Review: Heat Seekers

I have been waiting for the premiere of Heat Seekers for months.  Like most food TV fans I have enjoyed Aaron Sanchez all the way back to his days on Melting Pot.  Roger Mooking is still an unknown entity to most Americans but that should change soon.  Here is how Food Network describes their newest food/travel series:

For chefs Aarón Sanchez and Roger Mooking, Heat Seekers is a tongue-testing odyssey to discover the most deliciously spicy food across the country — and to figure out why these dishes are so fun to eat. From Los Angeles and Santa Fe to Miami and New Orleans, the dynamic duo discovers the secrets of spicy dishes of all kinds — from Mexican to Korean to Indian cuisine — and then subjects themselves to a test of who can handle the heat. Indulging in spicy ceviche and flaming-hot cocktails, Roger and Aarón put their taste buds to the test, and the results are either tears of laughter or tears of pain — usually both.

Sanchez (Centrico in New York City) is his usual charming, energetic self.  The same attitude that has made him a fan favorite from his other shows like Next Iron Chef, Chopped and Chefs vs. City transfers well to Heat Seekers.  Since his knowledge of food goes well beyond just Latin flavors his placement on this show was a no-brainer.

Mooking (Kultura Social Dining and Nyood Restaurant in Toronto) is the host of Everyday Exotic which airs both on Food Network Canada and the Cooking Channel.  For my money Everyday Exotic is the best stand-and-stir on the air today.  His knowledge of spices and ingredients are born from being a third generation chef and his multicultural background which includes ancestry from the Caribbean to the Far East.  America, get ready for one very talented and charismatic cat.

This show highlights the best in food that has spice and presents it with two passionate and credible hosts.  Mooking and Sanchez have a great chemistry that makes you wish you could join them on one of their road trips.

Or at least it makes me want to join them anyway.  What do you say, Aaron and Roger – shall we meet in Nashville for a little Prince’s Hot Chicken?

Heat Seekers airs Fridays at 10/9 Central on the Food Network.  Be sure to check out my exclusive interview with Roger Mooking HERE.