Electus Builds a YouTube Channel with Celebrity Chefs and Online Video Stars

By 05/16/2012
Electus Builds a YouTube Channel with Celebrity Chefs and Online Video Stars

There are currently two major entertainment destinations especially made for individuals looking to consume food-oriented programming. Food Network and Cooking Channel (and that doesn’t include Bravo, which you kinda sorta should include because Top Chef has won a few Emmys, but also kinda sorta shouldn’t include because it airs things like Shahs of Sunset). Ben Silverman just created a third.

The founder and CEO of next generation multimedia studio Electus (and former co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and ex-CEO of Reveille) today announced the initial talent and programming line-up for HUNGRY, its gastro-centric YouTube channel (which is part of the video-sharing site’s $100 million Originals Initiative) led by individuals with serious experience in show business and the kitchen.

HUNGRY is helmed by CEO Bruce Siedel (who Silverman and company poached earlier this year from his Senior Vice President of Programming and Special Productions position at Food Network and Cooking Channel, where he was responsible for developing shows like Food Network Star and Iron Chef America). He’ll be assisted by celebrity chef and fondant’s biggest fan Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes, Sugar High) in the capacity of talent and programming consultant.

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“What once may have been considered too over the top for TV is now funny, fresh programming on HUNGRY,” Goldman said. “We know the viewers are literally hungry for this kind of content and we’re psyched to bring it to them!”

The kind of content Duffman’s psyched to bring you and the Fung Brothers rap about above will initially include the following:

  • Brothers Green (Featuring the Grenfield Brothers): In the heart of hipster Brooklyn are two charming brothers who are musicians and underground caterers who face a culinary challenge in every episode. See the brothers explore food and battle their sibling rivalry while cooking for local cult bands, foodie celebrities, and parties of all shapes and sizes, all from their loft home kitchen.
  • Casserole Queens (Featuring Crystal Cook and Sandy Pollock): Meet the CasseroleQueens, best friends whose delicious cooking goes far beyond casseroles. Stop by their Austin kitchen for inventive comfort food, killer cocktails and good times. There’s nothing retro about these women except for their stylish vintage outfits and dishes.
  • Citysearch Eats: From leading online local guide Citysearch.com, Citysearch Eats willuse the expert taste buds of on-the-ground local all-star blogger scouts to clue viewers in on the hottest spots – from local favorites and must-have dishes, to new and notable – in cities across the country.  Join the over 13.5 million unique users each month, to discover the tastiest, most delectable and scrumptious eateries American cities have to offer!
  • Duff’s Food World (Executive Produced by and featuring Duff Goldman): What does food pop culture look like through the eyes of a chef who has not only worked in some of the world’s greatest kitchens, but also has the internal monologue of a Monty Python movie? Get inside the head of Duff Goldman, and explore the world of food via Duff’s experiences. Duff’s Food World explores everything from one-of-a-kind dishes and dining experiences like “dining in the dark” and “naked sushi in Vegas,” to tasty and often hilarious “Internet and TV Food Clips of the Week,” to unique food festival field trips like the notorious Spam Festival or Fungus Festival (will he bring his own?). Duff picks his favorite “Food Porn Clip of the Week,” man-on-the-street food pranks and historical re-enactments of great moments in food.
  • Fung Bros. Mess with Texas (Featuring The Fung Brothers): The Fung Brothers are rappers, comedians, writers and food lovers, but what they are not is Texans. So join the Fung Brothers on their first ever trip to Texas to rustle up some trouble and grub, from BBQ to dude ranches and tasty eats, each adventure ends in a comic rap song to highlight their new found love of Texas!
  • To-be-Named program with Alex Thomopoulos: Gluten-free cooking doesn’t mean that food should be lacking in flavor and excitement, and Alex Thomopoulos knows the rules to keeping meals fresh and fun. As a comedian turned chef, Alex shares her tips and recipes for delectable gluten-free fare and cocktails perfect for any meal – whether it’s everyday eating or entertaining friends.
  • To-be-Named pork-centric program with Chris Cosentino: Almost every culture in the world has a fascination with all things PORK!  Pork belly, ham, loins, ribs and more – most find pork irresistible… even vegans love bacon!  Recently, scientists identified that human genetics play a role in the love of pork, which means that we can all thank our ancestors for that bacon donut craving. Chefs in all cultures celebrate the pig and its endless varieties and uses.
  • To-be-Named program with Laura Vitale: YouTube sensation Laura Vitale will demonstrate how to make delicious Italian desserts without the use of electric-powered hand tools, just the way she was taught in her grandmother’s kitchen in Italy. The desserts will include such recipes as Classic Italian Lemon Ice and a Velvety Smooth Italian Semifreddo.
  • To-be-Named program from Urbanspoon: Utilizing the over 20 million unique users of leading foodie site Urbanspoon, HUNGRY will partner with Urbanspoon to create a blogger generated series on reviews of the best and most unique eating finds across the nation. Seeking out topics like the best burgers, crunchiest fries, tastiest street food, boozey brunches, one-of-a-kind specials, to sinful and sexy desserts.

Hungry officially debuts July 2nd on YouTube. Stay tuned.

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