Kardea Brown blends food and culture in The Great Soul Food Cook-Off

While Food Network fans know her as the Delicious Miss Brown, Kardea Brown is the host of the new discovery+ show, The Great Soul Food Cook-Off and this food television show is more than another Food Network style culinary competition. The food television show looks to further the conversation on Black cooking traditions and highlight Black cooks. From the past to the present, this competition proves that soul food nourishes beyond the plate.

In a recent Discovery announcement, the Great Soul Food Cook-Off is a six episode culinary competition on discovery+. Debuting on November 20th and running through December 18, each episode puts a set of chefs through various culinary challenges. With $50,000 at stake, these chefs must prove that they appreciate the history of Black food and culture as well as understand the nuances of current day cuisine.

As host of the show, Kardea Brown appreciates that food and culture are always woven into her dishes. On Delicious Miss Brown, that concept is clear in every episode.

During a recent conversation with Brown, she commented on her desire to weave stories and memories into each episode. Brown said, “It is very important for me to weave my culture and family stories into my show because it keeps this culture alive. The only way to keep our culture alive is to keep talking about it.”

Although The Great Soul Food Cook-Off is a culinary competition, there is that aspect of food and culture. According to Tina Perry, president, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, “Our audience cherishes time together as a family around the table and many have passed down favorite family recipes for generations. This series is a celebration of long-standing traditions we hope to introduce and spotlight for new and existing viewers as we shine a light on a few of today’s most talented Black chefs and culinary curators.”

Brown will be joined by judges Eric Adjepong and Melba Wilson in addition to guest judges on the episodes. While each episode’s challenges have yet to be revealed, the overall theme is to celebrate “style of cuisine that represents the creativity and skill of Black cooks from many cultures within the African diaspora.”

The Great Soul Food Cook-Off debuts on Saturday, November 20. It will be available to stream on discovery+.