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."

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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!

Dr. Phil Makes a Move on Cat Cora

I'd guess that the last thing a celebrity chef would want while attending a fancy event at music mogul David Foster's Malibu estate is Dr. Phil sneaking up behind her... but he did just that to Cat Cora this past week!




Whoa... step off, Phil. Cat has a wife, you know!

The big party was actually hosted by Dr. Phil. Cora treated the guests to Italian chocolate cake (in honor of guest Andrea Boccelli) and other deserts featuring Edward Marc Chocolates. Yum!

Wonder if all those goodies fit into that diet plan Dr. Phil used to promote? Hmm...

Cat Cora Shows Off the Bump at the A-List Awards

A pretty and pregnant looking Cat Cora showed up at Bravo's A-List Awards, held recently in Los Angeles. And unlike her Italian Food Network counterpart who preferred to stay inside for most of her pregnancy (or only go out in public in all black), Miss Cat wasn't afraid to show off her burgeoning bump, donning a pretty blue dress to the Kathy Griffin-hosted awards show.


As I twittered last night, Cat Cora presented the A-List Chef Award along with Jose Andres (Kathy Griffin called him something like "Ahn-dray-us") and was introduced as an "A-List, pregnant, lesbian, mom, winner."

Cat, whose partner Jennifer just recently gave birth to a baby boy (congrats!), is pregnant for the first time. She's due (it's a boy) in July.

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Overall the awards weren't all that great, but they were still better than the atrocity that was the Food Network Awards a few years back. Poor dears. Maybe FN can try again in the future?

[Photos]

Amuse-Bouche: A Game of Cat & Mouse

Sorry for no post yesterday. I'm getting ready for a trip to IL later today and it took over my mind. How many shirts do I need?!?

Anyhow, here are some tasty morsels to get you through Friday:

• NOT SURPRISED? Rachael Ray's test of "SweatBlock"-- a product that blocks sweat for "up to a week at a time" boosts sales.
• Watch out Mickey! A Cat is coming. --> Cat Cora's opening a new restaurant at Walt Disney World in 2010.
• Tip from the "next Nigella": "always get your guests to bring their own pudding." Will do.
  
• Tyler Florence's organic baby food Sprout is blowing up around the country.
• BLASPHEMY! Bobby & Jamie Deen endorse I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!
• A Filipino Catholic Priest from Maryland is taping a test show for Food Network?
• Duff Goldman endorses a play food line of products called "Girl Gourmet."
  

TV Alert: Tyler Florence, Cat Cora & Curtis Stone on Oprah Wednesday

Don't forget!


Tyler Florence, Cat Cora & when-then-gonna-get-him-on-Food Network Curtis Stone are all appearing today on Oprah.

Check ye's local listings, as they say.

(Is it just me, or does Tyler look fitter?)

Cat Cora Is ALSO Pregnant! Partner Jennifer Due in April, Cat in July

Congratulations are in order for Iron Chef Cat Cora who is 4 1/2 months pregnant with a boy. This is her first pregnancy. Cat's partner Jennifer, who has already given birth to the couple's two sons, is also pregnant with a boy. Jen's due in April and Cat is due in July.

(Mainstream media: please refrain from using any "double buns in the ovens" kind of headlines... although I'm sure you already have.)


"Jennifer and I are thrilled to go through the wonderful experience of pregnancy together. We started the in-vitro process 5 years ago," said Cat who is due in July. "This has been a miracle for us and we'll now have 4 beautiful children."

And if you're very interested in the biology behind the couple's soon-to-be four children, Cat's pregnancy is a result of in-vitro fertilization with Jennifer's embryo. The couple's sons were both carried by Jennifer, who was artificially inseminated for her first pregnancy, but carried the second to term using Cat's embryo. In Jennifer's current pregnancy, both women's embryos were implanted, so the biological mother is unknown. Each of the couple's children was conceived through insemination or in-vitro with the same anonymous sperm donor, making the children biological brothers, according to a press release.

Phew! However it happened, congrats to Cat and Jen! You're going to be an even busier family very soon!

Cat Cora & Little Miss Sunshine

Cat Cora was the guest of honor at the Paley Center for Media's "Evening With Cat Cora" recently and took some time out to pose with Academy Award Nominee Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine").

Just look at Cat promoting her "lifestyle" of bronzed skin, makeup, and hair extension to the poor, innoncent child... just like nearly every woman in Hollywood. She's being influenced! We must put a stop to all "lifestyles"!




(Can you sense the sarcasm in my words?)

Plus, there's a video:


[Wireimage]

Cat Cora Speaks Out on Prop 8

Cat Cora, who's lived with her partner of 10 years Jen Cora in California, spoke out against the disappointing results of Prop. 8, calling its passing "shocking and stunning" in a recent interview:


A lot has been said about this recent historic election that with the passage of Prop. 2 (protection for farm animals) and of Prop. 8 (amending the state constitution to restrict marriage to a union between a man and a woman) that Californians care more about chickens than human beings. What do you think?
We’re all disappointed. On a good note, it was close. But it’s shocking and stunning to think this happened, given how progressive we think Californians are. It’s sad this issue is even on the ballot in this day and age.

Did you and Jen walk down the aisle before the election?
No. We’re domestic partners. We were legally advised not to rush to the altar, because once you get married, your domestic partnership goes out the window. With another child on the way, a health-care proxy is absolutely necessary to have. But I support everyone who has gotten married.

Did you ever fear that some of your adoring public might view you differently?
Jen and I have never hidden the fact that we’re together. Our kids are important to us, and we want them to know we’re proud to be their mothers. You have to stand up for who you are, because you are basically standing up for them. We’re just an all-American family living the all-American dream.


While she's upset over Prop. 8, Cat still has other reasons to be happy. She's opening her first restaurant CCQ (Cat's take on global BBQ) soon in Costa Mesa, Calif. and is expecting another son (Jen's and Cat's 3rd together) in April 2009.

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]

Cat Cora's Twin

Is Iron Chef Cat Cora the secret twin of E!'s Chelsea Handler?


Maybe?

I wasn't of a big fan of Chelsea before, but her current show on E!, Chelsea Lately, is really growing on me. I wish she would take over hosting duties for Conan after he moves to L.A. to do the Tonight show. But I love Jimmy Fallon, too, who is supposed to get the job. I'm torn.

Okay... I'm sidetracking VERY far from Food Network. Must remedy that. Ummm....Paula Deen did something today. Uhhh, Smithfield commercial. Buy ham in the pretty blue package with her picture on it.

There. I feel better.

Video from BubbleQ

Combine Moet & Chandon champagne with American barbeque cooked by celebrity chefs, thow in a glowing Giada De Laurentiis as host... and you have BubbleQ!



Delicious!

P.S.- Oh Sheila was the only song I remember them playing last night. Sue me.

All Star Holiday Dessert Battle Review

I don't mean to be mean, but...


Hmm... I got about six, if you count both sides.

This multitude of fleshy fantasia must be a precursor to the battle's secret ingredient: SUGAR! Paula might want to lay off it a bit, but I guess it's the holiday season so just roll with it, girl!

As you all probably know, Paula Deen teamed up with Iron Chef Cat Cora in a battle against Tyler Florence and Robert Irvine (Team Tybert).

Tyler was pretty calm throughout the entire battle, only showing some sweaty signs of agitation toward the end. Still... he never lost his cool.


I love how Cat Cora always works her ass off during every Iron Chef. She's always got some huge whisk, spoon or knife flying around at 100 mph. Sexy!


Robert Irvine quickly stripped off his chef's coat to reveal that kinda-freaky torso below.


Oh, and Alton just tried to make it through the show without pointing out too much that Paula was using processed cheese food and that Robert Irvine seemed a little more interested in flirting with Paula than cooking.


Paula is really starting to kind of scare me. She used to be a sweet granny from the South. Now, what with all this kissing on the lips of every man she encounters and joking about Robert stripping, she's become something very un-grandmotherly. I don't know... that cackle and those weird, slurring phrases give me the heebie-jeebies.



One of the best parts of the show was when Paula turned to the camera and said something like: "I'm a fixin' to have a DRANK.... enny minnut!" and Alton, obviously shocked at the odd behavior, just said: "Umm... okay. Do that." It wasn't a pretty moment for Paula.

But besides this moment of humor, there wasn't much that really kept me watching for the full hour. Last year's battle (in which they actually cooked entrees) just had a lot more excitement and truly funny moments. This one just seemed very forced-- from everything Paula kept doing to the zany things Robert kept trying to pull "spontaneously" (although they looked very rehearsed).

The food looked like this:



Pretty yummy all around. Nothing I'm going crazy over wanting to try besides the tarte.

Desserts just don't look as pretty as the regular meals usually do on Iron Chef.



Tina even overdosed on sugar, apparently:


Even Tina Fey couldn't right the wrongs in this special. She just didn't have much to work with. When she did talk, it was funny, though. Please bring her back!




Ummm... without having tasted any of the desserts, it's hard for me to say either way if this was a rightful win. I'm happy for Cat, but sad there was no evil reaction by Team Tybert like last year's:



I vote for a Rachael/Giada REMATCH next year!

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So what did you think? Did the right team win?

And who would you like to see battle it out on next year's All Star Holiday Battle?!?!

Food Network hosts a SWEET dessert party

On Nov. 16, Food Network, along with Ferraro Rocher, hosted the SWEET dessert party, a preview event for the first:

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, coming in Fall 2008.

(These festival names are a mouthful!)



Rachael channeled her inner Oompa-Loompa for the event, with her mega spray tan proudly showcasing a deep chocolate-orange hue-- perhaps serving as an homage to the famous Willy Wonka candy makers?



And how is it that Ingrid Hoffmann, well-known as Food Network's most scantily dressed star, is wearing the most clothes!?!

I guess Miami girls have a hard time adjusting to New York weather.



Even Chiarello showed up! That's quite a jaunt from his Napa-valley abode, just for a lil' old candy party.

Businesswire has the deets on the goodies:

Guests will sample the mouthwatering creations of New York’s premiere pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and bakers, including such notable James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award winners and nominees as Le Bernardin’s Michael Laiskonis (2007 winner), Dessert Studio at Chocolat Michel Cluizel’s Will Goldfarb (2007 nominee), Jean Georges’ Johnny Iuzzini (2006 winner), and Karen DeMasco of Craft (2005 winner). Also participating in the festivities will be Food Network stars Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, Michael Chiarello, Duff Goldman, Cat Cora, Sandra Lee and Ingrid Hoffmann

Luckily, there was a good cause thrown in. The event benefitted Share Our Strength and the Food Bank for New York City.

Plus, you got a nice photo opp with G and R:



Doesn't that look... nice.

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I didn't get a chance to go, but I'm hoping to make it to the actual festival next year. Check out http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/ for more info.

[Photos via Wireimage]

IC All Star Holiday Dessert Battle Review Coming

I was traveling last night and wasn't able to catch all of the Iron Chef: All Star Holiday Dessert battle featuring Cat Cora/Paula Deen vs. Robert Irvine/Tyler Florence. I do know who won, but have no idea if it was well-deserved or not. I only got to see a second of Tina Fey, too.

For a review right now, please turn to Jordan Baker. Thanks!

Ina vs. Paula in '08!

Well, my holiday dream is not coming true this Thanksgiving, as Ina Garten will not be battling it out in kitchen stadium against Paula Deen.





Sad.

HOWEVER-- I just got word that miss Paula will be cranking up the burners in a Thanksgiving battle against Tyler Florence & Robert Irvine!

IRON CHEF AMERICA: ALL STAR HOLIDAY BATTLE
Premieres: Sunday, November 25th at 9PM
In another All Star Culinary Showdown, the Chairman has invited Paula
Deen to partner up with Iron Chef Cat Cora and compete against Food Network’s
own Tyler Florence and Robert Irvine.

Not returning this year will be Rachael Ray or Mario Batali, last year's winners.




Dang!




And keeping with the holiday spirit, Paula returns with her own special: PAULA’S PARTY: DEEP FRIED THANKSGIVING PARTYPremieres: Friday, November 9th at 10PM

It's a Thanksgiving to remember on Paula’s Party when every dish is deep-fried. Everything from fried stuffing on a stick to fried cranberry fritters to turkey with a deep fried pecan glaze! And what's Thanksgiving without football, family and a parade? Football legend Refrigerator Perry helps Paula’s sons Jamie and Bobby fry up some bacon mashed potatoes. They surprise their mom with a live marching band, and a major star from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Kermit the Frog! He stops by to help Paula deep fry a pumpkin cake to top off the perfect Thanksgiving feast.

I'll post some more November highlights soon.

Calling All Cat Cora Fans

Well, I am back from Chicago and am excited to share this exciting opportunity for residents in the New York City area.

I'm looking for a big Iron Chef and Cat Cora fan to attend the taping
of a grilling segment on Wednesday 5/9 afternoon ( 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm).
We can provide car service to and from the studio for people living in
the NYC metro area.

If you are a fan or know someone who is a fan and would like them to
attend please let me know - we had some last minute drop-outs and need
to fill these special audience seats today.

Thanks!

Erika Martineau
Account Director
The Brooks Group
212-768-0860
erika@brookspr.com

Please contact Erika directly, as I have no further information about this exciting opportunity.

AND-- if anyone gets to go, please e-mail me and tell me how it goes!

Cat's in Heat

A BIG thanks to Janine who alerted me to this super-hot photo shoot of Cat Cora in FHM.



Lordy! I'm going to have to think of more sexy hot "cat" phrases to use, now with all these pictorials coming out of our Iron Chef.

Cat was challenged to prepare meals using ingredients found in a convenience store.

To most people, the local mini-mart is just a source of Squishees and amusing security-camera robbery footage. But Iron Chef America star Cat Cora proved that a convenience store can be so much more when she gustily accepted FHM’s culinary challenge—to prepare dishes worthy of a five-star restaurant using only the ingredients and equipment found in a Los Angeles–area Circle K. “I’m going to take mini-mart foods to a whole other level that has never been attempted before,” Cat vowed.

It looks like she did pretty well on the challenge...

... but who's really looking at the food? Really.

On a personal note, I think-- like Rachael Ray's shoot with FHM several years ago-- a photo shoot like this is intended to be more than just overtly sexy. It's a rare chance for someone like Cat to show a fun, playful side while proving she can still heat it up (with anything she finds) at the same time.

Wow. Happy Friday.

More Food Network Award Pics

It's Friday and sunny, so my thoughts are drifting back to Miami right about now.

April 15 is still a few weeks ago, but the Food Network is doing its best to get you to watch the Food Network Awards.




Mmmm Mmmm! What is with all the bags under the eyes? This was a Friday night about 7 p.m. Perhaps Bobby Deen took to the South Beach party scene more than his momma.

And, finally, because I can...



my first Kris Kross reference! Cat was so hot that night; she deserves it.

As far as the award categories go, ehhh. Will I cry if Minneapolis loses to Portland (it does) for "Delicious Destination of the Year"? Doubtful.

Anyhow. Enjoy. Watch Al Roker talk about childhood obesity this weekend and let me know how that is. Peace.

Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Fest: Part 1

Let's just start this with saying that these past two days have been amazing. I have seen so many Food Network stars, attended culinary demos of some of my idols, ate way too much, drank even more than that, and now have so many stories to share with all of you.



Now in its sixth year, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (hereafter referred to as "the festival") brings thousands to South Beach's Lummus Park to taste the creations of hundreds of chefs and restaurants, try wines from all over the world and watch some of their favorite chefs and celebrities in action.

Okay, that's my background/promo paragraph. The good news is: I'm really being honest! The festival has truly become the ultimate destination for food and wine lovers, and it's worth every penny.

I'll be posting throughout the week in-depth about the various events I attended. I have some huge things to share, and let me tell you-- the Food Network stars can be very different in person:-)

My flight didn't get in until 11 p.m. on Friday, so I wasn't able to make it to the red carpet of the Food Network Awards. I wanted to post this picture of Cat Cora, though, as she looks so incredibly stunning.



Cat really cleans up when she's out of Kitchen Stadium! Even though the word isn't that great about the show itself, Cat deserves some sort of award for for this ensemble.

Okay, Internet connection is slower than the little old ladies here in Miami. I must go for now.

Remind me to tell you about: Dave's comments about Martha Stewart, Rachael's book signing, Giada's cooking demo, and Michael Chiarello's "surprise" appearance. There is a lot to cover!

Hope you all had a great weekend, though. I have yet to actually step onto the beach (other than the sand the festival is held on) or get into the ocean, so it ain't all fun and games here! :-) More info to come very soon.

Watch for Rachael on the Oscar's tonight!

Note to Self: Choose Spokesperson Who has Name of Product

Iron Chef Cat Cora has been chosen to "freshen [the] look" of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Ads, says the Catfish Institute:



I hope they put together something nice that incorporates CAT in the ads. Something like: "This Cat only needs one kind of fish..." or "When it comes to fish, make it a CATfish."

Hmm...

The Catfish Institute, based in Mississippi, may have other reasons:

A native Mississippian, Cat will be featured alongside some of her favorite catfish recipes in a national print advertising campaign that will begin in March 2007. The year-long campaign will be featured in magazines such as Gourmet, Fine Cooking, Cooking with Paula Deen, Flavor and the Menu, Food Arts, and Chef.



I think Cat is great and any advertisement she wants to do is fine by me. She's really missing out, though, on all of the other cat-related products she could lend her image to:

Cat Cora, for Fancy Feast

Cat Cora-flavored Meow Mix

Cat Cora Duets with Cat Stevens

The possibilities are endless! How do I become a manager?