Random Food Network Thread

[Tenbatsuzen]

There are things about Food Network that may not warrant it's own thread. This is the place for those things.

Restaurant Impossible Is this show really faked or are people that stupid? I know there's a lot of things on Dinner Impossible that are faked but watching the episode on Mainelli's just made my jaw drop. How can you run a restaurant with no food, chefs with no training, and how shitty that place looked?

The other restaurant in NJ, I can't get over on how bad those chairs looked. It was RIDICULOUS. Fortunately, it looks like that was the pilot and that designer won't be on the show.

Also, it's obvious that they have a sponsorship deal with Lexus. So why in the Mainelli's episode does Irvine drive up in a Dodge Caliber?

Best Thing I Ever Ate I think this is my favorite Food Network show. Funny, not pretentious, lots of food porn. Except when Clare Robinson ate a corn dog. That was kind of scary. Hot, but scary.

[NickyL0885]

Alton Brown is the only good thing left about FN.

[weekapaugjz]

restaurant impossible is a complete fucking rip-off of kitchen nightmares. the 10,000 dollar limit is kinda lame, it should be bumped up to like 25,000 so some of these shitholes can actually make some real improvements.

i like watching the retards on worst cooks in america fuck up their food.

scott conant continues to be a dick wherever he shows up.

[Tenbatsuzen]

restaurant impossible is a complete fucking rip-off of kitchen nightmares. the 10,000 dollar limit is kinda lame, it should be bumped up to like 25,000 so some of these shitholes can actually make some real improvements.

i like watching the retards on worst cooks in america fuck up their food.

scott conant continues to be a dick wherever he shows up.

I'm not saying it's NOT a ripoff. Food Network has ripped off a lot of shows:

24 Hour Restaurant Battle from Top Chef on Bravo
Food Feuds from Food Wars on Travel
Outrageous Foods from Man vs. Food on Travel

The only original shows they've had lately is Worst Cooks in America which I can't even watch because it's basically the equivalent of American Idol giving the attention whoring rejects their own show, and Great Food Truck Race, which was entertaining but I'm not sure if it can translate to a second season or not.

[hanso]

Alton Brown is the only good thing left about FN.

Good eats is still on? What season is it?

[realmenhatelife]

I'm not saying it's NOT a ripoff. Food Network has ripped off a lot of shows:

24 Hour Restaurant Battle from Top Chef on Bravo
Food Feuds from Food Wars on Travel
Outrageous Foods from Man vs. Food on Travel

The only original shows they've had lately is Worst Cooks in America which I can't even watch because it's basically the equivalent of American Idol giving the attention whoring rejects their own show, and Great Food Truck Race, which was entertaining but I'm not sure if it can translate to a second season or not.

I hope 24 Hour Battle comes back, I really enjoyed it. I also get that they're trying to be classier with it, but wouldnt call it a Top Chef rip off. The last season of Next Food Network Star was pretty much a Top Chef ripoff, but I think I read they hired some Top Chef producers to makeover the show. And they did have a much better season as a result.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I hope 24 Hour Battle comes back, I really enjoyed it. I also get that they're trying to be classier with it, but wouldnt call it a Top Chef rip off. The last season of Next Food Network Star was pretty much a Top Chef ripoff, but I think I read they hired some Top Chef producers to makeover the show. And they did have a much better season as a result.

Next Food Network Star put Tom Pizzica on my TV, and that is a sin that cannot be forgiven.

[NickyL0885]

Next Food Network Star put Tom Pizzica on my TV, and that is a sin that cannot be forgiven.

How many have become actual stars? Guy Fieri is the only one that comes to mind. Others have shows on the weekend during the morning that I'm sure no one watches. FN has become boring. I like Worst Cooks in America, although the contestants make me want to punch a wall. Anne Burrell and Robert Irvine are good. But Iron Chef is getting lame. It seems every other battle involves Bobby Flay. What's the point of having the other Iron Chefs? I can't stand the Challenge shows. I want to learn recipes. Not see some twits make gigantic cakes for money.

[realmenhatelife]

Next Food Network Star put Tom Pizzica on my TV, and that is a sin that cannot be forgiven.

I think Big Daddy is the much bigger sin.

How many have become actual stars? Guy Fieri is the only one that comes to mind. Others have shows on the weekend during the morning that I'm sure no one watches. FN has become boring. I like Worst Cooks in America, although the contestants make me want to punch a wall. Anne Burrell and Robert Irvine are good. But Iron Chef is getting lame. It seems every other battle involves Bobby Flay. What's the point of having the other Iron Chefs? I can't stand the Challenge shows. I want to learn recipes. Not see some twits make gigantic cakes for money.

It depends what your definition of star is. I dont think you can just call Guy Fieri a star and leave it at that, he's a crossover star doing national endorsements and hosting a show on network television. You're talking Rachel Ray/Emeril territory with that. And this is a guy who won a contest. My guess would be that the revenue they can generate just from Fieri funds Food Network Star for years and years.

But its an American Idol type deal. It doesnt cost a lot of money to develop these people and you get a lot of small returns instead of a few giant ones. Arti Party is actually a decent show. Melissa DArabian and Aaron Mccargle are still on the network. Jeffrey that lost to Melissa has a show on The Cooking Channel, Tom Pizica and the goofy guy keep popping up in stuff. They're definately getting their mileage out of the show, and even if you throw to-camera style shows at people they cost nothing to make and you need them to flush out your programming. Like you said, thats more of a daytime TV thing when other channels show game shows, talk shows or soaps. Is that programming thats really aimed at your demo? I'm guessing not.

[Tenbatsuzen]

One thing I've noticed about the re-runs of Best Thing I Ever Ate - they've replaced all of the title cards of the personalities just to say "Chef / Television Host". During the current season, it usually plugs what they are doing. I guess it's to be on the safe side in case a show gets canceled (like Emeril, Aida, etc.)

[King Imp]

What's the deal with adding a 4th judge to Iron Chef? Was this just a one time thing last night or have they gone to that permanently? If it's permanent, they need a bigger table as they looked to uncomfortable basically sitting on each other while eating.

[Dude!]

i love anne burrell !

'Secrets of a Restaurant Chef'
is the only FN show that
actually teaches anything
(except for the loathsome
alton brown)
Anne is so full of personality
and love of food and what
she does...she's the best

[realmenhatelife]

What's the deal with adding a 4th judge to Iron Chef? Was this just a one time thing last night or have they gone to that permanently? If it's permanent, they need a bigger table as they looked to uncomfortable basically sitting on each other while eating.

Who were the four judges? They throw an extra one in sometimes but usually theres some context for it.

[CruelCircus]

Of course I realize I'm late to the party, but I've been getting into Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives recently. I really enjoy that show and am developing quite the little to-do list. Luckily, they rerun a ton of different episodes all week, so catching up has been easy.

I also like Outrageous Foods, and have been watching Worst Cooks, as well. Always will stop on an episode of Throwdown!

I watched an episode of Dinner:Impossible, and thought the whole thing was silly. Why set up all these artificial constraints for yourself, and then just "break the rules to get the job done." They're your rules, dummy! And why 6 hours? Why not 8, or 24? At least ensure the client isn't getting a half-ass job. And why 24 hours to redo a whole restaurant? Why not 48, or a week? That way at least people aren't sitting in wet paint...

Since Travel Channel and Food Network are the same company, can they really rip each other off? Over there, I've been enjoying The Carnivore Chronicles (basically Man vs. Food best-ofs, with the gross challenges taken out), and Bizarre Foods.

I agree that Iron Chef has gotten a bit stale, but apparently there's a new, mohawked IC?

Along these lines, if you have HDNet, check out Drinking Made Easy.

[Tenbatsuzen]

THere is something really fucking inappropriate about the Neelys hosting "Covering in Chocolate" weekend.

[King Imp]

Who were the four judges? They throw an extra one in sometimes but usually theres some context for it.

I honestly couldn't tell you as I didn't recognize any of them.

After looking at the list of episodes, it seems like they've had 4 judges this season for two of Garces' battles, but aside from that there have only been 3 judges.

[realmenhatelife]

Extra Virgin has got to be the least watched show in the history of food television, right? Like Food Dudes or whatever that show was called that got cancelled after 20 seconds must have had a viewership that just shatters Extra Virgin's numbers.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Extra Virgin has got to be the least watched show in the history of food television, right? Like Food Dudes or whatever that show was called that got cancelled after 20 seconds must have had a viewership that just shatters Extra Virgin's numbers.

Is that the show with Debi Mazar? Chuck's Day Off kinda creeps me out, and I like the idea of Foodography, but I hate Mo.

[realmenhatelife]

Is that the show with Debi Mazar? Chuck's Day Off kinda creeps me out, and I like the idea of Foodography, but I hate Mo.

Yeah, Debi Mazar and her italian husband, ole c-list and no name. And it appears to be half reality half cooking.

Chuck is kindof an odd guy but for a to-camera show its really good. Canadians really like putting brown sugar in things, Bitchin Kitchen does the same thing. The wierd thing to me is, if you notice, they never plug his restaurant, not even in the credits. Compare it to any time Bobby Flay is on TV.

I also hate Mo, I cant even watch Iron Chefs where he's judging anymore.

[sailor]

i've never seen his show on food network, but i think mo rocca is a funny guy.

[JPMNICK]

Is that the show with Debi Mazar? Chuck's Day Off kinda creeps me out, and I like the idea of Foodography, but I hate Mo.

i would love foodography if it was not for him. i can't even watch it for one break he drives me so crazy

[CountryBob]

Triple D kicks ass!
Now I'm starvin....:help:

[realmenhatelife]

Triple D kicks ass!
Now I'm starvin....:help:

I always laugh, because its happened more than once, when Guy Fieri trots out "my buddy Steve Harwell, lead singer of Smash Mouth."

[Tenbatsuzen]

I always laugh, because its happened more than once, when Guy Fieri trots out "my buddy Steve Harwell, lead singer of Smash Mouth."

I know Rosie O'Donnell's been on the show too.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I like Chopped, but it's getting more and more evident that:

1) Producers are running out of strange food to trip up the contestant with

and

2) Exec. Chefs are catching on and don't want to do it. More and more you see line and sous chefs doing the show.

[realmenhatelife]

I know Rosie O'Donnell's been on the show too.

I'm pretty sure Penny Flame was too, but they didn't introduce her she just seemed to be eating there.

[Tenbatsuzen]

If this Rascal's place is still open after this episode of Restaurant Impossible, I will be shocked.

People can come back from a bad menu or bad service. Disgusting kitchen? Not a chance in hell.

Brooke Mawson, who was a "Dining Club" member in this episode... VERY nice.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I cannot stop fucking laughing. Best end of a food network show EVER.

[Dudeman]

A stupid thing about Throwdown is that they always say the other people "think they are filming a special about ...". When does foodnetwork ever do some random special show that these people could believe that (or more that the viewers believe that the other people believe they are filming some special.)

[realmenhatelife]

Iron Chef American isn't quite broke yet, but its getting there. To Fix:

1. Cut the chairman and atleast 2 Iron Chefs. Alton Brown is capable of hosting the show himself, he does already. I get it as a nod to the original, but Chairman Kaga actually intro'd the chefs, ingredients, and directed the tasting at the end. Too many Iron Chefs dilluting the idea that the Iron Chefs are elite. Some of them have piss poor win/loss records, the Iron Chef should be a daunting opponant.

2. Theme Ingredients- there needs to be some seriously exotic, difficult, rare and expensive themes, the freak show factor. Current themes are too easy and too familiar. Themes are often geared to the Iron Chefs strengths, one of the great things about the original was themes were often geared to the challengers strengths, thus enriching the legend of the Iron Chef. No more arbitrary conceptual themes- Themed episodes should be annual and well structured, no more Farmers Market battles or Thanksgiving battle. Deep Freeze seems to be the annual thing they want to do, I'm not crazy about the theme but fine. Do a deep freeze and a two on two dessert battle once a year.

3. Talk Less. Explain the rules during the battle not in between battle and judgement. Cut the huddle up they've added at the beginning (its fake anyway), no more asking idiot judges their over all impression of the meal. How is it that Iron Chef Japan usually doesnt start until 15 minutes in, because it is so front loaded with intro, but was so much tighter as a show? Because the talking was scripted and interesting.

4. Desanitize the show. None of the challenging chefs have any personality, very few of them have any kind of story. It's generic cooking guy vs. nebulous Iron Chef. I dont hate that American Iron Chefs dont have narrow cooking genres, but the actual conflict becomes less dynamic when neither chef really has an identity. Encourage challengers that are characters. Remove some of the safety net on the show. Why do dishes rarely fail completely, why do chefs always get 5 dishes out, why have you never seen technique issues? Because they cook everything twice. They make a display set of dishes, then get more time to make the dishes everyone eats, so you never get big screw ups, and a lot of the challenge and drama drains out of the show.


In a lot of ways Chopped is better at Iron Chef than Iron Chef is. It's a pretty lean show, the time limits and ingredients are challenging, the people are big interesting characters, there is legitimate drama.

[Tenbatsuzen]

RMHL, I agree about the Iron Chefs... Cat Cora has a shitty record and Forgione has already lost. (I think he's 1-1 now, not sure).

I think they keep Cat Cora around because 1) she's the only female iron chef and 2) she's the only openly lesbian Food Network personality. (I almost said openly gay and then completely forgot about Ted)

(However, I just want to point out Garces has lost a fuckton of weight. He was on a new episode last night and looked like he's dropped 50 lbs)

I think they are slowly phasing out the chairman because more and more there was the pretaped vignettes with the Chairman with Alton doing the intros, but I kind of like the Chairman being there.

What about a compromise: Chairman is still there, but Alton is a permanent fourth judge?

[Tenbatsuzen]

A stupid thing about Throwdown is that they always say the other people "think they are filming a special about ...". When does foodnetwork ever do some random special show that these people could believe that (or more that the viewers believe that the other people believe they are filming some special.)

They used to have a lot of random specials back in the day.

[realmenhatelife]

RMHL, I agree about the Iron Chefs... Cat Cora has a shitty record and Forgione has already lost. (I think he's 1-1 now, not sure).

I think they keep Cat Cora around because 1) she's the only female iron chef and 2) she's the only openly lesbian Food Network personality. (I almost said openly gay and then completely forgot about Ted)

(However, I just want to point out Garces has lost a fuckton of weight. He was on a new episode last night and looked like he's dropped 50 lbs)

I think they are slowly phasing out the chairman because more and more there was the pretaped vignettes with the Chairman with Alton doing the intros, but I kind of like the Chairman being there.

What about a compromise: Chairman is still there, but Alton is a permanent fourth judge?

Cat Cora has a weak record but I do kindof like her on the show. She also has a habit of using Richard Blaze or Ed from Top Chef as assistants, and I like those guys. Blaze could be an Iron Chef, and I think he'd make a good one. Being a woman helps her, they want a woman on there.

Dropping Forgione is a no brainer to me. The lynch pin of Iron Chefs to me is Michael Simon, surprisingly enough. The tightest crew with the most personality would be Simon, Morimoto, Flay- 3 distinct styles, a lot of skill in that format. But honestly I think you can make a decent 4 man crew in any combination as long as you keep Simon, and drop Forgione.

The Chairman does other acting gigs, thats why he's absent. Isn't he on Hawaii 5-0 or something? It isn't that I want Alton Brown at the table so bad, I just want anything that is useless streamlined out of the show. Iron Chef Japan had an even bigger broadcasting team but they all had defined roles.

I was at Village Whiskey in the fall and my friend is friends with two of the servers. They did say that Garces was losing weight, and also that he is an incredbly nice guy.

[realmenhatelife]

Sous Chef JoJo may be the biggest bitch on food network. Morimoto rides his ass constantly.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Posted because I figured RMHL could use a laugh. (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20041220-504083.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody)

[realmenhatelife]

Posted because I figured RMHL could use a laugh. (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20041220-504083.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody)

Off the hook!


It should be easy to find because it's such a gaudy car, it wont blend in with all the tasteful and retrained lamborghini's.

And is it really unclear why a douchebag who suddenly has limitless cash would buy a quarter million dollar car and leave it at the dealership?

Cant drive stick

[Tenbatsuzen]

Off the hook!


It should be easy to find because it's such a gaudy car, it wont blend in with all the tasteful and retrained lamborghini's.

And is it really unclear why a douchebag who suddenly has limitless cash would buy a quarter million dollar car and leave it at the dealership?

Cant drive stick

I'm telling you, that car goes 0-60 in 4.5 seconds... TO FLAVORTOWN!

[Tenbatsuzen]

Not ENTIRELY about FN, but I wanted to put it up - does anyone watch America's Next Great Restaurant on NBC with Flay and Curtis Stone?

First, Curtis Stone is a GIGANTIC dick in this. I love it. Flay's a dick too, but at least you KNOW he's a dick. Stone being a dick is very refreshing.

Secondly, I get the feeling some of the people on this show not only have zero culinary experience but just want to be on TV.

This "Grill'Billies" team may be the biggest idiots I've seen. They have nothing. NOTHING. Doing fresh and fast BBQ should NOT BE THIS HARD.

It'll come down to Soul Daddy, Grill Works, or Saucy Balls.

[CruelCircus]

Not ENTIRELY about FN, but I wanted to put it up - does anyone watch America's Next Great Restaurant on NBC with Flay and Curtis Stone?

First, Curtis Stone is a GIGANTIC dick in this. I love it. Flay's a dick too, but at least you KNOW he's a dick. Stone being a dick is very refreshing.

Secondly, I get the feeling some of the people on this show not only have zero culinary experience but just want to be on TV.

This "Grill'Billies" team may be the biggest idiots I've seen. They have nothing. NOTHING. Doing fresh and fast BBQ should NOT BE THIS HARD.

It'll come down to Soul Daddy, Grill Works, or Saucy Balls.

I've been watching it.

They're exactly right about Hicks/Grillbillies. The concept should be great- I'd really want to eat there... but they just can't solidify the thing.

I think Meltworks might have the best shot. Right from the beginning I thought that's a good, simple concept that lends itself to franchising. Although, if Soul Daddy comes together, that'd be pretty sweet.

No way Joey from Saucy Balls doesn't stick his foot in his mouth and screw this up somehow. Besides, does the world need another Sbarro's?

[CruelCircus]

Down to 3:

Soul Daddy
Spice Coast
Brooklyn Saucy Balls Co.

I think it's going to wind up being Soul Daddy.
Seems a nice balance between interesting and accessible, right between the other two.

Like I said above, who needs more low-rent Italian? Plus, Curtis Stone seems to have hated the Indian guy this whole show, so there's no reason to think he'd put his money behind the guy.

Whoever wins, I'd be willing to make the trip into the City just to check out the result.

[Tenbatsuzen]

1) Boomer and Carton are judging for the 2nd time on Iron Chef tonight.

2) Next Food Network Star begins next week, and I think someone actually yells at Conant, although it could be trick editing.

3) Famous Dave Anderson was sooooooo annoying on Best In Smoke, but he dialed it down. Still over emotive and annoying though. I'm not surprised though in how his restaurants are marketed.

(And for what it's worth, Famous Dave's has the best fries on the planet. I could eat those for days with the different BBQ sauces)

Seriously, is Best In Smoke the cheapest Food Net show ever? There's no sets. There's no backgrounds. All of the chefs bring their own equipment. It's almost like they said, "Let's get the guy from Next Iron Chef who lost and give him a flip cam."

[realmenhatelife]

1) Boomer and Carton are judging for the 2nd time on Iron Chef tonight.

2) Next Food Network Star begins next week, and I think someone actually yells at Conant, although it could be trick editing.

3) Famous Dave Anderson was sooooooo annoying on Best In Smoke, but he dialed it down. Still over emotive and annoying though. I'm not surprised though in how his restaurants are marketed.

(And for what it's worth, Famous Dave's has the best fries on the planet. I could eat those for days with the different BBQ sauces)

Seriously, is Best In Smoke the cheapest Food Net show ever? There's no sets. There's no backgrounds. All of the chefs bring their own equipment. It's almost like they said, "Let's get the guy from Next Iron Chef who lost and give him a flip cam."

I didn't follow it from the beginning but Best in Smoke was bullshit. Why would you do a BBQ competition in NYC? And shocker, the guy from Brooklyn wins the crowd over.

In a previous episode something that reality TV is prone to happened, in which the uber concept of the show is hamstringed by the actual challenge. You had the 'cook for the kids' challenge, the guy who won outright said he wasn't cooking for the kids and just won over the judges, the guy who won immunity from the kids did the worst and would've been eliminated. So exactly what's the point? It's like in Amazing Race when they have hugely spread out start times and then they all wind up sitting in an airport waiting for the same flight.



It does look like theyre turning up the drama for Food Network Star, Vin Diesel has done challenge back when challenge wasn't just cakes, he owns a catering company and his name is Vic Vegas I think.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Craig: "It looks like shit but it's delicious."

Symon immediately starts laughing.

Donatella: "You can't say that in Kitchen Stadium!"

Craig: "You can't bleep shit out?"

Boomer: "You are embarrassing."

Dascascos broke character. Fucking hysterical.

[realmenhatelife]

Also, jumping to the top of the charts for overused food catchphrases:

You can really taste the smoke.

Comfort food with a twist.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Also, jumping to the top of the charts for overused food catchphrases:

You can really taste the smoke.

Comfort food with a twist.

I was actually watching Julia Child on PBS the other day. It makes me wonder how many people who don't have TV friendly looks are actually awesome chefs and can explain it to you in a way that makes sense without being annoying. I guess there's youtube for that but I'm lazy. Didn't Aarti Paarti get her start on youtube or something?

[Tenbatsuzen]

According to Gawker, the "Soul Daddy" location in NYC has already shut down after being in business for only a month.

[underdog]

According to Gawker, the "Soul Daddy" location in NYC has already shut down after being in business for only a month.

Why wasn't it in Times Square? When I think of shitty chain restaurants in NYC, I think of Times Square.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Aaaaaand the LA Soul Daddy closed too, leaving only the Mall of America store, which ostensibly is the the cheapest to run.

[CruelCircus]

I wonder if they would've kept running them at a loss if the show was coming back next season.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I wonder if they would've kept running them at a loss if the show was coming back next season.

It really doesn't make any sense because reality TV shows are the cheapest of all to produce, and it didn't seem like there was a lot of overhead on this show. Maybe I'm wrong.

[realmenhatelife]

Extreme Chef is the worst abortion in the history of food television. I would rather watch the frugal gourmet blow a kid than put myself through that again.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I was watching 24 Hour Restaurant Battle and started laughing my ass off when one of the sous chefs Conant sent in was a Chopped loser. I remember because he was extremely creepy looking and extraordinarily arrogant. It's the episode with the gay ex's vs. the texas BBQ people who forgot to insure their business.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Extreme Chef is the worst abortion in the history of food television. I would rather watch the frugal gourmet blow a kid than put myself through that again.

Re: Extreme Chef. "You were the runner up on Next Iron Chef, so here, eat some rattlesnake."

[King Imp]

Every time I see the commercial for that new show Tough Cookies, I want to throw something at the TV.

Great, another fucking show that's going to leech on to the popularity of Jersey Shore by shoving obnoxious Italians down our throats.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Every time I see the commercial for that new show Tough Cookies, I want to throw something at the TV.

Great, another fucking show that's going to leech on to the popularity of Jersey Shore by shoving obnoxious Italians down our throats.

The weirdest thing about it is that it's in Ocean City, NJ, which is not known for guidos at all.

I hope beyond hope this show will be like "Family Style"... a few episodes and it goes away.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I saw the preview of Tough Cookies. I lasted 10 minutes before I turned it off.

So bad, so pre-written, so fake.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I watched Extreme Chef last night after NFNS, and I gotta say, it was kind of funny if you recognize how over the top it was.

The best part was in the final tasting, the Chef fucked up his dish so much that Simon Mumjumdar (sp? the bald judge from next iron chef) got sick. The look on his face was awesome.

[realmenhatelife]

Food Network is just striving to give Michelle Garcia a nervous breakdown. If you dont know shes the girl on FN Challenge who always has wacky hair, is covered in tattoos, has a giant mexican husband, has been in some state of pregnancy or post pregnancy for years, and is coming in second place. Lately shes been having crying jags because shes so stressed out.

Most recently featured on Chopped, coming in second. Poor girl, I really like her and her husband too.

Maybe they can get her on Sweet Genius. I didn't like Sweet Genius but it's growing on me. I like Ron Ben Israels autistic judging style. Sweet......pumpkin.....carnival.....disappointment . And then he emphatically nods.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Food Network is just striving to give Michelle Garcia a nervous breakdown. If you dont know shes the girl on FN Challenge who always has wacky hair, is covered in tattoos, has a giant mexican husband, has been in some state of pregnancy or post pregnancy for years, and is coming in second place. Lately shes been having crying jags because shes so stressed out.

Most recently featured on Chopped, coming in second. Poor girl, I really like her and her husband too.

Maybe they can get her on Sweet Genius. I didn't like Sweet Genius but it's growing on me. I like Ron Ben Israels autistic judging style. Sweet......pumpkin.....carnival.....disappointment . And then he emphatically nods.


I *hate* Sweet Genius but there's something about Chef Ron that is refreshing. I agree that I enjoy his judging style but I think the contestants on the show are just awful, it's like bottom of the barrel Chopped rejects.

What really shocks me about Sweet Genius is that they allowed one of the contestants in the pilot to show up in full drag. Granted, it was for five seconds (he's gay and his gimmick is he does a cross dressing pastry show) but still, I'm surprised they went there.

[Tenbatsuzen]

BTW, a show I *did* enjoy that FN apparently never gave a chance to was "Monster Kitchen". Kind of like Mythbusters, food net style.

[realmenhatelife]

I *hate* Sweet Genius but there's something about Chef Ron that is refreshing. I agree that I enjoy his judging style but I think the contestants on the show are just awful, it's like bottom of the barrel Chopped rejects.

What really shocks me about Sweet Genius is that they allowed one of the contestants in the pilot to show up in full drag. Granted, it was for five seconds (he's gay and his gimmick is he does a cross dressing pastry show) but still, I'm surprised they went there.

You're always going to have way less quality pastry chefs than savory chefs. Eventually they're going to have to get some people working as savory chefs on there.

They've had multiple drag/gay contestants. On the most recent episode the guy was talking about his drag persona "Chocolatina" and even Ron was referencing Chocolatina. I'm surprised Food Network isn't gayer, considering the industry. Top Chef has always been mega gay friendly. Word is that Guy Fieri wouldn't like that: http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/next_food_network_star/2011_Oct_17_guy-fieri-david-page

[Tenbatsuzen]

You're always going to have way less quality pastry chefs than savory chefs. Eventually they're going to have to get some people working as savory chefs on there.

They've had multiple drag/gay contestants. On the most recent episode the guy was talking about his drag persona "Chocolatina" and even Ron was referencing Chocolatina. I'm surprised Food Network isn't gayer, considering the industry. Top Chef has always been mega gay friendly. Word is that Guy Fieri wouldn't like that: http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/next_food_network_star/2011_Oct_17_guy-fieri-david-page


David Page is going with a scorched earth concept to fuck with Fieri. EVERYBODY who was mentioned in that piece is a Page employee.

What wasn't mentioned in that piece is 1) Fieri's sister is gay and 2) How the fuck can you run a successful restaurant in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA if you hate the gays and 3) One of Guy Fieri's biggest supporters is BOB TUSCHMAN.

Come on, man.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Did anyone catch "Chef Hunter" after Next Iron Chef tonight?

I really enjoyed it. There were some aspects about it that were fake, but the "meat" of it - the cooking parts and the service - that was real. I like it a lot.

I knew Nyesha was going to win because she's on Top Chef right now and she said she was an executive chef.

Surprisingly, unlike Iron Chef, which has episodes sit in the can for nearly a year, there's a pretty fast turn around on this - Apparently Nyesha got the job for Wilshire in August.

[realmenhatelife]

Did anyone catch "Chef Hunter" after Next Iron Chef tonight?

I really enjoyed it. There were some aspects about it that were fake, but the "meat" of it - the cooking parts and the service - that was real. I like it a lot.

I knew Nyesha was going to win because she's on Top Chef right now and she said she was an executive chef.

Surprisingly, unlike Iron Chef, which has episodes sit in the can for nearly a year, there's a pretty fast turn around on this - Apparently Nyesha got the job for Wilshire in August.

I'll try to keep checking it out. I do like the more realistic parts, actual service on the line and considering food costs and special customer requests. The personal angle needs work, and I'm not a fan of the actual 'chef hunter' role and how she had to give Nyesha a pep talk.

The one thing that bugs me is it's ripping the skin and tone off of Intervention wholesale. If they get their own style, lighten up a bit, and make it seem less like a gameshow, I think they could have a really solid series.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I'll try to keep checking it out. I do like the more realistic parts, actual service on the line and considering food costs and special customer requests. The personal angle needs work, and I'm not a fan of the actual 'chef hunter' role and how she had to give Nyesha a pep talk.

The one thing that bugs me is it's ripping the skin and tone off of Intervention wholesale. If they get their own style, lighten up a bit, and make it seem less like a gameshow, I think they could have a really solid series.

I think the fake part was that pep talk and Nyesha rolling her eyes and everything. Because the Nyesha being judged on Top Chef and the Nyesha being judged on Chef Hunter are two totally different things.

[realmenhatelife]

I think the fake part was that pep talk and Nyesha rolling her eyes and everything. Because the Nyesha being judged on Top Chef and the Nyesha being judged on Chef Hunter are two totally different things.

What do you think of the Top Chef format changes? I always thought there was a classy, seriousness to top chef that really set it apart and what they're doing this season kindof underminds that. I also really like how familiar you get with the chefs, the show is really good at showing their personalities, but throwing so many people out there so fast and then cutting them cheapens any kind of connection I get.

It just reeks of other shows, Oh so this is the Chopped part, this is the American Idol part, this is the Survivor part. And I'm 100% against online content because I hate watching video on my computer.

I dont think the gang start is undoable, but I think they got lazy and didn't do it in a Top Chef way.


And speaking of format changes, have you noticed how there is now a stock 'emotional impact moment' during the judging of every episode of Chopped now? Again, let it be the cold hard competition that makes it good.

[newport king]

Did they shitcan the sandwich king show already? It was on sunday mornings he made some good stuff.

[CruelCircus]

Did they shitcan the sandwich king show already? It was on sunday mornings he made some good stuff.

It was only supposed to be a six episode run.
I'd imagine if the response was good they'd bring it back.
They're still using him in commercials.

[Tenbatsuzen]

What do you think of the Top Chef format changes?

This is the first time I've ever watched Top Chef so I can't answer it. I think Padma is annoying as fuck, the editing is complete shit, but there's some engaging personalities including Colicchio and Emeril, so I'll keep watching it.

But I HATE the bravo ads. So annoying.

[realmenhatelife]

This is the first time I've ever watched Top Chef so I can't answer it. I think Padma is annoying as fuck, the editing is complete shit, but there's some engaging personalities including Colicchio and Emeril, so I'll keep watching it.

But I HATE the bravo ads. So annoying.

Padma is hot as shit though. She had just had a baby last season and her boobs were huge. I do like her, so maybe you have to get used to her. She really just intros stuff and chaperones the guest judge.




They cleaned up some of the issues with Chef Hunter this week, and they're sticking with recognizable restaurants. Next week is Les Halles.

[realmenhatelife]

If you caught the Thanksgiving live event, some observations:

AB rocking a bow tie, very obviously trying to bite Chris Kimball's style.

Alex G's ass is huuuuuuuuuuge.

Everyone was drinking hard right from the kickoff, and the drinking kept up.

Bobby, Alex and Anne were a little click all together in the middle, and had the most chemistry. Noone wanted to interact with Melissa D'arabian.

It was fun to see where the humor wanted to go, it wanted to get racier because they're all adults in that industry, but they have to keep it clean for TV. Jokes about stabbing, drinking, Anne's hair which felt like it wanted to go to a 'carpet matches the curtains' comment, Alton made a 'mastication' joke, Sunny commented on Alton liking 'dark meat,' and when Ted Allen threw it back to the studio with a question you could hear Bobby Flay say "that whole scene just isn't right." Next to him Anne is stuffing a turkey, it is our contention that she was making a fisting joke off camera.

Ted Allen is criminally underused. The ICA tandem should be AB and TA, the chairman and Kevin Brosch are useless dead weight.

Questions did not always line up with the prepared segment, some questions totally unanswered.

Biggest blunder, they give AB a show turkey to carve that was horrendously undercooked. AB tried to carve it backwards to hide it but looked kindof pissed.

I liked the special more than I thought I would, I think they can build on it for next year. I like that they all have different ideas on how to cook a turkey. Could've done without the Guy Fieri call in.

[Tenbatsuzen]

If you caught the Thanksgiving live event, some observations.

Are they re-running this? I'd like to see it, just for the comedy factor.

[realmenhatelife]

Jesus Christ Padma and Gale Simmons, are you having some kind of cleavage chicken competition the rest of us dont know about?

[Tenbatsuzen]

BTW, I'm not feeling Top Chef. The only guy I like on there is Edward. But Grayson's pretty hot.

[realmenhatelife]

BTW, I'm not feeling Top Chef. The only guy I like on there is Edward. But Grayson's pretty hot.

It might just not be for you. This is a pretty decent cast, so I cant blame it on that, and it hasn't been as classic as other seasons but it isn't like wacky. Restaurant Wars is a challenge that happens every season thats probably a good gauge as to whether or not you'll come around on it.

My brother likes Grayson and there's always a girl that looks a lot like Grayson, I like the Asian girl, Beverly. I liked Chuy a lot and am sad he's gone, and I like Chris J.

[Dude!]

realmendontwatchfoodnetwork

[cougarjake13]

realmendontwatchfoodnetwork

thats his board character name

[realmenhatelife]

realmendontwatchfoodnetwork

Your schtick doesn't work when it's one line, huh?

[Gutter]

realmenknowhowtocook

[CountryBob]

realmenknowhowtocook

and Eat!

I need to hit the gym :down:

[Tenbatsuzen]

Is anyone going to watch Worst Chefs in America?

I watched the first season, because I'm a big Beau McMillan fan, but the fact that the annoying ugly hipster girl won pissed me off. Then the second season was awful.

The commercials promoting it are REALLY over the top. But it looks like Burrell is losing some weight. She's definitely thinner than she was when they were filming Next Iron Chef.

The good news is, once Worst Chefs is over, I think that'll start the run for Chopped: All Stars.

[Tenbatsuzen]

How many have become actual stars? Guy Fieri is the only one that comes to mind. Others have shows on the weekend during the morning that I'm sure no one watches. FN has become boring. I like Worst Cooks in America, although the contestants make me want to punch a wall. Anne Burrell and Robert Irvine are good. But Iron Chef is getting lame. It seems every other battle involves Bobby Flay. What's the point of having the other Iron Chefs? I can't stand the Challenge shows. I want to learn recipes. Not see some twits make gigantic cakes for money.

BTW, just a point:

I've heard Aarti Party has ceased production, and Melissa D'arabian and Aarti are going to have a "team up show".

That means that the only Food Net "Stars" shows that are still in production are Guy's Big Bite, 10 Dollar Dinners, and Sandwich King. How has D'arabian survived for this long?

[realmenhatelife]

Is anyone going to watch Worst Chefs in America?

I watched the first season, because I'm a big Beau McMillan fan, but the fact that the annoying ugly hipster girl won pissed me off. Then the second season was awful.

The commercials promoting it are REALLY over the top. But it looks like Burrell is losing some weight. She's definitely thinner than she was when they were filming Next Iron Chef.

The good news is, once Worst Chefs is over, I think that'll start the run for Chopped: All Stars.

I'm into worst cooks. Season 1 was Jenny Cross from Philly vs Velma from Brooklyn, who were the only two girls I liked on the show and they switched Jenny Crosses team halfway through to have that showdown cus they were buddies.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I'm into worst cooks. Season 1 was Jenny Cross from Philly vs Velma from Brooklyn, who were the only two girls I liked on the show and they switched Jenny Crosses team halfway through to have that showdown cus they were buddies.

The rockabilly chick was hot. The brooklyn chick I wanted to throw through a barbershop window.

And the over-the-top femme dude won last year, didn't he?

[realmenhatelife]

The rockabilly chick was hot. The brooklyn chick I wanted to throw through a barbershop window.

And the over-the-top femme dude won last year, didn't he?

Yeah I really hate knitted hats, so I was rooting for Jenny ultimately.


No, last year George the attractive lesbian from Chicago won. The really gay guy kind flamed out, wakka.

[Manning, Esq.]

I've heard Aarti Party has ceased production, and Melissa D'arabian and Aarti are going to have a "team up show".

Both uninspiring, and unlikable. This is an arena where I can go Blowhard; ditto as to Next Iron Chef. The earlier versions produced talent, innovation, and TV-friendly characters. Though, after seeing him sell out on The Chew, even the US-OG Iron Chef, Mario, 's lost a great deal of credibility (or, was it Eataly that did him in?).

[Tenbatsuzen]

Both uninspiring, and unlikable. This is an arena where I can go Blowhard; ditto as to Next Iron Chef. The earlier versions produced talent, innovation, and TV-friendly characters. Though, after seeing him sell out on The Chew, even the US-OG Iron Chef, Mario, 's lost a great deal of credibility (or, was it Eataly that did him in?).

To be honest, I think Symon's selling out more being on the Chew than Batali. Mario's always had a soccer mom appeal, but Symon was kind of like a man's man chef.

I disagee on Aarti being unlikable. Uninspiring possibly, because indian food can be tough to handle for flyover country, but she has a warmth to her (not to mention a great rack) that D'Arabian just doesn't have.

[Manning, Esq.]

To be honest, I think Symon's selling out more being on the Chew than Batali. Mario's always had a soccer mom appeal, but Symon was kind of like a man's man chef.

I disagee on Aarti being unlikable. Uninspiring possibly, because indian food can be tough to handle for flyover country, but she has a warmth to her (not to mention a great rack) that D'Arabian just doesn't have.

Should've explained. I don't see merely being part of The Chew as selling out. I call out Batali because during the bits that I've seen, I've heard him espouse prepared foods over fresh, and a couple other unmemorable facts, that made me wonder how he's transitioned. I saw a recent segment where he swore that soy meatballs were delicious, and that he favored them over the real deal. I say that these sentiments are forced for the sake of the show's themes surrounding healthier, cheaper, quicker cooking. Just doesn't jibe with his pedigree.

Aarti? Unlikable (to me) b/c exuberantly fake. That may make a good TV persona; it does, in fact. But, I'm uninterested in personalities, generally, when I watch FTV. Inspiring? Nope. I hear you about flyover tastes; lived there for years. But, without any training, and just a handful of books, I promise that my Indian/Asian products are at least as genuine; and, likely, taste better. I wish I could walk through the panel and flick her on her forehead.

[JerseyRich]

Is anyone going to watch Worst Chefs in America?

I watched the first season, because I'm a big Beau McMillan fan, but the fact that the annoying ugly hipster girl won pissed me off. Then the second season was awful.

The commercials promoting it are REALLY over the top. But it looks like Burrell is losing some weight. She's definitely thinner than she was when they were filming Next Iron Chef.

The good news is, once Worst Chefs is over, I think that'll start the run for Chopped: All Stars.
I'll watch.

Hopefully Bobby Flay will be embarrassed.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I'll watch.

Hopefully Bobby Flay will be embarrassed.

Welcome back. You've been missed. How's the vest?

[Dude!]

You've been missed.

by whom?

[realmenhatelife]

I like Aarti, or atleast I think shes one of the stronger people to come out of FNS. It's just hard to do a good to-camera show, I think she would do fine if they had her in more personality driven contexts. For example, swapping her for D'Arabian in that Thanksgiving live probably would've been fine. Noone gets D'Arabian, she's wholly unlikable in anything she does.

[JerseyRich]

by whom?
:drunk:

[JerseyRich]

I like Aarti, or atleast I think shes one of the stronger people to come out of FNS. It's just hard to do a good to-camera show, I think she would do fine if they had her in more personality driven contexts. For example, swapping her for D'Arabian in that Thanksgiving live probably would've been fine. Noone gets D'Arabian, she's wholly unlikable in anything she does.
Aarti was doomed to fail.

Middle America doesn't want to cook Indian Food.

They want to get fat on Cupcakes.

[Misteriosa]

at first i thought it said Atari Party. :o

im sad aarti's show is gone. she had some good food on there.

[JerseyRich]

Atari Party is in its 3rd season on G4!

[JerseyRich]

Pioneer Woman needs to stick to the web as well.

Her pacing on the show is so slow, it's like watching Bob Ross in the kitchen.

[realmenhatelife]

Ari Party about a chef who just yells at his gaysian sous chef. It went 5 seasons but we were all tired of it after one.



zing

[JerseyRich]

Oof.

:clap:

[Tenbatsuzen]

Aarti was doomed to fail.

Middle America doesn't want to cook Indian Food.

They want to get fat on Cupcakes.

Any cake show outside of Duff's show I want to destroy. I haaaaaate cupcake wars.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Marty Party, about a guy who randomly gets thrown through windows.

[JerseyRich]

You're an adult male.

Cupcakes should not be on your radar.

[JerseyRich]

Quarty Party...

Let's have fun measuring things!

[realmenhatelife]

Quarty Party...

Let's have fun measuring things!

Sharty Party...


You dont want to know what it's about.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Barty Party!

http://www.billybarty.com/images/1.jpg

[jennysmurf]

I'm currently watching Alton Brown's LAST episode of "Good Eats." I has a sad.:glurps:

[realmenhatelife]

I'm currently watching Alton Brown's LAST episode of "Good Eats." I has a sad.:glurps:

Was the chocolate one the last one?

[jennysmurf]

Was the chocolate one the last one?

Yep. I had no idea, until I read it on Facebook--he's got too many other projects going, so he decided to end Good Eats. But, I liked him best on Good Eats! No one cares about my needs!!!!

[realmenhatelife]

Yep. I had no idea, until I read it on Facebook--he's got too many other projects going, so he decided to end Good Eats. But, I liked him best on Good Eats! No one cares about my needs!!!!

I didn't realize that. I knew they weren't really actively producing it but not that it was officially done. I got the feeling once they started showing it so much on The Cooking Channel that the writing was on the wall.

In true Good Eats fashion that chocolate he was using is like $30 a pound and 10$ for a candy bar.

[jennysmurf]

I didn't realize that. I knew they weren't really actively producing it but not that it was officially done. I got the feeling once they started showing it so much on The Cooking Channel that the writing was on the wall.

In true Good Eats fashion that chocolate he was using is like $30 a pound and 10$ for a candy bar.

Yeah, I rarely plan to use any of his expensive stuff, but I loved learning the science behind the cooking, and the reason one kind of something is better than another. Plus, I find him a tasty morsel.:wub:

[Dude!]

Plus, I find him a tasty morsel.:wub:

you must be insane...
he always reminds me
of this dude:


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIPt0fpBHE8/TgI_9nqLKTI/AAAAAAAAAME/gAf3n1Cga5E/s1600/Lon_Phantom.jpg

[jennysmurf]

you must be insane...
he always reminds me
of this dude:


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIPt0fpBHE8/TgI_9nqLKTI/AAAAAAAAAME/gAf3n1Cga5E/s1600/Lon_Phantom.jpg

So you're not attracted to men? I just lost a bet....

[Dude!]

So you're not attracted to men? I just lost a bet....

jennysmurf spends her time
discussing me with her friends

i couldn't be more flattered

[jennysmurf]

jennysmurf spends her time
discussing me with her friends

i couldn't be more flattered

Yeah, we were talking about how there seem to be more gay men now than there used to be. It was a deep discussion about how humans are going to die out soon because most men like the penis.

[Crispy123]

Yeah, we were talking about how there seem to be more gay men now than there used to be. It was a deep discussion about how humans are going to die out soon because most men like the penis.

:lol::lol::lol: