For a network that began just 17 years ago, the Food Network has become a cable television fixture and a pop culture sensation. Its cooks and chefs and foodies of Food Network have become celebrities.

Since its debut on Nov. 23, 1993, Food Network has expanded like mad. It launched food products that fill our supermarket shelves. There's media exposure via a website and monthly magazine ... and that doesn't include Rachael Ray's talk show and Guy Fieri's game show and Alton Brown's grape juice commercials. And it launched a secondary outlet in The Cooking Channel.

But the key to all the success is the Food Network itself.

If you think this image of french fries looks delicious and appetizing, this post is for you.

There are so many cooking shows and food competition shows, everything from Hell's Kitchen to Top Chef to Man v. Food, but there's a new one that started up recently that I'm really, really enjoying. Maybe because it's just about the joy of eating! Whatever the reason, The Best Thing I Ever Ate is a winner.