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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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.

South Beach Wine & Food Fest 2010 -- Arrival and BubbleQ

Helloooooooo! Happy Monday, all. I'm on a bit of a high, and that's not just because I've yet to come down from what Sandra Lee may or may not have slipped into my cocktail at the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

I really wasn't planning on going again this year. While very fun, it can become a very busy weekend--one that doesn't feel much like a vacation after a while.

But then D.C. got more snow than I could possibly handle. We beat the 1898 record of 54.4 inches and even now still have a few more weeks for the chance of snow.

Sooooooooooo... I changed my mind. And what a good change it was.


Look at that beach! There just isn't a food festival in America that compares to SoBe, in my opinion. I'm sure Aspen has its perks and SoBe's sister fest in New York is very charming, but Miami definitely adds something to the overall experience that can't be matched.

The weather forecast was also another major decision factor in going again this year. While some years have been almost unbearable (I think two years ago it was in the 90s on the beach), the weekend's forecast was for days never higher than 70 degrees.

When we arrived it felt great in the sun, but was actually a little chilly if you were in the shade-- a concept entirely foreign to me after all my other visits to Miami.

Anyhow, for everyone that was in much colder environments all weekend who I'm sure are not interested in reading about me complain about "chilly' Miami weather of 50-something degrees, I'll get on to the parties!

BUBBLEQ

This year Emeril Lagasse hosted the giant, overwhelming, probably overpriced BubbleQ event on Friday night. The celebration that combines barbecue and champagne was held in a massive tented area right on the beach and featured a few less decorations, performers, and fancy displays than in years past. It almost felt like the recession had finally caught up with this event. I don't think first-time attendees would have noticed this, but I thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone else noticed.

The crowd still felt just as packed as ever, though. You really have to be ready to squeeze your way around and get your toes stepped on if you want to sample all of the fancy bites from such famous chefs as Michelle Bernstein, John Besh, Todd English, Aaron Sanchez, and many more.


My girl Sunny Anderson took the time to pose for pics with fans, which wasn't that easy of a feat since many of the Food Network stars stayed on a huge raised platform for most of the night, cordoned off by a velvet rope.


Ace of Cakes' Mary Alice was on her way up to said velvet rope area when we bumped into each other and were able to take this pic. Mary Alice has been one of my earliest supporters (and my FIRST Food Network interview), and it was great seeing her again.

And since the theme of barbecue and champagne might be a little too limiting for a $350/ticket event, wine by Graffigna was being poured and many fancy desserts were available for the taking.

I especially enjoyed this cupcake boy.


One thing that seemed missing was the host himself, Emeril! I never once saw him at his host tent, which was serving delicious pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on onion rolls. This seemed very strange after previous hosts like Giada De Laurentiis (who worked the crowd and stood up for long hours while very pregnant) and Tom Colicchio were very present during the event.

All in all, it was a very fun party. And even though the champagne seemed a little less present (I couldn't find a bar with glasses to save my life) and there were no fire-eating dancers or other extras, it was a great start to my 2010 festival experience.