Watch Food Network's 20th Birthday Party

Food Network's 20th Birthday Party was a celebration of everything the channel had accomplished over two decades. Hosted by Food Network stars Alton Brown, Anne Burrell, and a special appearance by the late Julia Child, the two-hour special featured a mix of cooking, comedy, and nostalgia.

The show opened with a montage of memorable Food Network moments, including Bobby Flay's Iron Chef victories, Emeril Lagasse's famous "Bam!" catchphrase, and Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meal recipes. Alton Brown then took the stage to introduce the evening's festivities and share some behind-the-scenes stories.

One of the highlights of the show was a cooking competition called "The Ultimate Recipe Showdown." Three finalists, chosen from a pool of thousands of submissions, competed for the title of Food Network's Ultimate Recipe. Each contestant had to prepare their signature dish in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, including Anne Burrell and Julia Child (played by an actress using archival footage).

The dishes were as diverse as the contestants themselves, ranging from a spicy shrimp and grits recipe to a vegan lasagna. However, the winner was a classic Southern dish: fried chicken and waffles with homemade maple syrup. The judges praised the dish's perfect balance of sweet and savory and the inventive use of waffles as a vessel for the crispy chicken.

After the competition, the show shifted gears to focus on some of the Food Network's most iconic personalities. Alton Brown interviewed some of the network's biggest stars, including Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and Giada De Laurentiis, to find out what their favorite moments from the past 20 years have been. Each chef shared touching anecdotes and funny stories, from Giada's first time hosting her own show to Bobby Flay's intense rivalry with fellow chef and TV personality Mario Batali.

Next up was a cooking demonstration by Anne Burrell, who whipped up one of her signature dishes: pasta with homemade meatballs. Anne's lively personality and infectious energy had the audience mesmerized as she explained how to create perfectly fluffy meatballs without overworking the meat. Her recipe was simple yet delicious, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality ingredients and incorporating fresh herbs and spices.

The second half of the show focused on Julia Child's enduring legacy and love for cooking. Alton Brown sat down with Julia's longtime editor, Judith Jones, to discuss Julia's impact on the culinary world and share some never-before-seen footage of the legendary chef. Julia Child's niece, who also appeared on stage, described her aunt's passion for teaching others how to cook and her unwavering dedication to the craft.

The show ended on a high note with a performance by the Blues Brothers, who entertained the crowd with their signature brand of soulful music and comedic hijinks. The audience sang and danced along to classics like "Sweet Home Chicago" and "Expressway to Your Heart," bringing the evening to a joyful and celebratory close.

Overall, Food Network's 20th Birthday Party was a fun and heartwarming tribute to the channel's long and illustrious history. From the cooking competition to the nostalgic montages, the show beautifully captured the spirit of the Food Network and the many talented chefs who have made it the beloved institution it is today.