the chefs and the shows as if we know them personally, much like our mothers did about their soap operas.  So you can imagine my excitement when I was presented the wonderful opportunity to speak with Aida Mollenkamp, host of the Food Network’s new show, Ask Aida. Aida was simply lovely, and her responses to the questions presented were both personable and easygoing. (Unless otherwise “noted,” the responses below have been paraphrased.)

Q: Can you tell us a little about you and how food has played an important a role in your life?
A: I grew up in a family huge on food, including Sunday meals.  Food was home cooked and junk food not an option.  When I went to college, I was originally interested in Science.  And, since science and food are relatively connected, and cooking became a great way to “express myself creatively.”

Q: Ask Aida is an opportunity for viewers’ to receive answers to their culinary questions and unknowns. How is this different from some of the other Food Network shows that broach culinary inquiry?
A: “All the Food Network programs try to educate their viewers.  Ask Aida does the same, only in more of a direct manner.  Viewers are able to upload videos that we can show in the episode,” which brings a more personal approach.

Q: How did Food Network approach you about Ask Aida?
A: “As the Food Editor of Chow.com, I am also in several instructional videos on the site.  Representatives for the Food Network were frequent visitors to the site and approached me about the possibility of a show, so I said, ‘Sure!’”

Q: How long was it before the show went from concept to taping?
A: “Food Network has a whole development team that has been doing this for a long time and who is very good at what they do.  I guess talks about the concept began in the winter and it continued from that point on.  The  Food Network did a fantastic job putting the team together, from the producers, to the Food Tech, everybody.”

Q: Is it live at all?
A: “Not in the way we think of as a live show. If someone has a question we want to include on the show, we will call that person and tape the conversation as it happens and air that chat.”

Q: How are the viewers chosen?
A: The producers have themes in mind and when videos and questions come in that fits one of those themes, an episode is sculpted accordingly.

Q: Have you ever been stumped?
A: “Actually, yes.  I was stumped by the difference between grades A&B of maple syrup.  I knew Grade A was used for pancakes and Grade B was used for baking.  But, I didn’t know the difference came about after the syrup is made.  I thought maybe it had to do with the tree or something to that effect.”  But, after researching the topic, I was able to find out the correct information.

Q:  I understand you are very green conscious.  Are you planning on incorporating green consciousness into the show, like in the tips and guidance?
A: “I am green conscious and very aware of where my food comes from.  And, I will incorporate tips and information when I can without telling others how to live their life.  I refer to it as a head fake, teach people through something else. Whenever possible, I will offer information about taste, what’s in season, organics, and I will have a compost bin nearby.”

Q: Before we wrap up, what’s your favorite food?
A: “Hmm as far as type, I would say cheese and chocolate.  I can never get enough.  In terms of cooking?  I love fish… eggs when it comes to breakfast.  And, since I come from an Italian family, doughs and pasta are always great.”

C: What about dinner? What’s for dinner tonight? 
A: “Probably the Cookshop.  It’s not so new, but it fits my mentality, using ingredients local farmers. Hmm, I have a hankering for some fish, now that I just mentioned it.” 

Q: I appreciate the time you’ve taken to speak with me.  Before we end, is there anything you’d like to make sure I get across to the readers?
A: “Most of the shows are just cooking and I am most excited about the show being that and more.  And, it’s great having Noah as the Food Tech.  He is an advocate for living to cook and helps to explain things really concretely.”

Q: Thank you again; it was  pleasure.
A: “Thank you.”

For more of Aida the Food Network, click here.  For more of Aida on Chow.com, click here.

Photo courtesy of Food Network.