Meet Mary Nolan

So just who is Mary Nolan? She is a student at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. She is a journalist who has a degree from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and has worked at Gourmet. She is a foodie with Midwestern roots. Most notably, however, she is the new host of the Food Network’s Chic & Easy. Nolan’s life experience is inviable, she grew up in Davenport, Iowa, graduated from journalism school, lived for a semester in Florence, Italy, worked for a major magazine in the Big Apple, and now she is the host of a TV show. All by the age of 26!

The Food Network describes the show thusly, “Chic & Easy showcases the philosophy that successful entertaining results from mouth-watering menus and an eye towards stylish, welcoming atmospheres that don’t break the bank. With easy preparation, and flavorful food that wows time and again, Mary Nolan offers accessible and inspired solutions for the unforgettable occasion. Mary’s sophisticated yet simple meals are delicious, easy to prepare and hard to forget. Whether it’s through her practical approach to using local produce, showcasing a single splurge ingredient, or impressing guests with a unique flea-market find, get ready for the party, because Mary’s crowd-pleasing and affordable ideas make entertaining your friends Chic & Easy.”

It sounds a little like Christopher Lowell and Sandra Lee got tossed into a blender with a copy of the Joy of Cooking (Simon & Schuster). According to the Quad City Times (Davenport, Iowa), Nolan had auditioned for a TFN reality show (Next Food Network Star) but the officials thought so much of her video that they offered her a gig. I would love to see that video. For now check out TFN’s resident blogger Adam Roberts hanging out with Mary at a charity event in Las Vegas.

Chic and Easy premiered Sunday, May 18^th at 9:30AM (ET) on the Food Network.