When it comes to cooking, there are some rules that are meant to be followed. That is, unless youre Aaron McCargo Jr. The Camden, New Jersey-raised chef and Food Network personality says he makes his own rules in the kitchen, and has built a career based on his reputation for bold flavors and big ideas, with some truly mouth-watering results. From winning Season 4 of “Food Network Star,” to hosting his own show, “Big Daddys House,” to his newest gig promoting Cooks Essentials on QVC, and everything in between, McCargo Jr. is keeping it real, and always thinking outside the box.
In an exclusive interview with Mashed, McCargo Jr. opened up about his wide-ranging career in the kitchen and in front of the camera, his approach to food, and his love for kitchen gadgets. He also shared some of his most tried and true cooking tips, whether youre just starting out, or seasoned in the kitchen.
Aaron McCargo Jr. on his partnership with shopping network QVC
How and why did you get involved with QVC?
I have to thank my management for that. They gave me a call and asked me, was I familiar with QVC? Im like, “Yeah, Im familiar, but I actually never shopped from it.” And then [they asked], “Well, what do you know about Cooks Essentials?” And Im like, “Not much. I havent heard much about it.”
And then when I got the okay to come in for an interview and got to see what it was about, I was excited because as a chef, its more so about the big picture of food, not just the food itself. So to have an opportunity to really get to work with a partnership thats behind the cookware, and the electrics, and the gadgets, and kitchens, that was exciting for me to know that I would be possibly the guy to spearhead that brand. So it was pretty cool.
So what is your part in this partnership? What does that entail for you?
Its about me really showcasing new products that we bring from our vendors that really can help make the lifestyle in the kitchen a little bit easier and make it fun in the kitchen. And so we go from bakeware to stovetop cookware, to electrics, to gadgets … battery operated hand-free can opener and jar openers, to like little chopper food processors and things of that nature, to ice cream makers. So really were trying to be in that middle mark for that middle brand shopper thats not looking for upscale or to break the bank, but also looking for something thats not mediocre. Its going to give you quality, give you longevity. And thats going to be the same quality that you would get if you were to go out and drop hundreds of dollars on any of those items.
Aaron McCargo Jr. says he’s ready to Beat Bobby Flay
What was it like competing, like cooking for Bobby Flay?
You know what, to be honest with you, Ive never looked at anybody as anyone other than my family. So when I cook for my family, Im cooking for you. If the president of the United States called me in to cook, Im going to do what I normally do. What do you have a taste for? What dont you eat? Are you allergic to anything? And do you like spicy and bold flavors? And if he says whatever he says, I go right into it. So I never look at anyone as a celebrity. I look at everyone as just like a client or customer. They didnt pay for it. But they were going to pay for it one way or the other with a compliment or something. Thats how I look at everybody still to this day.
Wed like to see you compete on “Beat Bobby Flay.” Do you think thats going to happen?
Has he called me yet? No. Why? Im not saying. Its his call. You know Im game.
What would you make?
I would go with New York steak au poivre with au gratin potatoes and grilled roasted asparagus with a funked-out twist. You got to do something different with it.
Oh, that sounds amazing. You all heard it here first. Gauntlet thrown.
Lets do the damn thing, yes!
Funky Fried Chicken | Food Network
FAQ
Where is Aaron McCargo Jr now?
What channel is Big Daddy on?
Who won Big Daddy’s House?
(October 2016) Big Daddy’s House is a cooking show on the specialty channel Food Network. The show stars Aaron McCargo, Jr., the winner of the fourth season of the network’s reality television series, The Next Food Network Star. The six-episode first season was McCargo’s grand prize for winning the reality show.
Is big Daddy’s House on Food Network?
Big Daddy’s House ranked as the number one “In the Kitchen” weekend show during its initial six-episode run. Food Network renewed the show for five more seasons. On Big Daddy’s House, Aaron shared his passion for big, bold flavors, fun, and family cooking while bringing a down-to-earth vibe and warm smile to the kitchen.
Who won ‘Big Daddy’s House’ Season 4?
Building his career as a renowned American chef, TV host, restaurateur, culinary products expert, and consultant, Aaron competed on and won season four of The Next Food Network Star, winning his own Food Network television show. Big Daddy’s House ranked as the number one “In the Kitchen” weekend show during its initial six-episode run.
Who is Big Daddy on Food Network?
Food Network Star Season 4 winner Aaron McCargo Jr. shares his passion for bold flavors and fun family cooking on his show, Big Daddy’s House. Watch out – Big Daddy is in the house and ready to cook! Aaron McCargo Jr. shares his passion for bold flavors and fun family cooking on his show, Big Daddy’s House. Get his recipes on Food Network.