Aarti Sequeira's Journey From CNN Producer To Food Network Star

In the sixth season of Food Network Star, Aarti Sequeira wowed the judges with her vibrant personality and mouthwatering dishes. This former CNN producer not only won the competition but also secured her own show on Food Network, Aarti Party. Fast forward to today, Aarti has become a globally recognized chef and host, creating culinary masterpieces in her beautiful North Carolina home.

Aarti's Roots and Early Life

Born in Bombay, India, and raised in Dubai, Aarti developed an early passion for cooking, inspired by her mother's daily culinary creations. Her journey to America began in 1996 when she enrolled in Northwestern University to study journalism. It was during her time there that she met her husband, Brendan McNamara, and the two tied the knot in 2003. After graduation, Aarti landed a job at CNN, which led the couple to relocate to Los Angeles.

A Career Shift and a New Path

While Aarti's journalism career was flourishing, her heart was calling her back to the kitchen. She decided to pursue her true passion and enrolled in The New School of Cooking in Culver City, California. In 2008, she launched her own blog and an online cooking show, setting the stage for her big break on Food Network Star. Now, as a judge on Guy’s Grocery Games, Aarti balances her professional life with being a proud mother to two daughters, Eliyah and Moses, who were raised in the couple’s stunning Los Angeles home.

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Starting Fresh in North Carolina

In January 2020, Aarti announced a significant move on Facebook. The family decided to leave the bustling city life of Los Angeles for the tranquility of Raleigh, North Carolina. In a heartfelt post, she shared, "L.A. was such a gift to us: a first home as newlyweds, career highs and lows for both of us, friends who became family, a baby conceived and lost, two babies conceived and taking their first steps in this apartment, a new career for me, a new church we helped plant… so much." She continued, "We head now to our new home in Raleigh, NC in search of a more peaceful upbringing for the girls. That's it. No bigger plan than that, and yet I suppose no smaller either."

Designing the Dream Kitchen

Once settled into their North Carolina home, Aarti set her sights on creating a dream kitchen that reflected her vibrant personality. She told Food Network Magazine in 2021, "I didn’t want people to scroll past my cooking videos on Instagram. The bright green backsplash was a decision made to ensure my kitchen stood out. The color just totally captured my heart."

A Home Filled with Personal Touches

Aarti has infused her home with personal touches that make it uniquely hers. Her kitchen features photos of her mother, a cherished reminder of her culinary roots. She also showcases her collection of milk bottles on shelves, adding character to the space. The stain-proof counters and ample seating areas are thoughtful additions that enhance the kitchen's functionality. A special piece of memorabilia, a sign created by friends in 2014 to celebrate the launch of her cookbook, Aarti Paarti, is proudly displayed on her kitchen island.

Finding Peace in Nature

The move to North Carolina has brought Aarti and her family closer to nature. In a May 2020 blog post, she wrote, "I just moved to North Carolina. In the middle of the woods right by our house, there’s a sweet, babbling creek. The water is crystal clear; in fact, you can actually find crystals in its banks! My family loves walking down to the creek and hunting for crystals." This serene setting provides the perfect backdrop for her new life.

Keep scrolling to take a tour of Aarti’s North Carolina home.