This fall, Iowa’s food scene gets a fresh spotlight thanks to Nash Roe, a 16-year-old Valley High School student and budding TV producer, who’s launching a new docu-series called “Iowa Food Diary.”
The show, set to air on the CW’s fall schedule, promises to take viewers behind the scenes with the state’s most beloved culinary and pastry entrepreneurs, sharing the stories that shape Iowa’s vibrant food culture.
A diary of Iowa’s food entrepreneurs
“Iowa Food Diary” is more than just a cooking show.
“It’s a reality docu-series about Iowa’s favorite culinary and pastry entrepreneurs, so food and drink — anything in that space,” said Roe, who will host and executive produce the show. “Every season is going to be like a diary, and every person we talk to in their backstory is going to be like a journal entry. By the end, we’re going to have a book full of stories.”
The show aims to reveal the journeys of local business owners — how a baker might have started as an accountant, or a barbecue pitmaster as a doctor — stories that would otherwise go untold.
The show will feature the stories, challenges, and success recipes of Iowa’s top food and beverage entrepreneurs.
Who is Nash Roe?
Roe is a teen entrepreneur and TV personality who was featured on Food Network’s “Kids Baking Championship.” He also runs the business Nash’s Confections, where he sells his signature CINNA-ROEs.
What to expect this season
The first season will feature six episodes, each highlighting two entrepreneurs. Roe filmed with a diverse group: 5 Borough Bagel owners Toney and Sarah Chem, macaron baker Lisa Woods of Sift n Sprinkle, cake artist Jackie Servellon, and Dough Co. Pizza, the pizza shop in the Drake neighborhood and Ankeny. Dough Co. with Alec Davis and Evan Davis, along with Slap Soda from Rebekah Walker in Waukee, kick off the series on Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. on the CW.
“We’ve got them lined up for the first four,” he said in June, at the time hoping to add barbecue and other food types. He’s also seeking more diversity, including Asian and Peruvian restaurants, and is open to suggestions from the community.
Other businesses featured include 24K Juicing, Pints by Beth, Coach’s Kolaches, Bah Kunda Kitchen, Kue’d Smokehouse, and Palms DSM.
A show for the community, by the community
Roe’s vision is to create a show that’s family-friendly, inspiring, and educational.
“A lot of today’s TV is home makeovers, competitions, but there’s not something you can learn from that’s also family appropriate and inspiring. So, really, combining those three and sharing it locally. That was the big part I wanted to capture,” he said.
Roe is already casting for Season 2 of the show.
How to watch ‘Iowa Food Diary’
“Iowa Food Diary” airs on the CW at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 21.
Contact: iowasfooddiary.com
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Teen TV producer Nash Roe launches ‘Iowa Food Diary’ to spotlight local culinary stars
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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