I have to admit, during fourth season of The Next Food Network Star, Aaron McCargo Jr. was my favorite personality. It might have had to more to do with my hatred of Lisa Garza, but he was the only contestant who I found to be somewhat likable. I’m not sure if it was a “hey, I’m so bad I’m entertaining” kind of likability, but for some reason I was pulling for the guy to win. Even when he introduced “Cookin With Big Daddy”, I thought it was a show that I could see myself watching from time to time. Ever since then, I find myself wondering how this guy still has a weekly cooking show on the Food Network. During the first season, it seemed as though Aaron, or should I say Big Daddy, was going to piss his pants every time the camera came on. He talked too fast, he seemed nervous and inexperienced, and his English was terrible. He frequently made remarks such as “Nows I’ma throw this here bacon inna bowl and it’s gon’ cook fast sizzle.” He annoyingly talked about himself in the 3rd person (”Big Daddy marinades his meat for 2 days,” or “Big Daddy uses only the freshest cheeses”). Oh, and by the way, his food looked… not so good. Even though it was obvious that the food cooked on certain shows was less than up to par, McCargo would take a taste and over exaggerate his opinion of the dish. Usually something like, “DAMN, Big Daddy has cooked up da bomb and it just exploded in my mouth!”
Yo, this slop is Big Daddy's secret slop that will make you want to slap your Momma
Aaron McCargo has slowly faded into the background because he is a damn goof. I feel bad saying it, but the guy’s cooking show needs to be taken off of the network. Get him on a travel show or something. That always seems to do the trick. Stick him in an atmosphere where he can simply be himself. Give him a show where he has the least amount of scripted lines as possible and can just eat food and say how good it is. The man worked in a hospital kitchen. He’s not a source of culinary greatness. Did anyone watch Guy’s Big Bite before Diners Drive-Ins and Dives caught fire? No, he was simply that stupid looking blond guy who won the second season of The Next Food Network Star. I don’t believe the problem is with good ol’ Big Daddy. I think the problem is with whoever is producing the show, most likely that crazy Australian, Gordon Elliott. The dude is likable and people can identify with him. He may not be the greatest cook in the world, but he brings some personality to the table and has the potential to make simple dishes that anyone could prepare. A male version of Rachel Ray, if you will(gag).
This tenderloin is da BOMB! You gonna want what I got, America!
I would like to point out that the Big Daddy has his own blog on Blogspot.com, because nothing says professional like Blogspot.com. No offense to anyone on Blogspot, but you would think Aaron could afford to host this blog on his own site. Better yet, his tag line is “Let’s all take a ride on the McCargo express!”. It’s impossible to tell which entries are actually written by McCargo, because he constantly refers to himself in the third person, “Hey, Big Daddy’s on Regis and Kelly Lee today ya’ll, give it a watch and eat the food that I cook. This is Big Daddy’s Kitchen. Cookin’ with my BOYZ”.
In summary, Aaron McCargo has potential which is why they chose him over those other douches on the fourth season of The Next Food Network Star. He’s just being severly mismanaged. Being the food production genius that I am, I felt the need to point this out. I hope you will agree with me and immedietly send letters to your local representative and demand Aaron McCargo Jr. be given a traveling show. It’s the best for everyone.
Hahahah, I love the rant. Oddly enough I’ve seen most of the NFNS seasons but I missed season 4…..also I’ve never actually seen Big Daddy’s House…and all I watch is the Food Network and ESPN (okay, okay and Cartoon Network, Disney & Nickelodeon), I guess that just tells you how popular he is. I agree with you on Guy too….I don’t like his Big Bite but damn if “Triple D” isn’t entertaining as hell….although I attribute a lot of that to the restaurants and owners rather than Mr. Fieri. And you’re right that Gordon is the Executive Producer.
His earrings always made me think of him as a pirate.
P.S. Adam Gertler FTW
Just for the record, I am a BIG fan of Big Daddy’s House. Aaron McCargo, Jr. has plenty of personality and he truly enjoys his craft. I never tasted his food, however he did BEAT THE COMPETITION on the Next Food Network Star. I think some of his critics are people who may have a different culture than Aaron McCargo. As a fan who enjoys his show, I feel Aaron being himself is a REFRESHING change on the food network. Food Network finally realized this is the 21st century, and must appeal to ALL audiences. Also, for the record, MOST CHEFS on the food network tend to have POOR diction and vocabulary too! I guess you put your sound on mute for them.If you are looking for a host with perfect speech qualities, please turn to another TV station. You are not a true foodie.
Are you implying that I don’t like Aaron McCargo because he’s black? Weird.
Did you read the post? I said I like the guy, but I feel as though he’s not being used properly. He has a great personality and they should create a show based on him, not on some Food Network formula.
…and thank you for your critique on my level of foodiness. I hadn’t realized that my foodie level is based on whether or not I like Aaron McCargo Jr.