[Ed. note: Sometimes we publish articles written by our readers via Seed.com, like the one below. TV Squad editors did not create or inform this list, but we have been inspired to create our own. Stay tuned for a list of our faves from Food Network. Add to the comments below to nominate your picks.]

The Food Network has become an essential portal into the world of cooking. The network enjoys top ratings and is continually adding diverse cooking talents which entertain a range of food interests, tastes and techniques.

All of the Food Network shows bring something unique and interesting to the viewer. I picked the 10 best Food Network shows based on the chef's personality, and whether we learned new cooking techniques or recipes. If you love food and cooking, you will not be disappointed.

10. 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives'
Guy Fieri won season 2 of 'Next Food Network Star' and now has three shows on the network. In 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,' Guy travels across America finding the most unique foods at road side shacks, sports bars, greasy spoons and shares the cooking secrets that make each spot irresistible and different from the last.

Unpack your knives: Beginning next month, the Food Network will unveil a whole new plate of shows, including returning fare 'The Next Iron Chef,' 'Iron Chef America' and 'Down Home with the Neelys' -- plus new offerings such as 'Alex's Day Off,' featuring network veteran Alex Guarnaschelli.

Here's a taste of what to expect, courtesy of the Food Network.

Summer's here and that can mean only one thing -- food! Okay, maybe that's only what it means at the Food Network. The Food Network will kick off six new shows for the summer beginning right after the Fourth of July. Here's what's on tap:

• Grill It! with Bobby Flay - This is the latest from Iron Chef and master griller Bobby Flay. It's sort of a competition/fantasy show, but not a Throw Down (that's another show). Bobby will introduce 13 viewers who've sent in their videos showing their grilling expertise and why they should be on air to grill alongside BF. The show premieres on July 6 at 9 o'clock a.m. with a shrimp episode.

• How'd That Get On My Plate? - From the field to the plate, hostess Sunny Anderson -- who just started on FN in April with Cooking for Real -- shows how the things we eat make it to our tables. The first episode is July 6 at 11 p.m. The food in question will be strawberries.