"New Soul Kitchen," a cooking show starring former Chattanooga chef Jernard Wells, will debut Saturday on the new Cleo TV network.
Wells will be joined by vegan chef Porsche Thomas to deliver soul food recipes with a healthy twist. "New Soul Kitchen" is one of two new cooking shows in the lineup, along with "Just Eats With Chef JJ," starring Harlem-based chef JJ Johnson.
Wells, who calls himself "The Chef of Love," describes his cooking expertise as "Southern modified," in which he strives to make the rich taste of Southern cooking more healthful.
Before relocating to Atlanta, Wells lived in Chattanooga from about 2007 to 2017 and was one of three founders of Chattanooga Wing Co. on McCallie Avenue. His credits as a celebrity chef include two-time winner of "Cutthroat Kitchen," runner-up on "Food Network Star," judge on "Chopped: Junior" and contestant on "Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen."
Launched in January, Cleo TV is described as an "aspirational lifestyle and entertainment cable network" targeting millennial and Gen-X women of color. Initially, Cleo TV will be seen exclusively on the Comcast Xfinity lineup, though additional affiliate distribution agreements will be announced in coming months.