Renowned chef Richard Blais is slated to get his own show on Food Network titled “Hungry Games,” which is scheduled to premiere on Oct. 20. Despite similarities in name that may suggest the show has some sort of dystopian twist, “Hungry Games” will examine how we think about food. For those in culinary arts programs, this kind of insight could prove beneficial when opening a restaurant or just cooking at home for friends. The new show is predicted to wow and awe audiences with unexpected revelations about why we enjoy what we eat.
In a press release, General Manager and Senior Vice President of the Food Network, Bob Tuschman explains, “The interactive games and taste tests on ‘Hungry Games’ are fun and challenging, and viewers will be surprised by the revelations about why we choose and experience food the way we do.”
Hungry Games comes amidst a busy year for Blais, as the chef will be serving as a judge on the new season of “Top Chef” and opening a new restaurant, according to Eater. What is clear is that “Hungry Games” looks to examine our cognitive relationship with foodstuffs, covering everything from our eating habits during sporting events to why we opt for certain items on a restaurant menu.
About Richard Blais
It’s no surprise Blais was selected to host the new show, as the chef has a rich culinary background. Blais studied at The French Laundry in California under culinary legend Thomas Keller and has also worked with Daniel Boulud at his restaurant, Daniel, in New York City. Blais then established a culinary company, Trail Blais, in Atlanta. Hence, Blais has spent time in several of the nation’s culinary capitals, stockpiling knowledge to become a top-notch chef.
Hungry Games
Hungry Games will initially run six half-hour episodes featuring hidden camera food experiments. The Food Network, among other television providers, has recently taken to competition-style shows such as “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.” With that said, “Hungry Games” appears to be an interesting change of pace, bringing a fun science element to the network’s programming. As home cooks become more engaged with the quality and sourcing of food and involve themselves in the farm-to-table movement, it only makes sense that the average consumer would want to know more about the science behind our eating habits. Overall, “Hungry Games” examines one of the most basic parts of the human condition – what we eat and why we eat it.
