TVSquad

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.

• Road Tasted with the Neelys - The Neelys are also new stars for the network. In this show, Pat and Gina are on the road, visiting family-owned specialty food businesses. Think of this as Feasting on Asphalt meets The Love Boat. The eating and smooching starts on July 22 at 9:30 p.m.

• Food Detectives - As we noted before, Ted Allen's finally found a permanent spot on Food Network. His new Food Detectives begins July 29 at 9 o'clock p.m.

• Ask Aida - Fans have been sending in food questions to be answered by expert Aida Mollenkamp in this new "interactive" cooking show. Aida's answers begin with the first episode, August 2 at 12:30 p.m.

• The Cooking Loft - A new face for Food Network, chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli, opens up her loft and teaching four students how to cook. The lessons commence on August 31 at 12 p.m.

Naturally, FN is psyched about the new food fodder; according to Bob Tuschman, SVP of programming, "The variety of new shows this summer will satisfy the wide-ranging interests and appetites of our viewers. We're showcasing diverse talent, unique formats and new content areas to present fresh opportunities for viewers to dive into the world of food."