Louisville Superchef's Food Network show returns for second season

Louisville chef Darnell Ferguson is returning to a screen near you.

Ferguson, known as “Superchef,” will continue his hosting gig for “Superchef Grudge Match,” the Food Network series kicking off its second season on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

The show, which premiered in February, brings two chefs together who have personal or professional disputes with the idea of settling their beef through a “one round, one dish, winner-takes-all heavyweight battle,” according to the series description.”

“This season is a lot more intense,” Ferguson told The Courier Journal. “The grudges are entertaining, and I think I got better as a host. I’m just excited for people to see it.”

While competitors on other food shows are usually strangers, “Superchef Grudge Match” intentionally pairs chefs who know each other. Think of best friends that battle over who makes the better macaroni and cheese or a husband and wife who bicker in the kitchen or a chef and their former boss who no longer can stand to be in the same kitchen.

“The food world is filled with bold, brash chefs with egos as big as their resumes, so it is only natural that when chefs collide, beef can turn into bad blood,” reads the description.

Ferguson, known for running restaurants such as SuperChefs and Tha Drippin Crab, both of which are now closed, said Food Network sought him out for the hosting job.

“It highlighted my energy and my competitiveness,” he said. “It's designed for my personality and my strengths.”

Ferguson previously co-hosted Food Network shows such as “Worst Cooks in America” and “Tiny Food Fight.”

For someone who grew up watching food personality Emeril Lagasse, getting a show of his own was the ultimate goal, Ferguson said.

“The first season was a dream come true,” he said. “From being a little kid watching Emeril, I always wanted to be a Food Network star.”

He also wants to keep representing his hometown.

The first season featured an episode with Louisville chefs Davonte Bolden and Randy Pasch. The second season includes a grudge match with Louisville chefs Austin Harris and Rodney White.

“I always want to shine a light on where I’m from,” Ferguson said. “It’s been amazing to get Louisville chefs on the Food Network.”

At the end of each battle, the winning chef gets a $10,000 cash prize and a prized knife from the losing chef's collection.

Ferguson said he felt more comfortable as a host while filming the second season. As far as other gigs go, the chef hinted that he hopes to open another restaurant in Louisville “one day.”

“I want to give all my focus to TV right now with Food Network and not always feel like when I’m doing TV, I have to worry about restaurants,” he said.

“Superchef Grudge Match” airs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays. For more info, visit FoodNetwork.com/SuperchefGrudgeMatch.

Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Superchef Grudge Match: Louisville's Darnell Ferguson on Food Network