Food Network Chefs Reveal Their Culinary Mentors

Bobby, Giada and more Food Network favorites reveal who they consider to be their mentors from their early days in the industry.
Food Network Star, Season 12

Behind the scenes of Host Giada De Laurentiis in her kitchen set, as seen on Food Networks Giada at Home, Season 7.

Photo by: EDDY CHEN ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

EDDY CHEN, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

When Food Network Star kicks off next week, all eyes will be on the finalists as they begin the long road toward the coveted crown. But to lead the hopefuls on their journeys and give them the feedback they'll need to grow, mentors Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis must utilize their combined decades of experience to offer the finalists insider tips for bettering their performances. After all, with a hefty handful of shows between them, they're qualified to offer the finalists insider tips and been-there-done-that advice for bettering their performances. It's true no one else knows quite what it takes to succeed at Food Network stardom quite like this powerhouse.

It turns out, though, that Bobby and Giada enjoyed their share of mentorships as well when they were first starting in the culinary and television industries. Recently we checked in with them to chat about their early days and find out who helped them most along the way. Find out what they had to say, and hear from other Food Network favorites, including Alex Guarnaschelli, Rachael Ray and Michael Symon.

Tune in to the premiere of Food Network Star on Sunday, May 22 at 9|8c.

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