Food Network Announces August 2012 Highlights

Viewers get a double serving of primetime grub on Sunday, August 19th, with the sizzling season finale of Chopped: Grilled Masters at 9pm and the must-see season three premiere of The Great Food Truck Race at 10pm. Host of The Great Food Truck Race, Tyler Florence,pits eight teams of aspiring food truck owners against each other in a cross-country journey, but only one group of hopefuls will turn their dream business into a reality.

Food Network also amps up the summer adventure with the season two premiere of Extreme Chef on Thursday, August 16th at 10pm, as seven courageous chefs not only battle against each other, but also against extreme environmental conditions - from scorching deserts to exotic jungles - for a $50,000 grand prize. Robert Irvine gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look into one of his most private moments - his wedding - in the Wedding: Impossible special on Saturday, August 18th at 10pm.

On Wednesday, August 22nd at 9pm, Robert celebrates the 50th episode of Restaurant: Impossible in aone-of-a-kind special, revealing never-before-seen footage, updates on some of Robert's toughest restaurants and favorite moments captured over the course of 49 episodes. The following Wednesday, August 29th at 9pm, Robert kicks off a primetime event with a premiere of Restaurant: Impossible in its new timeslot followed by the season premiere of break-out hit Restaurant Stakeout at 10pm as Willie Degel uncovers what really happens in restaurants when employees think nobody is watching. To keep the summer burning, Food Network serves up premiere episodes of hits including Chopped, Cupcake Wars, Iron Chef America and Restaurant: Impossible. Join the Food Network conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

FEATURED SERIES

The Great Food Truck Race
Premiering Sunday, August 19th at 10pm - "3559 Miles to a Dream"- SEASON PREMIERE
In the season premiere, eight teams of aspiring food truck owners arrive in Long Beach, Calif., to start the exciting journey. Host Tyler Florence welcomes the teams and presents them with the food trucks of their dreams and matching cars. The teams are then sent directly to the toughest, most cutthroat place in the food truck universe, the place where it all started: Los Angeles. These rookies learn quickly that running a food truck is much harder than it looks, and the seven surviving teams realize that they are in for the ride of their lives.
Premiering Sunday, August 26th at 9pm - "Attitude at High Altitude"
The seven remaining teams roll into Flagstaff, Ariz. determined to get the hang of the food truck game. Just when things start to settle down, Tyler springs a Truck Stop cooking challenge on them: to create a dish featuring a local delicacy, prickly pear cactus. Celebrity chef Beau MacMillan judges the dishes and delivers a game-changing prize, but Tyler is not done. On Sunday, he tells the teams to go Vegan, and they scramble again to stay above water, but as always, one team has to go home.

FEATURED FINALE

Chopped: Grill Masters
Premiering Sunday, August 5th at 9pm - "Grill Masters: Part 3"
Four masters of the open flame compete for a chance to make it to the $50,000 finale fight. Advancing past the first round will require a lot of hard work in just 20 minutes, including opening oysters and defrosting blocks of creamed spinach. Then, a tropical fruit lightens things up in the entrée basket. With marshmallows in the dessert basket, s'mores come to mind for the last two chefs, but only one masters the campfire-inspired creation.
Competitors: Robyn Lindars, Timothy Grandinetti, Ernest Servantes, Doug Keiles
Judges: Marc Murphy, Amanda Freitag, Aarón Sanchez
Premiering Sunday, August 12th at 9pm - "Grill Masters: Part 4"
Four grill masters face off for the last slot in the $50,000 finale. When they spy speculoos in the first basket, some competitors might lose their cool. Then in the entrée round, the contestants strive to make pork butt dishes while also including fruit leather. When the two remaining chefs open up the last basket and find every meat-lovers worst nightmare, they attempt to put their feelings aside and grill up some terrific desserts.
Competitors: Chad Ward, Kent Rollins, Corinne Trang, Rick Browne
Judges: Marc Murphy, Amanda Freitag, Aarón Sanchez
Premiering Sunday, August 19th at 9pm - "Grill Masters: Finale"
The champions of the first four competitions cowboy up to compete for the $50,000 prize in the grand finale. The fierce fight to the finish begins with an appetizer basket full of sardines and canned Sloppy Joe filling. The three remaining chefs serve up steaks in the entrée round, but it is the level of success the chefs have with the other ingredients that gives the judges lots to think about. Then, the final two chefs draw from family memories when they open up the last basket and grill some do-or-die desserts.
Competitors: Prior episode winners
Judges: Marc Murphy, Amanda Freitag, Aarón Sanchez

SEASON PREMIERES

Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
Premiering Monday, August 6th at 10pm -"Unconventional Comforts" - SEASON PREMIERE
This trip, Guy's food radar is all over the map. He stops in Oahu, Hawaii for Lau Lau Stew, Chicago for Sicilian sandwiches and Hernando, Miss. for French toast with a twist.
Premiering Monday, August 13th at 10pm - "Goin' The Extra Mile"
Guy heads to a burger joint with Asian flare in Chicago and checks out Southern staples in Memphis. The trip ends in Oahu, Hawaii, where a gas station joint serves up island favorites like Kalua Pork and Mahi Mahi.
Premiering Monday, August 20th at 10pm - "Savory Standouts"
Guy slams on the brakes in Chicago for some Fricase de Pollo at an authentic Cuban joint, and then takes a trip to Memphis for Duck Fried Rice and Homemade Popcorn. Then, in Annapolis, Md., a sidewalk shack serves up dishes like the Chipotle Habanero Barbecue Pork Sandwich.

Extreme Chef
Premiering Thursday, August 16th at 10pm - "Doomsday Survival" - SEASON PREMIERE
Seven chefs begin their culinary adventure of a lifetime when a helicopter drops them into Salton City, Calif., an abandoned post-apocalyptic wasteland, where they're left to scavenge for ingredients and tools. The chefs have only 60 minutes to raid a deserted tent village for non-perishable ingredients, build their own cooking stations and use items like steel wool, batteries and tumbleweed to start a fire. After a tough round of judging, two chefs are sent into the Final Showdown, where they must create the perfect bite - only one will survive the apocalypse and advance to the next location.
Competitors: Scott Brandolini (Mass.), Susanne Dillingham (N.C.), Terry French (N.J.), Lance Knowling (N.J.), Viet Pham (Utah), Isadora Sarto (Vt.), Tiffany Ward (Hawaii)
Judges: Simon Majumdar, Mykel Hawke (survival expert)
Premiering Thursday, August 23rd at 10pm - "Coast Guard Cook-Off"
The remaining six chefs head to Los Angeles to join the U.S. Coast Guard for a cooking adventure in the Pacific Ocean. In the first challenge, they create a dish using military MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) and a seafood protein that they pull up from traps in the water. Then, for the first time ever, the winner gets to assign teams for the second challenge, where the chefs have 60 minutes to not only rescue their ingredients from a capsized fishing boat in the frigid ocean, but also cook two cohesive dishes on a floating dock. After the tasting and judging, two chefs will cook for their lives in the Final Showdown, enduring rocky waves as they cook one perfect bite in the crampEd Galley of a Coast Guard Cutter.
Judges: Ben Sargent, Brandon Langdon (head chef of the Coast Guard "Cutter Halibut")
Premiering Thursday, August 30th at 10pm - "Desert Survival"
The remaining five chefs go back in time to cook like the Native Americans. For their first challenge, the chefs hack off spiny cactus pads from the desert, pull out all the needles and create a tasty dish for judge Graywolf of the Yoeme Indian Tribe. In the second challenge, the chefs gather local ingredients and tools from a village to create a gourmet meal, all the while building their own fires and constructing knives using nothing but obsidian rock. Two chefs are then sent into the Final Showdown, where they must cook with indigenous desert ingredients on hot rocks to create the perfect bite to stay in the competition.
Judges: TRoy Johnson, Graywolf (Curator of the Chumash Indian Museum)

The Pioneer Woman
Premiering Saturday, August 4th at 10:30am - "Burnin' Down the Barn" - SEASON PREMIERE
With two barns to burn down and hungry workers to feed, Ree's firing up Good Morning Muffins for breakfast, followed by a real ranch favorite, Chicken Spaghetti with Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad for lunch. She serves up Frozen Pops to cool off for dessert.
Premiering Saturday, August 11th at 10:30am - "All Work and Some Play"
Today on the ranch, there's a fence to fix, and the crew needs some serious sustenance. Ree whips up Homemade Glazed Doughnuts and Ranch Chicken Sandwiches. After the day of hard work, the family enjoys an evening of fun and fishing and Ree serves up the perfect refreshment, Raspberry Lemonade.
Premiering Saturday, August 18th at 10:30am - "Paige and Friends"
Ree holds a slumber party for Paige and her four best friends. They kick off their day of fun with Cinnamon Baked French Toast, followed by Prairie Sushi and Kid Friendly Pasta Salad. After some soccer and a trip to the lodge, Ree ends their day of prairie adventures with Hand Cookies.
Premiering Saturday, August 25th at 10:30am- "Eating for One"
With the family away for the weekend, Ree cooks and eats all the food she really loves. She starts with Gazpacho for lunch and then prepares Pasta with Pancetta and Leeks and Lazy Chiles Rellenos. Finally, Ree whips up a beautiful Bruschetta as one last treat before the crew returns home.

Restaurant Stakeout
Premiering Wednesday, August 29th at 10pm
Famed New York restaurateur Willie Degel (Uncle Jack's Steakhouse) heads to food establishments, and aided by hidden camera and covert surveillance, uses his direct, tough-guy approach to help restaurant owners see what really happens when their employees think nobody is watching. Willie, who built his success with a "customer is king" philosophy, puts all managers, servers, bartenders and hostesses to the test to see how they deal with challenging situations and difficult customers. Some employees will be whipped into shape, while others will be shown the door - Willie-style.

ON-AIR SPECIALS

Wedding: Impossible - Premiering Saturday, August 18th at 10pm
When he's not rescuing a restaurant, Restaurant: Impossible's host Robert Irvine is busy planning the wedding of a lifetime: his own -- and you're invited! This new "mission" gives viewers an intimate look into the personal life of the star chef, Robert Irvine, as he gets ready to marry wrestling star and entertainer, Gail Kim. Featuring famous culinary guests and set against one of the most magnificent backdrops in the country, Napa Valley, Robert will introduce us to his family, his friends and allow viewers to be a part of one of the most important moments of his life.

Restaurant: Impossible - Premiering Wednesday, August 22nd at 9pm - "Behind the Impossible"
Restaurant: Impossible celebrates its 50th episode with an in-depth look at what it takes to make Restaurant: Impossible, possible. Over the course of 49 missions, millions of viewers have watched the drama unfold as Chef Robert Irvine combats failing restaurants. This episode unveils never-before-seen footage, including some of Robert's and his team's favorite, funniest and most frustrating moments. In addition, Robert visits several of his toughest restaurants to get updates on how they are doing today.

ON-AIR THEME WEEKENDS

Cook with Your Kids Weekend
Premiering Saturday, August 18th and Sunday, August 19th from 7am to 12pm
Make your next trip to the kitchen a family affair as Food Network presents a block of kid-friendly cooking shows with premiere episodes of Barefoot Contessa, Giada at Home, Guy's Big Bite, Home for Dinner with Jamie Deen, The Pioneer Woman and Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian.

Quick and Easy Weekend
Premiering Saturday, August 25th and Sunday, August 26th from 7am to 12pm
Join Food Network's cast of cooking experts for a full weekend of hints, tips and tricks for saving time in the kitchen with premieres episodes of Barefoot Contessa, Bobby Flay's BBQ Addiction, Giada at Home, Home for Dinner with Jamie Deen, Paula's Home Cooking, The Pioneer Woman and Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian.

NEW EPISODES

Chopped
Premiering Tuesday, August 7th at 10pm - "Cake Walk?"
The chefs find carrot cake and an unusual seafood product in the first basket, and in the following entrée round, the judges are disappointed by the chefs' scant usage of a prized ingredient. Then, pop goes the dessert round with caramel corn in the basket.
Premiering Tuesday, August 14th at 10pm - "Oui, Oui, Confit"
The competitors find duck confit in the first basket, but they judges are puzzled by a competitor's minimal use of one of the other ingredients. Then, in the entrée round, the chefs must use peanut butter and shrimp in their dishes. As the competition wraps up, will wonton wrappers and grape jellybeans stump the finalists?
Premiering Tuesday, August 21st at 10pm - "Drawing a Flank"
The chefs must tap into their creativity when they discover licorice in the appetizer basket. Then, for their entrée dish, the competitors complement espresso powder with flank steak, and in the last round, it becomes clear that neither finalist's polenta and sherry dessert is a sure thing.

Cupcake Wars
Premiering Sunday, August 5th at 8pm - "WildAid Save the Elephants"
It gets wild in the kitchen as four bakers fight for the chance to serve their cupcakes at a huge celebrity gala honoring animal conservation group, WildAid. Actress Minnie Driver appears as a guest judge.
Premiering Sunday, August 12th at 8pm - "Kristin Cavallari's Baby Shower"
Television star Kristin Cavallari expects great cupcakes as four talenTed Bakers compete to serve their sweet treats at her star-studded baby shower.
Premiering Sunday, August 19h at 8pm - "Cupcakes for the Queen"
Four English bakers fight for the chance to feature their cupcakes at an exclusive party celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.
Premiering Sunday, August 26th at 8pm - "A Perfect Match.com"
It will be happily ever after for one cupcake maker when they win the opportunity to serve their cupcakes at a spectacular Match.com wedding event.

Iron Chef America
Premiering Sunday, August 5th at 10pm- "Forgione vs. McClain"
Iron Chef Marc Forgione faces off against challenger Shawn McClain, the executive chef at Sage in Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The judges are Martin Yan, Ching-He Huang and Adam Richman.
Premiering Sunday, August 12h at 10pm- "Zakarian vs. Schenker"
Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian faces off against challenger Jesse Schenker, chef and owner of Recette in New York. The judges are Julie White, Art Smith and Anya Fernald.
Premiering Sunday, August 26th at 10pm- "Symon vs. Izard"
Iron Chef Michael Symon faces off against challenger Stephanie Izard, the owner of Girl & The Goat in Chicago, and a James Beard Award nominee. The judges are Anthony Anderson, Karine Bakhoum and David Rocco.

Restaurant: Impossible
Premiering Wednesday, August 1st at 10pm - "Italian Village"
Chef Robert Irvine arrives at Italian Village in Milmont Park, Penn., hoping to return a 30-year-old staple to its early glory days. Not only does he need to overhaul the menu and dark interior, but he also needs to fix the control issues hurting the business and the family behind the restaurant.
Premiering Wednesday, August 8th at 10pm- "Stella's Italian Restaurant"
Chef Robert Irvine visits Stratford, Conn. to help Michael and his mother, Camille, keep their 15-year-old restaurant, Stella's, alive. Despite the exhausting 90 hours a week that Michael works, he is still clueless about food costs. From management issues to the décor and everything in between, Robert gives Stella's a complete overhaul.

PREMIERE EPISODES

Daytime: The Best Thing I Ever Made, Bobby Flay's Barbeque Addiction, Giada At Home, Home for Dinner with Jamie Deen, Mexican Made Easy, Paula's Best Dishes

Primetime: 3 Days to Open with Bobby Flay, Chopped, Diners Drive-ins and Dives, Mystery Diners

DIGITAL CONTENT

Grilling Central
This year FoodNetwork.com celebrates endless summer with recipes from fan-favorite chefs every week. Kicking off with appetizers from Giada De Laurentiis, burgers from Bobby Flay, ribs from the Neelys, Sunny Anderson's hot dog, Guy Fieri's chicken wings, chicken three ways from Iron Chef Marc Forgione, dessert from Ree Drummond and much, much more. Additionally, 2012 is the year of barbecue, and we're bringing the best BBQ recipes, tips and how-tos from Pat and Gina Neely and other Food Network chefs. Hungry readers will also find favorites for grilling up a good time, including nearly 200 burger recipes, 120 grilled chicken recipes and 122 hot and spicy recipes. Plus, more than 40 delicious healthy recipes to enjoy all summer long.

Labor Day
Salute the end of summer with the ultimate Labor Day potluck featuring recipes from Food Network favorites.

Restaurants
Looking for a restaurant featured on Food Network? Click on the map to search hot spots seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, The Best Thing I Ever Ate and other hit shows. The new site features a "Restaurants" tab with a refreshed Food Network On the Road page with new content featuring The Great Food Truck Race.

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