Cook up
winning essay

Nowadays a person can watch cooking shows 24 hours a day on a network devoted to food. This has meant a quantum leap in the number of people exposed to the making of meals -- from the light recipes of the "Too Hot Tamales" to the high-frying style of Emeril Lagasse.

But what has it meant to you? Tell us how the Food Network has changed the way you cook, eat or think about food. Have you tried a TV chef's recipe, and how did it turn out? Or are you basically a Food TV couch potato? Start with these questions, but feel free to embellish.

Also, as part of your little essay, answer these questions:

Who is your favorite Food Network chef, and why?
Who is your least favorite Food Network chef and why?

We'll run a selection of responses just before "Cooking Across America" comes to Honolulu later this month. Names of all those who respond will be placed in a drawing for two tickets to the Waikiki event.

Responses must be in our hands by Sept. 15. Include your name and a daytime phone number.

Mail responses to Food TV, Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features section, PO Box 3080, Honolulu, HI 96820. Fax 523-8509 or e-mail features@starbulletin.com. Questions? Call 525-8660.

Cooking Across America Featuring: Food Network chefs David Rosengarten, Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger, Sissy Biggers, Curtis Aikens, Jacques Pepin Show times: Noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 26 and 27 Sites: Sheraton Waikiki and Royal Hawaiian hotels Tickets: $45, or $40 with Maika'i card, at Foodland and Sack N Save stores.Order by phone, (800) 949-CHEF (2433). Call: Foodland marketing, 732-0791