This Is Big Daddy's House

Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. has won The Next Food Network Star. Aaron's "Big Daddy's House" pilot was a smashing success. Aaron went back to his roots by creating a wonderful fusion of soul food and Spanish fare.

A perfectly cooked Rib-eye rubbed with a jerk seasoning accented by a rich, bold serving of plantains all sitting on top of a bed of sauteed collard greens. An absolutely perfect culinary construction paired with his BEST on-camera performance all season - pretty much sealed the victory for the chef from Camden, NJ.

A surprise finale party was hosted by Aaron's family and dozens of his closest friends were secretly VIP'd to attend at the Victor's Pub on the Camden Waterfront. The bash was the icing on the cake for the Next Food Network Star champion. The atmosphere was electric as the finale show was shown on at least a dozen flat screen TVs. Chants of "Aaron ... Aaron ... Aaron" accompanied every commercial break or pause. The place ERUPTED when Master Chef Bobby Flay announced Aaron McCargo Jr. as the winner of the Next Food Network Star.

Aaron was congratulated for hours as he embraced his guests one at a time.

It was a night to remember.

Next Food Network Star Championship Finale

Tonight is the night !!

Everybody watch Food Network tonight at 10:00 PM. The 3-way competition is between the beautiful Lisa Garza from Dallas, the electric and funny Adam Gertler from Philadelphia, PA and our great buddy, the super talented and humble chef from Camden, NJ - Aaron McCargo Jr.


TUNE IN and support !!

SURPRISE !! - Happy Birthday and Congratulations

Aaron enjoyed a little surprise birthday get-together with friends & family just a few days prior to the final episode of Next Food Network Star - Season Four.

Aaron was happy to decompress after a hectic week and spoke volumes about his amazing experiences, his admiration for his fellow NFNS finalists and his love for crispy chicken wings.

We all congratulated Chef McCargo for reaching the championship finals.

GOOD LUCK ON SUNDAY !!

CAMDEN, PHILLY and countless fans across the United States are rooting for you !!

Next Food Network Star Championship FINALS !!

Congratulations to Mr. Aaron McCargo Jr. for making it into the championship finals of the Next Food Network Star. After a mixed performance during the most recent Las Vegas NFNS episode... Aaron survived the judges cut (of course he did.. ever taste those crab cakes?) and he will participate in the championship battle in New York City to be aired on July 27, 2008. His opponents are Lisa Garza from Dallas and Adam Gertler of Philadelphia, PA; the two other finalists.

Good Luck Aaron - Show them your true spirit !!

Aaron had an excellent feature in the Courier post speaking about his semi-celebrity status. Here's a video link.

I almost forgot. Happy Birthday .... 37 years young and still pumping out killer food. Long life to you and your family.







REFERENCES / LINKS

• Next Food Network Star - Home Page
• Next Food Network Star - Recipes Page
• Aaron McCargo Facebook Fan Page
• Served with a Smile - Courier Post Article - July 18 ,2008

Reading Terminal - La Cucina - Empanadas

Aaron led a food demo hosted by Anna Florio's La Cucina At The Market in Reading Terminal Market in center city Philadelphia. The food demo was targeted to the Adolescent Violence Reduction Partnership (AVRP) summer internship program of Philadelphia.

Aaron spoke powerfully to the young interns detailing his upbringing in Camden, NJ. How he constantly battled teasing because of his desire to learn how to cook during his young adolescence. Aaron encouraged all the interns to continuously strive for their goals. Several interns were selected by the Chef to help in preparation and cooking during the food demonstration.


Chef McCargo and La Cucina decided to feature a demo on a favorite Spanish pastry - the Chicken Empanada (aka Pastelillo). Aaron first asked all involved to wash their hands but this time he made sure he didn't turn his back to the audience (take that Rachel Ray). Aaron spoke about his addiction to the pastry when he was young and went on to detail the different aspects of preparing the chicken with traditional Spanish spices including a Sofrito base and the colorful Adobo rub.


A surprise guest was lurking in the audience ... one of the 3 current finalists of the Next Food Network Star - Adam Gertler !! Adam provided an excellent overview on the different aspects of the tortilla used in empanadas and how they differ across Spanish cultures.


Aaron put the interns to work as they cut, prepped, seasoned and cooked the chicken empanada filling. The interns then filled the empanada tortilla shell with the filling and Aaron instructed them on proper empanada folding and completion. Donyelle, Aaron's assistant, helped deep fry the delicious pastries and started passing them out to the crowd. Delicious !!!

REFERENCES / LINKS

• Adolescent Violence Reduction Partnership (AVRP) website
• La Cucina At the Market
• Next Food Network Star - Food Network
• Next Food Network Star - Aaron McCargo Profile

Welcome to Aaron McCargo's Blog

This is the home of Aaron McCargo's Blog. Aaron is currently a finalist on the Next Food Network Star.


The following entrees are the dishes that Aaron has had featured so far on the Food Network. Click on the picture to go directly to the recipe on the Food Network's recipe website.

Stuffed Pork
[ FYI: The actual sausage is used in the stuffing mixture. Not clear from the recipe. Make sure you remove the casing ]

Chicken Parmesan





Broccoli and Burger Pizza








McCargo's Autumn Apple Cider Vinaigrette



Bacon Wrapped Potato with Honey Scallion Sauce






NY Strip Steak with Orange Bourbon Glaze




Cajun Salmon Sandwich with Goat Cheese