Paula Deen Sues Tour Promoter

I only reported on one of the canceled Paula Deen tour spots last week, since they kept coming in every day from different cities.

At first it wasn't clear why Paula was pulling out from the 10-city tour. She issued an apology on her website, and issued a vague statement saying there were "there were so many issues and logistical problems," but that was about it.


Now, after the tour promoter Celebrity Chefs Tour claimed in an article that the Deens backed out of the tour after receiving "full payment in advance", Paula Deen Enterprises and Deen Brothers Enterprises (uh... of course) have filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging defamation.

Paula says the promoter bounced a $150,000 check and sent her "bogus" wire transfer instructions.

"Although the plaintiffs were entitled under Section 7(d) of the Tour Agreement to terminate the Tour Agreement immediately after the $150,000 deposit went unpaid, they continued to work in good faith with CCT on the planning of the events," the complaint states. "As the first two events, scheduled for Charlotte and Durham on February 20-21, 2010, drew near, plaintiffs sent CCT multiple written demands for both the deposit payment, and the payments owed for upcoming events."

According to the complaint, CCT was to pay the Deens up to $130,000 for each event.

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

I guess we'll see who's really at fault soon. I don't imagine Paula would pull out of a tour and generate all this bad publicity intentionally, but something still seems a bit fishy.

Bottom line is: Paula's gotta get paid! She may be in her 60s, but I bet she smells bogus wire transfer instructions from a mile away.

... and they don't smell like butter.

Bobby & Jamie Deen Now on Twitter

In a blog post title "I am slowly being eaten by electronic progress...", Jamie Deen reveals that he and his (still single?) bro Bobby are now on Twitter! Although poor Jamie can't even spell his Twitter username correctly:


We are “DeenBros.” I think.....if y’all care to hunt it down and have problems finding us, drop a line here and Lisa or Phil can help you out.

Does this make me a twit?

The Deen brothers' Twitter name is actually: TheDeenBros

So far, they only have a few tweets up--and they've already gotten the hang of posting insignificant drivel (like many celebs on Twitter): Our playoff softball game was just postponed..... Stupid rain

As a reminder, you can follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/FoodNetAddict and you'll never encounter insignificant drivel... well maybe a few meaningless mind meanderings, but never drivel. ;-)

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."
  

Bobby Deen Blogs

I rarely check Jamie Deen's blog anymore, but maybe that'll change if his younger brother Bobby Deen continues to guest blog. I just subscribed to the RSS feed.

He may not be the best writer of his generation, but I'll take what I can get. Bobby indicates he'll be here in D.C. next week and then in South Beach for the Wine & Food Festival. Two chances for me to stalk him! Don't think I will, though.



Here's his full post, punctuation and all:

February 10 2009
Guess who………

Good morning everyone, Bobby here. I’ve hijacked Jamie’s computer.

I wanted to say thanks to all of the folks that enjoy our mom’s work, and that make the trek here to The Lady & Sons. In this economy, I’m moved by the people who drive or fly here everyday to visit our restaurant in hopes of catching a glimpse of our mom. It seem that every time I’m here at the restaurant, someone says “I drove _ miles to be here!” Just an example; A young couple (early twenties) I spoke with in the Paula Deen Store about two weeks ago, Had driven to Savannah from Minnesota to eat at our place. I chose their story because its fresh on my mind, but I hear that stuff all the time. Unbelievable! Our mother’s appeal is vast and covers the spectrum as far as people who can relate to, and love her. I’m very proud of that.

The Lady & Sons is running like a top, and we are gearing up for what we hope is a busy spring here in Savannah. I’m extremely proud of our staff, as they are responsible. Dustin Walls (our general manager) The kitchen managers (too many to mention here, but they know who they are) are doing an outstanding job managing this business. I think our health department score speaks for itself. (100) Proud of that too. Jamie and I will be in D.C. next week, then I’ll be in South Beach with my mom for the Food&Wine;Festival. Come see us if you can. Thank you all for your love and support, it is not lost on us.

love y’all-
Bobby Deen

[Thanks Jen!]

When You Wish Upon A Star: Bobby Deen MAY Start Blogging

Someone must be listening to our collective prayers because Jamie Deen revealed on his new blog that brother Bobby may be starting a blog of his own!


"I’ll be out next monday so check back in 2 weeks for an update... Rumor has it Bobby may start one of these up so keep your fingers crossed."

For real, Jamie. Two weeks with no updates is way too long. You gotta get Bobby in there to pick up the pace. Maybe have Paula and hubby Captain whats-his-name post, too?

I checked Jamie Deen's new blog last night around 11 p.m. to see if he'd kept his promise and posted his weekly update. He hadn't.

He must have slipped it in right before midnight, though. In addition to the revelation about Bobby, there's a sweet story about a "Make a Wish" child who wanted to meet Jamie and Bobby and eat at the Lady & Sons.

Paula Deen's Restaurant Suffers Fire Damage

Paula Deen is so hot right now she's setting her own property on fire! Well, not really. But the Queen of Butter's popular Savannah, Ga. restaurant, The Lady & Sons, was the scene of a fire last night.


"Firefighters responded to The Lady & Sons eatery at about 11 p.m. According to Savannah Fire Captain Matt Stanley, the blaze appeared to have started in a 2nd floor stairwell that was used for storage. He said the fire generated heavy smoke and minor damage was reported to a first-floor dining room or kitchen areas."

Being that late, I assume/hope no one was in the building at the time and that there were no injuries.

Keep your eyes open for an update on Jamie's blog about this.

[Original image source USA Today/AP]

Jamie Deen Gets Blogging

Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady & Sons has debuted a new website, and with it a new blog... written by Paula's son Jamie.


Here's Jamie's first post:

I’m a blogger now.

Welcome to our new site and my new blog.

It was bound to happen… I’m a blogger, what ever that is.

So, here goes - welcome to our new web site. After a lot of work by a lot of talented people we are excited to offer a new look to The Lady & Sons restaurant web site. As part of the new experience we are including this blog. I will be checking in every Monday with a new post. If you have anything to share or any questions, leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to talk about them here.

Thanks y’all and enjoy.

Jamie

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I think FASCINATING sums that up nicely. Hopefully Jamie will be better than the countless Food Network stars who start and abandon their blogs. Buuuuuuuut, with just a promise to post once a week, I feel like we'll be on the slow train to nothingville before we know it.

Prove me wrong, Jamie!

And if you can't, let Bobby Deen blog!


[Thanks Janine!]

JK / The Deens Do Ellen

Hope you enjoyed my little April Fools joke yesterday. I knew the very thought of having anyone take over for Emeril would be enough to ruffle a lot of feathers.

It's a pretty far-fetched idea, as I don't think Dave and Food Network are actively discussing any future projects. But isn't that the point of a good April Fools joke? There should be some level of incredulity, otherwise the gullible people will just believe it at face value and the skeptics will ignore it altogether. What you're looking for is that HOW CAN THIS POSSIBLY BE TRUE?! reaction.

Anyhow, hope your April was kicked off with a bang.

The Deen family helped Ellen Degeneres do just that when they appeared on yesterday's episode of her talkshow, filmed on location at Universal Studios in Orlando.



Bobby Deen and his bro Jamie were there to promote their new cookbook, Y'all Come Eat.

The funniest part is when Jamie hands Ellen and Paula Bloody Marys, Paula says, "Bobby puts vodka in his and I put butter in mine," Ellen replies, "What is wrong with you?"

You can check out Part I and Part II below:




Drink ya vodka, Bobby. Don't let ole' mama put any butter in it.

Once you get on Oprah, everything else is downhill

Leaving no media opportunity unanswered, the Deen Brothers-- Bobby and Jamie-- recently spoke at a middle school career day in Savannah, Georgia.

Let me repeat that: Bobby and Jamie Deen spoke at a middle school career day.



Watch that hand, Jamie-- you're married. Notice how Bobby ain't touching anybody. Good boy!

Those ladies (and one random little boy?) sure must have been excited to hear Paula's sons talk about their exciting careers. Maybe some of them will follow in their footsteps.

What a crapola end to the week here in DC. It's cloudy and gloomy.

A Bobby and Jamie Deen Sandwich

Sorry, I have no recipe for a sandwich out of the Deen Brothers Cookbook but an actual Deen Boys sandwich:


I'm not sure who this man is or if he even knew he was getting in-between a Deen brother smoocheroo. Nevertheless, they both seem pretty into it.

Bobby and Jamie pretty much kissed everyone at their recent cookbook launch in New York.


Awww... they didn't even spell out "brothers" on the cover. Ain't that sweet?

Some may be surprised to find out that Jamie, not Bobby, ended up doing a little more man-on-man kissing!



Wow! With all the tanning Jamie's been doing, perhaps James Blunt there was confused.

Not to be outdone, Bobby made friends with more attendees.



Umm... is that his Grand-momma? She doesn't look all that into his lovin' for some reason. I've got about 60 commenters here that'd like a little lip-time with Bobby if she's not interested.

WHICH BRINGS ME TO PAULA herself... Hmm... she managed to squeeze in a few autographs herself.

She looks surprisingly... thin?



It's not that I consider Paula fat by any means, but this photo really makes her look a little gaunt. And what's with that whisper of cleavage? Nigella and Giada pretty much have a handle on that, Paula. You just stick to what you do best:-)

I guess with ANS gone, the torch must be passed.



We still see you!

[Photos and source: Yumsugar and Wireimage]

Fried Chicken and Mullet Dreams

Some very astute readers (nice, huh?) pointed out that the Deen family portrait I posted last Friday shows Jamie Deen rocking one of the 20th Century's most treasured hairdos, the Mullet!



Apparently money wasn't the only thing on this Deen boy's mind:-)

It's just something cheery for you on this sad, sad Monday (sorry Bears fans) until I announce something bigger a little later on today.

See yah!

Thank You, Bobby Deen

[Photo]

No, I am not involved in an abusive relationship with Bobby Deen. But I just had to write about sleepy-eyed Bobby again due to the massive amount of hits and comments I have been getting lately about Paula's single son (sorry everyone, Jamie is taken and has a kid).

Just like mostly everything and everyone on the Food Network, I am able to see the humor and entertainment-value of these two boys. I may joke about their show and their "brothas" and high fives, but I know they are pulling in a lot of viewers. So, cheers to Bobby and Jamie.

Here's some of the great comments I am still getting on my post back on Sept. 5:

I don't understand why y'all are given Bobby Deen such a hard time. He's hot! What woman wouldn't want a good looking, hard working, successful man in her life? AND, hello- you'd never have to cook dinner!

Bobby is the perfect southern gentleman. His mother raised him and his brother well. They both seem like respectful guys. I just adore Bobby's accent, personality, and his ability to cook (he gets that from his Mom, of course.) I would have a blast hanging out with him. Southern accents are HOTT, not weird. I mean, I'm only 22 and I know he's 36 but does age really matter these days? Nah. Bobby, if you read this, you can take me home to mama! I'm a total sweetheart and I have a great personality. Take care!

Hello Everyone! Are you all nutz! He is fabulous! Absolutely wonderful. When he drops the brother and dude, that's him. That's who he is and it is nice to see someone be themselves. As a single female of the age of 28, I find him really attractive! You get to see his Momma everyday and you can tell that her sons have to be as wonderful as she is. Bobby you can call me anytime, Savannah is only a days drive from me!

Well I think that Bobby Deen is the hottest, cutest, boy from the South. I wish that I could meet him so we could hangout watch some football and chill. Maybe he could show me how to cook so good dishes. Maybe cook up some romance!

I'd love to meet & go out with Bobby. I've always thought he was the cutest of the Dean boys. I'm from SC & a little older but who cares.

I also get a lot of people searching for things like "Bobby Deen AND single" or "Bobby Deen, TV Show" and ending up on my page. DC blogger Jordan Baker has this hilarious Q&A section in which she comments on some of the weird searches people entered to get to her blog.

I don't get a lot of crazy search terms, but someone yesterday used "Nigella Lawson, bust" which I thought was nice. At least s/he used a work-safe term:-) Maybe just wondering if there was a bust statue of Nigella somewhere?

Bobby Deen is Looking for Love

Am I completely out of the loop? How did I miss hearing that Bobby Deen was named one of People magazine's Hottest Bachelors of 2006?

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Bobby actually looks pretty good there. As you know, I'm not the biggest Deen Boys fan. Here, though, he's not his dark circle-ridden self. Hopefully, Bobby will get a few dates outta this.

Potential wives be wary. When asked what he's looking for, Bobby responded, "She has to be sweet. ... I don't usually date girls I wouldn't bring home to Mama."

Jack Deen Pics

People magazine has finally caught up (guess there's some celebrity couple named Brangelina taking up a lot of its time) and posted some pics of the new Jack Linton Deen.



"He's got his daddy's big head," says Jamie. I think daddy's head looks about the same size as Brooke's belly there. Yikes!

Hopefully this new addition will pull Pauler out of the glum mood she's been in lately.

I'm a Grandma, Y'all!

Congrats to Paula Deen, whose first grandson Jack Deen was just born yesterday!


Paula's son, Jamie, and his wife Brooke are the proud parents. According to accessNorthGa.com, Paula had been in Nashville, but "hired a car and driver to rush her 500 miles back to Savannah so she could be there for the birth." Congrats Paula! Now go get that butter for the bottle.

Paula vs. Rachael

you've probably noticed that paula has come out with her own magazine in an attempt to diffuse rachael ray's takeover of all mankind. all right, maybe that's a stretch, but you know that when anyone teams up with Oprah, things blow up.

Cooking with Paula Deen (catchy, eh?) is billed as "a new magazine from the South's most beloved cook!" A subscription consists of only 6 issues (compared to Rachael's 10) for only $19.98!




the deen boys seem to be in the magazine as well, if you can believe. here they are--looking tired--holding up some chips, fresh outta the fryer. i know jimmy-bobby and jamie-bobby have a lotta fans out there, so i won't go any further with this;-)

in other paula news, she will be appearing in memphis' Mid-South Fair in september!

i honestly haven't checked out either magazine that much. i'd be interested in knowing if the information in either of them is really better than what i can just get online. hmm...

A Road Wasted: Paula Deens' Sons Should Stick to Delivering

i love a lot of things about FN and am willing to watch a lot of shows that seemingly waste my time, but the DEEN BOYS' new show Road Tasted just didn't hold my attention at all. maybe if dave lieberman was in the back of that covertible i would have kept watching, but lord... do these boys need their own show? don't they live off their momma's fame enough as it is? i guess paula could go at any time and they gotta get a good footing out there.

the chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick looked good, but i would have been fine with just hearing about it via mark summers voiceover.

i will update more once i figure out how to put in the amazing pictures of jamie and bobby looking at taffy, eating taffy, talking about taffy, etc.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz