MEET THE CHEFS - KEVIN BELTON

After a long and checkered football career that reached the heights of the NFL but included numerous injuries, Kevin Belton looked for a safer and more sane way to make a living. It took the quick-learning Kevin less than a decade to realize that he'd rather beat around pots and pans than be beaten by 300-pound lineman. Although he had no formal culinary training, his kitchen experience of watching his mother and grandparents prepare meals proved to be invaluable.

With that revelation, Kevin knew that he could still garner applause without anyone trying to take his head off or cut his knees out from under him. He wisely decided that he could injure, cut and burn himself in the kitchen! As a chef/instructor/entertainer (not necessarily in that order), Big Kevin found his niche. People loved his food they loved his personality and even loved the fact that Kevin left them "stuffed". (He even refers to himself as a "Human Taxidermist".)

Kevin Belton is larger than life! Those who have been part student, part spectator and part laugh track at any of his classes at the legendary New Orleans School of Cooking, know this to be true. Kevin really is BIG- an over sized guy, with an over sized sense of humor, an over sized mastery of whoever his audience may be. He is a chef /stand-up comedian and his audiences love his charisma, humor and methods.

Kevin has appeared on local, national and international television promoting Louisiana and New Orleans cooking. He has offered classes and cooking demonstrations throughout the U.S. and Canada, including New York, San Francisco, Denver, Atlanta and Toronto to name a few.

Some of his television appearances include: "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee", "Wheel of Fortune", "Emeril Live", and as a guest clue reader on "Jeopardy". He has appeared on numerous local programs as well as having his own cooking show series in the U.K. on BBC television titled "Big Kevin, Little Kevin" with renowned British Chef Kevin Woolford. (Kevin played Big Kevin). Additionally, he has appeared on The Food Network's "Ready, Set, Cook". Locally and regionally Kevin has appeared on dozens of cooking shows and as emcee of numerous charity events.

His appeal is extremely broad and he is as popular with men as he is with women. He has a fantastic connection with children, and he transcends race. His physical stature (6'9" and 400lbs) makes him a memorable figure and instantly recognizable.

Michael W. DeVidts | Anne Leonhard | Tom Nagelin