::: Cheryl Smith Online ::: Reporters Roundtable ::: Don't Believe the Hype :::

Turn up the heat
Author: G. Garvin
Reviewed by: Cheryl Smith
November 22, 2006

Cooking on television has never been as exciting as it is today with super chef, TV One’s G. Garvin. In addition to bringing his own “unique” style to the screen, the Atlanta native adds some color to the screen. “There are so many of us who cook, but you wouldn’t know it based on what you see on television,” he said during a recent interview, referring to the lack of African American chefs appearing on the television screen. “I bring a little bit of excitement and a little bit of fun.” Viewers think he brings a whole lot of everything to the screen as the popular show continues to enjoy high ratings and critiques.

Mr. Garvin, who recently released his book, “Turn Up the Heat,” said he realizes that men are looking at him, as well as women. That’s a good thing, too, he says because “men have to cook for their children” and they have to eat too.

And as he travels the country, he said males of all ages stop him to tell their stories, many of them sounding proud to be taking to the kitchen, without someone questioning their sexuality. No stranger to the spotlight, at a young age G. Garvin began making his mark in the culinary world. He has been a chef at the Ritz-Carlton and executive chef at other high-profile restaurants, in addition to his own, G. Garvin’s in Los Angeles.

Then he was tapped by TV One for the now very popular cooking series, “Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin.” A show that features Mr. Garvin making cooking look easy and fun, he has had as his guests Bishop T.D. Jakes, actor Duane Martin and actresses Tracie Ellis Ross and LisaRaye McCoy as just a few of the celebrities who have joined him on the show, sharing the kitchen and cooking up mouth-watering meals. With his own brand of catch phrases, Mr. Garvin tells you that he’s just “your boy holding it down in the kitchen.” He also holds it down in his cookbook, where there are a number of enticing recipes that will enhance any party, dinner or family gathering.

Earlier this year he was on the road as he took the popular show to Atlanta, New York and Chicago for his “On the Road with G. Garvin” segments. He said the experience was equally exciting for him as he was able to be a part of presenting positive images of Black men and showing males of all ages that they can look and feel good in the kitchen.

If you have a book you would like reviewed, contact Cheryl at csmith@dallasweekly.com