Mo Rocca Serves Up New Season of MY GRANDMOTHER'S RAVIOLI, 10/02

By: Sep. 20, 2013
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Mo Rocca is back on the hunt for America's favorite grandparents and their homemade recipes in a new season of My Grandmother's Ravioli onWednesday, October 2nd at 8pmET/5pmPT. Also in October, Cooking Channel dishes out three new series, Best in Chow, Come Date with Me and Restaurant Redemption. Cris Nannarone, a veteran road warrior and standup comedian, joins in the Cooking Channel lineup as he scours America to find the best burgers, pizzas and tacos in new series Best in Chowpremiering Wednesday, October 9th 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT.

Then, Cooking Channel plays matchmaker in new series Come Date with Me on Friday, October 25th at 10pmET/7pmPT as four eligible bachelors or bachelorettes compete to win the heart of one lucky person as they go on fun, adventurous dates, then cook in their own homes for their suitors. Then, it's all about makeovers in Ching He-Huang's new series Restaurant Redemption as she travels across the country to help struggling restaurants update and revitalize their menus premiering Tuesday, October 29th at 8pmET/5pmPT.

Cooking Channel also serves up premiere episodes of fan-favorite shows throughout October. CookingChannelTV.com celebrates October with recipes, tips and tricks to warm up fall menus and get spooky for Halloween. Join the Cooking Channel conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

SERIES PREMIERES

Best in Chow

In each episode, host Cris Nannarone, a veteran road warrior and standup comedian, scours restaurants, diners, food trucks and everything in between to find the best burgers, pizzas and tacos. It's a quest to find the top three contenders who will ultimately go to battle. Nannarone learns their trade secrets and discovers if their dish has what it takes to win the war.

Premiering Wednesday, October 9th 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Burger Wars Hollywood" - SEASON PREMIERE!

Cris Nannarone travels to Hollywood - home to movie stars, swimming pools and 100% grain fed California chuck. His first stop is O!Burger, where head chef Andy Soboil serves his certified organic Classic O!Burger. Next up, Cris meets up with George Ghaby at Rounds Premium Burgers, where they are famous for their American Classic Western Burger. Cris makes his last stop at the iconic Carney' for their burger special with a chili topping - a top-secret family recipe. After scouring the Hills, Cris gathers nine local burger enthusiasts to taste them all and decide which burger will be crowned the "Best Burger in Hollywood."

Premiering Wednesday, October 16th 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Taco Wars Los Angeles"

Cris Nannarone travels to Los Angeles in search of the best taco in the City of Angels. Will it be "The Zuperman" from Mexicali Taco & Co, the "Chicken Mole" from Guisados or "The Best Fish Taco in Ensenada" from a restaurant of the same name? This taco-apocalypse might tear the city apart.

Premiering Wednesday, October 30th 10:30pmET/7:30pmPT - "Pizza Wars Tempe"

Cris Nannarone lands in the college town of Tempe, Az., and if there's anything students know all about, it's pizza. He indulges in the Truffle Harvest Mushroom Pizza from La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar, The Park Avenue from Venezia's Pizzeria and The Margherita Pizza with Sausage from Nello's Fine Pizza. This pizza-palooza will have you ordering in!

See the contenders for best burger, pizza and taco around and judge for yourself who should be crowned Best in Chow on CookingChannelTV.com and follow the food mania on Twitter #BestInChow.

Come Date with Me

Four eligible bachelors/bachelorettes compete to win the heart of one lucky man or woman as they go on fun, adventurous dates, then cook for them in their own homes. The catch? These kitchen love birds have to cook for their fellow suitors as well. The bachelors/bachelorettes then rate each date and dinner, and the one who captures their heart will share $1,000 on the ultimate dream date.

Premiering Friday, October 25th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Reggy Sy"

It's a fun and flirty week on Come Date With Me when four handsome hunks compete to win the heart of lucky lady, Reggy. In the ring: suave and most-likely-to-serenade Garlan, celeb photographer Adam, hipster wannabe Matt and funny guy Joe. After hosting a whirlwind welcome dinner party at her home, she says sayonara to one unlucky bachelor. It's up to the remaining three suitors to step it up for the rest of the week, and step-it-up they do. For Reggy, it's a week of dangerous and action-packed alone time get-togethers including boxing, kayaking and snakes, but it's going to take more than a snake charmer to win her heart. The men also bring it with their dinner parties using grandma's tried and true recipes, hired chefs and hot tubs. Who will walk away with the girl and $1000 dream date prize? It's anyone's game, and one girl's difficult decision.

Flip through our gallery of suitors and pick who you think deserves to win the ultimate dream date on CookingChannelTV.com and comment on your hottest choices on Twitter #DateWithMe.

Restaurant Redemption - Premiering Tuesday, October 29th at 8pmET/5pmPT

Changing the face of Chinese food in America one menu at a time, Ching He-Huang travels across the country to help struggling restaurants update and revitalize their menus and make over their run-of-the-mill establishments.

Check out before and after photos of the restaurants Ching rejuvenates and get her updated recipes at CookingChannelTV.com. Give feedback on her updates and your suggestions on Twitter #Redemption.

SEASON PREMIERE

My Grandmother's Ravioli

Mo Rocca discovers treasured family recipes and a whole lot more from grandparents across the country in an all-new, 13-episode season of My Grandmother's Ravioli. As a child, Mo enjoyedSunday family dinners at his grandmother's house, highlighted by "Momma's" signature ravioli. Although he still cherishes the memory of those special meals, he never learned her recipes. So on each episode of My Grandmother's Ravioli, Mo does the next best thing: he gets a cooking lesson from someone else's grandparent. As they welcome him into their kitchens and teach him the secrets of their favorite dishes, they also serve up inspiring, personal and often funny family tales.

Premiering Wednesday, October 2nd at 8pmET/5pmPT- "Care Packages from Clara" -SEASON PREMIERE!

Philadelphia native and spitfire Clara Corrado, 94, has triplet great-grandsons in the Air Force. The triplets are each stationed far from home, so Clara enlists Mo to help her make some of her best dishes to ship off to the three young military men. The duo whips up Italian Wedding Soup and lemon-flavored Pizzelle for these delicious care packages sprinkled with a heavy dose of love.

Premiering Wednesday, October 9th at 8pmET/5pmPT- "How About That!"

Millie Martin, 70, who lives in Rock Hill, S.C., teaches Mo how to make down-home Southern dishes. Hot cabbage, sweet potato pie, and mac-and-cheese are on the menu for lunch, and Millie's friend Pete breaks out the coals and hickory chips to grill up some ribs. In between cooking and eating, Mo and Millie dish out some entertainment by singing in her church choir.

Premiering Wednesday, October 16th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Pasta, Pizza and Pumping Iron"

Vincent, 57, who hails from Palm City, Fla., teaches Mo his Pop's secret technique for making homemade mozzarella cheese along with some other delicious Italian specialties. Also, Vincent's cousin Sal stops by to make a shrimp bruschetta pizza, and later Vincent and Mo pump some very serious iron.

Premiering Wednesday, October 23rd at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Crispy Pork, Donuts and a Waltz"

Doris, 88, is from Peabody, Mass., but her food is unmistakably Portuguese. Doris doesn't censor herself and has Mo in stitches as she teaches him to make roast pork, Portuguese donuts and even a few nifty dance steps.

Premiering Wednesday, October 30th at 8pmET/5pmPT- "The Party Animal"

Mioko, 80, grew up by the sea in the Land of the Rising Sun. She teaches Mo traditional Japanese curing and grilling techniques with mackerel shioyaki as the main course. She also demonstrates how to make miso soup and cucumber salad. Mioko has survived a lot in her life, and one of her secrets she shares with Mo is, "Party hard!"

Watch web-exclusive videos of Mo Rocca and the Season 2 grandparents that we couldn't show on TV. Plus, get the grandparents' special family recipes and show off your own at CookingChannelTV.com. Tell funny stories about your grandparents on Twitter #ravioli.

ON-AIR SPECIAL

Bite This with Nadia G- Premiering September 24th at 9:30pm

Join Nadia G and the Bitchin' Kitchen crew as they take an epic bite out of Austin, Texas, in Bite This with Nadia G. Taking her epic passion for food on the road, Bite This with Nadia G follows the (mis)adventures of the Bitchin' Crew as they travel to Austin - one of America's hottest up-and-coming culinary meccas. Nadia G and the boys paint the town hot pink and shkoff their way out of as much trouble as they can get themselves into. Following a stop at Swift's Attic, a bizarre kidnapping incident brings the boys to Lick Ice Creams. From there Panos reports on all-natural farming at Countryside Farms, Hans eats healthy vegan tacos at Vegan Nom and the Spice Agent uncovers the spicy secrets of Texas rub. Get a taste of Austin through the eyes, ambitions and appetite of Nadia G and her outrageous crew!

PREMIERE EPISODES

Chuck's Eat the Street

Premiering Thursday, October 3rd at 10pm ET/7pmPT - "Motor City Meals"

Everybody loves a comeback story, and Detroit has one of the best. Chuck Hughes follows Michigan Avenue to Slow's Bar-B-Q where Chef Brian Perrone pairs smoked St. Louis ribs with potato salad. At Hygrade Deli, Stuart Litt teaches Chuck about the art of meat with a triple-decker roast beef sandwich, aka the "Packing House." At La Pita, Chef Hassan Hamid introduces Chuck to Lebanese home cooking with a dish called Melokhieh, made with Egyptian mallow leaves. Then, he hitches a ride with Brenda Matthews who distributes fresh produce throughout city neighborhoods by way of a mobile market called Peaches and Greens. Finally, Chuck cooks up a Motown classic: a grilled bologna sandwich with a "smosh" of potato chips with Chef Ariel Millan at Mercury Burger Bar.

Premiering Thursday, October 10th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "L.A.'s Island Paradise"

Chuck Hughes travels to Catalina Island to Crescent Avenue, a hotspot for cruise ship tourists and foodies alike. Lloyd's of Avalon is famous for caramel apples, and Taylor Wilson shows Chuck how to make their iconic creation replete with all the trimmings. Chuck then stops at Steve's Steakhouse where Chef Frank Blair prepares stuffed Channel Island swordfish and garlic mashed potatoes. Later, Chuck and ChefPam Albers forage for wild fennel to incorporate into her cole slaw and make a deconstructed elote salad at Café Metropole. Finally, Chuck can't resist the fried sea bass and French fries that Miguel Tejeda prepares at Avalon Seafood.

Premiering Thursday, October 17th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Simply Delicious San Diego"

San Diego has it all, but for a deep dive into some of the best food in California, he ventures inland to 30th Street. Every morning, Jenna Woodruff and Salpi Sleiman wheel a custom-made cart, the Roast Coach, onto the sidewalk to wake up the North Park neighborhood with pour-over coffee drinks shaken cocktail-style and spherical Danish pancakes called aebelskivers. After his morning caffeine, Chuck visits San Diego City College's Urban Farm to pick up fresh ingredients for the broiled sea bass, tomatoes, and tzatziki that Chef Ricardo Heredia prepares at Alchemy. At The Smoking Goat, Chuck makes a classic French dish called Poulet Basquaise with Chef Fred Piehl, and Chef Matt Gordon tops it all off with a fresh watermelon salad at Urban Solace.

Premiering Thursday, October 31st at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Best of the Blue Ridge"

On any list of the most food-friendly towns in America, Asheville, N.C., figures high in the rankings. There's great eating everywhere, but nowhere more so than on Biltmore Avenue. Chuck Hughes is in for a treat at his first stop, Blackbird, where pastry chef Roslyn Taubman bakes a decadent and uniquely Southern coconut cake. Then, it's off to the largest privately-owned house in America, the Biltmore Estate, which is more than just a beautifully preserved relic of the Gilded Age. It's also where Chef Damien Cavicchi prepares historic meals, specifically smoked lamb with corn bread, grilled plums, and brown butter vinaigrette. At Tomato Jam Café, Chuck gets a lesson in southern cooking from chef Daniel Wright when he bakes cat head biscuits with the eponymous tomato jam. Lastly, chef Laurey Masterton introduces Chuck to the local produce and the local producers, namely honey bees, whose bounty she uses to make honey-glazed pork tenderloin with fresh peach salsa.

Find out Chuck's food picks across the country in CookingChannelTV.com's interactive map for eating the street, plus watch new web-exclusive videos of Chuck's adventures you can't see on TV. Tell us your favorite spots in each city on Twitter using #EatTheStreet.

Donut Showdown

Premiering Wednesday, October 2nd at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Tailgate Party"

Donut-makers Steve from Portland, Stormy from Minneapolis and donut tricyclist Lindsay from North Carolina compete in a mystery ingredient elimination round. The final two standing have to impress the judges by making three donuts with a "Tailgate Party" theme. The winner takes home $10,000.

Flip through mouthwatering photos of some of the most creative and delicious donut recipes you've ever seen at CookingChannelTV.com (then get recipes to show off at home).

Eat St.

Premiering Thursday, October 3rd at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Pig on the Street"

First stop is in Vancouver at the Pig on the Street truck for all things pork-related. Sandwich specials include the Southern Piggy with house-made bourbon barbeque sauce, roasted peppers and corn. Then, there's a taste of Pakistan from the Rickshaw Stop in San Antonio, where locals are going crazy for their Boti Tikka Chicken Kabob. Next up is Miami for Cuban cuisine at the Cuban Cube truck for a sampling of Shrimp Ceviche served in a Fried Plantain Bowl. To conclude, it's a stop at the Ice Cream Social bus in Austin, Texas to try their supersized sundae, the Billionaire.

Premiering Thursday, October 10th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Chomp, Chomp, Chomp"

Cruising to Orange County, Calif., Eat St. stops for sizzlin' Singaporean fusion at the Chomp Chomp Truck where best-sellers include a Spicy Soft Shell Crab Sandwich with Lemongrass Vinaigrette andJapanese Sweet-Potato Chips. Following, in Toronto, the Hogtown Smoke truck serves up the best barbecue in the city. Then in Philadelphia, it's mouth-watering, eclectic comfort food courtesy of the Vernalicious truck. To conclude, we pull up alongside the Purple People Eatery in Miami, where two chefs are serving up delicacies like a bison burger with truffle oil.

Premiering Thursday, October 17th at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Yumtown, USA"

First stop is Yum Town, USA in the heart of Philadelphia, where there's a tasty menu featuring slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches with arugula coleslaw and a 'To' Boy' Sandwich with spicy, deep-fried tofu and collard greens. Next, Eat St. cools off in Miami at the Dolci Pecatti Truck where gelato flavors get all fired up. Next stop is Portland, where savory and spicy Korean barbecue gets reimagined at the Koi Fusion Truck. Finally, in Toronto, Fidel Gastro's truck is revolutionizing the sandwich with deliciously unusual combinations.

Premiering Thursday, October 31st at 8pmET/5pmPT - "Land of the Rising Bun"

First stop is Austin, Texas at Yumé Burger for their Japajam with its fried egg, crispy onions and Japanese barbecue sauce. Following in Minneapolis, a veteran chef is handcrafting astonishing dishes at The Gastro Truck. Then, it's off Toronto for handheld seafood delights from the Busters Sea Cove truck. To conclude, Eat St. stops at the Soho Road Trailer in Vancouver for traditionalTandoori Chicken and Mint-Infused Lamb Kebabs.

Find a food truck in your neighborhood with CookingChannelTV.com's interactive food truck mapand tell us about it on Twitter using #EatSt.


Not My Mama's Meals

Premiering Wednesday, October 2nd at 9pmET/ 6pmPT - "Pump It Up"

Bobby Deen heads over to Protein Bakery to learn how to make a high protein cookie that helps curb hunger. Then, his best friend and trainer, Sam Carter, stops by for a workout as they make the perfect protein packed menu: Sage and Maple Stuffed Turkey Breast and PB&J Fro Yo Cookie Sandwiches.

Premiering Wednesday, October 9th at 9pmET/ 6pmPT - "Clamming Expedition"

Bobby Deen is on a clamming expedition to find the freshest clams New York has to offer for hisSeafood Pie. To compliment his pie, Bobby makes Lime Mousse Cups and Coconut Lime Granita.Later, he's inviting his foodie friend Sarah Ashley over to see if his meal was worth the voyage.

Premiering Wednesday, October 16th at 9pmET/ 6pmPT - "Slim & Trim Brunch"

Bobby Deen discovers the art of crepe making at Fulton Street Creperie, where he learns how to make a healthy buckwheat batter. Then, Daphne Oz stops by to indulge in her favorite meal - brunch! Bobby makes Breakfast Crepe, Kale and Roasted Tomato Benedict, and Bobby's Original Power Smoothie. They're feasting on slim and trim specialties, perfect for any morning.

Premiering Wednesday, October 30th at 9pmET/ 6pmPT - "Mexico In BK"

Bobby Deen is going to his local Mexican cheese shop to learn how to make fresh Queso Hebra. In his kitchen, Bobby whips up some Mexican dishes: Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs With Garlic And Orange, Baked Chicken Chili Cheese Empanadas With Tomatillo Salsa and Sweet Potato Mole Chicken With Black Beans And Brown Rice. Then, he invites his friend and Mexican food expert, Pati Jinich over to see if his empanadas are bueno or muy bueno.

Get Bobby's tips for creating healthier alternative to your favorite meals like burgers, cake, pizza and more on CookingChannelTV.com and share your recipes on Twitter using #NMMM.

Restaurant Takeover

Premiering Monday, October 7th at 10pmET/7pmPT - "Shamrock and Thistle"

Mick lost a part of himself when the 6th Street Pub and Grill closed its doors. Restaurant Takeoveris making a splash by sending in chef Andrea Nicholson and renowned designer, Cheryl Torrenueva, in an attempt to turn this dive around.

Premiering Monday, October 14th at 10pmET/7pmPT -"Rap"

Rap's has seen an increase in competition as other Caribbean restaurants pop up in the neighborhood. Regrettably, their food just doesn't stand up, and the decor looks like a tropical storm blew through. Restaurant Takeover's chef Derek Minkensky and designer Paula Velez are on a mission to bring a little sunshine back to this Caribbean joint.

Premiering Monday, October 28th at 10pmET/7pmPT -"Hillbilly Heaven"

Cameron, a kooky proprietor, is going to test the skills and patience of the seasoned Restaurant Takeover team. Chef Adam Hynam-Smith and designer Amanda Campbell are tasked with revamping his dream Hillbilly Heaven. With a road kill menu and tragic decor, this southern barbecue joint is a kitschy nightmare.

Check out the restaurants' transformations from shabby, outdated joints into chic hot spots in CookingChannelTV.com's before and after gallery. Let us know what you think on Twitter #RestaurantTakeover.

Unique Eats

Premiering Sunday, October 6th at 9pmET/6pmPT -"Small Bites"

Why not sample everything on the menu when it comes in the form of small bites? My Ceviche, in Miami Beach, keeps it light with the freshest local fish and zesty dressings that define the traditionally Latin-American ceviche dishes. Then, Barley Swine in Austin features 13-15 small plates a day, each one highlighting a few specific ingredients bought at the local farmer's market. Amis in Philadelphia puts a twist on classic Roman trattoria food where diners are encouraged to order several dishes to share. Finally, Momo Sushi Shack in Bushwick, Brooklyn serves sushi and dumplings that have Manhattanites crawling through the tunnel to try.

Premiering Sunday, October 13th at 9pmET/6pmPT -"Hot Lunch Spots"

Lunch hour just got a little longer because the dishes at these restaurants are meant to be savored. Perla in New York City's West Village serves rich Italian sandwiches and delicious pizzas. Then, it's all about the unique "baco" sandwich served daily at Baco Mercat in downtown Los Angeles. Later, at Local Three Kitchen and Bar, diners order fast food classics without the guilt because only fresh, top-quality ingredients are used, and Merchants Restaurant in downtown Nashville is a quiet retreat from bustling Broadway and serves elegant Southern food.

Premiering Sunday, October 27th at 9pmET/6pmPT -"Ethnic Eats"

Authentic global flavors can be savored stateside, and folks craving Mediterranean and Israeli food flock to charming Balaboosta in New York City. Popular Nashville food truck Riff's Fine Street Food marries Caribbean and Asian flavors, and at Cook's Torta in Los Angeles, there's always a crowd for their Latin-style sandwiches. Finally, Pecking Order in Chicago serves Filipino-style chicken that comes roasted, grilled or fried.

Get recipes for one-of-a-kind dishes from top restaurants across the country on CookingChannelTV.com and share your favorite, unique hotspots on Twitter using #UniqueEats.

DIGITAL CONTENT

Plan Your Halloween Party With Cooking Channel

Get creepy in the kitchen with Cooking Channel's best Halloween recipes, including spider cakes, zombie gut punch and salted caramel popcorn balls. Plus, get Nadia G.'s sweet party menu and check out galleries of the best Halloween pop culture finds like vintage candy, costumes for foodies, the creepiest candy you can buy and the worst treats to give out this year.

Oktoberfest

If you're going to host at an Oktoberfest party, you should have CookingChannelTV.com's easy recipes for authentic German food like schnitzel, brisket and dumplings in the back pocket of your lederhosen.



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