Best of 2006

Before it's officially 2007, I wanted to do a quick runthrough of some of my favorite events this part year. I've only been blogging since July, so I may be leaving some out. Still, there's been quite a bit going on at Food Network these past few months.

Without further ado, here's my breakdown of 2006's best:

And Tyler Florence got married (wrote a cook book, filmed several shows for Food Network, worked part-time at Applebee's, got a new Web site, and worked a bunch more events).




I think I left out Ellie Krieger and being featured on Pink is the New Blog. They were still important during 2006! I am still thinking about a "Best Of" new shows on the Food Network. Guess that will have to wait until 2007!

Hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve and celebrates safely.

Holiday Recovery (part II)

As the Food Network and food tv in general has increased in popularity, more and more people are publicly expressing their likes and dislikes with what they're seeing. Food blogs have increased in popularity and food magazines and cookbooks are suddenly hot items, once again.




Kyle sent me a link to his blog, The Portrait Game, featuring his portraits of some of the Food Network's personalities. He's got ones of Paula, Rachael, Giada and a few others. It's a cool idea and definitely something I couldn't do (my art is made with Photoshop).

Lawd... I'm back in the DC area and tired. Christmas cookies and goodies have been eaten (in excess) and I'm ready for New Year's and extra workouts.

I'm working on some countdown posts, so be ready for that. Hope everyone's recovering nicely from the holiday season and isn't stressing out too much about the end of the year.

Holiday Recovery

Hello there! Hope your holidays were celebrated and that food was ingested (if that's a custom related to your individual holiday). Hmmm... mine was all right.

I sadly was not able to make a "12 DAVES of Christmas" post as the only really good one I could think of was "...and Dave in his famous purple tee"— he loves those purple t-shirts! We'll see-- perhaps it'll show up as a New Year's post:-)

As the year winds down, "Best of" and "Worst Of" lists start popping up for every imaginable topic. A.V. Club just posted its "Least Essential Albums of 2006" list and guess who made the cut?



Various artists, Rachael Ray: Too Cool For School Mixtape For Kids (Sony)

Rachael Ray and her handlers have dumped millions into making her an ostensibly hipper, pre-menopausal Martha Stewart. Gone are the days of Ray, the sorority girl next door with a TV show; now Ray-related crap saturates the marketplace, all bearing her vaguely malevolent grin, like a perkier version of the Joker's. It only makes sense that Ray's media carpet-bombing has spread to music, though thankfully that doesn't include her singing. Yet. Ray establishes her corporate identity with tomorrow's consumers here, picking songs that aren't great (Harry Nilsson's "Coconut"), but could be worse (The Rock-A-Teens' "Woo-Hoo"). The liner notes include recipes, though the chicken "catch-a-tory" ravioli stew is a little involved for the wee ones.

I have to admit, ever since I first heard about this Rachael CD (and the complementary Rachael ringtones) I had my doubts. It was different when Rosie released her Christmas CDs as she is a performer, has been on Broadway, and can (to some people's standards) sing.

Rachael, however, previously had no involvement in the music world and really doesn't need any. I get the whole kid connection she has, but don't think that spans to music. I don't know— maybe if I was famous I'd be putting my name on every book, knife, toothbrush, cellphone, toilet tissue, etc. that I could. Racahel has been quoted saying she's very choosy as to which companies she lends her name. Maybe it's time for her to bit choosier as to which products.

Be on the Food Network

For some people, the idea of being on the Food Network might just be the best Christmas present they could receive. So, when I stumbled on this page on Food Network's official Web site I was intrigued.

After first putting out a call to be on the Deen Boys' show Road Wasted (err... tasted), the second listing sounds pretty interesting:

Calling All Stressed Out Tri-State Residents
Are you living a busy life in the tri-state area, working long hours as an executive or racing around with the kids, never finding the time to eat right and take care of yourself? If this sounds familiar, Food Network wants to feature you on an upcoming weight loss and healthy lifestyle primetime special. Interested individuals must live in the tri-state area within commutable distance to New York City and be available during October to work with a famous chef/nutritionist/TV personality for a 10-day period. If interested, send an email with contact information, a current photo and a description about your life, background and why you are interested in this chance to improve your life to: food@picturethistv.com.

Could this "famous chef/nutritionist/TV personality" be the Food Network's own Ellie Krieger?

As I've mentioned before, I really like Ellie, so I'd be interested in seeing how this show turns out if it ends up being with her. I also don't really live in the new york tri-state area, or a "commutable" distance (one hour flight a commute?).

Also, if you're an ultra-last-minute shopper and need a gift idea, I would have liked to recommend this eBay auction Food Network did along with the Share Our Strength organization.

From Nov. 23–Dec. 3 people had the opportunity to bid on the chance to have a one-on-one video conference chat with either Emeril Lagasse or Bobby Flay to get all their culinary questions answered.

It sounded like a fun idea for an auction (as what else could the Food Network auction... food?), but I wish I had heard more about it. Did I just happen to miss any announcements about it? Em & the Bobster aren't my top picks for video chatting, but it'd still be fun.

The winners—culinary students in Texas—paid $360 for this honor. Not sure as to who they chose to chat with (why not both?) but they evidently enjoyed it.

It's Christmas Eve and I am t-i-r-e-d. I hope everyone has a great Christmas Eve and wonderful Christmas Day tomorrow. Now that the holiday season is almost over, "Seasons Eatings" on the Food Network will have to go away and some new thing will surely be promoted (Groundhog lunch?).

We'll see what I'm able to whip up tomorrow. I'd like to do a little "12 Daves of Christmas" Sounds fun!

Ho, ho, ho...

PS- How'd they get Ina to agree to do this group photo? She must have left her plantation home for a surprise visit to Jeffrey in the city. Hmm... hope they are enjoying Chanukah fun!

UPDATE:Well, my Food Network addict status was confirmed tonight as I read this article on Newsday.com about Ellie Krieger's new special "10 Days to New You", airing Jan. 6 in which "she meets with three individuals, all battling different kinds of weight and health issues. She takes them through 10 days of easy-to- follow suggestions, hints and tips on how they and you can be on the road to a healthier life and body."

How freaky that I just stumbled on that page on Food Network's Web site and then I read this article later on?

Tyler Florence Wedding Photo

Tyler has posted the first picture of his recent wedding on his blog, and it's a sweet one.



Did he marry Nigella Lawson? :-) Maybe Ellie Krieger with some long hair? Hmm...

I assume that's Tyler's son with his back to the camera. Perhaps he officiated the ceremony?

I am exhausted from traveling and gift buying:-/ Lots of hours in the car combined with lots of hours in the mall combined with lots of hours of eating combined with lots of hours of avoiding the gym = a tired food network addict. I tuned in and out of Giada and Ina this morning— still being able to crack a smile when Ina decided to bring a full 6-course meal to her new neighbor instead of the traditional, old cake. boooooring!

More photos and Christmas frivolity to come. Just give me a minute to take a nap.

If Nigella told you to jump off a bridge...

After news in the UK broke that Nigella Lawson had started promoting the joys that is goose fat, millions upon millions of ravenous Londoners (and other people in the UK) stormed to their local supermarkets, waited in line for hours and rampaged through every aisle, bin and freezer case in an effort to hoard every gram of available goose fat, with the hopes of making the ultimate roast potatoes. Containers of goose fat, when we last checked, are selling on eBay for up to $1000 British pounds!

Several unlucky shoppers, arriving late at the market, only to find goose fat-free shelves, even engaged in violence in their quest to obtain this holiday's must-have cooking item. A woman who had spent 5 hours in queue was robbed at gunpoint outside her east London home of her two sacred jars.

Oh wait, I think I'm describing the US's reaction to the sale of Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Story still applies:-)

NOW, it looks like another delectable delicacy is "sending shoppers potty" (have no idea what that means) in the UK: prunes. Once again, because of Nigella's promotion.



I wonder what other "delicious" items Nigella might announce as the thing to purchase for the holidays... maybe horse testicles? Monkey brains? Black licorice-flavored gum?

But seriously, the goose fat news is starting to get real gross. Sorry to the goose fat lovers out there. Someone make a "Team Goose Fat" t-shirt, please. But this article in the London Telegraph says to:

"Use it instead of olive oil to cook with (it makes fantastic fried eggs), or simply eat it on toast in a 21st-century version of bread and dripping."

A 21st-century version of bread and dripping?!?!? Yuck.

"And, should you be contemplating a Christmas-morning swim, a thick layer of goose fat rubbed over the body will keep out the cold. It might be a bit whiffy by tea time, but at least you'll get the sofa to yourself."

Hmm.... perhaps a good idea if the family starts to drive me over the edge. I'll keep that in mind.

Tyler Florence Says "I Do"

Well ladies (and some gents), a few weeks back Tyler Florence became officially wed (the news comes a little slower with the celebrity weddings that aren't Tom Cruise and Kat(i)e Holmes).

Big news! I got married this weekend. It was an amazing time with family and friends, in South Carolina at my favorite hotel, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff. And I am so happy to have tied the knot with my beautiful bride.

The weather was perfect, 70 degrees during the day. We rode bikes, swam, and spent time with all of our friends and family. We kicked off the long three day weekend with cocktails and s'mores outside at a bonfire.... there is something about s'mores that isn't only fun for kids, we all got into roasting marshmallows, although a few ended up in the fire pit.

... writes Tyler on his official (?) blog AOL Food Blog.

Tyler's rather secretive as to who is ex-wife and mother of his son Miles is, but it looks like come March 2007 we'll get a glimpse of the new happy couple in InStyle magazine.

Tyler's pages at IMDB.com and Wikipedia are rather short, but his official MySpace page has a little more info on Food Network's "sexiest chef."

I guess we'll have to wait until those pics come out in InStyle, as I've been unable to unearth any. The wedding sounded pretty nice, and it was even catered by fellow-southerner and Food Network-celeb Paula Deen! Well, her restaurant The Lady & Sons did. Lucky duck.

Nigella Lawson's Goose is Cooked

Well, you know it's the holidays when the only big news I have to report is that goose fat is flying off the shelves in the UK, and it's all thanks to Nigella Lawson!



FIRST it was Delia and cranberries, then came Jamie's endorsement of nutmeg. Now Nigella Lawson's revelation that goose fat is the secret ingredient behind the perfect roast potato has sent sales rocketing as cooks strive to make the ultimate Christmas dinner.

Okay, I like potatoes. And I like roasted potatoes. But I don't think I'm dying to eat a roasted potato cooked in the fat of a goose.

Is this a common cooking method in the US that I'm just unaware of? I tell yah, I'm just not going bonkers over Nigella yet. Sorry everyone! My friend Amanda seems to have figured out what it is about Ms. Lawson that just isn't rubbing her the right way.

I tend to agree with her, but will take it a step further to say that Nigella just seems a little too overt for me and less playful than Giada or (gasp) Sandra Lee, who each have their own quirky sexiness about them. I don't see Giada or Sandra Lee taking themselves all that seriously when it comes to being sexy (as they shouldn't have to be; they're on food tv), but Nigella seems to bear that "domestic goddess" label wherever she goes.

I know there's lots of people out there who would argue the exact opposite. I will continue to watch Nigella and all will be fine in the world.

Got all your Xmas shopping done?

Rachael Ray Book Signing

Well, Rachael Ray is set to sign copies of her newest cookbook tomorrow in the DC area (6 p.m. at the Borders near Tysons Corner).



Soooooooo, I should be getting in line right about now if I should even think about meeting Ms. Ray.

According to Borders, "300 tickets will be distributed beginning at 3 p.m."

But in Torrance, people started lining up at 6 a.m.

Chicago started preparing for the chaos (but also embraced her surprise appearance at Kitsch'n)

According to this Food Network list of signing dates, I already missed one last week here in D.C.

So, I am confused as to what to do. I'd love to take off a day from real work and just go to meet her, but at the same time I think to myself "Is that crazy?"

Since moving here, I've been to the Giada signing, tried in vain to attend the supposed Dave Lieberman signings, and stalked Ina through the window at her signing. I need to add Rachael to the list.

However, based on the attendance at the previously-mentioned signings, I can only imagine the craziness that will ensue at Rachael's. That's not my ideal gig. I'd much rather go up to New York, see a taping of her show, and then stroll the streets with Rachael while sipping on some fine coffee beverage. Is that too much to ask?

I don't want to stand in the cattle line all day, just for the chance to misspeak and say something stupid like, "You are a nice lady person, Rachael."

Ummm.... so, off I go to Borders:-) Wish me luck!

Just a Random Funny

Madeline of Everything Rachael Ray just keeps giving me the best photos to comment on:-)

Take that as a lesson, though: Don't mess with Sandra Lee's wine.

"Watch out, I'm Stripping!"

[Photo Source]

You'd think the quote used for this post's title came from Ms. Ray herself, as she stripped off her leather coat and made her way to her latest book signing, but no...

it's actually from INA GARTEN!

Jill sent in a great recap of her visit to Ina's recent book signing in New York City, along with some awesome photos.




Evidently Ina got a little hot amidst those iconic orange bowls of Crate and Barrel and told everyone to "watch out" as she stripped off that scarf she's been fond of ever since her Today show appearance in October :-)

Jill states:

I kind of wanted her to be a little stuck up, you know East Hampton attitude, but far from it. The nicest, most genuine woman ever. What you see is what you get. I told her I skipped class to see her and she said "I promise I won't tell anyone!"

After waiting until the very end just to get a picture with Ina:

Yeah, I have a pic with Ina frickin' Garten! That was so sweet of her and I was walking on air the whole night.

Thanks so much to Jill for sending in the great recap and pictures. I love hearing about other people's adventures with the Food Network, be it in their living room or face-to-face with the ones who inspire us so.

Speaking of, Ina was featured on Wikipedia on Dec. 9 as the article of the day!

I'm still feeling a little under the weather, so that's why there was no post yesterday. Sorry! I have an inbox full of FN-related things to look at, so hopefully some will be good and worth mentioning.

Nigella and Tylenol PM

BLAH! I have not been feeling well since Friday and haven't really been able to make it to the computer. Sooooooooooooorrrrrry!

I did manage to take in several Food Network specials over the weekend, including Nigella Bites Christmas fun holiday surprises special (or whatever it's really called).

It was pretty good... filled with ideas and recipes that tend to just make me feel more overwhelmed and frightened about the lack of time left before the holiday.

I also watched a bit Iron Chef America last night. Joel McHale from E!'s The Soup was a guest judge and provided some awkward humor per usual. The challenger (guy from North Carolina... forget his name... cold medicine making me lose it) won and his dishes did look a lot better than Cat's (sorry Cattie Cat!).

I would have no idea what to make with ostrich, though, so whatever. Good job for making it edible, both of you.

I also watched the holiday cookie special. Lots of cookies, none of them sound all that great. Does anyone havea surefire, delicious, easy cookie recipe for me? I need it by, oh, tomorrow:-) I appreciate it!

My head is about to explode, so I think some chicken noodle soup and Tylenol PM is in order ASAP.

Hope everyone's doing better than me!

Oh, PS- Nigella did a Celebrity Q&A with People Magazine that's up on their Web site. Fun stuff!

Paula Will do anything for Savannah

Sometimes I wonder if these Food Network stars ever regret some of the appearances they agree to do.

Case in point: Paula Deen serving as Savannah's first-ever grand marshal in their (only) second-annual "Lighted Christmas Parade."



Interesting, I don't SEE any lights behind Paula in this picture. In fact, all I see is a chain link fence and what appears to be some sort of electrical equipment. I'm sure the parade and lights were lovely, but why use this photo to promote it?

Then the article , appearing in Savannah Morning News, states Paula climbed into a 2004 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible to preside over the event.

Okay, I'm not a car buff, nor am I materialistic, but isn't a 2004 Bug not the best car one could tote Paula around in? Doesn't she deserve a 2007 model, at least?

Then, to make matters worse, the "hundreds" that lined up to watch aren't that apparent in the other photo used:



I count about 3 people out there. Was everyone else on the other side of the street?

Poor Paula. It's totally generous of her to spend her time with this hometown event. I just wish it would have turned out a little better.

FNA in Print

I was so surprised this morning to see a quote from my own blog in the Express, DC's free, daily publication of the Washington Post.



"The Blog Log" is always the first thing I look at in the Express, so this morning's commute was especially interesting.

I saw "Giada" first and then read the full quote thinking "that sounds like something I wro..." OH, it is me!

FNA was recently featured on Express' blog, covering my review of Dave Does' MRE webisode, but to be in print is especially nice.

Now that it's out there, it REALLY IS only a matter of time before we a see a pic like this in print:









:-) It's fake, by the way. I made it.

Rachael Gets Pinkified

Rachael Ray has made it big time (if we didn't already know) and landed a spot on not only Sesame Street, but also Trent's Pink is the New Blog!



Trent managed to misspell Rachael's name, again, though. Once again, a big thank you to Trent for linking to me for my own Rachael Ray/Martha Stewart/Barry Manilow post last month! This may be the first time Rachael's image has appeared on Trent' page, though. Way to go!

Next thing you know, Giada will be partying with Britney just so she can show up online:-)

Oprah Banned Me (I think)

So, the Rachael Ray video I posted on Thanksgiving was pulled from YouTube. Apparently, Chicago's EIP Group thought I was using the material without permission. Granted, I just edited bits of Rachael's 2nd episode of her talkshow into a comical piece. I didn't add anything or say anything directly negative about Rachael or Oprah (nor was I intending to).

I suppose having the link to my blog at the beginning might have irritated the lawyers, but I searched for "EIP Group" and found similar posts from bloggers saying that their basic videos were pulled by EIP Group (one was just a clip of Faith Hill and her husband Tim McGraw singing on Oprah).

It's kind of hard to believe that Oprah would have lawyers scouring the Internet, looking to remove any and all uses of her likeness-- especially on YouTube where so many media companies are finally realizing the benefits.

It's not like I made the "Oprah for President" Web site (like one guy really did) and started making t-shirts, buttons, bags, etc. with her face on them. Hmm...

I wonder if I had left Oprah out, would my video would still be available? The Faith Hill/Tim McGraw blogger claims there are "no" videos of Oprah on YouTube, or if there are they get pulled very quickly.

I have been able to find some videos from the Oprah show, but they usually don't reference Oprah in the video title or the description (for example, yesterday I watched the crazy wacko Anne Heche and her interview with Ellen on Oprah but searching for "anne heche").

I'm glad all of the crazy things that have been happening on The View seem to show up on YouTube since I can't--in good conscience--actually watch or record that show. Don't take them away!

And I had some big plans for future videos! We'll see what happens...

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Evidently, Dave Does. I don't really have anything to say today. It's finally cold here in D.C. and I'm not too happy about it. Hopefully, these pictures of Dave on the beach will warm us all up:-)

Guy's Big Break

Garrett of Vanilla Garlic has posted Part I of his interview with Guy Fieri, last season's winner of The Next Food Network Star.



Guy speaks with Garrett about the opening of his new restaurant in Sacramento called Tex Wasabi's. I love sushi and sushi-fusion places, so it sounds awesome.

I found Garrett's blog a few months ago through the Foodieblogs webring that I belong to and have been hooked ever since (he also seems to be in cahoots with Madeline of Everything Rachael Ray , another Sacramento-area blogger).

Garrett regularly posts about his inventive and ambitious adventures with food, including some of the most interesting cupcake recipes I've ever seen. Make sure to check them out.

I've received a few comments about Guy Fieri on this blog and am glad he's been able to branch out with this restaurant opening. In terms of his FN show, Guy's Big Bite, it's been renewed for another 13 episodes.

The few times I've watched (a hard timeslot, Sundays at 10 am/9 CST), I've been into what Guy's cooking. He still seemed like he was getting his "vision" together, but it was definitely headed in the right direction. Also, his set and utensils are very nice (love the silver and modern look; hate the way too bright lights look of "How to Boil Water").

So, way to go Garrett! He should be posting Part II anytime now.

Sandra's Top 10

Everyone's favorite booze-guzzling FN personality, Sandra Lee, was featured in a New York Daily News top 10 list about holiday pantry stapes. And what do you know, but CHAMPAGNE tops the list!



Nothing says "let's celebrate the birth of Jesus" better than sparkling champagne! :-)

I know, personally, from the time I was 10 years old I woke up every Christmas morning to a glimmering flute of champagne on my bedside table. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Just kidding, but champagne might be just the thing to take the chill off the holiday stresses. I'll keep it in mind.

Other highlights include frozen meatballs topped with orange marmalade, hot chocolate that, "with Bailey's Irish Cream, dark rum of Kahlua [makes the] party even better," and Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita Mix.

She also includes recipes for different quesadillas. Oh Sandra, you are going to make this a Feliz Navidad indeed!