New Kid in the Kitchen

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Like its predecessor, Good Deal will teach tricks such as how to peel ginger with a teaspoon and will offer tips on shopping in a gourmet supermarket on the cheap. Food Network execs hope experienced TV chefs like Bobby Flay and Mario Batali will guide Lieberman along. They seem ready to welcome him into the kitchen. Flay says Lieberman's approach to cooking frugally and shopping efficiently will help the young chef find a niche on the competitive network. Batali says Lieberman's charisma is key. "Food TV isn't just about cooking anymore," says Batali. "It's about your personality and finding a way to keep people's eyeballs on your show."

But Lieberman isn't putting all his eggs in one basket. After taping the first season of the new show in a fancy loft in Manhattan's SoHo (borrowed from touring heavy-metal guitarist Richard Bernstein), Lieberman was back in his own cramped Manhattan kitchen preparing gourmet sandwiches for executives from Song Airlines. The budget carrier was looking for a chef to come up with appetizing, economical and easy-to-make menu options to serve on its flights. Lieberman got the job. •