JMU grad competes on hit Food Network reality show
Nathan Lyons could win a spot on The Food Network
By Rebecca O'Dell, contributing writer
Posted on April 10, 2006

Rachael Ray, with her spunky personality and 30-minute meals, has become a favorite for Food Network lovers. Even Emeril Lagasse has captivated audiences with his “bam!” outbursts. And how can anyone not love Paula Deen and her sweet Southern charm? Could perhaps JMU alumnus Nathan Lyon (’94) have what it takes to be the Next Food Network Star?

Lyon, 35, who holds a degree in Health Science from JMU, is one of eight finalists in New York competing for his own six-part cooking series on the Food Network. The show judges the candidates, who come from various backgrounds and experience, on “skill, personality and overall food philosophy,” according to the Food Network’s Web site. 

Lyon, who credits his grandmother’s kitchen in Arlington, Va., as being the place where he first learned to cook, claims that he would make the new best food network star because he is “well-read, good-looking and a great teacher.” He is also prized on his signature recipe for the show, which is Asian-infused pork tenderloin with melted onions and herbed goat cheese.

Lyon, who made his way through college by working at various restaurants from Washington, D.C., to Vail, Colo., received his formal culinary education from the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena.

After graduating from JMU, Lyon traveled through Europe for six months, concentrating on regional cuisines and then moved to Los Angeles where he works “closely with the finest local organic farmers to develop unique menus catered to any special dining occasion,” according to his Web site, goodtastechef.com.

“The Next Food Network Star” airs Sundays on The Food Network. The season finale will be April 23 at 9 p.m. Also, visit foodnetwork.com to watch cast audition tapes or read “Nathan’s Diary,” his daily thoughts on his experience thus far on the hit Food Network show.