This August, the Asian Food Network, Food Network and Travel Channel will be launching a series of exciting premieres on each of their channels.
The Asian Food Channel will be premiering four shows this August. In Jonathan Phang’s Gourmet Trains, Jonathan will travel aboard some of the world’s most elegant trains to visit the most tantalising culinary destinations that include Venice, Istanbul and Bangkok. In Aarti Party, Aarti demonstrates her unique interpretation of all-American favourites with exotic Indian twists. Razif Hashim, host of Best in the World will guide the viewer through Asia’s bona fide food haven, Malaysia from traditional dessert carts to classic noodle stalls. Makan Angin features host Faiz who goes in search of Malaysia’s hidden food delights and uncovers the hidden food gems as well as attempt quirky things like shadow puppetry.
The Food Network will be launching two new series and five returning series as well as specials and events this August. Some highlights from the Food Network include Buy This Restaurant, which follows Keith Simpson, a top level eatery broker through an intimidating real estate market and Mystery Diners, which features an experienced team of undercover operatives setting up hidden cameras and secret surveillance stings to expose what really happens in the restaurant when the boss is not around.
This August, the Travel Channel will be premiering two programmes. Game On, America features former trickster Sal Piacente, who reveals his secrets to let the player win at any game no matter how the odds are stacked against him. Viewers can follow Wayne in Air Boss as he does gravity-defying stunts, daredevil performances, smoke and flame explosions.
Asian Food Channel
Jonathan Phang’s Gourmet Trains
Exclusive Asian Premiere: August 19 at 9pm
JKT/TH 8pm
Join Jonathan Phang as he travels aboard some of the world’s most elegant trains to visit the most tantalising culinary destinations that include Venice, Istanbul and Bangkok! Immerse yourself in the romance of train travel, re-live old world glamour and savour the world’s finest dining experiences!
Aarti Party
Exclusive Premiere: Monday to Friday, August 13 at 7.30pm
JKT/TH 6.30pm
You’re invited to Aarti Sequiera’s party! Let Aarti entertain you with her unique interpretation of all-American favourites with exotic Indian twists! Whether it’s cooking the perfect roasted chicken or taking classic bread pudding to new heights, great food and endless fun are guaranteed!
Best in the World (Season 2)
Exclusive Premiere: August 13 at 9pm
JKT/TH 8pm
Follow Razif Hashim as he guides you through Asia’s bona fide food haven, Malaysia! From traditional dessert carts to noodle stalls, Razif not only soaks up the aromatic street flavours, but also interacts with creators of Malaysia’s most-beloved street dishes. Nothing but the best food will satisfy this ever-hungry host!
Makan Angin (Season 4)
Exclusive Premiere: 25 August at 8pm
JKT/TH 7pm
Explore the road less travelled in search of Malaysia’s hidden food delights! Armed with a can-do attitude and a great deal of enthusiasm, host Faiz not only goes all out in uncovering Malaysia’s best dishes, but also attempts all sorts of quirky things – from riding elephants to studying shadow puppetry!
Food Network
NEW SERIES
Buy This Restaurant
Tuesdays at 9pm, beginning August 5
Countless people dream of leaving their day jobs behind to follow their passion and open their own food business. But to make that dream a reality, they need the perfect space to launch it. Enter Keith Simpson, a top-level eatery broker with the experience to guide even the greenest of prospective buyers through an intimidating real estate market. In each episode, Keith locates three different listings, walks the first-timers through the businesses and offers advice from space to menu to costs, all in his efforts to help his clients realize their vision. Keith is more than a real estate broker… he’s a dream broker.
Mystery Diners
Tuesdays at 9.30pm, beginning August 5
A restaurant can have great food, atmosphere and customers, but reckless employees can quickly ruin it all. When food service owners suspect their staff of bad behaviour – whether it be stealing, lying, providing bad customer service, or simply performing their jobs poorly – they call in the Mystery Diners. This experienced team of undercover operatives set up hidden cameras and secret surveillance stings at restaurants and eateries, exposing what really happens when the boss is not around.
RETURNING SERIES
Rachael vs Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off (Season 3)
Thursdays at 8pm, beginning August 21
Food Network icons Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri return to coach and mentor eight new celebrities/amateur chefs for the third season of the hit series. Among the competitors for this go-round are TV mom Florence Henderson, magician Penn Jillette, funny man Chris Kattan, and rapper Vanilla Ice. The stakes are high as the contestants are eliminated one-by-one until the final showdown when the victor is named top celebrity chef, winning the big cash prize for their favourite charity and bragging rights for their chef mentor!
Chopped (Season 13)
Wednesdays at 8pm, beginning August 6
It’s all about skill, speed and ingenuity when four chefs compete to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary three-course meals. The challenge? For each course, the chefs are given a basket of mystery ingredients and only seconds to plan. Once the clock starts, they have just 30 minutes to prepare delicious and unique dishes using only the contents of the basket. When their time is up, the chefs must survive the Chopping Block as they present their culinary creations to a panel of three expert judges, eager to be impressed yet unafraid to voice their criticisms. Course by course, the chefs are CHOPPED from the competition until only the winner remains. Host Ted Allen leads this high-energy, high-pressure kitchen showdown. Who will make the cut? Find out on CHOPPED!
Extra Virgin (Season 4)
Wednesdays at 5.30pm, beginning August 6
Actress Debi Mazar and her Italian husband, Gabriele Corcos, invite you into their home
as they share their tremendous passion for Tuscan food and for each other. She’s a modern girl from the streets of Queens; he’s a food purist from the hills of Tuscany. The two food lovers share ideas, haggle and finally compromise to create the perfect Tuscan-American blend, all the while providing important lessons that you just won’t find in your average cookbook.
Giada at Home (Season 4, part 2 of 2)
Saturdays at 8am, beginning August 3
Giada De Laurentiis shares her love for entertaining California-style as she puts together unique and satisfying meals for gatherings with friends and family. Whether it’s a festive bash or an intimate meal, in her kitchen or at the beach, every occasion is filled with memorable food and good times when Giada plans the menu.
Sandwich King (Season 5)
Mondays at 4.30pm, beginning August 4
Food Network Star Season 7 champion Jeff Mauro shares his insatiable passion for all things sandwiches in his first series. For Jeff, sandwiches are much more than a quick snack thrown together between two slices of bread. In fact, he sums it up best when he says, “You can make any meal into a sandwich – and any sandwich into a meal.” Become a believer and catch Jeff Mauro, the Sandwich King!
SPECIALS AND EVENTS
It’s All About the Food: Los Angeles
August 14, at 8pm
Josh Stone, a food fanatic and owner of one of LA’s hippest hangouts, leads an insider’s tour through the City of Angels to discover some of its most delicious food found in the most unexpected places. From bowling alley burritos to lobster at the laundromat, Josh proves you just have to know where to look for Tinsel Town’s most eccentric yet satisfying eateries.
Best of Los Angeles Event
August 17, All Day
Get a taste of what makes the iconic city of Los Angeles a favorite food destination for locals and travellers alike. From a pioneer of on-the-go fast food to support its prevalent car culture to its current status as a hot spot for organic, healthy cuisine, the City of Angels embraces its varied ethnic communities, local farming, up-and-coming chefs, and its accessibility to exotic ingredients from around the world to create a wide assortment of delicious dishes. Food Network salutes L.A. with an all-day event featuring special, California-themed episodes of favourite shows, including a morning marathon of Giada at Home plus Extreme Chef, Feed the Beast, Food Wars, Chef Wanted, and lots more!
Saturday Night Block Parties
Every Saturday, 8pm – 12 midnight, unless noted otherwise
Welcome to Food Network’s Saturday Night Block Parties – four consecutive hours highlighting a favourite show, chef or theme. It’s the perfect way to unwind on a Saturday night and enjoy a fun and flavourful culinary escape!
- Aug 2 – Chopped Canada – Catch four episodes of this newest version of the hit series, as the culinary action heads to the Great White North!
- Aug 9 – Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell – Re-experience four exciting episodes from the just-completed second season of the competition favourite.
- Aug 16 – Best of Los Angeles – As a lead-up to the all-day Sunday event, take a tour through some of L.A.’s most iconic eats and unexpected delights, kicking off with the new special, It’s All About the Food: Los Angeles.
- Aug 23 – Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off (6pm – 12 midnight) – As the new season launches, relive all the excitement and drama from season two of the smash event series!
- Aug 30 – Mobile Chef – Last year’s special limited series returns for a one-night only marathon. At different venues throughout Singapore, Chef Ryan Clift attempts to pull off some of the most ambitious dinners he has ever prepared, with each dish, location and guest list presenting a unique set of challenges and demands. Follow Ryan and crew as they strive to take his singular cuisine out of the restaurant and make it truly mobile.
NEW EPISODES
Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics (Season 6)
Mondays at 6pm
Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, shares the basic principles behind her elegant dishes and easy entertaining style, breaking down her ideas on flavour and explaining the ingredients and techniques that are the foundation of her refined yet accessible approach to food.
Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell (Season 2)
Thursdays at 8pm
Chef Anne Burrell comes to Food Network Asia! When top restaurants are in need of an executive chef – the critical employee who can make or break a restaurant – they turn to Anne. In each episode, the candid and outspoken chef puts four candidates through the toughest job interview of their lives, testing everything from their culinary mettle to business acumen. Then it all comes down to the biggest test of all – running the restaurant. Who will make their dinner service the most profitable and delicious – and land the dream job as the restaurant’s new executive chef?
Chopped Canada
Wednesdays at 9pm
Can’t get enough Chopped? Then tune in as the hit competition series heads to the Great White North for even more high stakes kitchen battles! Four top Canadian chefs compete against the clock to turn mystery ingredients into extraordinary three-course meals. The rules are the same, but the change of locale gives this series a fresh spin all its own. Dean McDermott is the host, and the judges panel is a who’s who of the country’s top culinary talent. Catch the country’s hottest chefs go head to head to determine who will be Chopped Canada Champion!
Diners, Drive-ins & Dives (Season 15)
Mondays at 9pm
Host Guy Fieri takes a cross-country road trip to visit some of America’s classic “greasy spoon” restaurants –diners, drive-ins and dives – that have been doing it right for decades. These days they’re booming again – being run by a whole new generation of owners and catering delicious homemade food both to baby boomers and a slew of younger fans as well. It might be a shack on the side of the highway in Texas or a sports bar in Vegas famous for stromboli… these are the kinds of places that make America great.
Food Network Challenge (Season 13)
Mondays at 8pm
Claire Robinson hosts the ultimate kitchen showdown as chocolatiers, bakers and pastry chefs go head to head in extreme challenges to make gravity-defying cakes and candy sculptures. With a specific theme and only eight hours on the clock, four competitors must race against time and unforeseen obstacles to impress a panel of tough and discerning judges. The battle always goes down to the last ticking seconds, with only one creation reigning victorious. The winner is awarded with the prestigious gold medal and a big cash prize!
Food Wars
Mondays at 9.30pm
Across the U.S., intense rivalries have ignited from legions of loyal fans who passionately endorse the local eateries that serve up the best versions of their city’s most iconic dishes. Food Wars sets out to definitively settle these great culinary debates with head-to-head showdowns between two competing eateries. Each battle culminates in a blind taste test that determines once and for all who truly owns the bragging rights to their town’s signature dish.
Guy’s Big Bite (Season 12)
Saturdays at 9:30am
If you are what you eat, then Next Food Network Star 2 champion Guy Fieri has a big appetite for success. With recipes that are as fun and fearless as his bigger-than-life personality, Guy caters to his own desire for food that is full of big, bold flavours.
Heartland Table
Thursdays at 3.30pm
Amy Thielen is a native of the Midwest, known as the heartland of the U.S., where she is a chef and connoisseur of all things authentic to that unique region. In her charming cabin kitchen, Amy cooks delicious and often surprising dishes that truly capture the spirit of the land and its people. She also travels throughout the Midwest to meet local food enthusiasts and chefs in their rural homes, farms and restaurants.
Kelsey’s Essentials (Season 3)
Tuesdays at 5.30pm
Kelsey Nixon inspires a new generation of food lovers with her fresh take on essential cooking basics. The young chef shares her passion for creating recipes that target the everyday home cook, gives savvy tips on must-have pantry items and teaches proper techniques – all in her efforts to make viewers capable and confident in the kitchen.
Kimberly’s Simply Southern (Season 2)
Tuesdays at 3.30pm
Kimberly Schlapman, member of the award-winning, best-selling country music group Little Big Town, steps out of the spotlight and into the kitchen to share her passion for making simple yet delicious meals at home. Drawing from her culinary experiences as she travels the country by tour bus – and always with a little help from her friends and fellow music artists – Kimberly creates inspired, authentic dishes straight from the heart.
Restaurant Impossible (Season 5)
Tuesdays at 8pm
Turning around a failing restaurant is a daunting challenge under the best of circumstances. Attempting to do it in just two days with minimal expense may be impossible. But Chef Robert Irvine is ready to take on the challenge. He’ll use a little ingenuity and a lot of muscle to rescue these desperate places from complete collapse. Can the opinionated chef succeed in saving these struggling eateries and pointing them to successful futures? Find out as Robert Irvine takes on Restaurant Impossible!
Symon’s Suppers (Season 2)
Thursdays at 5.30pm
Iron Chef Michael Symon prepares his favourite crowd-pleasing recipes for all occasions, from casual family dinners to a night together with friends. With simple instruction, seasonal ingredients and lots of love, this is how an Iron Chef cooks at home.
Game On, America
Double Bill premieres on August 5 at 8pm (SG), 7pm (JKT/TH)
Former trickster Sal Piacente certainly knows how to play the game. Sal switched tracks, turning from con man to casino consultant, and is therefore a man who knows all the best strategies on how to beat the odds. From carnival, state-fair and boardwalk games to bar and arcade games, Sal reveals the secrets to win at any game. Travelling across the U.S. Sal gives fascinating insights into how the odds are stacked against the player but how, given the right strategy, the player can triumph. Whatever the game, whatever the stakes, Sal is here to help you win. Let’s play.
Air Boss
Double Bill premieres on August 27 at 8pm (SG), 7pm (JKT/TH)
Wayne Boggs is the Air Boss – the man controlling the show. The fact that the last air show season was one of the deadliest in years is a fact that weighs heavily on performers and show crews every minute of every day. But Wayne bears the burden of responsibility more than anyone else. Attended by tens of millions of spectators annually, air shows are growing in popularity and Wayne’s shows are the best of the best. He routinely bosses shows at venues including the ultra-high security show at Andrews Air Force Base in the U.S. before the President of the United States. Air Boss follows Wayne as he juggles more aircraft in an hour than most air traffic controllers do in a whole shift. Adding earth-shaking horsepower, gravity-defying stunts, daredevil performances, smoke, flames, and explosions makes it all the more spectacular. There’s room for just about every stunt imaginable in an aircraft, just no room for error.
