Tune in to our next Facebook Live on August 7 at 4 p.m. as Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. whips up something tasty in the kitchen and talks about kidney-friendly foods. Improve your health knowledge and try your hand at this award-winning chef’s recipes!
Aaron McCargo Jr. competed on and won season four of Next Food Network Star, beating out thousands of culinary hopefuls for the ultimate dream job—his own Food Network show. “Big Daddy’s House” premiered and ranked as the number one “In the Kitchen” weekend show during its initial six-episode run. Food Network renewed the show for a total of six seasons. On “Big Daddy’s House,” Aaron shared his passion for big, bold flavors and fun, family cooking. From comfort foods to barbeque favorites to breakfast delights, Aaron whipped up mouth-watering recipes inspired by many years of culinary experience and his fun-loving family while bringing a down-to-earth vibe and warm smile to the kitchen. Aaron has also made appearances on hit Food Network shows such as “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” and “Guy’s Grocery Games,” and is a regular expert on Spike’s TV show “Bar Rescue” and its spin-off “Back to the Bar.”
Aaron is also author of the cookbook Simply Done, Well Done, which offers up the delectable menu choices showcased on his series in an easy to prepare way, making his good cooking available in people’s kitchens everywhere. Aaron also launched a product line of spices, furthering his quest to make flavorful, bold foods available to everyone.Â
A family man who adores all things flavorful, Aaron’s passion for cooking was sparked at age 4, when he started baking cakes in his sister’s Easy Bake Oven. An entrepreneur at heart, Aaron began making and selling cakes and cookies to his childhood friends. At the age of 13, Aaron was as a Junior Volunteer in the kitchen at Cooper Hospital University. He has since worked in nine New Jersey restaurants and has served as the executive VIP catering chef at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Aaron is the founder of PlayToWin, the charity he created to provide services to male youth residing in single-parent homes in danger of falling behind because of at-risk behaviors. He regularly speaks to youth illustrating that they, too, can succeed despite the odds.
Aaron comes from a large family (he has five brothers and sisters!) whose constant support has helped him achieve his goals. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys Bible study, tennis, Buffalo wings, watching sports, and traveling. The father of three currently resides in south New Jersey, and he attended Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts.
