Pots and pans have been rattling with rumors that Food Network has fired its longtime stalwart Mario Batali. As the story went, Batali said he wouldn’t do Iron Chef America unless the culinary channel renewed his series Molto Mario. The network reportedly said no, and Batali picked up his cutlery and left. We went to the man himself for confirmation. "Not true!" Batali tells TV Guide emphatically. "I’m taping two episodes of Iron Chef America in a few weeks. I’m the best Iron Chef, why would I quit? And why would I threaten the network? Molto Mario’s been out of production for two-and-a-half years. [Reruns still air weekly.] We have a fine relationship." A channel spokesperson backs him up: "Mario is still a major part of the Food Network family," she says. But Batali, whose empire includes a bevy of pricy eateries in New York and L.A., does admit that the network has changed since the days that top chefs like Sara Moulton and he brought haute cuisine to the mass...
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According to a report in the New York Post, Food Network has informed the colorful Mario Batali that his numerous shows would not be getting renewed. In response to the rebuff, Batali allegedly refused to compete any longer on Iron Chef, "and then [the network] essentially said ciao," shares an insider. The move, says industry buzz, is indicative of Food Network's progression away from "real" chefs and more toward celebrity/TV-created spatula-wielders.UPDATE: Food Network Is Still Hot for Mario Batali
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