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'Next Food Network Star' winner Aarti Sequeira joins wall of fame
After 10 grueling weeks, Food Network has crowned its next branded sensation.Aarti Sequeira took home the title of "The Next Food Network Star" on the Sunday (Aug. 15) finale, beating out Tom Pizzica and Herb Mesa. This should please Zap2it readers, who overwhelmingly chose Sequeira to win.
The star of her own food blog brought that passion for cooking in front of the cameras, overcoming more experienced chefs and self doubt. Her culinary point of view is infusing Indian flavors and techniques into everyday American cooking.
The final challenge was taping a three minute pilot (directed by Food Network personality Rachael Ray), which would then be judged by a focus group. Sequeira's nerves were almost her undoing for a bit there, but after a little advice from Ray, she pulled it together and delivered a charming and upbeat pilot. All three finalists received positive reactions from the focus group, although one person mentioned Sequeira seemed to be rushing.
She won't get to rest on her laurels for long. In a week's time, her show "Aarti Paarti" will debut on the Food Network.
We're not too worried about Pizzica or Mesa. Their high energy personalities will no doubt make an appearance on Food Network or its sister network, The Cooking Channel, before long.
Check back with Zap2it on Monday (Aug. 16) after we interview Sequeira and get her no doubt adorable reaction to her victory.
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Photo credit: Food Network
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Noooooooo, Tom and Herb had better ideas and more personality. There are already too many like Aarti on the network, there needs to be more off the wall characters.
Tom and Herb were way better and deserved to be there more than Aarti....I'm sure we will see Tom on the network any way...GO BIG CHEF
BIG MISTAKE. Last year, the show picked the wrong winner. Whatever-her-name was, she was not at all appealing to women. I think the same thing about Aarti. She is annoying. What are these folks thinking?
Thanks for putting the winner in the headline. The show isn't even on yet on the West Coast.
Yeah Aarti! I truly think Aarti was the best of the bunch and can't wait to see her show.
Aarti parti omg luv her
i watch foodnetwork like 24/7 no lie lol and i LUV Aarti
Arti??? The next Guy Fieri was Tom. Even Herb's concept was better. I would watch them. The judges have messed up 3 of the last 4. Why not let the viewers have a say again.
NO WAY! WANTED TOM TO WIN...Arte is not appealing to me, while her food may be good I am not into curry! Wont be getting me as an audieance. Tom and Herb were way more appealing as far as comfort food go and alot more enjoyable to listen to.
One dimensional food preparer - bad choice.
Once again they got it wrong. i don't watch last years winner either. I would love to have had healthier recipes and encouragement to eat healthier. i probably won't watch Aarti.