Fans Think the Food Network Is Disrespecting Anne Burrell’s Memory
Anne Burrell’s shocking death last week plunged the food world into mourning. The acclaimed chef was beloved in the culinary world. While her career was well-rounded, she was still best known as a TV personality on the Food Network. The network plans to celebrate Burrell’s life with tribute programming. Not everyone is happy with the plans. Fans are balking at the announced timeslot. They think they can and should do better for the iconic chef.
Anne Burrell’s fans question the Food Network’s tribute programming
Earlier this week, just after Anne Burrell was laid to rest, the Food Network announced a plan to honor the late chef. Burrell had spent years cooking up delectable plates on various shows. While the notion of a program to celebrate the chef made fans happy, the planned timeslot did not.
In a press release, the Food Network announced that it would pay tribute to chef Anne Burrell, beginning at 10 pm on June 25, with a selection of episodes that “highlight her extraordinary talent as a chef, competitor, and teacher.” The network shared the announcement on Instagram, which led to some complaints from fans. Several followers noted that the acclaimed chef “deserves better” than a tribute that begins after primetime viewing. Several others indicated that they could have happily done without yet another marathon of Guy Feiri-led shows for one day to honor Burrell’s legacy properly. Burrell’s last Food Network appearance will also air posthumously.
Celebrity tributes to the chef moved fans
While fans aren’t impressed with the timeslot the Food Network offered up to pay tribute to Anne Burrell, they were impressed by the heartfelt tributes that flowed in about the late chef in the wake of her passing. Alex Guarnaschelli, Duff Goldman, Sandra Lee, and Tyler Florence all took to social media to pay tribute to Burrell. Other chefs shared their thoughts, too.
Sandra Lee, an early Food Network star, reflected on grief and feelings of gratitude after learning about Burrell’s death. On Instagram, she wrote, “My heart is broken that you’re no longer here, but I’m so grateful that we had such wonderful moments together.”
Tyler Florence, who worked with Burrell on The Worst Cooks in America, reflected on how lucky he was to know the chef. In a touching Instagram tribute, he wrote, “There’s a new star in the sky tonight. I see you, Anne. With all your sparkle, looking down. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We’re all lucky.”
Duff Goldman took time to collect his thoughts. He eventually took to social media to share his long history with Burrell and the friendship they enjoyed over the years. He wrote of his hope that they would meet again. Goldman said, “Anne, wherever you are, I hope they have slow-moving rivers because when I get there, we’ll get a couple of rods, a pint of chicken livers, and a sixer, and I’ll teach you how to catch and cook, the best catfish you ever had.” He finished his tribute, telling the late chef, “Rest up, chef.”
Alex Guarnaschelli shared a carousel of photos of Anne Burrell through the years. Guarnaschelli, who had known Burrell for decades, urged fans to do what they loved, as Burrell did, in honor of the beloved TV personality.
