Food Network Stars - Gotta love 'em or not!

[Tombstone Tourist]

Has anyone in here tried any of Emeril's recipes? Why is it necessary for him to use 327 ingredients just to make a piece of toast? His "kicked up meatloaf" is to die for, though. I need all weekend to prepare for it, which includes shopping for the stuff, but it's fabulous.

Yes, I have several of his books and I would say he nails it on 80% of the recipes. The downside is his books are not for the beginner and most full meals take up to 2 hours to make. However if you want to kick your game up a notch it is worth the effort.

Note about cook books - do NOT pay full price for Emeril or anyone else. Get the books first at the library and try them out. Then go online to say www.half.com and buy them used or in the remainder pile for up to 80% off list.

[FloridaDeathHag]

Does Sandra Lee ever wear a bra? I'd also like her to come clean that her breasts are also "semi-homemade," or so it would appear to me.
Giada is my favorite, everything I've made of hers has been delicious, and she's not bad to look at. She also gives off that vibe that behind closed doors she's a total psychopath/sex fiend, which is a plus in my book.
Paula, I can't take her anymore, it's too much. Plus her magazine has gone to crap, it's all ads.
Ina has a funny show with interesting people, but I've made 4-5 of her things, they have taken forever and ended up bland or just plain bad.
Rachael Ray seems like a sweet girl, but she's too hyper and makes me nervous. If she wasn't so fat, I'd think she did coke all day to get that hyped up for her show.

[Gardner32]

I love Anthony Bourdain on the travel channel, and Andrew Zimmer. Also Take home Chef.

[Morrissey]

I like anything with Bobby Flay. my fave being Throwdown With Bobby Flay. I LOVED the old Iron Chef shows. the new ones are cool, with Bobby, Mario Vitelli, Masahara Morimoto and Cat Cora. but that Alton Brown guy just irks me. he's such a...i don't know...DWEEB? he just makes me wanna change the channel. but I watch anyway. and even though I am not a big fan of the host, I like watching Diners, Drive-In's and Dives.

You're now my hero, since you're the only one who likes the Flayster!

He's so amazing.

[JustOutOfReach]

My personal favorite is Tyler Florence. That'll do.

Speaking of celebrity chefs, etc, I once dined at Spago in Beverly Hills and had a wonderful meal, very attentive wait staff and Wolfgang Puck stopped by the table to see how things were and chatted and was very personable. He is either a master restaurateur or he suffers fools gladly. I think it is the former.

[susalu]

It's like marzipan in consistency and is often used the same way. I actually like the taste of marzipan, _used sparingly_, since it has that almond paste taste. Fondant is basically glucose. To me it just tastes like sugar, with maybe a faint marshmallow-y flavor.

I'm with you on the frosting, Susalu! Buttercream is the best! I made basically Genoise cake and French Buttercream in cupcake form for my kids a few weeks ago, and they didn't like them! They wanted the junk that comes out of a can and Betty Crocker cake mix. Sigh. At least my youngest seems to be developing a decent palate. He liked my Lindt dark chocolates with mango and jalapeno filling.

You make me sound like a slacker, Kim! Your cupcakes sound awesome! I hope your co-workers bow down and worship you, as you deserve.

Cheers,
Amy

omg amy, you can adopt me any day! i have a great palate! mango and jalapeno sounds killer!


by the way, has anyone ever dined at a GORDON RAMSEY restaurant? i am just wondering how it is!!! Sus

[kdeazell]

Wow you are a busy girl! Thanks for the description! now send me a cupcake, bitch! lol... just kidding ya! Sus

Ok Beaaaachhh heres your cupcakes. Yum they loved them.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91877523@N00/
But no one really at the worm ones. My kids loved them.
Kim

[susalu]

Ok Beaaaachhh heres your cupcakes. Yum they loved them.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91877523@N00/
But no one really at the worm ones. My kids loved them.
Kim

yum! thank you biyotch!!! i think the ones with the pumpkins look the yummiest!!!

here is my special halloween treat for you! no calories, either!!

Sus

[Laura1020]

i hate gia and her fake italian accent used only on certain words.


I LOVE BAREFOOT CONTESSA!

Here, here! I can't stand Giada, either. Her head is too big for her body and I hate the way she says words that start with "cr" and "gr". Watch her show and listen for them. You'll know what I mean!

I love the Contessa, too, although do you get the feeling she and her husband aren't very close? I know he works in the city (used to be the president of Yale's business school, I think) and is only home on weekends, but even when you see them together, it's very odd looking. I know they fell head over heels for eachother when they met, but somethings missing, I think.

[Laura1020]

Does Sandra Lee ever wear a bra? I'd also like her to come clean that her breasts are also "semi-homemade," or so it would appear to me.

You are so right! I've been telling my husband for years that Sandra needs abetter bra. I just want to jump into the TV screen, walk up to her and yank her bra straps toward the sky to PULL THOSE THINGS UP!

[Twobeatlesleft]

I watch the Food Network all the time. I actually work in the same building as the FN HQ (Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue, NYC). I see many of the chefs/personalities here.

I call Giada "bird face". Her nose is so distracting, it doesn't fit her face. Too many teeth. I don't mind the cleavage.

I can take or leave Paula Deen. She is ALWAYS on, so you can't avoid her. I find her somewhat annoying but like the fact that she clearly doesn't care about fat and calories.

I cannot stand that annoying Ellie Krieger woman. She has a face that I just want to smash.

I used to watch Sandra Lee and think naughty things, but I just can't get past her goody 2 shoes delivery. She seems like a perfectionist and might go postal any minute.

Nigella is beautiful but I noticed the other day she has really packed on the pounds.

I like Barefoot Contessa, but she does come off as a rich snob. Judging from her Hamptons digs, I don't doubt it.

I like Robin Miller's show--simple and interesting.

I really dig Flay and Florence.

I hate the cake challenge shows and Ace of Cakes.

Everyone knows Rachel Ray is annoying, but I don't mind 30 minute meals.

My two faves are Guy and Alton. I love Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. And I've seen all the Good Eats shows over and over. I never miss them.

[Morrissey]

I love the Contessa, too, although do you get the feeling she and her husband aren't very close? I know he works in the city (used to be the president of Yale's business school, I think) and is only home on weekends, but even when you see them together, it's very odd looking. I know they fell head over heels for eachother when they met, but somethings missing, I think.

Personally, I think he's off spending time with the boys, if you know what I mean.

[Valentino009]

Morrissey- LOL! I was thinking that too!!! I mean there is something that doesn't seem right.

Ok, how about Michael Chiarello (Easy Entertaining)? Me and my mom's radar was buzzing big time!

[Tugboat25]

A worthless piece of chef trivia:

Emeril catered Sammy Hagar's wedding.

And speaking of Emeril, I ate at his restaurant in New Orleans - very disappointing.

Susan Spicer's Bayona was far superior and the staff and food at K-Paul's was top-notch!

A customer of mine worked for the Food Channel and worked closely with Emeril.
She said that he isn't very good (she is a chef) but he sells himself very well.
He is more interested in his image and ability to bring in the dough (no pun intended).
Apparently Andrew Zimmern is a VERY good chef. Although he is not on the Food Channel and he hosts "Bizarre Foods" Zimmern is one of the finest chefs around.

[deathybrad]

I think Zimmern gets fatter ever time one of his commercials runs...

You people watch a lot of Food Network, maybe my DVR isn't big enough.

I love Ace of Cakes. I didn't even realize it was still on, or is it?

[Tugboat25]

Does Zimmern's weight make him worthless?
Does it really matter?

[deathybrad]

You're putting words in my mouth. Are we a little insecure there, Tugboat?

I just think it's funny that he's getting fat from eating bugs or some animal's scrotum.

[Tugboat25]

You're putting words in my mouth. Are we a little insecure there, Tugboat?

I just think it's funny that he's getting fat from eating bugs or some animal's scrotum.

I just asked a question, that's all.
I found your post somewhat curious so I asked about it.
Seems like you put yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
Relax.

[disco]

Well My favorite chef is Jacques Pepin ( the one who was with julia child before she passed, God bless her). Pepin is for real and knows his stuff, What I would called a chef's chef, hands down. Alton is good, he is like the Mister Wizard of cookin. Paula Dean makes good fried chicken and other tasty greasy fried foods, check your blood pressure and wait for the heart attack thats acomin. Tyler is a Pepin in the making, he knows his stuff. The Barefoot Contessa is a classy winch, but I would eat anything she makes. Emeril is great for a party or when you have been drinking your brains out, "Bam". Finally, I would not challenge Bobby Flay on South west cooking he is the master on this and probably tex-mex. Finally Jimmy Carter's personal chef a very nice black lady, I cant remember her name, sorry. First Jimmy Carter likes soul food, Secondly this woman's food almost made me drive to Plains Georgia. So there you have it.

[Morrissey]

I love Ace of Cakes. I didn't even realize it was still on, or is it?

Yes, it's on the third season.

[deathybrad]

What is it's time slot?

[MbalmR]

I've mentioned this in an earlier post (I think it was the thread where we were invited to share little tid bits about ourselves,) but I love the Food Network Channel and their website. I watch often, and get up in the middle of the night to read recipes. It's like PORN for me.

My husband and I also love Andrew Zimmern!! My husband's fantasy isn't Giada (ugh) it's to travel with Andrew and sample all manner of offal and oddities! And here I thought my cooking experiments were scary enough.

Did anyone start that recipe thread? Neat idea. I made Paul Deen's creamy mac 'n cheese yesterday. Fabulous!!

[amaranthaseven]

Did anyone start that recipe thread? Neat idea. I made Paul Deen's creamy mac 'n cheese yesterday. Fabulous!!

I'll start one, MbalmR! I looked through "Everything Else" and did a search and didn't find one. Especially with various holidays coming up soon, I'm sure there will be interest. I'm going to be hosting two days at Christmas with a houseload of relatives, and I'm going to be desperate for make-ahead holiday foods!

I'm always looking for some tried and true recipes.

Cheers,
Amy

[FloridaDeathHag]

Personally, I think he's off spending time with the boys, if you know what I mean.

I know, I totally get the gay vibe from him, too.

[Valentino009]

Well I know alot of people think she's scary or don't like her even but, Giada (big smile, booby top wearing chef) is PREGGERS! Ok that is all!

[MbalmR]

GIADA IS PREGNANT? Dang. It just proves that even Pez Dispensers can find love, I guess.

[Cemetry Gates]

You can see the baby's sex without an ultrasound.

[Valentino009]

Mbalmber: Hahahahaha, a Pez dispenser! Now that you mention it!
She's apparently having a girl. She announced it on the Today show. She also does mini reporting gigs for them. I hope the girl gets her hair though, her hubby has a major receding hairline!

[tensecondstolove]

I'll start one, MbalmR! I looked through "Everything Else" and did a search and didn't find one. Especially with various holidays coming up soon, I'm sure there will be interest. I'm going to be hosting two days at Christmas with a houseload of relatives, and I'm going to be desperate for make-ahead holiday foods!

I'm always looking for some tried and true recipes.

Cheers,
Amy

That is a great idea! I'll definitely contribute a lot to that one..

[Zombiegirl]

I like to watch the show "Unwrapped".

I absolutely adore Alton Brown. He has a scientific explanation for everything which intrigues me. I have learned a lot watching his show.

Giada gets on my damn nerves. She uses some of the grossest vegetables in her recipes. MbalmR - Pez Dispenser, *LMAO*!!!

Paula Deen is obnoxious, but like another Death Hag posted here, she has total disregard for calories and fat in her recipes and I like that.

Ina Garten bores THE SHIT outta me.

Bobby Flay is ok and I really like Tyler Florence. I just started getting into Guy, he makes some tasty lookin' stuff. I like to look at Michael Chiarello.

I like Sandra Lee because some of her recipes look tasty and she certainly likes her cocktails! LOL I'd never venture going to all the trouble she does making tablescapes, but some of them look really nice.

Rachel Ray is just fuckin' goofy. I do like watching her ideas on 30-Minute Meals. Don't ever make her deviled ham recipe. I tried it and promptly put it down the garbage disposal. If you like New England style clam chowder, she has a good recipe for that.

In conclusion, Andrew Zimmern is awesome! I love to watch his show, but haven't seen very many of them. I didn't know he was a chef!

[endsleigh03]

I love Nigella

[disco]

This is my daughter's cake. It was pumpkin chocolate chip; white chocolate raspberry; chocolate mint; and chocolate orange.

Now you done gone and done it! I am heading to the store looking for birthday cake. Gonna try to stay around 10 bucks. Your daughters cake is lovely!

[xoxojessicaxoxo]

anyone remember "justin wilson"? OOOH WEEE! ha ha ha.

[chirock]

I actually made a Rachel Ray concoction and LIKED it (her cauliflower sauce), although after about the 3rd season, she and her perky little self got on my nerves. i WILL NOT watch her talk show.

Always wondered about Michael Chiarello. hmmm.....

Alton is a GOD. I love him and his show, even enjoyed the two "easting on Ashfalt"s. Did anyone know he's a born again Christian, tho'??? I found that hard to believe. He's just too scientific.

Duff looks like he'd be fun to hang with, although some of his concoctions....!!

Giada was in Chicago a few years back at my old agency's "Color" party (it's an NRA -national restaurant association - thing), and from what everyone said, she was extremely nice and alot of fun. She does, however resemble a PEZ dispenser! Actually looks like the BEE Movie one I have on my desk!! (see attached)

Paula did a very nice thing for my boss - my best friend used to live in Savannah, and did some work with Paula for event planning. Since my boss' mother's name was also Paula Dean, just spelled differently, she had Paula sign a cookbook for her for Mother's Day this year. I hear she is very, very nice.

Is her sons' show still on? THAT one bugged the crap outta me.

I would run off with Tyler Florence in a heartbeat (sorry dear).

I'm beginning to think a lot of their challenge shows are rigged.

BUT, I'm still a big loser and this is pretty much the only channel I watch these days.

[Zombiegirl]

[quote=chirock;48729]I actually made a Rachel Ray concoction and LIKED it (her cauliflower sauce), although after about the 3rd season, she and her perky little self got on my nerves. i WILL NOT watch her talk show.

[SIZE=3]That is putting it nicely, LOL I absolutely will not watch it either. I don't know why people are so enamored with her goof-ass.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
Always wondered about Michael Chiarello. hmmm.....

[SIZE=3]As in.....showing up on gaydar kinda wonder? I never got that impression.......[/SIZE]

Alton is a GOD. I love him and his show, even enjoyed the two "easting on Ashfalt"s. Did anyone know he's a born again Christian, tho'??? I found that hard to believe. He's just too scientific.

[SIZE=3]I didn't know about that. I learn something new everyday on this forum.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][/SIZE]

[Zombiegirl]

anyone remember "justin wilson"? OOOH WEEE! ha ha ha.

Yes, I DO remember Justin Wilson! I always enjoyed watching his show. I even bought one of his cookbooks. I only made a couple of recipes from it, but they were both good.

[xoxojessicaxoxo]

Yes, I DO remember Justin Wilson! I always enjoyed watching his show. I even bought one of his cookbooks. I only made a couple of recipes from it, but they were both good.

my grandparents lived in the country many years ago with no cable, he always came on pbs right after julia chiles (sp) i thought he was wonderful. i love suspenders. lol.

[FloridaDeathHag]

Giada is one of the few women I would sleep with. I'd bang her silly, she's hot!

[Guest]

How about this story? I get my wife tickets to the RR show that comes on daily you know. We go up to NY and they cut the line off ten people in front of us. They offer us VIP tickets at a later taping......that sucked ass.....BTW, do you New Yorkers ever get used to the constant blend of urine and garbage smell in Manhattan?

[Zombiegirl]

my grandparents lived in the country many years ago with no cable, he always came on pbs right after julia chiles (sp) i thought he was wonderful. i love suspenders. lol.

He was certainly a one-of-a-kind. I miss watching his shows and hearing his stories.

[amaranthaseven]

Did anyone catch the "All Star Thanksgiving" last night on Food Network? I caught the end of it, just as Alton was doing his segment on smoked turkey and mashed potatoes. I don't even own a grill, but I have an urge to run out and buy one so I can try his recipe, it sounded amazingly delicious. And I learned a lot more about brining the turkey than I knew before.

Someone else mentioned Emeril as not being a particularly good chef. Certainly his presentation doth suck. He's an alumni of my current school (as is that hottie Tyler Florence who seems like a better technical chef), and he would have bombed his presentation grade on most of his plating if he tried it in his classes. I like a lot of his flavor concepts, though.

[xoxojessicaxoxo]

He was certainly a one-of-a-kind. I miss watching his shows and hearing his stories.

me too. "i ga-ran-tee" *sigh* good stuff, now i must google and find out if he's passed. ***he has*** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Wilson_%28chef%29

[Tombstone Tourist]

Did anyone catch the "All Star Thanksgiving" last night on Food Network? I caught the end of it, just as Alton was doing his segment on smoked turkey and mashed potatoes. I don't even own a grill, but I have an urge to run out and buy one so I can try his recipe, it sounded amazingly delicious. And I learned a lot more about brining the turkey than I knew before.

Before you attempt to brine a whole turkey, practice on a whole chicken.

Same concept but a lot easier to work with and tweek.

[Maruz83]

I meet the guy from dinner-impossiable (sp)this weekend at the Orlando airport and he was soooooooooooooooo nice and he's not all huge like he looks on TV !!!!! it was very very kewl

[sunshine2828]

I actually got to meet Julia Childs back in the 90's when I was a chef. She was very...very sweet and very..very tall! She was in the restaurant to do some recipes and answer some questions. During the question and answer session she asked for some beer and they kept giving it to her. Well she ended up tipsy and talking about relationships and living together! Hysterical! What a wonderful woman though!

[Colicky]

I have a suspicion that if I ever ate at Ina Garten's house, I would leave hungry and disappointed. Do you ever see the amount of food she puts out at parties or makes for a dinner party? I have had gastric bypass surgery and trust me, I'm sure I would hit McDonald's after leaving her house. I think the best show I ever watched of hers was when she made a traditional Jewish dish and added bacon to it.

[Zombiegirl]

I have a suspicion that if I ever ate at Ina Garten's house, I would leave hungry and disappointed. Do you ever see the amount of food she puts out at parties or makes for a dinner party? I have had gastric bypass surgery and trust me, I'm sure I would hit McDonald's after leaving her house. I think the best show I ever watched of hers was when she made a traditional Jewish dish and added bacon to it.

*LOL* I hadn't noticed that before...but next time I watch, I'll be sure to take notice

[chirock]

I have a suspicion that if I ever ate at Ina Garten's house, I would leave hungry and disappointed. Do you ever see the amount of food she puts out at parties or makes for a dinner party? I have had gastric bypass surgery and trust me, I'm sure I would hit McDonald's after leaving her house. I think the best show I ever watched of hers was when she made a traditional Jewish dish and added bacon to it.

Why do I get the feeling she only puts out 1/2 the food she prepares and keeps the rest for herself for later???

[FloridaDeathHag]

I have a suspicion that if I ever ate at Ina Garten's house, I would leave hungry and disappointed. Do you ever see the amount of food she puts out at parties or makes for a dinner party? I have had gastric bypass surgery and trust me, I'm sure I would hit McDonald's after leaving her house. I think the best show I ever watched of hers was when she made a traditional Jewish dish and added bacon to it.

Or the time Sandra Lee sprinkled some cinammon on a frozen pie, heated it up, and called it "Semi-Homemade."

I don't think Ina gets tied down in the religious details when she's cooking, or really any details. Love her show, but not a single thing of hers I've made was good. Tons of work for a bland or crappy result, to be honest. She has cute gay guy friends, though, eye candy show.

[Cemetry Gates]

Why do I get the feeling she only puts out 1/2 the food she prepares and keeps the rest for herself for later???

Ha ha ha I think she "samples" a lot. She also makes a big ass mess all over the place when she cooks. Someone cleans up after her, I'm sure.