Adam Gertler, star of Will Work for Food on the Food Network, joins the show to talk about...well, being a star on the Food Network.

Gertler was a contestant on Next Food Network Star, and despite losing in the finals, was offered his own show by the network, premiering tonight, January 19, 2009 at 8:30 pm.

We talk about his journey from Syracuse acting troupes to LA to become an actor to co-owning a restaurant in Philadelphia to making ends meet as a waiter to his inevitable tryout for Next Food Network Star. I’m tired just typing that.

We also talk about what it takes to try out for a reality show. Was it a last resort? A lark? It’s interesting to get into the mindset of someone who is part of the reality TV world.

Then, we get into the happenings on a reality TV show. How much of what they show us on the episodes is “reality?” How much of what they show us is for the benefit of television. Gertler explains that there is no gray area on TV and that in order to make compelling drama, everything has to be in black and white.

We talk in detail about his time in Philly. What is the hardest thing about owning a restaurant? What’s it like owning a restaurant in a town like this, where everything is so colloquial? And what advice would he have for someone thinking about opening a restaurant?

Also, we talk a lot about why the Smoked Joint closed. Gertler explains that while he had a great location for his restaurant, it’s not great when neighbors are calling the police all the time. And it’s not great when you serve hearty, roll-up-your-sleeves food in the theatre district. After hearing Gertler explain all the perils of owning the Smoked Joint, I wonder why anyone would ever want to own a restaurant. But after hearing him talk about the ups and downs with such passion, I understand why. 

So, now that he’s a big-to-do celebrity, would he ever think about opening another restaurant and would that restaurant be in Philly?

Obviously we talk about his new show on the Food Network. Basically he travels the globe showing viewers how certain foods are made, cultivated and created. Anything from harvesting truffles to flair bartending, if it’s a job in food, Gerlter plans to try it.

There will be some “yuks” on the show, and there is ample opportunity for Gertler’s ebullient personality to shine through, but he assures me the show is as much information as entertainment. At the very least, he promises we’ll learn just how hard some of these jobs are.

He’s an easy guy to root for, and it comes through on the interview. It’s like you’re talking to the guy next door, only he’s on TV. That’s what will hopefully make the show a success.