Representing on Reality TV: Tommy Grella, Part Two

The Herald published a great article on the perception of Massachusetts natives on reality television. In general, they're perceived as tough guys at best and obnoxious at worst. Exhibits include Chris Tamburello of "The Real World," Mr. Boston of "I Love New York," Boston Rob of "Survivor," and John Lakness of "Pirate Master." (Where are the women here?)

But Tommy Grella of The Next Food Network Star doesn't fit the stereotype. He's big and cuddly and nice (so far), despite the slightly Mafioso tone he strikes with that cigar. Since he's so likable, he got to stay for another round of competition, even though he put chicken stock in a vegetarian polenta.

This week, he didn't make a chicken-stock boo-boo, but he did get put on the grill – literally. He had to develop and present a concept for "A New Way to Grill" for Bon Appetit magazine. Giada deLaurentiis – the face of "Food Network After Dark," if you will – was the judge. While planning his meal, Tommy's eyes sparkled at two particularly large slabs of meat. he bubbled, "I think this says 'Grella'! I think that says 'Grella'!"

Then, when presenting the final product, Tommy served up his meat and showcased his ability to be very big and very energetic at the same time. A guy that size isn't usually considered hyper, but that described Tommy as he explained his brown-sugar rub: "Some people call it a no-no, but I say it is a yes-yes!"

We're not sure how far Tommy is going to get. One judge called his meaty dish "a lump of brown on a plate." (Hey, you're the ones who asked for grilling, and people tend to grill meat!) Tommy also doesn't know his way around a camera, whereas other contestants are seasoned pros. For example, one competitor, Colombe Jacobsen, was a child actress in the The Mighty Ducks.

But the Food Network – or any cooking show – needs Tommy because he's big and fun. The cooking shows hosted by skinny gals and skinny guys (Giada, Flay, sometimes Rachael Ray) routine is getting old. If you like to eat, just admit it and don't make people think they have to be skinny big-eaters, too. As for the sweet, today's cooking hosts bark at the audience, or the chefs act like celebrities. But it's not about the chef – it's about the food, and Tommy so far looks like the guy who can put the food first.

Image of Tommy Grella from Grella's myspace page.