Brunch @ Bobby’s (COOKING CHANNEL)
- Premiering Saturday, January 3rd at 12:00pmET/9:00amPT – “Waffles Gone Wild” -SEASON PREMIERE!
Ordinary waffles are a thing of the past with host Bobby Flay’s innovative brunch creations! Bobby wows with a menu of unexpected waffle creations like Cornbread Waffles with Ranch-Style Eggs and Cilantro Crema and Glazed Waffle Donuts! He dishes out the unexpected, mixing up a cool Wine Smoothie.
- Premiering Saturday, January 17th at 12:00pmET/9:00amPT – “Wake Up Brunch”
Two of Bobby Flay’s favorite things come together for a brunch menu that awakens the senses! His coffee-inspired creations include Scrambled Eggs with Sweet Potato Biscuits, Ham Steak and Red Eye Gravy, Espresso-Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Espresso-Cinnamon Butter and a blended Spiced Mocha Lassi.
- Premiering Saturday, January 24th at 12:00pmET/9:00amPT – “Say Cheese”
Bobby Flay knows that cheese makes everything better, and brunch is no exception! He serves up some cheese-filled dishes like Meyer Lemon Ricotta Crepes with Candied Almonds, a Frittata with Thyme Roasted Potatoes, Smoked Mozzarella and Tomato-Basil Pesto and Cream Cheese Pancakes with Cherries Jubilee Syrup.
Emeril’s Florida (COOKING CHANNEL)
- Premiering Sunday, January 4th at 2:30pmET/11:30amPT – “Coming to America” – SEASON PREMIERE!
Emeril visits three chefs born in foreign countries who now own successful restaurants in Florida. First, Emeril visits with a Sushi Chef from Vietnam before meeting with a Moroccan native who trained in France and Norway prior to living in Florida. The third stop is with a German-born chef who now runs one of the top-rated French restaurants in the state. Finally, Emeril dishes on one of his favorite dishes, Sambal Shrimp.
- Premiering Sunday, January 11th at 2:30pmET/11:30amPT – “Big Night Out”
Emeril visits three restaurants to consider when looking to have a big night out for a special occasion. His first stop is the award-winning Italian restaurant Casa D’Angelo Ristorante in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Then he heads to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast of Florida to visit Michael’s on East, another highly acclaimed favorite in the state. Emeril then visits Salt, the signature restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island which has been one of the top-rated resorts in the country for a number of years. Inspired by his visits, Emeril prepares a dish for a big night in: Corn Cakes with Florida Caviar and Chive Crema.
- Premiering Sunday, January 18th at 2:30pmET/11:30amPT – “Space Coast”
Emeril travels to Florida’s Space Coast on the east coast of the state. He begins in Cocoa Village at Cafe Margaux, arguably one of the best restaurants in the Space Coast area. Cafe Margaux serves bistro fare and has been the place to go in the Cocoa area for fine dining for almost 25 years. His next stop is The Fat Snook in Cocoa Beach, a family-owned casual beachside restaurant, where the owners have a passion for fresh, local seafood and top-quality seasonal ingredients. He next visits Cafe Coconut Cove, serving up authentic German cuisine and craft beers since 1987. Local seafood is on the menu when Emeril prepares Florida Lobster with Pappardelle.
- Premiering Sunday, January 25th at 2:30pmET/11:30amPT – “South Florida Favorites”
Emeril travels to the southern part of Florida to visit some of his favorite restaurants he has encountered over the years. He visits his long-time friend and James Beard Award winner, Michelle Bernstein, at her famous restaurant Michy’s in downtown Miami. Next, Emeril crosses the bridge to Miami Beach to Pubbelly to meet the owners of the hottest gastropub in Miami. Emeril then travels to the Florida Keys for a stop at the historic Cheeca Lodge, and samples their signature restaurant Atlantic’s Edge. Emeril finishes up his visit by preparing one of his favorite Florida seafood dishes: Yellowtail Snapper with a Classic Meuniere Sauce.
Extra Virgin (COOKING CHANNEL)
- Premiering Wednesday, January 7th at 9:00pm ET/6:00pmPT – “Gift to the Neighborhood” – SEASON PREMIERE!
Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos have been living in their Brooklyn neighborhood for a couple of years and they have really grown to love it. Their neighbors have welcomed them with open arms and they feel a very strong connection to all of the local shops and restaurants. Now they want to give back the only way they know how: by cooking for them. Gabriele and Debi take over one of the neighborhood’s restaurants for the day, to prepare a variety of Tuscan recipes and serve their neighborhood friends a meal. Since they are cooking for the locals, they will be shopping in all of their favorite local shops for ingredients for the big feast.
- Premiering Wednesday, January 14th at 9:00pm ET/6:00pmPT – “Deb’s Fashion Show”
Gabriele has his motorcycle passion, but Debi has always had an interest for fashion. Her friend, Zac Posen, is a famous New York-based fashion designer. Debi takes Giulia, who inherited her mom’s love of fashion, to Zac’s studio for a behind-the-scenes tour and a dress fitting. Meanwhile, Gabriele has gone to the Fulton Fish Market to get fresh seafood for dinner. Zac later comes over to help cook a seafood-inspired Tuscan dinner.
- Premiering Wednesday, January 21st at 9:00pmET/7:00pmPT – “James Beard Supper”
Gabriele and Debi have been asked to cook at the James Beard House in New York City. The James Beard Foundation is well known throughout the culinary community for its educational programs, industry awards and scholarships. Gabriele and Debi will have an opportunity to add their names to the prestigious list of guest cooks, as they create the best possible culinary experience for an intimate group of friends that will get to share the evening with them.
- Premiering Wednesday, January 28th at 9:00pmET/7:00pmPT – “The Drill”
While living in Los Angeles, Debi and Gabriele would discuss what they would do when the big earthquake hit and left them living completely off the grid. Then, they moved to New York and Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. Gabriele and Debi decide to take a day to prepare the family for the possibility of another major disaster in what they are calling ‘The Drill’. Can the family go the whole day without electricity or any modern conveniences? And can Gabriele and Debi cook dinner for the family without electricity or gas?
Guy’s Grocery Games: Family Style – Premiering Sunday, January 4th at 8pm (FOOD NETWORK)
Guy Fieri’s favorite things are food, fun and family, and he is bringing all three together for a Guy’s Grocery Games: Family Style showdown. The families will compete over four episodes, with each episode consisting of four teams made up of a different variation of family members, each including a chef, as they compete for a chance at the grand prize. Whether it is a child with two parents, a parent with two children or siblings working together, the families must navigate their way through the aisles of a grocery store, battling it out in different supermarket-themed obstacles, including shopping and cooking on a budget, cooking a meal with five ingredients or less, or the new game of station swap, among others. One-by-one the losing families must “check out” by a rotating panel of judges, featuring Melissa d’Arabian, Richard Blais, G. Garvin, Troy Johnson, Beau MacMillan, Catherine McCord and Aarti Sequeira. The last family standing goes on a shopping spree of a lifetime worth up to $20,000.
- Premiering Sunday, January 4th at 8pm -“Family Style: Kid’s Rule!” – STUNT PREMIERE!
Four competing families start by joining the breakfast club, but this is Watch Your Weight so they can only cook with 5 lbs. of ingredients. Next, the families must make a hot lunch ABC-style, using only ingredients whose name begins with the letter R. The final two families go head-to-head in the dreaded game, Food Wheel. How do you make a winning Sunday supper featuring hot dogs and the color red? The winning family goes after the green stuff, up to $20,000 in the Shopping Spree!
Competitors: Bruno Family, Chiovera Family, Roberts Family, Robertson Family
Judges: Melissa d’Arabian, Richard Blais, Troy Johnson
- Premiering Sunday, January 11th at 8pm -“Family Style: Sibling Rivalry”
When four sets of siblings square off in a supermarket, sparks fly! The teams begin by making a family feast, but first they must agree on the 5 Ingredients or Less this challenge allows! Three families move on to make something stuffed using Guy’s Grocery List of unique ingredients. Then, in the feared game of chance, Food Wheel, the stakes are high as two families attempt to make an upscale dinner with strip steak and $7.15 worth of extra ingredients! The family that moves on will play for a chance to win up to $20,000 in the Shopping Spree.
Competitors: Fraser Family, Grbic Family, Loza Family, Testa Family
Judges: Richard Blais, Troy Johnson, Aarti Sequeira
- Premiering Sunday, January 18th at 8pm – “Family Style: Food Feud”
Chefs keep it all in the family with teams featuring husbands, wives, brothers, moms and even grandma! The pasta shelves are off-limits in Aisle Down, so our four families must really use their noodles to create their best dish. Next, three families have to come up with fresh ideas for making dessert from non-perishable items playing Meals from the Middle. The finalists must make their favorite family meal, but wait, this is Watch Your Weight, so, they only get 5½ lbs. of ingredients. Then, it’s all hands on cart as the winning family goes on the Shopping Spree worth up to $20,000.
Competitors: Casey Family, Parrish Family, Thurston Family, Vera Family
Judges: Troy Johnson, Beau MacMillan, Catherine McCord
- Premiering Sunday, January 25th at 8pm – “Family Style: Kid’s Choice” –STUNT FINALE!
“Family Style: Kid’s Choice”
Guy is constantly turning the tables, this time with kids choosing the meals, while the chefs endure a “Time Out” from cooking. Four families face off in a brunch competition that includes a mandatory Red Light Special: raisins! In Budget Battle, families must make a comfort meal on a very uncomfortable budget. Then, the final teams must prepare a five-star dinner while playing Station Swap, a twisty new game that forces the families to trade kitchens and groceries. One family will go on a Shopping Spree worth up to $20,000…if they can find one item on the list in each aisle.
Competitors: Binbek Family, Landefeld Family, Lavin Family, Murphy Family
Judges: Melissa d’Arabian, Richard Blais, Aarti Sequeira
Worst Cooks in America – Premiering Sunday, January 4th at 9pm (FOOD NETWORK)
Worst Cooks in America returns to transform kitchen disasters into confident cooks, with Chef Anne Burrell going up against first-time opponent Chef Tyler Florence. Anne and Tyler each lead a team of kitchen-challenged recruits in a grueling culinary boot camp designed to turn them into skilled cooks. A $25,000 grand prize is awarded to the contestant who makes the most impressive culinary transformation, in addition to delivering victory and bragging rights for their team leader.
- Premiering Sunday, January 4th at 9pm – “It Just Keeps Getting Worse”- SEASON PREMIERE!
In the season premiere, the fourteen recruits, each nominated by family and friends for their horrendous cooking skills, are selected by Anne Burrell and new-kid-on-the-block Tyler Florence to compete in a grueling culinary boot camp. These “home cooks” make the chefs their signature dishes, and upon tasting, Anne and Tyler choose their teams of worst cooks, and give their recruits a lesson in creating the ultimate romantic meal.
- Premiering Sunday, January 11th at 9pm – “Prepping for Success”
Anne and Tyler test the recruits’ knowledge of food in a special game of “Family Food,” in which the teams face-off in an effort to gain recipe steps through food trivia. As the recruits attempt to cut down the competition, they learn and execute knife skills to prepare their dishes. All of the recruits must successfully create the Spanish dish paella, which some will achieve with fewer bandages than others
- Premiering Sunday, January 18th at 9pm – “Spice Up Your Life”
The recruits try their hand at experimenting with flavor combinations with a skill drill called “Holy Crepes,” in which they serve their own creations in a blind tasting. Then the recruits “Taco-ver the World,” when they make their own international tacos. Some of the recruits are able to hit the mark with their flavor combinations, while others prove they earned their spot in the Worst Cooks competition!
- Premiering Sunday, January 25th at 9pm – “Scared Straight Into the Kitchen”
This week, recruits huddle up to tackle game day dishes as they create deep-fried fan favorites for Anne and Tyler. Will they make crowd-pleasing dishes, or be defeated by a deep fryer? After the big game, the recruits try not to “Lose their Noodles” when they break down a raw squid to prepare squid ink pasta with calamari.
Daphne Dishes – Premieres Sunday, January 4th at 12pm (FOOD NETWORK)
Mom, blogger and home cook Daphne Brogdon shares all the secrets to her easy and impressive family-friendly meals in her series Daphne Dishes, serving it all up with a healthy side of humor. From Daphne’s home kitchen in Los Angeles, get ready to jump into her life and meet her two cute kids, one sweet dog and chef-husband Mark.
- Premiering Sunday, January 4th at 12pm – “Mom’s Gone Healthy” – SERIES PREMIERE!
In an homage to the healthy dishes her mom created as a child, Daphne Brogdon invites her mom and sister over for dinner. Daphne livens up a Pecan-Stuffed Chicken Breast and pairs it with Blistered Tomatoes and Feta Cheese along with Crowd-Pleasing Couscous. For dessert, a little bit of Dark Chocolate Sauce over fresh berries puts a smile on everyone’s face.
- Premiering Sunday, January 11th at 12pm – “Comfort for a Friend”
Daphne Brogdon invites her friend, actress Molly Culver, over for a welcome home dinner. For the main dish, Daphne makes Pan-Roasted Chicken with a Creamy Mustard Sauce. She’s also making comforting Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, plus incredible crispy Brussels Sprouts and a classic Brogdon family dessert, Cafe Bengali.
- Premiering Sunday, January 18th at 12pm – “Festival of Leftovers”
Daphne Brogdon gets inventive preparing simple and tasty recipes utilizing leftovers. She turns last night’s braised brisket into a Brisket Ragu served over Crispy Pasta. Some lonely cauliflower gets transformed into the Best Cauliflower Ever and her leftover Vanilla Pound Cake gets a makeover with Macerated Strawberries and ice cream. Leftovers never tasted so good.
- Premiering Sunday, January 25th at 12pm – “Eat Up, Sports Fans”
Daphne Brogdon’s got a special game day menu that is sure to win over the crowd, without stressing out the cook! She kicks off the party with her signature Guacamole and Fried Wonton Chips and then it’s Butter Burger Sliders with two sauces, Sweet Russian and Arugula Pesto. Plus, she whips up a Spicy Cabbage Salad on the side and Daphne’s shares her special crowd-pleasing cocktail, her Kick-a-Rita.
Best. Ever.– Premiering Monday, January 5th at 10pm (FOOD NETWORK)
Do you remember the last time you bit into a burger and thought, “This is the best burger. Ever.”? When you tell a friend about your favorite pizza place, do you describe every juicy detail about what makes it the best pizza ever? Food Network searched through every delicious nook and cranny in the country and found some of the best pizzas, burgers, barbecue and breakfast…ever! Hosted by Ted Allen, and with guest appearances by Food Network stars, chefs and judges including Anne Burrell, Alex Guarnaschelli, Katie Lee, Antonia Lofaso, Jeff Mauro, Roger Mooking, Marc Murphy, Aarón Sánchez, Steak Shapiro, Fabio Viviani and Andrew Zimmern, it is a veritable collection of the best ever comfort foods.
- Premiering Monday, January 5th at 10pm – “Best. Pizza. Ever.” – SERIES PREMIERE!
Pizza is one of the best ever comfort foods, and it has evolved into endless culinary interpretations that can be savored from all corners of the country. In Austin, Texas, a mouthwatering margherita pizza is baked to perfection in 90 seconds, while a restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is getting high marks for their meat-piled pizza. One night a week, diners are wowed by the unique toppings at the underground pizzeria that pops up at a Northwest restaurant, and one SoCal restaurant shipped materials from Italy for the oven of their dreams, turning out their signature pork pizza. Whether it be classics or regional favorites, this is the best pizza ever.
- Premiering Monday, January 12th at 10pm – “Best. BBQ. Ever.”
Few things are more American than barbecue, and there are as many delicious variations as there are dedicated pit masters. The queue for ‘cue at one popular Austin restaurant stretches down and around the block, while the mash-up of Korean and American-style barbecue draws a big crowd at a small Atlanta barbecue shack. There is succulent smoked chicken in Philadelphia and spicy jerk chicken in the Twin Cities. Plus, a dive bar turns out delectable barbecue in Cambridge, Massachusetts and a San Francisco restaurant serves a signature barbecue platter with every meat, side and fixin’ on the menu. Roll up those sleeves for the best barbecue ever.
- Premiering Monday, January 19th at 10pm – “Best. Breakfast. Ever.”
These days, breakfast can be so much more than cold cereal and toast. Boston serves up an otherworldly sweet breakfast and in Philadelphia, waffles meet cake for delicious results. In the Twin Cities, a hot and hearty pancake is an engineering marvel. Savory breakfast fans get a look at an egg and cheese in Los Angeles with real star quality, a Vietnamese twist on bacon and eggs in Austin and a classic New York bagel that gets an update with beets. Plus, a breakfast special in Atlanta is like a buffet on a plate! The morning gets started with a bang with these best breakfasts ever.
- Premiering Monday, January 26th at 10pm – “Best. Burger. Ever.”
Americans love hamburgers, and these burgers are the best the nation has to offer. In Atlanta, a double cheeseburger is so exclusive that only a few dozen are served each night, and in New York, the most buzz-worthy burger is sandwiched between something usually found in soup. On the menu is a burger served on a bed of freshly-cut fries and topped with everything but the kitchen sink, a cheeseburger stuffed with cheese that melts right out of the patty and burgers that are so good they do not even need beef! These are best ever burgers.
Fitness: Impossible – Premiering Wednesday, January 7th at 11pm – SPECIAL! (FOOD NETWORK)
Robert Irvine has a grueling schedule, traveling from town-to-town and state-to-state, in a race against the clock to transform failing restaurants. With his impossible schedule, Robert still finds time to focus on his passion for health, fitness, food and family. With that in mind, Robert is taking on his next mission: motivating America. Robert’s fans and followers are constantly asking him for advice on health and fitness. In order to give back, Robert is going to tackle as many health-related questions, concerns and dilemmas as humanly possible, in the time he has between one Restaurant: Impossible and the next. It will not be easy, but Robert is willing to take on the challenge. As soon as his last shoot wraps, the clock is ticking! Robert will hit the ground running, answering as many questions he can before he is scheduled to save another failing restaurant. Being healthy, happy and in shape is not unattainable… this super-chef is just the guy to make Fitness: Impossible, possible!
Duff Till Dawn– Premiering Thursday, January 29th at 10:30pm – (FOOD NETWORK)
Duff Till Dawn is the ultimate underground cake competition, featuring bold ideas, fierce competitors and a ringmaster who has never had a boring day in his life. Duff Goldman is ready to give a few lucky cake fanatics some love, but he is going to put them through a series of challenges in order to earn it. It is the coolest throw-down in cake.
Streaming
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
directed by Prashanth Neel, brings a bold and gritty spectacle to the big screen, marking a triumphant return for Prabhas in an action-heavy role. Known for his high-energy, raw style (seen in KGF), Neel continues his signature approach here, blending intense action scenes with grandiose settings reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. The film revolves around Deva (Prabhas), a powerful yet calm figure with a complex past, and his involvement in a politically charged power struggle with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character Varadha. This layered storyline introduces us to the fictitious city of Khansar, where betrayals and power dynamics keep viewers on edge.
Critics generally appreciate Prabhas’s magnetic performance, noting that he captures the larger-than-life heroism he’s celebrated for since Baahubali. His portrayal, paired with intense fight choreography, keeps the audience engaged, particularly during standout sequences that elevate the film’s dramatic intensity. Prithviraj’s character as Deva’s friend adds an intriguing dynamic, though Shruti Haasan’s role feels underused. While fans of action-packed cinema and Prabhas’s iconic style will enjoy the exhilarating visuals and powerful cinematography, some critics feel the plot loses momentum in the second half, with multiple subplots that dilute its emotional depth. The story is intentionally left open-ended, setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Overall, Salaar is an ambitious action film that will satisfy fans of Prabhas and high-octane spectacles. However, those seeking a tight narrative or deep emotional connections might find it lacking. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars—a solid experience for action enthusiasts, with room for a more focused storyline in its sequel.
Streaming
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Rating: (4/5)
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a visually ambitious sci-fi film featuring an ensemble of Indian cinema legends, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. The film is set in a dystopian future with a storyline that weaves mythology and science fiction, creating a unique cinematic experience for viewers.
The film’s narrative unfolds in a futuristic society where technology and ancient themes intersect. It begins with an immersive setup that introduces us to Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, who grapples with complex moral and existential questions in a world marked by political and ethical turmoil. Although the pacing can feel slow in parts, especially as it establishes the mythological underpinnings, the intensity and scope build significantly as the story progresses.
One of the most captivating aspects is the stunning visual effects. The production team, with a budget reportedly over 400 crore INR, utilized advanced CGI to craft expansive landscapes, dramatic space battles, and futuristic cityscapes that resemble scenes from Hollywood sci-fi giants. The action sequences, particularly those featuring Bachchan, stand out with their thrilling choreography and careful dramatic build-up. These sequences balance between traditional Indian cinema stylings and Hollywood’s polished sci-fi tropes.
While Kalki 2898 AD relies heavily on genre conventions, it manages to bring a fresh twist by blending mythological symbolism with modern sci-fi elements. However, some may find the film’s narrative occasionally predictable, and the focus on visual spectacle occasionally overshadows character development. Yet, the powerhouse performances from the lead cast, particularly Bachchan and Padukone, provide the emotional depth needed to keep audiences engaged.
In summary, Kalki 2898 AD is an impressive venture into the sci-fi genre for Indian cinema, successfully balancing myth with high-tech fantasy. While not without flaws, it’s an enjoyable and bold cinematic experience that’s worth a watch for fans of both Indian mythology and science fiction.
Movie
Gladiator 2 Builds On The Legacy Of Its Predecessor,
Gladiator 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, delivering a captivating story that honors the original while forging a compelling new path. The cast shines in their roles, with Paul Mescal delivering a powerhouse performance as Lucius, the now-grown son of Maximus. Mescal captures a blend of vulnerability and strength, embodying a character driven by both honor and revenge. Alongside him, Denzel Washington commands the screen, adding gravitas and depth to a key supporting role
The screenplay is a triumph, keeping the audience engaged at every turn. While the overarching story gives you a sense of where it’s headed, the journey remains unpredictable, and packed with twists. The film balances themes of legacy, vengeance, and redemption, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.
Action sequences, particularly the gladiatorial combat, are visually pleasing. The fights are brutal and visceral, with just enough gore to feel authentic without veering into excess. Visually, Gladiator 2 is stunning. The production design, cinematography, and score come together to create a visceral and immersive experience.
As a follow-up to a beloved classic, Gladiator 2 meets expectations, proving to be both a thrilling spectacle and a worthy successor. It’s a 9/10—a tale of honor and legacy.