FLINT, MI — Ernest Lamar’s passion for art in food is one of Flint’s best kept secrets.
Well, until tonight that is, because the 28-year-old will be something of a centerpiece himself on the pilot of a new television show.
Lamar will compete on the pilot episode of Amazing Graze: Board Games in his first-ever television appearance, premiering at 5 p.m. ET Friday, June 3, on the Cooking Channel.
The show is a dynamic new food competition special that challenges the best charcuterie board artists in the country to make delicious and impressive spreads using fresh meat, cheese, produce and baked goods.
“It was a big challenge. It was more involved with testing with specific meats, cheeses and how how to pair them with foods and drinks,” Lamar said. “To be on TV, this is what you work for, and what you strive for to be honored as one of the top of our field. To be chosen out of 150 top professionals, it’s just amazing.
“I’m at the top of the food chain now, and I was happy to showcase my talents. There will be more opportunities like this in the future, I’m sure of it. Bigger things are ahead.”
Hosts David Bromstad and Kelsey Barnard Clark first challenge the grazing board artists to make a platter that showcases their unique personalities.
In the second challenge, the grazing board artists pick teams to create giant tabletop grazing boards perfect for a party.
In the end, one team will win the ultimate food lovers trip to Italy and the title of “Best In Board.”
A 2012 Flint Northern graduate, Lamar started a fruit-carving business called Ernie Fruits in 2018 after his sister requested he chop some fruit to make a platter for her baby shower.
“I made her platter with some chopped up fruit and everybody liked it and they were all asking if they could buy some,” he said. “So when everybody acted like they were interested, I started making platters.”
Since the baby shower, Lamar’s business has become the centerpiece for nightclub events, parties, festivals and celebrations as well as a source of joy and healthy treats.
Fruit carving was a talent of Lamar’s that was completely self-taught and he continued to get even better with the help of YouTube videos.
His talents would soon get recognized by celebrities who would ask for his creations to compliment their events and parties.
“To me, this is art more than food,” Lamar said. “To take a watermelon and to turn it into something people love, it’s just crazy. Sometimes I amaze myself with the stuff I make.”
Some of the celebrities Lamar has had the chance to meet through his business include the late Nipsey Hussle, DMX, 50 Cent, Nick Cannon, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Wale and Lil Boosie.
Just two months ago, Lamar met Allen Iverson, carving his likeness into a watermelon and wowing the NBA Hall of Famer.
“To me, Allen Iverson was everybody’s favorite basketball player growing up. It was a childhood dream come to life,” he said. “I had my childhood AI basketball cards too for him to sign. I just had to do it. He was so humble and so happy, just surprised that I made it for him. He was shocked at how much it looked like him and how it was done.”
Lamar, who stands at 6-feet-4-inches tall, said his talents are not what most people would predict.
Most people look at him expecting him to play basketball, he said.
To add to the potential uncertainty of his talents, Lamar doesn’t really care for fruit. He’ll dabble with apples and bananas, but he doesn’t go much beyond that.
“For the younger kids to be able to see someone like me that looks like them make it and be on TV is everything,” Lamar said. “I look like them and I come from Flint and you can do more than basketball or rap to be successful.
“This whole thing is perfect. This is a dream come true and an unbelievable moment. For real, it’s surreal.”
Read more from The Flint Journal:
‘You are awesome and you will always be enough’: More than 640 graduate from Grand Blanc High School
Missing dog miraculously reunited with owner after nearly 11 months
‘I advocate for kids across America’ says Little Miss Flint at Billboard Music Awards
Westwood Heights Hamady celebrates 2022 prom at Flint Farmers’ Market
New Standard Academy celebrates prom on a yacht
Beautiful gardens highlight 34 acres of historic Michigan estate open to public
This spicy specialty burger is back in Michigan and will keep you salivating
This 11-year-old Michigan boy with autism is a ‘walking success story’
‘40 under 40′ seeks nominations for rising leaders, entrepreneurs and influencers in Flint area
Colorful array of murals bring beauty to Michigan’s downtowns
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New Cooking Channel charcuterie show featuring Michigan fruit carver airs tonight - MLive.com
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