Brook Harlan could have the ingredients to land
his own cooking show on the Food Network
His students try to trick him into telling them all the time. After all, who wouldn’t want to know whether their teacher had been selected as the next Food Network star?
In mid-February, Brook Harlan, 24, a culinary arts teacher and wrestling coach at Rock Bridge High and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., packed his bags and set off for New York City.
Selected as one of eight contestants to compete in the Food Network’s coming series, “The Next Food Network Star,” Harlan prepared himself for a week of intense filming, new experiences and fresh faces.
Bob Puschman, senior vice president of programming and production for the Food Network, said out of almost 10,000 tapes, Brook had the potential to have the three things crucial to being selected as a contestant: A star personality that breaks through on screen, excellent teaching and communication skills and experience in the food area.
“We thought he was dynamic, confident, playful and brought his cooking to life,” Puschman said.
As for the other contestants, Harlan said the casting crew couldn’t have a done a better job. He said everybody got along well and they spent a lot of time together outside of the kitchen when the cameras weren’t rolling.
“We’re actually sending e-mails to each other now,” he said. “We’ve even joked about Christmas cards.”
Puschman said the cast is eclectic with different backgrounds, skills and experiences.
“It’s made for a fascinating mix,” he said.
Puschman said this show is unique because it allows the viewers to get a peak into the inner workings of the Food Network. He said the Food Network is always in the process of looking for its next star, but it usually doesn’t broadcast the process to the country.
Puschman said the show reveals the challenges a cooking star has to face. “It’s so much harder than it looks,” he said. “Viewers will be amazed at how difficult it is.”
Harlan said this show is unlike any others. From seeing some of the teasers, Harlan said he imagines people will be drawn in, will be able to connect to the contestants personalities and will want to watch more.
Now, we’re left with the looming question. How did Harlan do? Did he win?
Harlan said even the contestants don’t know.
“Everything is up in the air right now,” he said.