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Personally, I am a HUGE Food Network junkie. And although Latinos have been represented on the network by Venezuelan-born Ham on the Street host George Duran, the themes have never really been Latino focused. Aside from the occasional “taco dinner night” by Paula Deen or a “paella with a twist” by Giada De Laurentiis, there has never been any real “home cooked” Hispanic meals. Until Colombian-born and Miami-transplant Ingrid Hoffman was signed on. They recently showcased her at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in February; which has become a huge and pricey celeb-fest here in Miami. It’s amazing to see how many shows they shot here that week.

Her new show “Simply Delicioso,” will be airing Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. beginning July 14, Hoffman will take her place as the network’s first Latina host. She comes to the Food Network from a cable show Delicioso on Galavision and segments on Univision’s Despierta America. There are many Spanish-language stars who have tried to cross over to English but have not always successfully. But media experts think Hoffmann, 42, has a shot. For starters, food is common ground for all cultures. Now that’s very insightful…NOT!

According to Bob Tuschman, the Food Network’s senior vice-president for programming and production, Hoffmann’s success in Spanish underscores her appeal. He said the network was impressed by her take on Latin food. “Ingrid has a sparkling personality, a breezy way of making cooking approachable and a passion to take classics and give them a Latin twist,” he wrote in an e-mail.

Hoffmann already has tested the waters in English, appearing as a guest on “The Martha Stewart Show,” “Today” and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” The topic has not come without it’s own controversy as many feel the show is “just another shallow 30 minute cooking show”.

“I don’t eat like I used to eat as a kid in Latin America,” Hoffmann said. “I mix the burgers and the beans. I always say my food is Spanglish.” A very interesting approach as our culture is quickly becoming the fusion of different Latino and non-Latino flavors. It’s like going to the local Houston’s Restarant here in Coral Gables and tasting their “tres leches”. It’s not very authentic; however, it’s delicious none-the-less.

I’m excited as I watch the Food Network off and on all weekend. I will report back and let you know what I think about the show. Hopefully I will also get some footage to share soon. You can catch the full story in Hispanic Business.

- Miamiadguy