Rumor: Mario Batali No Longer Affiliated with the Food Network
If you’re a fan of Food Network you are no stranger to the large and jolly chef who always cooks Italian, Mario Batali. If you’re a fan of him specifically, this news may be something you do not want to hear. However, it is rumored that Mario will no longer be a part of the Food Network. Inside sources have said that they informed the chef last month that his shows, including Molto Mario, would not be renewed.
According to Page Six, when Batali was told that his shows were not being renewed, he informed the network that he would not perform on Iron Chef. At that point, the network severed the relationship. When asked for a comment, Lisa Del Colle, a network spokesperson said that Food Network does not comment on contractual agreements.
Despite the loss of his Food Network time slots, Mario has managed to do quite well for himself. In the time he was on the network, he’s received a $1 million advance for his book, Molto Italiano, as well as endorsements for plugging various products on his shows and elsewhere, such as NASCAR tailgating.
While you won’t be finding him on new episodes of the Network if you wish to check out Mario’s cuisine you can head to one of his many restaurants in Manhattan, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas including Babbo and Po.
Mario Batali, Food Network, Babbo, Po, Molto Mario, Contract Renewal
September 8th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
That’s really too bad. He makes great good and has a sweet personality. Do you have any other inside scoop on what went down and are there other veteran chefs who could be in danger?
October 5th, 2007 at 5:04 am
That’s why there are making “The Next Iron Chef”….
Mario, I”m sure you left right after you got stuck doing ICA with Rachael Ray. She must have infuriated you, I don’t blame you for getting the heck out of the FN altogether. You’d have to be sick to think that piece of trash can be in the same league as a professional chef.