Curtis G. Aikens is most often recognized as the host of a TV Food Network show "Pick of the Day," which showcases his talent as a meat-free chef. Curtis is also a regular on ABC's "Good Morning America," where he dispenses both food-related advice and creative, healthful recipes. He began at ABC in 1991 on "Home," hosted by Gary Collins and Sarah Purcell, who dubbed him "The Home Grocer." He believes he is the only African American culinary personality featured regularly on network television.
"NBC Nightly News" did a feature about Mr. Aikens' own remarkable struggle with illiteracy and his devotion to helping the thirty million American adults who are unable to read. ABC's "World News Tonight" featured his participation in the First Annual Literacy Festival in Cairo, GA. As a literacy advocate, Aikens is a popular speaker throughout the country. He has been in invited guest at the White House, visiting President George Bush and Mrs. Bush, and he has met with Mrs. Bill Clinton.
He is the author of Curtis Cooks with Heart and Soul, as well as Garden Grocer's Guide to the Harvest and Curtis Aikens' Guide to the Harvest. His latest book, to be titled Recipes to Weight Loss and Its Control was inspired by the fact that he has recently shed over fifty pounds. He has also produced Curtis Aikens' Video Cookbook. He donates a portion of the royalties from these books to literacy programs across the country.
As a food consultant he has worked with The United States Open Tennis Tournament, the New York City Plaza Hotel and the United Nations Cafeteria, and he has been a consultant and food stylist on commercials for Pizza Hut, Pillsbury and McDonald's.
As a chef, Aikens is often a celebrity guest of fine restaurants. His cooking, which blends his southern upbringing with his subsequent California influence, also incorporates touches from extensive travels. His current fascination is with the cuisine of the Pacific Rim.