Premieres Thursday, July 12
Michelin-starred chef Richie Farina is known for making food fun by incorporating science to push the limits of creativity with every meal he serves. On Thursday, July 12 (9 p.m. ET), he is bringing his creative chops to one of the most imaginative and competitive food arenas: carnival fairgrounds.
At carnivals, the more out-there a dish is, the more people seem to like it, and the competition amongst the carnival chefs to create the most imaginative dish is fierce. On "Carnival Kings," Richie wants in on all the action, as he travels to fairs across the country challenging carnival chef royalty in their own kingdoms to a cook-off featuring their famous fare. Real fairgoers determine whose version is better, earning the winning chef bragging rights and the throne.
" 'Carnival Kings' combines the hottest summer food trend of fair foods with high drama and frenzied challenges, pushing the boundaries of carnival cuisine," said Courtney White, general manager and executive vice president, programming, Food Network and HGTV. "Viewers are in for a ride with host Richie Farina's culinary creativity and out-of-the-box creations."
From deep-fried nachos supreme to juicy doughnut burgers served with a fried egg on top, Farina thinks he has the skills and creativity to make carnival cuisine even more decadent and delicious. Throughout the eight half-hour episodes, Farina heads to some of the biggest fairs in Arizona, California and Nevada. At each one, he has only 24 hours to come up with his own unique spin on the festival's most popular signature dish, before facing-off with the chef who created it. The one with the most crowd-pleasing dish will win the competition and earn a lifetime of bragging rights.
On the premiere, Farina heads to Tucson for the Pima County Fair. There, he tests his talents against a bacon-wrapped duck slider, with flaming hot cheese puffs and caramel apple slaw, served with a side of bacon fat tater tots. Will 24 hours be enough time for him to come up with his own take on this dish? Is there any way he can create something even more mouthwatering than the original?
For carnival cuisine that can be made at home, and exclusive videos, visit
CookingChannelTV.com/CarnivalKings. Fans can also share their carnival cravings on social media, and vote for their favorite dish using #CarnivalKings.
