Review: Next Food Network Star, Season 6

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.

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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.)

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

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!

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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!

The Cooking Channel Will Kind of Be About Cooking

The Cooking Channel, Scripps Networks' new channel replacing Fine Living, will debut on Memorial Day, May 31. And, surprise, it's not going to be a cooking channel!

Gotcha!

The New York Times reports that "[i]n recent months, Scripps has altered its plans for the second channel to include more entertaining fare." (READ: It's just gonna be Food Network 2)

Instruction-loving Food Network fans will surely be disappointed to find out that the The Cooking Channel, at least in it's original retooling from Fine Living, will probably not end up being as instruction-based as it was once billed.

"We listened to the audience and realized they weren’t necessarily saying they just wanted more instruction or more reality or more travel shows. They just wanted more," said Michael Smith, the general manager of the Cooking Channel.

The Times also has the scoop on new shows by Rachael Ray and Bobby Flay (one titled "Brunch With Bobby"), as well as imports from Food Network Canada, which I'm excited about.

Sooooo... are y'all excited for The Cooking Channel?!?! ("cooking" referring to travel shows, reality show competitions, and the like, of course.) ;-)

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I'm not usually one to complain about "entertaining fare," since that's basically why I watch Food Network. Even the instructional cooking shows on Food Network are entertainment to me. There's nothing better than a vintage Semi-Homemade or Barefoot Contessa to set the weekend right, right?

But I'm still kind of surprised by this announced changeup before the channel even premieres. Maybe Food Network 2 would have been a better (more honest) name from the beginning?

Cablevision Be Damned, Food Network Gets Highest Ratings EVER on Sunday Night

Well, even though approximately 3 million cable subscribers in the Tri-State region weren't able to watch, Sunday, Jan. 3 turned out to be the highest-rated, most-watched night in Food Network history.

Two big premieres—Iron Chef America: Super Chef Battle and Worst Cooks in America—attracted a combined average audience of 3.7 million viewers, according to the network.

Additionally, the 7.6 million viewers who watched the super chef battle helped make Food Network the most-watched cable network on Sunday night.

That's a pretty big achievement!

Still refusing to negotiate, Cablevision?

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I watched some of the Super Chef Battle, but honestly found myself flipping around after a bit. Even though it was cool to see the White House and Mrs. Obama, that portion of the special was rather short. They were in and out of DC in what seemed like 10 minutes. Then, the rest of the battle was just a bit too drawn out for me.

Maybe if Mrs. Obama had made more of an appearance and they had featured a little more on the actual garden and what goes into cooking the White House meals I would have been more interested. (Truth be told, I sometimes get bored watching regular one-hour Iron Chef episodes, so I'm surprised I stayed on for almost 2 hours with this one.)

Did you watch? What did you think of Mrs. Obama and the "secret ingredient" that wasn't much of a secret.

Mario, Emeril, & Bobby Get 2 hr White House Special - A Sign of Importance or a Consolation Prize For Dwindling Network Time?

When you get an invite from the White House you send in the big guns. And at Food Network, to many people, those would be Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, and Emeril Lagasse... or they would have used to think that. Apart from Bobby and his ever-presence on the channel, Mario and Bobby have all but disappeared into rerunville.

So when I read that the three big boys would be appearing in a two-hour Super Chef Battle episode of Iron Chef America, featuring Michelle Obama and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, I wondered... is this a sign of who's really important at Food Network, or just a consolation prize to Mario and Emeril?


Food Network stars Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse travel to the White House to take part in an unprecedented culinary competition in Super Chef Battle, a special two-hour episode of Iron Chef America. Greeted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the chefs are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and receive their challenge: create a meal for America using The White House Kitchen Garden’s produce as their secret ingredients.

For one, Emeril isn't even an Iron Chef. Why was he asked to come along and not, say, Cat Cora, the only female Iron Chef?

Alton Brown is coming along for his commentary, and Ted Allen will serve as a guest floor reporter.

Even Food Network kind-of star Nigella Lawson (she's huge in the UK; hasn't entirely caught on here for whatever reason) will serve as one of the judges, which would normally be a bit of a no-no. Ted Allen had inferred in recent interviews that he wouldn't serve as a judge anymore due to his more established relationship with Food Network as host of two series, Chopped and Food Detectives.

It makes sense that Food Network stars shouldn't serve as judges, actually. Alex Guarnaschelli used to judge Iron Chef America battles, and now her new show Alex's Day Off is produced by Bobby Flay. Who knows how her vote might get swayed if she had to choose between Bobby and the challenger.

Soooo... I'm not really sure what to think of the addition of Mario and Emeril in this special. I mean, it makes sense they didn't ask Sandra Lee or, uhhh, Mary Nolan (that one worked out well, FN) to the White House. But is it a real sign their presence is valued on the network? We shall seeeeeee....

The special episode premieres Sunday, January 3rd at 8pm ET/PT.

Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, & Bobby Flay Win Daytime Emmys!

Congratulations to Ina Garten (yay!), Rachael Ray, and Bobby Flay who were all winners at the Daytime Emmys this weekend. I'm so happy for Ina!


Giada At Home also won for Directing in a Lifestyle/Culinary program.

Sadly, missing out again this year was Sandra Lee who lost in both of her categories (Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling and Outstanding Achievement in Makeup) to The View. Somebody give Aunt Sandy a break!

The creative arts Emmys were announced on Saturday. The "real" Daytime Emmys are airing right now on The CW.

Bobby Flay Challenges Obama to a Grilling Throwdown

Bobby Flay achieved an all-new level of pompousness today when he strided into the White House and challenged President Obama to a grilling Throwdown.

Ha! At least that's what I thought at first when I saw the headline. Actually, Bobby was just there to give the Prez a few grilling tips.



After dedicating yesterday afternoon to the importance of fatherhood, President Obama and the Flaymaster -- and what sounds like many photographers (so many shutter clicks as Obama throws the steaks down) -- took to the grill. Flay brought up many Food Network talking points: the importance of the "one flip" when grilling meats, tips for grilling corn, and the ever-important "resting time" when pulling meat off the grill. Phew!

No word on whether or not Bobby ended their meeting with this line:
"So all you awesome Presidents out there, keep doing what you do... but ask yourself this: 'Are you ready for a Throwdown?'"

Sunny Anderson Debuts New Hairdo on Rachael Ray

Sunny Anderson will probably kill me for writing about the new hair she had on Rachael Ray today (she'd prefer we were talking about her food), but I know a lot of people noticed it. You'd be surprised how many people write me to inquire about her hair.

Anyhow, I really enjoy the new short 'do she was sporting. It's got a very Star Jones-quality, which wouldn't normally be a compliment... but in this case it is.


Do you like it? I hope it will appease the "Why is her hair in her face? Why does it look this color? Blah Blah..." people.

Sunny appeared on Rach's talk show--along with Bobby Flay, Rocco DiSpirito, & Adam Perry Lang--to discuss summer entertaining. I was a bad blogger and forgot to TiVo it (did get "Glee" last night, though) so I'll have to try and catch a repeat.

Hope you're enjoying your Wednesday, wherever you are.

Prone to Sunburns, Bobby Flay Shoulda Worn a Big Hat to the Kentucky Derby Too

Without the helpful shield of a wide-brimmed hat, Bobby Flay looked a little lobster-esque at last year's Kentucky Derby. Those silly gender-specific fashion rules typically prevent males from wearing any type of headgear to the races.

So this year, Bobby Flay slapped on the sunscreen and once again served as the official host and spokesperson of the Kentucky Derby Party, which took place yesterday at the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Ky.

And Guy Fieri felt the urge to strike this pose on the red carpet:


Thanks, Guy.

[Photos]

Lindsay and Paris Apparently Out of Town, Bobby Flay Talks to TMZ While In L.A.

I'm beginning to think a bit differently about Bobby Flay! Often described as arrogant and a little too self-assured, Bobby Flay was out in L.A. shooting the second season of his Food Network show Grill It! when TMZ cameras caught up with him... and the Flayster was surprisingly kind and modest, offering up his own idea of a jazzed up PB&J for recession times and admitting that Gordon Ramsay could take him in a fight. (Mr. Nice Guy Flay even warns the pap to "watch [him]self" before walking backward into a car.)



In such a good mood, that Flay!

What's Bobby Flay Saying?

After seeing Stephanie March (Bobby Flay's wife) reappear on Law & Order: SVU, I'm thinking Bobby must be saying, "You mean you actually got a job?"


Oh Steph. Don't take it personal. Not like you need to work now that Bobby's doing about 10 shows for Food Network.

I'm just partial to SVU's A.D.A Casey Novak, as opposed to your A.D.A. Alexandra Cabot character... but that could be because the same actress who played Casey also appeared in an early episode of SVU where she played a woman who gang raped a male stripper. Now, she's back on the show as the A.D.A. like nobody noticed! I love those Bewitched-esque TV switcheroos.

Chance to be on Grill It! with Bobby Flay

Attn: West Coasters (or anyone who can get to L.A. in March)

You could be on Bobby Flay's Grill It (Season 2)! Here's how...

Casting Call: Food Network is looking for big personality men and
women to grill alongside Bobby Flay in Season 2 of Grill It! If you
love to experiment with burgers, seafood, ribs, fish, pork or poultry,
and have the skills to prove it, we want to hear from you! The show is
non-competitive and features grillers from across the country creating
unique recipes on the grill!

Interested applicants (who look between 21 and 45) should be outgoing,
fun and be able to reproduce your unique recipe on camera—maybe it's a
new take on pork or seafood or perhaps a recipe passed down from your
grandmother? Whatever the dish, it needs to be original and not found
in a cookbook!

How to apply:
-Fill out the application below and email it along with a
current photo to grillitwithbobbyflay@gmail.com
- Make us a 3-minute video (DVD or MiniDV) that showcases your
personality (anything over 3-minutes will not be considered)
- On the casting tape, cook us your favorite dish, tell us about your
ingredients, how you created the recipe, and why it's special.
- Tell us a little about you and what makes you interesting.
- Tell us why you think it would be great to GRILL IT! with Bobby Flay

Upload your 3-minute video the Food Network "Be On TV" site,
then mail your original DVD or MiniDV along with your written
recipe to:
Rock Shrimp
Att: Grill It!
110 Leroy Street
7th Floor
New York, NY 10014

Questions? Email us at grillitwithbobbyflay@gmail.com

All entries need to be submitted by March 2nd, 2009. You must be
available for one day of filming in Los Angeles, CA. March 16-22.

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This would be a great opportunity for some of the West Coast folks, who wouldn't be able to make the trip to Bobby's hood of NYC, to be on the show. Good luck.

Bobby Flay's Company Sued

Oh Bobby, Bobby, Bobby. Surely you couldn't be cheating workers out of their hard-earned tips, could you?

Well, that's what a new lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court claims.


Bobby's company Bold Food LLC -- which owns Bar Americain, Mesa Grill NYC in Manhattan, and Bobby's other spots across the country -- is named as the defendant.

The lawsuit claims Flay's company violated wage and hour laws by engaging in improper tip-pooling practices. It also says the company failed to pay proper overtime pay and failed to reimburse employees for some expenses.

Better get down there Bobby and straighten things out!

Bobby Flay Gets SIRIUS Radio Show

When you watch celebrity chef Bobby Flay on Food Network or CBS or whatever, I bet you think to yourself, damn — he really knows how to dress to impress!

Even if you don't think that, you'll have the chance to find out anyway on Bobby Flay's new live radio call-in show on SIRIUS Satellite radio.


Bobby Flay Radio
Thursdays 10 am - 12 pm

Replayed Saturday & Sunday 3 pm - 5pm ET
Bobby Flay, renowned chef, restaurateur, award-winning cookbook author and television personality, will host Bobby Flay Radio, an exclusive five-week series of live call-in shows on which he will explore the essentials of good living for men of all ages and backgrounds. On the program — Flay’s first time hosting a radio show — he will offer expert advice and ideas for guys on everything from food to sports to dating to style and beyond, take calls from around the country, and welcome special guests. He’ll draw from his many passions both in and out of the kitchen, and dispense tips on everything from football picks to navigating fine dining, from cooking the perfect burger to planning a flawless first date, how to dress to impress for a big interview and much more.

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I don't have Sirius and don't plan on getting it, so you satellite radio listeners out there need to tell me how this show is. I guess listening to Bobby Flay Radio might be interesting enough... it just doesn't strike me as anything people will go gaga over, though.

TODAY Show Goes Inside Iron Chef

Nothing much in this that we haven't seen before, but still nice to watch. Plus, I know several people who think that culinary purchasing manager guy is h-o-t. So there's that, too.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Goat testicles, anyone?

Stuff I Wrote: Celebrity Chef Restaurants on Delish.com

Watching celebrity chefs/personalities on TV is one thing, but eating in their restaurants quite another. Luckily, so many of them are opening up new eateries all across the country—from Beverly Hills to Tunica, Mississippi to Detroit to DC to New York.

Read the article I wrote over on Delish.com to find out more about them.

Food Network regulars like Paula Deen, Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, and Michael Symon are covered, plus Top Chef's Tom Colicchio & Spike Mendolsohn and the D.C. sensation who's now opening up shop in Beverly Hills, José Andrés.

Yummy!

Check it out.

Think You Can Do Better? Grilling Fans Needed for 'Dear FN'

Yikes! After all the harsh feelings over yesterday's post about Next Food Network Star, maybe all you out there thinking you would be so much better will be interested in this:

Casting: Grilling Fans can be on Dear Food Network!

Love to watch the Food Network but can't cook as well as your favorite star? Now's your chance to have your Grilling question answered, possibly even in-person! Inspired by letters from fans, Dear Food Network features top chefs answering your cooking concerns, problems and challenges.

(I'm thinking this probably means Bobby Flay, but Giada's been known to bring out the grill pan from time to time. Maybe she'll show up?)


Have a question about global grilling (tandoori, Italian, Korean), improving an All-American dishes (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken), seafood, or how to make a tasty dessert on the grill? Our Food Network stars are here to help improve your recipes and grilling skills!

We're looking for fun, creative 20-second videos (DVD or MiniDV) to incorporate into the show. BUT FIRST-For video guidelines please send and email to foodnetworkseries@gmail.com with your stats (name, age, city/state, living situation, contact info) plus a recent photo, a little about yourself, and your cooking questions.

Does your chicken always come out burnt, maybe you're a baker who wants to take it to the backyard or perhaps you want to learn how to make ribs that will wow your whole family?

The best questions/videos will be used on the show and some people will get to have their question answered in person by his or her favorite chef! Please send your DVD or MiniDV to:

Embassy Row
Att: Dear Food Network
110 Leroy Street
7th Fl.
New York, NY 10014
646-747-4754

All entries must be received no later than Monday December 8th.

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Please Note: the email address above is NOT a direct contact for anyone at Food Network. Embassy Row is a private production company. Please do not send your general complaints or questions about the network to that address, as they will be deleted.

Thanksgiving on Food Network

Lots of November details to share, the first being the most important:

Ina Garten's Thanksgiving Desserts
Airs Wednesday, November 19th at 9pm ET


Not the same old pumpkin pie. Ina Garten hosts a special dessert hour featuring classic seasonal flavors plus modern confections to satisfy the Thanksgiving sweet tooth. Guest starring Alton Brown and Tyler Florence and Food Network Addict!

Iron Chef America
Sadly, there will be no outsiders competing in Kitchen Stadium this Thanksgiving. After 2006's Battle Cranberry with Rachael Ray and Giada and 2007's Battle Sugar with Paula Deen, Tyler Florence, and Robert Irvine, this year's special will pit Iron Chefs Flay and Symon against Iron Chefs Morimoto and Cora.

According to the press release, fashion designer Marc Ecko comes to Kitchen Stadium to present his take on new jackets for each of the Iron Chefs. A much needed change?

Dear Food Network
Thanksgiving Disasters
Premieres: Tuesday, November 18th at 9pm
Fans share their wildest dinner disaster stories and get great tips and recipes for a worry-free Thanksgiving. Hosted by Guy Fieri and guest starring Tyler Florence, Michael Symon, and Sunny Anderson.

Thanksgiving Turkey
Premieres: Monday, November 17th at 9pm
It’s all about THE BIRD. Host Alton Brown answers every question imaginable about the star of the Thanksgiving meal – the turkey. Guest starring Tyler Florence and Giada De Laurentiis.

Thanksgiving Leftovers
Premieres: Thursday, November 20th at 9pm
With fresh ideas for tired leftovers, Food Network stars show viewers what to do with virtually everything from the Thanksgiving table from turkey and cranberry sauce to sweet potatoes and leftover wine. Hosted by Bobby Flay and guest starring Guy Fieri, Danny Boome, and Sunny Anderson.

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I'm getting hungry from ready all that. I normally love Thanksgiving and the holdiays, but I'm just not feeling ready this year. The weather is turning colder. My time spent at the gym is dwindling, and the idea of going out in the cold just seems less and less exciting. This will also be one of the years I won't be going home to see any family on Thanksgiving, so the day has lost a bit of its luster right now. Maybe I'll be able to change that over the new few weeks. Until then, I'll try to drag my ass to the gym a few times before the cold really sets in. Wish me luck!

What's This?!? Full episodes on Foodnetwork.com

Has anyone else seen this? FoodNetwork.com now has a video player that includes, among other things, full episodes of Cooking for Real, Iron Chef America, Ask Aida, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and Ace of Cakes.


You still have to watch them in Food Network's inferior-to-hulu video player... but it's hard to compete with NBC Universal, News Corp, and $100 million in private investments. So, three cheers are still in order for Food Network and Scripps for taking the plunge and putting their content on YouTube and, now, their Website.

And just in case you're wondering, I don't really like watching full episodes online. They are good if they're sneak peeks before the episode airs on TV, though. Love how they did that with 30 Rock recently.

Soooo Food Network Interactive: how 'bout you put up that Thanksgiving Special with Ina Garten! ;-)

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Would you watch full episodes online?

Macy's Party at NYC Wine and Food Fest

After the Duff Goldman-hosted dessert party SWEET (which I'll blog about later; I'm going in a roundabout order), I headed upstairs to the Macy's Culinary Council Star Party at The XChange.


But on the way to the elevator I saw Tyler Florence, who was getting mobbed by women (and some men) asking for pictures. He must have recognized me from our interview earlier this year, 'cause he actually stopped taking pictures to give me a hug! So crazy! Tyler is so nice to his fans.

The party was on the top floor of the building and right as I hopped on the elevator, Anne Burrell jumped in at the last minute. I think she mentioned something about waking up late that morning and barely making it to the CBS Early Show.

As we walked in, I told Anne how much I liked her show and was glad that it got picked up for more episodes. She thanked me for the "A+" review and even snapped a pic with me!

Food by some amazing chefs was being passed around, but I was too excited to eat (and pretty stuffed from all the desserts I had just eaten downstairs).

After briefly chatting with her downstairs, I got to talk (and dance and drink) with the one, the only, Susie Fogelson.






Giada De Laurentiis was there with her husband Todd. This was my first time speaking to Giada in person. She and Todd were both very nice and complimented me on the blog--Todd even brought up that "Birthday Idea for Giada" post. We talked about her new show and how the baby was doing (she was back home in L.A. with her family) and how it had been going back and forth.

I've seen her in person at a book signing before, but this was my first time up close. It's true, she is tiny! But very nice, people. I didn't get any "Princess Proscuitto" vibe at all. She certainly didn't have to talk to me for as long as she did; a million other folks were clamoring for her attention that night.

But the highlight of the night had to be dancing with some of the great people who work at Food Network (Carrie, Lisa, Lauren, Jannie and Susie) and help make events like these so much fun... and help a blogger out with content and pics all year long!

Even Iron Chef Bobby Flay got into the dancing spirit, although it looks like he lost a little interest halfway through. Watch for Bruce Seidel and Susie Fogelson, too.


P.S.- I didn't take this vid and can't be held responsible for bad dancing choices. ;-)

MSN has lots more pics from the event.

[Photos via WireImage]