Leading the sessions will be renowned culinary masters, some of the biggest names in the business.  Here’s a sample:  Ruth Reichl, Mario Batali (in photo), Daniel Boulud, David Bouley, April Bloomfield, Floyd Cardoz, Scott Conant, Gina DePalma, Sara Moulton, Charlie Palmer, Marcus Samuelsson, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Florent Molleret, Dan Barber, Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert.

Here are some of the things on the schedule for the weekend:

• Chef demonstrations
• Wine and spirits tastings
• Cheese tastings
• Seminars
• Gourmet test kitchen Session
• Walking tours
• Special menus at select NYC restaurants (Friday & Saturday)
• Book signings

And lots more!

Tickets are now available, and if you think this sounds like a lot of fun, you’d better act quickly.  Some classes are already sold out!  Ticket prices range from $20-300, and you can buy individual classes or seminars based on what interests you, or put together a package.  You can check the schedule and order tickets online.

Photo Credit:  Chef Mario Batali by Bauer Griffin

Post from: Blisstree

Culinary Travel Weekend at The Gourmet Institute

As much as I love watching shows on Food Network or even PBS, I’m always skeptical of the chefs’ (or cooks’) claims that it’s always all about the food or how they never intended to end up on TV (Giada, I’m lookin’ at you).

The article, which goes into much more detail for each point, suggests ten things these chefs won’t tell you:

1. “I’m a celebrity first and a chef second.”

2. “There’s absolutely no reason to buy my cookbook.”

3. “Just because I have a cooking show doesn’t mean I’m a chef.”

4. “Sex sells, even with foodies.”

5. “I’m addicted to porn—food porn, that is.”

6. “The dishes I make on TV don’t always work so great at home…”

7. “…and sometimes they’re just plain gross.” (A few of Rachael Ray’s recipes come to mind!)

8. “It might be my restaurant, but that doesn’t mean I cook there.”

9. “My show is one long commercial for my cookbooks.”

10. “Bottom line: My celebrity status is great for business.”

What do you think of the article? Are there any more points you’d add to it?

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

10 Things Celebrity Chefs Won’t Tell You

Adding to their already huge (and admittedly, somewhat obnoxious) food challenge shows, Food Network is adding a Top Chef-esque competition of their own this month.

“Passion and expertise rule the kitchen on the fast-paced new series, Chopped.

“Hosted by Ted Allen (Food Detectives), the series challenges four up-and-coming chefs to turn a selection of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. After each course, a contestant gets “chopped” until the last man or woman left standing claims victory.

“Each week, a rotating panel of culinary elite judges including Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, and Geoffrey Zakarian will decide whose dishes shine the brightest and award the winner $10,000.”

“Chopped” will premiere January 13 at 10:00 pm and air weekly after that.

Post from: Blisstree

Food Network Premiering New Reality Show

So, Bobby Flay will now join Emeril, Rocco, Wolfgang, Martha, Rachael and the rest of his culinary buddies and launch a line of cookware/kitchenware in the Spring of 2008.

The Food Network recently teamed up with Kohl’s in launching a Food Network Kitchen line, but Flay is the first celebrity chef to coordinate his line with the department store and The Food Network.  Rachael Ray sells her wares at Kohl’s but is not there exclusively. To date most of these chefs have launched without the assistance of just one department store or the network.  Martha Stewart, I believe, has been the first to do something like this at places such as Kmart and Macy’s.  She is fortunate to have a simple and productive marketing tool, her very own show.

The Food Network promises to promote Flay and his merchandise heavily with programming and specials with the star when the line becomes available.

CNN Money:

“Bobby Flay’s bold and colorful approach to cuisine is a great fit with Kohl’s and Food Network’s mission to translate culinary expertise into unique and exciting products,” said Sergei Kuharsky, general manager, Food Network. “Bobby has been an important member of the Food Network family for more than 13 years. We are excited to extend our partnerships with Kohl’s and Bobby Flay.”

The casual lifestyle brand will include cookware, dinnerware, kitchen gadgets, utensils, cutlery, kitchen textiles, kitchen electrics and barbecue tools. The brand will represent Flay’s flair for food and entertaining with Mediterranean influences, bold colors and rich textures.

“As one of Food Network’s most recognizable talents, Bobby Flay is a trusted authority on cooking, grilling and entertaining,” said Kevin Mansell, president of Kohl’s Corporation. “His enthusiasm and expertise make him an ideal partner in expanding the Food Network collection and delivering on Kohl’s mission of offering world-class brands to customers nationwide.”

“I am excited to launch these products with Food Network, a great partner to me for the past 13 years, and Kohl’s, who knows the products I want to produce,” Flay commented. “We want these products to be part of every-one’s kitchen, and to inspire you to grill and entertain with them every weekend.”

The announcement of Flay’s new collection is part of Food Network’s talent brand management strategy to take its celebrity chefs beyond TV and bring their culinary expertise home to the Food Network viewer in a variety of ways. In spring 2008, timed with the launch of the line, Food Network will make Flay a focal point in programming, online, events and brand extensions.

I think now we understand where the goals of Food Network are going.  Flay is one of the last actually trained chefs who still exist on the Food Network.  He has been with the network since the early days and I believe now that he sees the writing on the wall with stars like Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse he has moved with the changing tide by becoming part of shows like Throw Down and now this. 

So, do you think that he has become a sell-out or just a smart business man??

Post from: Blisstree

Bobby Flay Joins the Cookware Bandwagon

 I can’t believe it…there are only six days separating us from turkey mishaps, canned yams, boxed stuffing and chewy pie crusts…YIKES!!

I honestly thought that I had one more week before I had to start worrying about when, what and how for Thanksgiving.  Has anyone else been as neglectful?  I mean….I actually still have my calendar on October!

That said, fortunately I have a pretty good idea of what I am making.  Some are repeats from last year.  If I loved it last year then I want to enjoy it again in 2007.  Some dishes I don’t mind mixing it up, But there are some dishes that remind me so much of family and special times that they have to be a part of my table every year.  What about you?  Would you rather keep the Thanksgiving menu full of your standards or do you like attempt a new menu every year?

So, if you are still debating on how you are preparing your turkey this year, debating on what sides to highlight on the Thanksgiving table or you want to do something different with your pumpkin then the sites below should help you out. 

 Epicurious:  They have The Complete Thanksgiving Guide and that is no exaggeration.  They have you covered from appetizers, soups, sides…you name it they got you covered.  They even have ideas for drinks, leftovers, vegetarian menus and recipes Beyond the Bird like Crown Roast of Pork and Panko and Mustard Crusted Rabbit.  I also really love their Planning Guide.  It helps you plot the day without leaving all your work for “The Day”.

Food Network:  The Food Network Thanksgiving 2007 has all those recipes from your favorite Celebrity Chefs.  You can view Food Network fans videos on their family traditions and even upload and share your own.  There is also a Bird is the Word Blog that has helpful hints to make your day a success.  Some of my favorite recipes here are Bobby Flay’s Apple-Sage Glazed Grilled Whole Turkey with Grilled Apples.  I made this last year and WOW…there is no going back.  For dessert I am definitely debating between Tyler Florence’s Bourbon and Chocolate Pecan Pie or Emeril Lagasse’s Pumpkin Cheesecake with Bourbon Spiked Cream.

Martha Stewart:  It is never a holiday without some tips from Martha and this year on Sirius Radio she and her experts will be available for all your Thanksgiving questions for 10 hours on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.  Her site is full of helpful table setting ideas, a variety of Turkey Day Menus and don’t forget to take a peak at what Martha is serving her guests this year.  I think I am going to try her Sweet Potato Spoon Bread.

Food and Wine:  They have a menu guide to suit everyone from the traditionalist to the irreverent, like the Chai-Spiced Caramel Fondue.

Family Fun:  They have great craft ideas to keep your kids busy this weekend and from under foot on the big day.  How about getting your kids off the game system and playing some games.  They also have a some great ideas to make the Kid’s Table a fun place to sit.

Better Homes and Gardens:  They have tips on hosting your first Thanksgiving, helpful hints for having a Potluck Thanksgiving, ideas of Thanksgiving Across America and Thanksgiving with a French Twist.  Now that I think of it, that last one seems a little out of place.

These sites are my standbys for just about every occasion I plan.  They have more information then I can remember and plenty fresh ideas but also a lot of standards.  So, what in on the menu for you this Thanksgiving?

Post from: Blisstree

Six Days Until Turkey Day

Other celebrity chefs who will be part of the floor show include: Guy Fieri, Tony Abou-Ganim, Gregg Wangard, and Tommy Tang.

You can get a complete schedule for the show, information about attending, and details of other shows in the works at this company press release: The ‘Hot Spot Culinary Extravaganza’ to Debut at the 2006 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo

Post from: Blisstree

LA Gets Hot with Celeb Chefs

From Long Island Press, “Reality 101″ article:

29. The Next Food Network Star (Food Network) For food-show junkies, this was the best, as the celebrity chefs from the Food Network provided challenges for aspiring chefs vying for their own Food Network show. And Guy Fieri, the best man, won.

Post from: Blisstree

FoodTV Reality Ranks 29

Personally, I am a HUGE fan of RR, but with her multiple cooking/dining/entertaining shows, magazine, books, and up coming talk show in the works, I’ve heard some buzz that maybe this is just too much.

Post your 2 cents (or 25 cents) in the comments and let me know what you think on the issue of Rachael Ray:

Over exposed?

Just right?

Not enough of her? 

Post from: Blisstree

Too Much Rachael Ray?

Bobby Flay has opened yet another restaurant.  This time he is in Atlantic City.  The Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa now is host to Bobby Flay’s fifth restaurant, Bobby Flay Steak. 

Bobby Flay joins Wolfgang Puck and Michael Mina at the Borgata offering upscale cuisine to the masses.  Of course, I do not know how much of the masses can enjoy a $44 Philly Cheese Steak, Bobby Flay’s take on the famous sandwich.

This of course is not a traditional steak house.  Bobby Flay Steak serves up a few variations of traditional steaks as well as chicken and fish.  You can also enjoy a seat at the lobster bar.

The reviews are favorable.  So, if you are making your way to Atlantic City. belly-up to the lobster bar for a lobster/oyster shooter and let us know what you think.

Post from: Blisstree

Bobby Flay Steak Restaurant

  I received an email asking me if I had heard that Sara Moulton was leaving the Food Network.  Rumors are that they are dumping Sara because they want to focus on the entertainment value of shows rather then educating their viewers (I don’t understand why they can’t do both).  I checked out her website…nothing. When I tried to check on the TV listings for the Food Network in the Fall…no listings for any show and no mention of “out with the old”.

After some browsing throughout the good ole’ world-wide-web, I found an article on Slashfood.com back from December of 2005.  Even though we are currently seeing her during the week with Sara’s Secrets, they have filmed the last episodes and in the Fall, it is fact that Sara Moulton will no longer be a part of the Food Network Family. This may end up being one dysfunctional family. 

I do not know how much of Food Finds, Unwrapped, The History of…, Road Tasted…need I go on…I can take.  Yes, I enjoy watching them, but I do not need 20 shows of the same thing.  Now I understand why Bobby Flay and Alton Brown have developed past there cooking shows…survival.

I admit, Sara Moulton, is not really the most exciting person to watch on television, but at least she was informative and goodness…taught you how to cook.  I mean…really….they keep can’t cook, my recipes taste like crap Sandra Lee and banish Sara Moulton to PBS???

So, what are your feelings on the loss of Sara Moulton?

If you think you are going to need a Sara Moulton fix she will be doing a PBS show out of Boston, so check your PBS listings to see if her show will be available in your area.

Post from: Blisstree

Sara Moulton Leaves The Food Network