The Next Food Network Star Season Six Winner: Aarti Sequeira
This foodie loves Indian cuisine. I can devour a plate of Gobhi Aaloo and butter chicken (with a side of naan, of course), but the thought of actually cooking the meal is down-right frightening. Thanks to the winner of The Next Food Network Star Season Six, I think I found my solution: I will stick to ordering my traditional Indian food at my favorite restaurants, and will simply try infusing some Indian flavors into my everyday cooking at home.
This culinary point-of-view is the vision for chef — and now TV star — Aarti Sequeira, who won Season Six of the competition Sunday night. Aarti was an early fan favorite due to her bubbly personality and infectious smile. But I believe she won because her new show, called Aarti Party, is interesting, unique and inspirational. She can certainly teach wanna-be chefs like me how to enjoy some Indian flavors without tackling full-flown Indian cuisine.
On Monday, I was fortunate to speak with Aarti and discuss her victory. Here are highlights from the call:
Q: What most excites you about making your new show on Food Network? A: Aarti’s answer was both simple and poetic. She said she wants to really live up to her full potentia and “go boldly into [her] future.”
Q: Will you continue your online cooking show and blog? A: Aarti wants to keep blogging and is not sure about her online cooking show. She openly admits that food-blogging “is an art form for sure.” She also added “the blog stays, the blog got me here, and it gave me a sense of who I am.”
Q: At any point during the competition, were you star-struck? A: Aarti gladly admitted she was star-struck when she met Paula Deen because “she’s so relate-able” and overcame her fears to live out her full potential. I liked that about Aarti, but then again I like anyone who stays humble and appreciative of what she has earned.
Aarti was a total joy. Her telephone persona is as charming and vibrant as her television persona. I would invite her over for dinner (and a few glasses of wine!) without hesitation. Aarti’s new show premieres on Sunday, August 22 at 12 noon EST on the Food Network.
Food Network SVP Susie Fogelson
Now, let’s talk about my personal highlight of the call: talking to Food Network SVP of Marketing, Creative Services and Brand Strategy Susie Fogelson. In all honesty, Susie is a stud. I want to be her when I grow up. She is smart and just pain cool.
Susie joined the call for a Q&A and spoke about the business decision of hiring Aarti. Here are highlights:
Q: Throughout the competition, what did you see in Aarti to vault her to victory? A: Susie quickly answered that Aarti was “interesting on so many levels right out of the gate.” If you watched the show, you know she had to work on confidence at times, but Susie said it was no surprise, she kept poise and professionalism throughout the competition. She finally added that “her light never dimmed.”
Q: When did you see Aarti break away from the pack? A: Susie quickly quipped that “Aarti had me at hello.” She added that Aarti has “a great spirit” and her “accent and smile are beautiful.” A true story-teller (that is a fancy term for marketer), Susie said she was intrigued by her background and personal story. Susie also spoke broadly about the competition saying “you have to be confident in this job, if you can’t maintain and sustain, it’s the kiss of death.”
I truly loved these conversations. This mom appreciates the opportunity to speak to two wonderfully smart, talented, driven and successful women. I’ll tune-in and watch Aarti Party… and dream of having Susie for dinner some day.
– LTV Mom
Just trying to squeeze in some television between mothering, working and crashing.
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