Giada's Chest Explodes Buttons Off Shirt In the Early Days

These days you can't turn on Food Network without getting a little cleavage action, be it from Giada De Laurentiis, Anne Burrell, or Mario Batali.

An although Giada seemed pretty comfortable displaying it on her original Food network show Everyday Italian, apparently an early-on wardrobe malfunction embarrassed her enough to stop wearing button-up shirts and switch to the more comfy tees you see above.

"This was awhile ago, I think during the second season of 'Everyday Italian,' and we were trying to figure out the wardrobe for the show. I was wearing this pretty tight button-down shirt and I bent down -- in those days the oven was down low, below the stove -- to grab my roast out of the oven and all the buttons on my shirt just popped open. Everything opened up. I was so incredibly humiliated that I went running to the bathroom."

Yikes! Better to just have it out there in the first place than deal with those pesky button-popping incidences!

Whatever, G. I think you look great in what-ever. And I'm with you on comfort. I'm wearing a V-neck right now, too. Now let me go confidently bend down in front of my oven...

Next Food Network Star - Week 3

Well, I may have missed posting about last week's episode (I was still on the West coast, getting ready to get on a redeye flight back) but I'm baaaaack.

This week, Guy Fee-Yetti was pitch-hitting for Bobby Flay while he was back in New York. And luckily for us, Guy didn't just intro one of the challenges like he's done in past seasons but actually served as a guest judge with Tuschelson (I think Bobby T. and Suze would have been fine on their own, but oh well.)

So, to sum it up, the contestants first had to learn what it's like to work a red carpet... and what better way to do that than take them to an L.A. hotspot, hire fake paparazzi and fans to snap photos and yell their (cued or written on the paid actors' hands I'm sure) names, and have them do short interviews with a local L.A. television reporter who no one outside of Cali probably knows.

Then, they had to cater a Grammy party for musician Colbie Caillat... because so many Food Network stars do massive catering on their Food Network shows. Hmm....

Anyhow... Dzintra unleashed the crazy --although it's still take compared to Lisa Garza:-( --and Serena's foot got stepped on. Just a regular day in la la land.

And someone went home. What did you think?

Bob Tuschman Really Wants You to Like... Bob Tuschman!

If you can't love (or Facebook 'like') yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?

The Next Food Network Star judge and Food Network GM Bob Tuschman took that Rupual-ism to heart recently when he took to the social networking site to proclaim his love for his employer... and himself!

Nothing wrong with a little self-love, Bob! (Err... ummm.)

Anyhow, what I think's going on is Bob "liked" his new Bob Tuschman "official brand page" on Facebook. On it he provides little tidbits of info and status updates about the show. He's actually been updating his page way more than I ever have the time to do. Go Bob!

So go on and don't upset Bob. Like him on Facebook... he does.

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

I'm flying to Portland, Oregon this afternoon. It's my first visit there and I'm really looking forward to it. Can't wait to experience the food, weather and scenery! (Food first, of course.)

Any suggestions for while I'm there? Thanks!

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.)

Bob Tuschman Gets Promoted to General Manager of Food Network

Farewell long workplace titles!

Bob Tuschman, Food Network's former Senior Vice President of Programming and Production, has been promoted to "g.m." of the network.


In addition to what I'd guess is a hefty salary bump, Variety says that Tusch will continue to perform his regular duties and "[develop] an overall strategic direction of the network."

Congrats to Bob. Look for him when The Next Food Network Star returns this Sunday, June 6 at 9pm ET.

A Big F-ing Deal: Sunny Anderson Cooks with Vice President Joe Biden

Sunny Anderson is here in D.C. today attending and cooking for a pre-Memorial Day barbecue hosted by big f-ing deal himself Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill.

In attendance at the Vice President's Naval Observatory residence are wounded service members from Walter Reed Army Medical Center outpatients and their families.

Sunny, an Air Force vet, comes from a big military family--her grandfather, dad, brother, and uncles all served or are currently serving in one form or another.

"It really is a huge honor for me," Sunny told me when I spoke to her yesterday.

The event will be featured, including Sunny's cookout menu, in an upcoming issue of Food Network Magazine.

Congrats Sunny! I hope you have fun here in our Nation's Capital!

Former Food Network Host Arrested for Trying to Get Homeless to Commit Murder

Yikes! Juan Carlos Cruz, the host of the former Food Network show Calorie Commando (don't think it even makes it into reruns anymore... and will definitely pulled now), was arrested on Thursday in Santa Monica, California for soliciting homeless people to commit murder!

"On Friday May 7th, police officers were contacted by homeless individuals who said the suspect solicited them to commit murder. The homeless people agreed to help officers in an investigation, in which Cruz revealed to officers the murder-for-hire method, where and when the individual was to be killed, and the terms of payment."

Cruz is currently being held on $5 million bail.

UPDATE: TMZ is reporting Cruz was attempting to get his wife killed. They have video posted of the homeless people Cruz allegedly solicited.

Next Food Network Star (Season 6) Returns... from LA LA Land

It's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!



Almost! Season 6 of The Next Food Network Star kicks off with a two hour premiere on Sun., June 6 at 9pm ET.

Some big changes are in store for the contestants this year. For the first time in the series' history, the majority of taping took place in Los Angeles—far, far away from the New York City Chelsea Market comforts of Food Network's home base, where every other season taped.

In a nod to West coast fashion, I'm guessing Bob Tuschman leaves an extra button unbuttoned on his blue shirt every week. Just watch and see!

Also, ice princess supreme established Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis will have what appears to be an increased presence this season as the Tim Gunn-like mentor of the bunch. Should be interesting, for sure.

The cast includes: Dzintra Dzenis (Austin, Texas), Doreen Fang (Los Angeles, Calif.), Alexis Hernandez (Clarksville, Ind.), Brianna Jenkins (Atlanta, Ga.), Aria Kagan (Hollywood, Fla.), Herb Mesa (Atlanta, Ga.), Serena Palumbo (New York, N.Y.), Tom Pizzica (San Francisco, Calif.), Aarti Sequeira (Los Angeles, Calif.), Darrell “DAS” Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.), Brad Sorenson (Austin, Texas) and Paul Young (Chicago, Ill.).

For their bios and more info, check out foodnetwork.com/star.

Absent this year will apparently be Ina Garten, who made her first appearance on the show in an episode last year. Those contestants have got to come to HER! Ina's not traveling to L.A. unless she catches wind of a good vanilla tree that only grows in Burbank.

Instead, we will be treated to appearances by Colbie Caillat, Eva Longoria Parker, and others.

*********

Soooo.... are you are excited for what will likely be a Hollywood-themed season?

Ellie Krieger Blogs for Huffington Post about School Nutrition

My favorite healthy nutritionist television show host former model Ellie Krieger is going to be in my neck of the woods this week to speak with members of Congress about updating the national standards for school food.

Check out the great post Ellie wrote for Huffington Post about.

Ellie writes: In order to implement needed changes, schools need more than just guidelines and calls to action. The fact is, it's cheaper and easier to buy, store and prepare overly processed, sodium-laden, artificially-flavored food than the fresh, additive-free, unprocessed food our children deserve. Not only do we need more money to purchase better quality food, we need the facilities to store and prepare it and the staff training to do so healthfully.

In addition to keeping tabs on Ellie's visit, I've been faithfully watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution every week on ABC (Sign the petition.) Anndddddddddddd... even though my favorite school foods growing up were chicken nuggets and pizza, I agree that something needs to be change. Go Jamie... and Ellie!

Claire Robinson New Host of 'Challenge'; Show Remains Boring

Sorry to all you "Food Network Challenge" lovers out there, but I've never been a fan. I think the challenges in general sound interesting, but I always find myself wanting to tune out after about 5 minutes. And after watching this past weekend's episode with new host Claire Robinson, I'm not planning on setting my TiVo to season pass anytime soon.

Based on the comments and emails I've gotten from fans of the show, many were just fine with Keegan Gerhard-- right?

Most of Claire's "hosting" consisted of standing in front of a greenscreen or backdrop, spouting out a few comments about things that had just happened, and then talking to the contestants while they tried to actually complete the challenge. Amazing!

It's not really her fault, though. Who's going to turn down a paid gig? Still, with her long dark locks and smoky voice, Claire sometimes makes me take a double-take to make sure it's not Rachael Ray who I'm watching. My inner-pessimist assumes this increased airtime for Claire is intentional on the part of executives, who hope millions of semi-regular viewers make the same mistake and watch this Rachael 2.0, unaware. (Like I've said a bunch of times before, Rachael ain't getting any less rich, and Food Net is chump change compared to the bucks bearing Oprah Winfrey's face that she's been getting the last few years.)

Soooooooo... I'm not impressed with the Challenge change. Are you?

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

Does Bobby Deen, the almost 40-year-old bachelor son of Paula Deen, have a girlfriend... or is he perhaps intersted in having some other kind of "friend?" (The "roommate/best same sex friend who lives next door and always goes on vacation together/gym teacher" kind of friend.)

The debate has been going on since my first post about it back in 2006.

Bobby himself didn't really help things when in 2007 he told Extra that his idea of a perfect date would be: "We'd have dinner, dessert, a glass of wine and she'd be gone... it'd be perfect."

Ummm... okay.

Oh, and there was that mysterious blurred out photo that showed up in a TV special and appeared to be hiding Bobby and another male.

So, even though I had heard some rumblings about someone he was "dating" last year, I was surprised to see this pic below in the April issue of Food Network Magazine, clearing identifying the woman next to Bobby as "his girlfriend Katy":


I guess that's official, then...even though the pic was taken back in Oct. 2009 at the New York City Wine & Food Festival.

Are you surprised to see Bobby with a girlfriend kind of publicly... and happy about it? Or are you still questioning?

'Semi-Homemade' is coming back, bitches

THIS is the best news I've heard all day!


In an interview with PopEater about the new season of her show Money Saving Meals, Sandra Lee revealed that her pièce de résistance—her life's masterpiece—Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee will be coming back in the fall!!!!!!!

I for one cannot wait for fall to get here!

Final Shots: South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2010

I'm way behind getting my last pics from the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival up on the blog, so instead of a lot of commentary on my part, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy!

































I say it every year, but if you like food, wine, and Food Network there's really no better festival out there than the one in South Beach. I've been lucky enough to attend four years in a row and they just keep getting better.

And even though it was a little chilly this year (67 degree highs), I'm already missing the sun and sand. Oh well... there's always next year.

GIVEAWAY: Ultimate Recipe Showdown Prize Pack

I have a fun Food Network/Kohl's prize-pack giveaway for you all this Friday to gear up to the premiere of Ultimate Recipe Showdown on Sunday, March 14 at 9pm ET.




With thousands of recipes submitted from home cooks across America, Ultimate Recipe Showdown returns for its third season of delicious competition as the top 24 contestants slice, dice and battle head-to-head for national glory. Hosted by Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Guy's Big Bite), the series features six categories: Comfort Food, Party Food, Hot & Spicy, Burgers, Cakes & Desserts and Hometown Favorites. Each week, three judges crown an "ultimate" winner who receives $25,000. Find out more about the show.

This season there are 6 categories the contestants will tackle including: Comfort Food, Party Foods, Hot and Spicy, Burgers, Cakes & Deserts and Hometown Favorites.

The “Ultimate Kohl’s” prize package includes:

Food Network Pizza Wheel
Stainless steel blade with air pockets provides easy food release, and soft-grip handle ensures comfortable control. Price: $19.99
Episode Category: Comfort Food

Food Network 4-pc. Square Bowl & Bamboo Serving Tray Set
This Food Network square bowl and bamboo serving tray set keeps every party chic with sleek line that add a contemporary touch to any table. The dishwasher and microwave save square bowls hold condiments, appetizers and more. Episode Category: Party Foods

Food Network Conical Box Grater
Unique conical design provides comfort and stability while grating, and stainless steel construction lasts for years without staining or rusting.
Episode Category: Hot and Spicy

Bobby Flay Ultimate Spatula
This stainless steel spatula is a must-have for all grilling needs. Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting use and serrated edges aid in cutting and cooking. Built-in bottle opener adds even more versatility. Wooden handle provides a safe, comfortable grip.
Episode Category: Burgers

Food Network Dough Scraper
Long-lasting stainless steel construction maximizes use, while a ruler on the blade’s edge makes measuring easy.
Episode Category: Cakes & Deserts

Food Network Digital Thermometer & Timer
Digital readout tracks time and temperature simultaneously, and versatile setup allows for wall mount, magnetic mount, or countertop use.
Episode Category: Hometown Favorites

Approximate Retail Value of Prize Pack is $130.00

TO ENTER:

Watch the first episode that airs this Sunday, March 14. Then, send me an email at foodnetworkaddict [at] gmail [dot] com with the first name of the episode's winner in the subject line.

You have until Sunday, April 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET to enter. Please, one entry per person.

Good luck!

Pics from Rachael Ray's SoBe SoundCheck Party

One of the best parties I went to while down in South Beach last week was Rachael Ray's "SoBe Soundcheck" event at the Raleigh Hotel.

Since the party didn't kick off until 11:30 p.m., I spent a few hours relaxing at my hotel trying to pretend I was a few years younger... when it was normal to leave the house a few minutes before midnight before the night.

Rachael Ray's husband John Cusimano (who was looking very white in the beard) played with his band The Cringe, which was all right... but they played a lot of covers (including a few too many John Mayer songs).

What's the deal, John? Need RayRay to write a few songs for you, too, now? Not like she's busy or anything. ;-)


That pic of Anne Burrell and me at the top was taken near the end of the night. We were all enjoying the wine and drinks that were provided (not to mention the good appetizers being passed). I congratulated Anne on the great run of Worst Cooks in America and everything else going on with her right now. Anne was having a verrrrrrrrrry good time that night. So much so that she barely had a voice the next day during her cooking demo:-)

Another treat was running into Next Food Network Star winner Melissa d'Arabian again...


Melissa, who I had originally met back in October at the NYC Wine & Food Fest, revealed to me that her current Food Network Show Ten Dollar Dinners was renewed again for a third season (which you'd already know if you are following me on Twitter) -- something that I don't think has been announced anywhere else, yet.

Melissa has been incredibly supportive of me and the blog ever since I met her and I really do wish the best for her and her up-and-coming career on the network.

I also got to see Mary Alice and a lot of the Ace of Cakes crew again that night. So glad that a lot of them got to make it down this year.

AND STUPID ME...
I never noticed Rachael Ray while she danced a few feet away from me. After my meeting with Sandra Lee last year, I was hoping to get a pic with Rachael finally. Damn. Oh well -- maybe next year.

If you want to see Food Network stars while down at SoBe, just stand by the Loews Hotel

See that pic of Alex Guarnaschelli and me? I bet you think I had to call her press people and arrange a photo opp weeks in advance or buy an expensive festival ticket to an event I knew she was going to be at just to get this picture, right?

WRONG. I got that picture without any pre-planning or cost on my part (apart from the cost of getting to South Beach)... and you can too!

But first, let's look at the opposite side of the financial spectrum.

The ticket prices at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival can be very steep--outrageous some might say. While the events are packaged up and divided well enough that it is possible to get in a pretty good festival experience on a budget, if you want to attend even a few of the bigtime parties and events you better be ready to throwdown... and Bobby Flay ain't footing any of the bill. I checked.

So, I thought it would be interesting to look at the price breakdown of an ultimate festival experience. After I pull the numbers I urge you all to call Suze Orman and ask "CAN I AFFORD IT?" (Let me know if she does approve any of you 'cause we need to meet.)

THE ULTIMATE SoBe FEST PACKAGE

This is what I'm guessing would be the average cost for a couple to travel to South Beach and attend several of the big festival events.

Economy Airfare for 2: $600
Hotel for 4 nights: $250/night (For a boutique hotel. Luxury ones will run you much more.)
Rachael Ray Burger Bash (2): $400
Wine Spectactor's Best of Best (2): $700
BubbleQ (2): $700
Grand Tasting on Saturday (2): $425
Tribute Dinner (2): $1050
Paula Deen Brunch (2): $250
Guy Fieri Closing Party (2): $150
Meals (not all events provide food): $200 (and that's being frugal)
Airport Transfers: $80 (cabs from MIA to South Beach are about $32/each way + tip)

... all that FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF: $5555!

Those are just some of the events that go on during this massive festival. I have no idea what the cost would be if you managed to go to multiple events, ditching one for another as the next one began, for the entire multi-day festival. Nuts!

So here's my little secret if you don't want to spend five grand on tickets, but still want to see some stars: stay at or stand outside of the Loews Miami Beach Hotel at 16th & Collins.

Over the years I've either seen or talked to Morimoto, Sunny Anderson, Tyler Florence, the Neelys, Al Roker, Alex Guarnaschelli, Michael Symon, Duff Goldman, Bobby Flay, and more... all while just hanging out in or around this hotel. If you're lucky enough to catch them when they're not in a hurry, you have a great chance of getting a photo, autograph, etc.

Getting that close really isn't that possible during the actual festival events. The crowds are intense and, as is the case with most of the more popular personalities, they aren't strolling around the beach unguarded all that much. Instead, they're whisked from their hotel to the event via golf carts.

To me, there's something a little less pathetic about bumping into someone into a hotel lobby and letting them know how much you enjoy their show than it would be to try and chase down a golf cart. ;-)

So that's tip #1 on how to save money in South Beach if you still want a small taste of the festival.

You could try to go to the tents the day after everyone leaves...



... but I wouldn't recommend it. Stay in (your expensive hotel room) and just watch Food Network.

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UPDATE: Sunny Anderson was nice to remind me that, although expensive, the festival benefits FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. Lots of students are present and get hands-on experience and scholarships.

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

BUBBLEQ

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

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


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


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

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

I especially enjoyed this cupcake boy.


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

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

Guy Fieri to Cook for the Obamas; Sasha & Malia Request Lunchables

The First Lady recently launched an anti-obesity plan aimed at leading children to more healthful eating habits...

And who better to show the First Family firsthand healthy tips than the picture of health himself, Guy Fieri.

Somebody guard the White House garden.



That's right. Apparently Mr. Ferraririwoierou will head to Washington next month to cook for the Obamas.

Apparently not wanting (or allowed) to cash in, Food Network will not be taping the event for television. This is apparently going to be an intimate affair. I hope Guy chooses his fanciest sunglasses to hang on the back of his head for such an occasion!

So what will the 'Big Bite' himself cook for Mr. and Mrs. O?
"It'll be a little Italian and something creative -- a BLT sandwich made with duck," Guy told the National Ledger.

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It's still coldish in D.C. with more snow expected. Miami is sounding better and better...

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?

Giada and Rachael Can Rest Easy - There' s a New Name to Misspell at Food Network

I've been watching Mexican Made Easy and all the nonstop promos for the show and I still can't quite figure out how to say host Marcela Valladolid's last name correctly.

Right now I'm thinking vie-ah-do-leed.



I started learning Spanish when I was five years old, but I still second guess myself when it comes to double LLs. Is "ll" still a letter like "ch" or did that get rid of that? Hmmm...

Americans have a hard enough time remembering the double-i in Giada's last name. Can't imagine what kind of (mis)treatment Marcela's gonna start getting.

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

The snow is just ridiculous here in D.C. The nation's capital is really only prepared to deal with a few inches of snow each winter, so the 50-something inches we got really threw the whole place into a tizzy.

In previous winters, when the weatherman forecasted flurries with no chance of accumulation, DCers still flocked to the supermarkets to pick up milk, bread, and toilet paper (since apparently we all plan on having sandwiches and milk while sitting on the toilet, snowed in). So nowwwwwww when we really were snowed in, the stores were totally empty.

On Thursday, the day after our all-day blizzard warning, I saw someone scream out in joy over snagging the last carton of eggs. It's wild out there! It kind of started melting and the streets have been somewhat cleared, so there's hope. Spring can't come soon enough!