food network addict

Dave Lieberman's Young & Hung--!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Don't have much time to blog these days and I've missed about 3 weeks worth of The Next Food Network Star, but I still got time for my boy Dave Lieberman...

Love it!

(via FailBlog)

Giada's Chest Explodes Buttons Off Shirt In the Early Days

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:40:00 +0000

These days you can't turn on Food Network without getting a little cleavage action, be it from Giada De Laurentiis, Anne Burrell, or Mario Batali.

An although Giada seemed pretty comfortable displaying it on her original Food network show Everyday Italian, apparently an early-on wardrobe malfunction embarrassed her enough to stop wearing button-up shirts and switch to the more comfy tees you see above.

"This was awhile ago, I think during the second season of 'Everyday Italian,' and we were trying to figure out the wardrobe for the show. I was wearing this pretty tight button-down shirt and I bent down -- in those days the oven was down low, below the stove -- to grab my roast out of the oven and all the buttons on my shirt just popped open. Everything opened up. I was so incredibly humiliated that I went running to the bathroom."

Yikes! Better to just have it out there in the first place than deal with those pesky button-popping incidences!

Whatever, G. I think you look great in what-ever. And I'm with you on comfort. I'm wearing a V-neck right now, too. Now let me go confidently bend down in front of my oven...

Next Food Network Star - Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:37:00 +0000

Well, I may have missed posting about last week's episode (I was still on the West coast, getting ready to get on a redeye flight back) but I'm baaaaack.

This week, Guy Fee-Yetti was pitch-hitting for Bobby Flay while he was back in New York. And luckily for us, Guy didn't just intro one of the challenges like he's done in past seasons but actually served as a guest judge with Tuschelson (I think Bobby T. and Suze would have been fine on their own, but oh well.)

So, to sum it up, the contestants first had to learn what it's like to work a red carpet... and what better way to do that than take them to an L.A. hotspot, hire fake paparazzi and fans to snap photos and yell their (cued or written on the paid actors' hands I'm sure) names, and have them do short interviews with a local L.A. television reporter who no one outside of Cali probably knows.

Then, they had to cater a Grammy party for musician Colbie Caillat... because so many Food Network stars do massive catering on their Food Network shows. Hmm....

Anyhow... Dzintra unleashed the crazy --although it's still take compared to Lisa Garza:-( --and Serena's foot got stepped on. Just a regular day in la la land.

And someone went home. What did you think?

Bob Tuschman Really Wants You to Like... Bob Tuschman!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:51:00 +0000

If you can't love (or Facebook 'like') yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?

The Next Food Network Star judge and Food Network GM Bob Tuschman took that Rupual-ism to heart recently when he took to the social networking site to proclaim his love for his employer... and himself!

Nothing wrong with a little self-love, Bob! (Err... ummm.)

Anyhow, what I think's going on is Bob "liked" his new Bob Tuschman "official brand page" on Facebook. On it he provides little tidbits of info and status updates about the show. He's actually been updating his page way more than I ever have the time to do. Go Bob!

So go on and don't upset Bob. Like him on Facebook... he does.

***************

I'm flying to Portland, Oregon this afternoon. It's my first visit there and I'm really looking forward to it. Can't wait to experience the food, weather and scenery! (Food first, of course.)

Any suggestions for while I'm there? Thanks!

Review: Next Food Network Star, Season 6

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:04:00 +0000

I'll spare you my thoughts on how referring to a 6-episode deal as the "biggest prize on television" is a bit hyperbolic... or about Food Network's dilemma with finding a new star with this reality show that needs suspense and drama... or even how the producers now "get it" when it comes to crafting and editing a suspenseful show (but not much more). So let's just get down to what's new this season:

Season 6 is the first to take place primarily in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Hills home the contestants live in is gorgeous and looks like it provides a lot more space than the NYC carriage homes of previous seasons. Perhaps this cavernous home will showcase a NFNS first: some downtime love connections between contestants? Between Bobby Flay and a contestant? Who knows.

Since L.A. is a world away from the Chelsea Market desks of Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson, you'd think Tuschelson's role might be amped up this season, right? Well, even though they're stars in some minds, two Food Network execs can't compete with the star power of Giada De Laurentiis, who this year takes on a more permanent role as the contestant's mentor.

Think of Giada as the Tim Gunn of The Next Food Network Star, minus the snappy catchphrases.

And even though Giada can't muster up nary a memorable phrase, the show itself has certainly imposed some upon us. Like the "STAR KITCHEN" that the contestants compete in, replacing the NYC Food Network kitchens that formerly served as a major setting and the "STAR CHALLENGE" that the contestants are tasked with (both of which are highlighted with a giant, floating graphic after they're announced.

As for the contestants, you can read more about them on Food Network's site. They seem like a good mix of talented, clueless, different from the standard Food Network style, and obnoxious. The perfect reality show mix.

In the first episode, one really stands out... and not necessarily in a good way. Dzintra.

Sometimes a reality show contestant is so weird and so over the top that's it's almost unfathomable that they're 45 and have never been on a reality show before. Like, did they check out The Real World - New York back in 1992, think Eric Nies was kind of hot, and then decide that the genre wasn't for them? Have they been ignoring everything else that has happened w/ reality TV over the last 18 years, and missing out on all the audition opportunities?

Quickly, it all makes sense. This was Dzintra's third time auditioning for the show (which means she could have been cast WITH Lisa Garza, which would have probably broke the TV) and she finally made it. Guess she's not too oblivious to what's going on.

Dzintra, who introduces herself for the first time to her fellow contestants as "Dzintra, from the planet Zintron," has a bit of an eye problem in the first episode that leads to a harrowing decision to either leave the show and go to the emergency room or continue on, wounded eye and all. Fearing the wackiest character might leave the show during the FIRST episode, I sincerely hope Dzintra makes it back to the show... for both eye-health and entertainment reasons.

Quickly-- The first ep has the contestants putting themselves on a plate, so to speak. They are given the blank canvas of chicken and a potato to make their masterpiece (luckily no one seemed to have a vegetarian/vegan cooking style and no crying ensued). Then they have to present to camera, where the awkwardness always shines.

Later--the contestants have to write and shoot a 15-second promo for their Food Network show, with director Andy Fickman helping direct. I'm not sure the director of Race to Witch Mountain and She's the Man is necessarily the best fit to direct a Food Network promo, but what do I know? Maybe that's the next type of show Food Net's looking for?

I'm interested to see how L.A. changes the show and the challenges and how Giada's role develops. In previous years' appearances she's come off as harsh and somewhat contradictory to the contestants, so I'll be looking to see if her "mentoring" shows us a softer, more constructively criticizing Giada.

But I won't be holding my prosciutto-laced breath.

Tune-in to the two-hour premiere of The Next Food Network Star this Sunday, June 6 at 9pm ET.

*********************************

P.S.- after thinking about this, I'm seriously depressed Dzintra wasn't in the same cast as Lisa Garza. That'd be some Joe Esposito Karate Kid "You're the Best Around" awesome kind of team casting. (Not sure where that reference came from, but I'm NOT at all thrilled about the nepotism at its best Jaden Smith/Will Smith Karate Kid remake. Ugh.)

Bob Tuschman Gets Promoted to General Manager of Food Network

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:11:00 +0000

Farewell long workplace titles!

Bob Tuschman, Food Network's former Senior Vice President of Programming and Production, has been promoted to "g.m." of the network.

In addition to what I'd guess is a hefty salary bump, Variety says that Tusch will continue to perform his regular duties and "[develop] an overall strategic direction of the network."

Congrats to Bob. Look for him when The Next Food Network Star returns this Sunday, June 6 at 9pm ET.

A Big F-ing Deal: Sunny Anderson Cooks with Vice President Joe Biden

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:26:00 +0000

Sunny Anderson is here in D.C. today attending and cooking for a pre-Memorial Day barbecue hosted by big f-ing deal himself Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill.

In attendance at the Vice President's Naval Observatory residence are wounded service members from Walter Reed Army Medical Center outpatients and their families.

Sunny, an Air Force vet, comes from a big military family--her grandfather, dad, brother, and uncles all served or are currently serving in one form or another.

"It really is a huge honor for me," Sunny told me when I spoke to her yesterday.

The event will be featured, including Sunny's cookout menu, in an upcoming issue of Food Network Magazine.

Congrats Sunny! I hope you have fun here in our Nation's Capital!

Paula Deen Partners w/ Savannah Public Schools, World responds, "Are you crazy?"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:47:00 +0000

In what I'm sure elicited a collective "huh?" and a downpour of tears from Jamie Oliver, the public school system in Savannah, Georgia has partnered with Paula Deen to create a new culinary arts school.

Say bye-bye to you chicken nuggets, kiddies... they don't have enough butter in 'em!

"Officials say the school's curriculum will be based on state standards and the recommendations of Paula Deen, the television celebrity chef whose cookbook doctors named the most artery-clogging of the past decade."

Deen set the record straight with a beautifully worded statement: "There's a dillusion [sic] out there. What people see me having fun with on my show is totally separated from actuality."

I'll believe it when I see it, Miss D!

For all you parents out there, how happy would you be to hear Paula was your kids' new lunch lady?!

Former Food Network Host Arrested for Trying to Get Homeless to Commit Murder

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 May 2010 16:21:00 +0000

Yikes! Juan Carlos Cruz, the host of the former Food Network show Calorie Commando (don't think it even makes it into reruns anymore... and will definitely pulled now), was arrested on Thursday in Santa Monica, California for soliciting homeless people to commit murder!

"On Friday May 7th, police officers were contacted by homeless individuals who said the suspect solicited them to commit murder. The homeless people agreed to help officers in an investigation, in which Cruz revealed to officers the murder-for-hire method, where and when the individual was to be killed, and the terms of payment."

Cruz is currently being held on $5 million bail.

UPDATE: TMZ is reporting Cruz was attempting to get his wife killed. They have video posted of the homeless people Cruz allegedly solicited.

Bobby Flay Gives a Sarah Palin-esque Answer to What He'd Study at College

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:34:00 +0000

Conjuring up now-fading memories of Sarah Palin's notorious CBS interview with Katie Couric in which she replied "all of them" to the question what newspapers or magazines do you regularly read, Bobby Flay, who was in DC last week to attend the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, told People magazine that he wants to go to college and go "back to Georgetown," adding that "it's a really cool place."

When asked what he wanted to study, the Flayster (a high school dropout) reportedly said "anything."

"I didn't go to college. I'm ready to start over," said Flay.

Start over? If you haven't done so already, how about getting that high school diploma or GED before you start planning your fall college schedule, Bobby boy! ;-)

Not like Bobby, who has a million shows on Food Network and another planned for Scripps' new Cooking Channel, would have any time to devote to studies. I'd stick with cooking!

******************

Sorry for the longest break I've ever taken from blogging since I started back in TWO-THOUSAND-AND-SIX. That's like a thousand years in blog. I'm sorry. I don't really have any specific reason for it other than I've been busy still getting used to my new digs in D.C.... and I honestly haven't really felt like it. I've been blogging for so long and, not to sound cliche, but you really have to be in a certain place in your life to blog with any kind of regularity. Right now, I'm not really in that space. I have other "real" jobs that take up a lot of my time and I don't always delegate as much time to Food Network watching and reviewing as I used to. Not saying that I won't again in the future... but, for now, I'm enjoying just writing about what comes along that interests me.

That's not to say I'm not still paying attention. I'm still reading and enjoying all your comments and emails. If you have suggestions, please send em my way (comments or foodnetworkaddict (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks and kisses for all the years of reading! I'm still here!

Next Food Network Star (Season 6) Returns... from LA LA Land

noreply@blogger.com (jacob) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:26:00 +0000

It's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Almost! Season 6 of The Next Food Network Star kicks off with a two hour premiere on Sun., June 6 at 9pm ET.

Some big changes are in store for the contestants this year. For the first time in the series' history, the majority of taping took place in Los Angeles—far, far away from the New York City Chelsea Market comforts of Food Network's home base, where every other season taped.

In a nod to West coast fashion, I'm guessing Bob Tuschman leaves an extra button unbuttoned on his blue shirt every week. Just watch and see!

Also, ~~ice princess supreme~~ established Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis will have what appears to be an increased presence this season as the Tim Gunn-like mentor of the bunch. Should be interesting, for sure.

The cast includes: Dzintra Dzenis (Austin, Texas), Doreen Fang (Los Angeles, Calif.), Alexis Hernandez (Clarksville, Ind.), Brianna Jenkins (Atlanta, Ga.), Aria Kagan (Hollywood, Fla.), Herb Mesa (Atlanta, Ga.), Serena Palumbo (New York, N.Y.), Tom Pizzica (San Francisco, Calif.), Aarti Sequeira (Los Angeles, Calif.), Darrell “DAS” Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.), Brad Sorenson (Austin, Texas) and Paul Young (Chicago, Ill.).

For their bios and more info, check out foodnetwork.com/star.

Absent this year will apparently be Ina Garten, who made her first appearance on the show in an episode last year. Those contestants have got to come to HER! Ina's not traveling to L.A. unless she catches wind of a good vanilla tree that only grows in Burbank.

Instead, we will be treated to appearances by Colbie Caillat, Eva Longoria Parker, and others.

*********

Soooo.... are you are excited for what will likely be a Hollywood-themed season?

Ellie Krieger Blogs for Huffington Post about School Nutrition

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:28:00 +0000

My favorite healthy nutritionist television show host former model Ellie Krieger is going to be in my neck of the woods this week to speak with members of Congress about updating the national standards for school food.

Check out the great post Ellie wrote for Huffington Post about.

Ellie writes: In order to implement needed changes, schools need more than just guidelines and calls to action. The fact is, it's cheaper and easier to buy, store and prepare overly processed, sodium-laden, artificially-flavored food than the fresh, additive-free, unprocessed food our children deserve. Not only do we need more money to purchase better quality food, we need the facilities to store and prepare it and the staff training to do so healthfully.

In addition to keeping tabs on Ellie's visit, I've been faithfully watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution every week on ABC (Sign the petition.) Anndddddddddddd... even though my favorite school foods growing up were chicken nuggets and pizza, I agree that something needs to be change. Go Jamie... and Ellie!

Claire Robinson New Host of 'Challenge'; Show Remains Boring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:38:00 +0000

Sorry to all you "Food Network Challenge" lovers out there, but I've never been a fan. I think the challenges in general sound interesting, but I always find myself wanting to tune out after about 5 minutes. And after watching this past weekend's episode with new host Claire Robinson, I'm not planning on setting my TiVo to season pass anytime soon.

Based on the comments and emails I've gotten from fans of the show, many were just fine with Keegan Gerhard-- right?

Most of Claire's "hosting" consisted of standing in front of a greenscreen or backdrop, spouting out a few comments about things that had just happened, and then talking to the contestants while they tried to actually complete the challenge. Amazing!

It's not really her fault, though. Who's going to turn down a paid gig? Still, with her long dark locks and smoky voice, Claire sometimes makes me take a double-take to make sure it's not Rachael Ray who I'm watching. My inner-pessimist assumes this increased airtime for Claire is intentional on the part of executives, who hope millions of semi-regular viewers make the same mistake and watch this Rachael 2.0, unaware. (Like I've said a bunch of times before, Rachael ain't getting any less rich, and Food Net is chump change compared to the bucks bearing Oprah Winfrey's face that she's been getting the last few years.)

Soooooooo... I'm not impressed with the Challenge change. Are you?

Food Network Mag Publishes Pic of Bobby Deen w/... Girlfriend?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:07:00 +0000

Does Bobby Deen, the almost 40-year-old bachelor son of Paula Deen, have a girlfriend... or is he perhaps intersted in having some other kind of "friend?" (The "roommate/best same sex friend who lives next door and always goes on vacation together/gym teacher" kind of friend.)

The debate has been going on since my first post about it back in 2006.

Bobby himself didn't really help things when in 2007 he told Extra that his idea of a perfect date would be: "We'd have dinner, dessert, a glass of wine and she'd be gone... it'd be perfect."

Ummm... okay.

Oh, and there was that mysterious blurred out photo that showed up in a TV special and appeared to be hiding Bobby and another male.

So, even though I had heard some rumblings about someone he was "dating" last year, I was surprised to see this pic below in the April issue of Food Network Magazine, clearing identifying the woman next to Bobby as "his girlfriend Katy":

I guess that's official, then...even though the pic was taken back in Oct. 2009 at the New York City Wine & Food Festival.

Are you surprised to see Bobby with a girlfriend kind of publicly... and happy about it? Or are you still questioning?

'Semi-Homemade' is coming back, bitches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:33:00 +0000

THIS is the best news I've heard all day!

In an interview with PopEater about the new season of her show Money Saving Meals, Sandra Lee revealed that her pièce de résistance—her life's masterpiece—Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee will be coming back in the fall!!!!!!!

I for one cannot wait for fall to get here!

Open Calls: Worst Cooks in America Season 2

noreply@blogger.com (jacob) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:22:00 +0000

It's coming back, and I want you to be on it...

... if you can't cook for s***.

Here are the official casting details:

Seeking people with a genuine inability to cook, but a need and desire to improve!

NOMINATE YOURSELF
· Has your wife told you it was probably better if you ordered take out?

· At the big potluck dinner, are you always asked to “just bring the napkins?”

NOMINATE SOMEONE YOU KNOW
· Is someone you know constantly offering you food that you have to turn down?

· If you know a dad/mom who can’t scramble an egg, a colleague who can’t convince anyone to try their culinary creations, or a guy friend who tries but can’t seem to get it together in the kitchen, this is your chance to get them the help you BOTH need!

OPEN CALL LOCATIONS

LOS ANGELES
LA Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel & Convention Center
2500 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
Saturday, March 27th
10am – 3pm

To apply, email worstcooksla@gmail.com

PHILADELPHIA
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19107-3788
Saturday, April 10th
9am – 3pm

To apply, email worstcooksphilly@gmail.com

CHICAGO
The Affinia Chicago
166 East Superior St, Chicago IL, 60611
Saturday, April 17th
9am – 3pm

To apply, email worstcookschicago@gmail.com

NEW YORK CITY
Jolly Hotel Madison Towers
22 East 38th St, NY, NY 10016
Saturday, April 24th
9am – 3pm

To apply, email worstcooksny@gmail.com

ATLANTA
W Atlanta
188 14th Street NE, Atlanta GA 30361
Saturday, May 1st
9am – 3pm

To apply, email worstcooksatlanta@gmail.com

HERE’S HOW TO APPLY:
WE ARE CONDUCTING CASTING PHONE INTERVIEWS THIS WEEK, SO PLEASE APPLY ASAP!!!

· Email us at one of the addresses above with the following information:

· Tell us why you (or the person you are nominating) is the most disastrous cook in the country

· Include name, age, hometown, occupation, contact phone number, and a recent photo of the hopeless cook

· If you do not live near one of the cities above, you can still apply! Just email us at worstcooks@gmail.com for more info.

Additional information & application available at worstcookscasting.com.

Cat Cora Outraged Over Prom Cancellation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:39:00 +0000

Go Cat!

Upon hearing that a school in Itawamba County, Mississippi canceled the school prom entirely instead of allowing a lesbian student, Constance McMillen, to bring her girlfriend, native Mississipian, Food Network star, and out lesbian Cat Cora said she's "outraged" and wants to make a personal appearance at the prom.

"I was that girl from Mississippi one time," Cora said. "I hate seeing things that reinforce negative attitudes about Mississippi like this. This is the 21st century," she said in the press release. "This is a time for us to unite and support each other. This isn't just for (McMillen's) civil rights. This is for all Americans' civil rights, whether they know it or not."

*****************

I'm glad Cat has been speaking out about this, and I'm sure it hits close to home for her. I hope, for the kids' sake, the prom gets rescheduled and Cat can come and cook everyone's prom dinner... or at least Constance's!

Paula Deen Sued for $40 Million

noreply@blogger.com (jacob) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:37:00 +0000

Hey y'all! If y'all could get y'all's butts down to my restaurant The Lady & Sons in Savannah and run up about an, oh, forty-million dollar check... I'd really appreciate it. Best dishes!

That's what I imagine Paula Deen might be saying to her fans now that she's being counter sued by Celebrity Chefs Tours LLC for $40 million.

As you may remember, Paula Deen sued Celebrity Chefs Tours LLC back in February for defamation. She had recently canceled a 10-city tour organized by CCT and alleged the company defamed her and her sons' companies over the reason they backed out.

WELL, CCT has since filed a $40 million answer, counterclaims, and third-party complaint against Paula Deen Enterprises and Deen Brothers Enterprises, as well as Paula's hubby Michael Groover and her agent.

CCT's argument includes complaints of an alleged lack of promised publicity on the part of Paula and her sons, concerns "about the language used by Paula Deen on stage, that her show is not 'family-friendly' and the fact that audiences at her previous appearances have been disappointed by the fact that Paula Deen rarely cooks during her performance."

Also, a "sizzle reel" sent to CCT by Paula Deen Enterprises (PDE) for the purposes of marketing the performances was apparently "so full of inappropriate remarks and sexually suggestive materials" that CCT advised PDE's representatives that it would not be able to use that video. According to CCT, Deen's camp never agreed to edit the video.

View the entire countersuit document.

*******************

Yikes! Methinks Paula won't want to be giving $40 million away without a fight.

Having seen Paula Deen "perform," I can assure you that, yes, she is very racy and sexually suggestive during the live events I'd attended... but those were all 21 and over events. I have no doubt that Paula performs much differently during the many children events she does every year, but I'm not really sure how she works in this middleground, gray area where both adults and kids are potentially present.

Paula's got a LOT of dick jokes.. and she wants to tell 'em!

So many lawsuits are swirling. Who do you think will win?

Final Shots: South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2010

noreply@blogger.com (jacob) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:14:00 +0000

I'm way behind getting my last pics from the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival up on the blog, so instead of a lot of commentary on my part, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy!

I say it every year, but if you like food, wine, and Food Network there's really no better festival out there than the one in South Beach. I've been lucky enough to attend four years in a row and they just keep getting better.

And even though it was a little chilly this year (67 degree highs), I'm already missing the sun and sand. Oh well... there's always next year.

GIVEAWAY: Ultimate Recipe Showdown Prize Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:13:00 +0000

I have a fun Food Network/Kohl's prize-pack giveaway for you all this Friday to gear up to the premiere of Ultimate Recipe Showdown on Sunday, March 14 at 9pm ET.

With thousands of recipes submitted from home cooks across America, Ultimate Recipe Showdown returns for its third season of delicious competition as the top 24 contestants slice, dice and battle head-to-head for national glory. Hosted by Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Guy's Big Bite), the series features six categories: Comfort Food, Party Food, Hot & Spicy, Burgers, Cakes & Desserts and Hometown Favorites. Each week, three judges crown an "ultimate" winner who receives $25,000. Find out more about the show.

This season there are 6 categories the contestants will tackle including: Comfort Food, Party Foods, Hot and Spicy, Burgers, Cakes & Deserts and Hometown Favorites.

The “Ultimate Kohl’s” prize package includes:

Food Network Pizza Wheel
Stainless steel blade with air pockets provides easy food release, and soft-grip handle ensures comfortable control. Price: $19.99
Episode Category: Comfort Food

Food Network 4-pc. Square Bowl & Bamboo Serving Tray Set
This Food Network square bowl and bamboo serving tray set keeps every party chic with sleek line that add a contemporary touch to any table. The dishwasher and microwave save square bowls hold condiments, appetizers and more. Episode Category: Party Foods

Food Network Conical Box Grater
Unique conical design provides comfort and stability while grating, and stainless steel construction lasts for years without staining or rusting.
Episode Category: Hot and Spicy

Bobby Flay Ultimate Spatula
This stainless steel spatula is a must-have for all grilling needs. Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting use and serrated edges aid in cutting and cooking. Built-in bottle opener adds even more versatility. Wooden handle provides a safe, comfortable grip.
Episode Category: Burgers

Food Network Dough Scraper
Long-lasting stainless steel construction maximizes use, while a ruler on the blade’s edge makes measuring easy.
Episode Category: Cakes & Deserts

Food Network Digital Thermometer & Timer
Digital readout tracks time and temperature simultaneously, and versatile setup allows for wall mount, magnetic mount, or countertop use.
Episode Category: Hometown Favorites

Approximate Retail Value of Prize Pack is $130.00

TO ENTER:

Watch the first episode that airs this Sunday, March 14. Then, send me an email at foodnetworkaddict [at] gmail [dot] com with the first name of the episode's winner in the subject line.

You have until Sunday, April 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET to enter. Please, one entry per person.

Good luck!

The Importance of Semicolons

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:38:00 +0000

For a second there I thought Mario Batali was gonna be talking about his new diet on the Today show this morning!

Guess not.

Pics from Rachael Ray's SoBe SoundCheck Party

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:45:00 +0000

One of the best parties I went to while down in South Beach last week was Rachael Ray's "SoBe Soundcheck" event at the Raleigh Hotel.

Since the party didn't kick off until 11:30 p.m., I spent a few hours relaxing at my hotel trying to pretend I was a few years younger... when it was normal to leave the house a few minutes before midnight before the night.

Rachael Ray's husband John Cusimano (who was looking very white in the beard) played with his band The Cringe, which was all right... but they played a lot of covers (including a few too many John Mayer songs).

What's the deal, John? Need RayRay to write a few songs for you, too, now? Not like she's busy or anything. ;-)

That pic of Anne Burrell and me at the top was taken near the end of the night. We were all enjoying the wine and drinks that were provided (not to mention the good appetizers being passed). I congratulated Anne on the great run of Worst Cooks in America and everything else going on with her right now. Anne was having a verrrrrrrrrry good time that night. So much so that she barely had a voice the next day during her cooking demo:-)

Another treat was running into Next Food Network Star winner Melissa d'Arabian again...

Melissa, who I had originally met back in October at the NYC Wine & Food Fest, revealed to me that her current Food Network Show Ten Dollar Dinners was renewed again for a third season (which you'd already know if you are following me on Twitter) -- something that I don't think has been announced anywhere else, yet.

Melissa has been incredibly supportive of me and the blog ever since I met her and I really do wish the best for her and her up-and-coming career on the network.

I also got to see Mary Alice and a lot of the Ace of Cakes crew again that night. So glad that a lot of them got to make it down this year.

AND STUPID ME...
I never noticed Rachael Ray while she danced a few feet away from me. After my meeting with Sandra Lee last year, I was hoping to get a pic with Rachael finally. Damn. Oh well -- maybe next year.

Word Search: Who's More Important at SoBe?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:02:00 +0000

I found the logo for the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival interesting. The bottle design lists many of the festival's showcased chefs and stars, but there were many more involved whose names wouldn't have fit.

Yet some are on their twice! Can you find them?

Guy and Bobby better watch out. There's a couple from Memphis looking to take over! ;-)

Paula Deen Gets Rebuffed by President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:52:00 +0000

Perhaps Michelle Obama's healthy eating plan for America is really working... at least for the President. Recently, while in Savannah, Obama met the Butter Queen Paula Deen (Miss Paula, if yer nasty) and admitted that, although the press and his motorcade enjoyed the culinary comforts of her restaurant The Lady & Sons, the big guy dined elsewhere.

"Let me tell you it was so funny, because he busted himself," Paula said about her conversation with the President. "He said, 'I had the most wonderful lunch today.' And I thought, 'Oh My Gosh we catered lunch for him at Savannah Tech and he's fixing to tell me how wonderful it was.' And I was getting my chest all blown out and then he said, "Yeah we went to a place called Mrs. Wilkes. I said, 'What!'"

Awww... too bad, Paula. Maybe one day you'll make it to the President's lunch table!

If you want to see Food Network stars while down at SoBe, just stand by the Loews Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:31:00 +0000

See that pic of Alex Guarnaschelli and me? I bet you think I had to call her press people and arrange a photo opp weeks in advance or buy an expensive festival ticket to an event I knew she was going to be at just to get this picture, right?

WRONG. I got that picture without any pre-planning or cost on my part (apart from the cost of getting to South Beach)... and you can too!

But first, let's look at the opposite side of the financial spectrum.

The ticket prices at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival can be very steep--outrageous some might say. While the events are packaged up and divided well enough that it is possible to get in a pretty good festival experience on a budget, if you want to attend even a few of the bigtime parties and events you better be ready to throwdown... and Bobby Flay ain't footing any of the bill. I checked.

So, I thought it would be interesting to look at the price breakdown of an ultimate festival experience. After I pull the numbers I urge you all to call Suze Orman and ask "CAN I AFFORD IT?" (Let me know if she does approve any of you 'cause we need to meet.)

THE ULTIMATE SoBe FEST PACKAGE

This is what I'm guessing would be the average cost for a couple to travel to South Beach and attend several of the big festival events.

Economy Airfare for 2: $600
Hotel for 4 nights: $250/night (For a boutique hotel. Luxury ones will run you much more.)
Rachael Ray Burger Bash (2): $400
Wine Spectactor's Best of Best (2): $700
BubbleQ (2): $700
Grand Tasting on Saturday (2): $425
Tribute Dinner (2): $1050
Paula Deen Brunch (2): $250
Guy Fieri Closing Party (2): $150
Meals (not all events provide food): $200 (and that's being frugal)
Airport Transfers: $80 (cabs from MIA to South Beach are about $32/each way + tip)

... all that FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF: $5555!

Those are just some of the events that go on during this massive festival. I have no idea what the cost would be if you managed to go to multiple events, ditching one for another as the next one began, for the entire multi-day festival. Nuts!

So here's my little secret if you don't want to spend five grand on tickets, but still want to see some stars: stay at or stand outside of the Loews Miami Beach Hotel at 16th & Collins.

Over the years I've either seen or talked to Morimoto, Sunny Anderson, Tyler Florence, the Neelys, Al Roker, Alex Guarnaschelli, Michael Symon, Duff Goldman, Bobby Flay, and more... all while just hanging out in or around this hotel. If you're lucky enough to catch them when they're not in a hurry, you have a great chance of getting a photo, autograph, etc.

Getting that close really isn't that possible during the actual festival events. The crowds are intense and, as is the case with most of the more popular personalities, they aren't strolling around the beach unguarded all that much. Instead, they're whisked from their hotel to the event via golf carts.

To me, there's something a little less pathetic about bumping into someone into a hotel lobby and letting them know how much you enjoy their show than it would be to try and chase down a golf cart. ;-)

So that's tip #1 on how to save money in South Beach if you still want a small taste of the festival.

You could try to go to the tents the day after everyone leaves...

... but I wouldn't recommend it. Stay in (your expensive hotel room) and just watch Food Network.

******************

UPDATE: Sunny Anderson was nice to remind me that, although expensive, the festival benefits FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. Lots of students are present and get hands-on experience and scholarships.