The Food Network has always been a place where newly discovered chefs and culinary talent can shine and gain recognition. This is never more evident than in the case of Pat and Gina Neely, a husband and wife cooking team from Memphis who own several restaurants specializing in BBQ and soul food. Pat and Gina’s cooking show, Down Home with the Neely’s, has become a staple on the network and one of it’s most popular shows. With down home food, sweetness in the kitchen, and a genuine love for food, Pat and Gina make my heart smile with their refreshing takes on food for the soul.
High school sweethearts, Pat and Gina first began their show on the Food Network in 2008. I began watching their show shortly after the premiere and fell in love with Gina, who could easily be a girlfriend of mine or a family member. Pat seems to be an old school Memphis charmer with a nice smile and a flair for whipping up some baby back ribs.
It is so wonderful to see a couple of color on television cooking and loving and doing so while having fun. Watching the two of them makes me want to jump in the car and visit Neely’s BBQ in Memphis, one of their restaurants known for excellent Memphis style barbeque and wonderful dishes down home style.
Check out Pat and Gina on The Food Network on Saturdays 11 am/10 central, Sundays 1 pm/ 12 central.
Do you watch Down Home with the Neely’s?
Photo Credit: Food Network Television
I really like them. I know alot of people are annoyed by their affectionate nature but I think it is cool to see an African American couple who love each other and like working together.
As much as I enjoy their recipes I’m really annoyed by them. I’m all for a loving affectionate couple but the Neely’s sometimes come off as shuckin’ & jivin’ and hillbilly-like.
I love having positive role models on TV, Black, White, Hispanic or otherwise. It’s ashame that we have grown so accustom to seeing the opposite, that have love demonstrated annoys us. Wow! I teach a technology class during the year and Summer Enrichment classes to bright students who have a desire to cook and create wonderful meals. The Burke County Summer Enrichment program only last one to two weeks during the summer and these children would love to have a real chef come inspire the students to cook. Pat and Gina you insprire many and I thank God for your loving nature!
I agree with Krissy. While I appreciate that they are on the tv, I am super annoyed by their on screen personalities.
I’m southern.
I understand their angle, but I just can’t bring myself to willingly watch their show.
I definitely want to go to Memphis and visit one of their restaurants because their food on TV makes my mouth water, especially when I am listening to their ingredients. I work at DISH Network and one of the channels that stays on the TV is Food Network. Pat and Gina seem very real and easy to get along with. Since DISH does have the best HD on the planet, I must say, watching some slow roasted, well BBQ’d up Baby Back Ribs in HD only makes me want the food more. I highly recommend that people try their recipes and when you see them using Cayenne Pepper on everything, they USE CAYENNE PEPPER ON EVERYTHING!
*Danielle