"FOOD NETWORK STAR" WINNER DAMARIS PHILLIPS IS "SOUTHERN AT HEART" IN NEW SERIES CENTERED AROUND COOKING FOR LOVE

Southern at Heart Premieres Sunday, October 27th at 10:30amET/PT

NEW YORK - September 27, 2013 - Season nine Food Network Star winner Damaris Phillips brings her fresh take on Southern cuisine to the Food Network lineup with new series Southern at Heart, premiering Sunday, October 27th at 10:30amET/PT. Her "Southern food is the food of love" philosophy and quirky sense of humor lead the way as she teaches people how to impress through cooking. From preparing a special dish for a date to helping beginners master the perfect meal for their partner, Damaris plays matchmaker and chef to a tee in her six-episode series, providing entertainment and delicious food along the way.

"Damaris' modern take on Southern cuisine paired with her unique charm won the hearts of viewers from the beginning of her Food Network Star journey," said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network. "Her innate ability to teach and entertain shines through on camera - she's a natural."

Throughout the season, Damaris takes on the traditions of the South with easy, approachable recipes designed to help build confidence for new cooks looking to impress that special someone. Damaris adds a contemporary edge to Southern cuisine, combining complex flavors and locally grown ingredients to dress up the traditional fare, all the while keeping the food deliciously simple.

For delicious recipes, photos and more on Damaris, visit www.FoodNetwork.com/southernatheart, and join the Twitter conversation using #SouthernatHeart.

Damaris Phillips, a Southern spitfire from Louisville, Ky., graduated from Jefferson Community and Technical College with a degree in Culinary Arts and now teaches at the same school inspiring up-and-coming chefs to follow their dreams. Before returning to teach, Damaris took on various restaurant and baking jobs, working in the front and back of house. One of five kids, Damaris learned to cook at an early age and was responsible for cooking one night a week for her large family. Damaris' modern twist on Southern classics and her signature wit pack a one-two punch in the kitchen.

Southern at Heart is produced by LEG/Triage Entertainment.

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