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?

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

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.

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!

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?

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! ;-)

***

Would you watch full episodes online?

Where I'm Also Blogging - Delish.com

(This isn't the big news, but it's still big news.)

Tuesday was the official launch of the new Hearst/MSN food site Delish.com -- and I'm blogging for it!

My blog there, The Secret Ingredient, covers Iron Chef America exclusively.

Thanks to all of you who have sent me info on the Iron Chef video game. I haven't mentioned it here, because I already blogged about it on Delish!


I've also posted about staying across the street from Mario Batali's Babbo, my theory that the Chairman really is "The Chairman", and a recap of the recent battle: snails.

So please: visit, read, and comment!

There is a lot of good stuff on the site. Let me know what you think.

And I'll still be here, of course. I'm not going anywhere. This is just going to be a fun opportunity to blog about ICA -- a show I don't always post enough about here -- on a brand new site with lots of other content.

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

So glad it's Thursday.

Iron Chef: Outrageous Ingredients Week

If secret ingredients like salmon or curry are just too boring for you, then you must tune in to Fine Living this week for Iron Chef Japan: Outrageous Ingredients.



It's battle sea urchin tonight. Shark Fin is tomorrow. Who knows what Wednesday will be. Tune in to find out.

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

2nd note to self: figure out what channel Fine Living is on.

Sea Monster Week on Iron Chef Japan

Next week is "Sea Monster Week" on Iron Chef Japan—the original and, arguably, best food competition show—available only on Food Network's sister station Fine Living.

Take a peek:


I think I have Fine Living with my new cable package. I'll have to czech it out.

Symon Off Iron Chef Page... Again!

I don't get it.

A little over a week ago I pointed out that Michael Symon's name was absent in several places on the Iron Chef America page on foodnetwork.com.


Shortly after I posted, I got an email from the VP of Public Relations at Food Network telling me they had fixed the problem. Phew!

WELL—Symon is missing again... at least in one place!


For those who bothered checking, you know that Michael Symon got added to the "About the Show" paragraph after I pointed out the mistake. Well, now there's a new picture of the Iron Chefs up, but the name is missing once again!

Is this the fault of the same web department that accidentally revealed the winner of The Next Food Network Star three days before the finale aired?

Michael Symon Not Getting Equal Attention on FN.com

The reviews are mixed on Michael Symon's performance on Dinner: Impossible. (I find that cackle of his kind of charming, actually). While he's got an impressive new logo treatment and minisite for DI on FoodNetwork.com, Michael's presence on the site for Iron Chef America continues to be unbalanced.

Take a look:


His picture was Photoshopped in behind Mario, but his name still doesn't appear in the page's title (on top) or in the "About the Show" section. What gives?!

I seem to remember some controversy in the blog world shortly after Michael won his spot as the next Iron Chef. Namely, his picture and name wasn't on the ICA site. Quickly, Food Network popped his picture in... then it was gone again... then it came back (does anyone remember this?).

Luckily, Michael Symon lets us know he recently did nine battles for ICA's upcoming season, so there's no reason to worry about his status.

Still... shouldn't Symon get equal credit online?

UPDATE: Food Network has since updated the site, crediting Michael Symon. Yay!

The Best Iron Chef Parody Ever

Move over Alton... Mary Alice is here and she's got some expert commentatoring skills of her own.

Check out the hiLARious Ace of Cakes' Iron Chef parody: Lead Chef, Battle Scrapple


I had never heard of scrapple before, but, then again, I'm from the Midwest. It's apparently an east coast/Maryland thing?

Sounds gross.

Ted Allen Debuts New Blog

Ted Allen (Queer Eye, Iron Chef, Top Chef, et al), who I had the pleasure of meeting when I was down in Miami, just debuted a new blog on his personal website.



All righty, then: Helllooooo! Ya know, with so few options available to those of us who like to read about the minutia of other people’s lives, I thought it was high time I provided a fascinating glimpse into the glorious cycle of song that is my own. So, welcome!

In his first entry, Ted answers the question "What are the best and worst dishes you've tried on Iron Chef?" (Answer: both were prepared by Mario Batali. Who knew?!)

Ted is also blogging for Bravo's Top Chef, where he'll be serving as a regular judge this season. I love that he can be so frank in these blogs, even going so far to denounce the passé fauxhawk that several male contestants are still sporting. ("2003 called; it wants your hairdo back.")

Bravo has of course (hint hint Food Network!) nearly a dozen official blogs dedicated to the "#1 food show on cable," a claim that Food Network trys to dispute. Hmmm...

Well, TC's season premiere garnered more than 2 million total viewers. Let's see if this summer's The Next Food Network Star can beat that.

Come and Get It! All New in '08

A pretty good weekend of Food Network, huh?

First I got to see a new episode of Barefoot Contessa, shot in her new studio kitchen on her property's barn. One of those "all new" in '08 eps, I suppose. Although their definition of "all new" differs with mine.

Then I caught Iron Chef America: Batali vs. Oliver.

And then I even watched the sneak peek of At Home with Jamie.


A complete update with pics and more to come... but for now, what did you all think?


[Photo courtesy Food Network]

A Great Deal of Pea

In more lighthearted news...



Have a good weekend!

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!

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

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?!?!

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!

I'm Loving Subliminal Advertising

[Photo]

There's been SO MUCH hullabaloo over this supposed "subliminal advertising" catch on a recent Iron Chef America taping that I sort of tried to avoid talking about it.

It's been covered in basically every major TV, radio and Internet outlet, so there's really no point in providing a link... just turn on the radio right... now... and they'll be talking about it. I heard about it on NPR this morning.

In case you don't follow the news and simply read Food Network Addict, I must congratulate you. You haven't really missed anything. Quick update: War is still going on, da Bears are going to the Superbowl, the War is still going on, and McDonald's uses subliminal advertising!!!!

Actually, no it doesn't. I don't know why, but when I saw the video early this week I didn't get crazily up in arms. It just seems like an accident.

I suppose it's because it's McDonald's. It's the largest restaurant chain in the world. Regardless, I'm sure the Food Network or Iron Chef producers or McDonald's aren't really complaining. As they say, you can't buy press like this.

There was another story that came out this week that I chose not to cover, as well. I just don't buy it, and it's not really anything to make light of.

What I like to make light of is Alton Brown, who would never take offense:


[Photo]

Look at this weirdly astral pic of Mr. Brown. It's better than his smoking one a few days ago. Still, I'm thinking Alton might make a good astronaut or planetarium guide.

I'm Lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvin' It! Have a great weekend!

PS- How many times must I see the 6-piece chicken McNugget commercial? It's on the dollar menu for about a week. Is there a reason it ever cost any more than a dollar?

PPS- My mom used to tell me movies showed subliminal ads for popcorn and hotdogs and stuff, which I thought was so cool. It reminds me of the subliminal message episode of Saved by the Bell.

PPPS- My sister used to pride herself in eating her McNuggets slower than I did when we were kids. I'd be done and she'd gloat about having just one left-- taunting me all the way. I got smart once and put one under the table real quick before we started eating. Boy, was she surprised when I showed her I had one more than she did!

and I just embarrassed myself:-)

Just Another Mary Alice Monday

I just got an email last night from my favorite "Ace" star Mary Alice reminding me about the second season, currently being filmed on-location in Baltimore (that sounded official, didn't it). I guess, rightfully so, the Food Network's Web site beat me to this announcement, but new episodes are slated to start airing January 18th, and the talk among FN execs has evidently been very good.

"Apparently [those execs] LOVED it, said it was the funniest ever. One exec said she felt like she was watching a sitcom. I guess that's a compliment," said Mary Alice.

I think it is. There's nothing else like it on the Food Network. I don't think we'll be seeing a fully-scripted Food Network sitcom anytime soon, but I'd like some royalties if one shows up in the next few years.

Advertising for the second season is supposed to be pretty intense, too. You may find yourself driving past a billboard just like this very soon!



Be on the lookout.

Mary Alice also told me a great story about her encounter with Alton Brown at a recent taping of Iron Chef America:

"We were sitting in the very non-vip section, a row of metal folding chairs along the backmost wall of the set. Here's a teleplay.

Alton: I don't want any trouble from this section.

Me: Well, um, sir, this is actually the designated trouble section.

Alton: Well, good thing my station is over there. (exits).

Me: (swooning)

My Husband: (swooning, he totally loves him more than i do) He totally talked to you!

Me: Oh my god I know.

And, scene."

I love it! She can't divulge who won, but she did let me know that her taping took SIX HOURS! Now, hold onto your whisks and apron strings, the cooking itself does go only one hour. It's the closeups and set up shots that take all the extra time. That Figures.

Well, hopefully everyone is recovering from Thanksgiving overload. I myself had a nice, relaxing long weekend. Still managed to brave the crowds at various stores, but didn't really buy any presents:-/ Don't know why I always do that.

Happy Monday.