Archive for March, 2008
March 31st, 2008
The Robert Irvine scandal officially broke in February; however, in the April 7th issue of US Weekly, Chef Irvine admits to the tabloid that he lied about certain aspects on his resume. He never worked for the British royal family and has never been knighted. His popular show, Dinner: Impossible, has been canceled, along with his plans to open two restaurants in Florida. In the article, Chef Irvine thanks his fans for their numerous letters of support. He said he plans on either doing another TV show or charity work with the military.
Now let me just say, this is another instance where the Food Network has dropped the ball. Remember the Jag drama from several months ago??? As a major network, why not hire someone to check backgrounds?! What a great idea that would be! I am not saying that embellishing a resume is the right way to go, but on the Food Network, why not? Apparently you can get away with it for at least a season or two.
I think it is far more embarrassing for Food Network than it is for Chef Irvine. This needs to stop because if not, it will be endless. I really liked Dinner: Impossible and now one of my favorite shows (and there is not many) is cancelled. Not because it is not popular, not because it is not getting good ratings, but because the Food Network failed to check Robert Irvine’s resume before they gave him his own prime time show.
I leave you with one question: Why couldn’t it have been Robin Miller who lied about her resume instead?
March 25th, 2008
This was one of my favorite battles because it is always interesting to watch a talented young chef, such as Chef Tyson Cole challenging one of his idols, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
Both chefs were certainly familiar with the secret ingredient; ginger, which is commonly utilized in Japanese cuisine. Chef Tyson Cole’s specialty is sushi, at his popular Austin Texas eatery, Uchi, and Iron Chef Morimoto….what ingredient is he not familiar with?????
I absolutely love to watch Iron Chef Morimoto cook. (A good source if you are a Morimoto fan, like me, is Chef Morimoto’s website. If you join, you will be kept informed of his restaurant openings and appearances. ) He is so serious and cooks with such intensity. He is really one of those people I would love to meet and see how they are in person. Anyway, in this particular battle, it was the first time he appeared to be rushed. He was far behind in the plating aspect compared to Chef Cole and I was worried for….. maybe a minute.
Needless to say, both chefs really turned out great dishes. Chef Cole’s dishes had an outstanding presentation aspect. However, Iron Chef Morimoto never ceases to amaze with his ginger cotton candy and my favorite…the fish soup with the ginger broth. Sounds simple but it really looked delicious.
So, stay tuned for the next Iron Chef America…..
March 22nd, 2008
This week Iron Chef Iron Chef Bobby Flat was challenged by Vegas Chef Akira Back. Chef Back, trained by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, is executive chef of Yellowtail Sushi at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. This was an interesting match; both Chefs have such different styles of cooking.
The secret ingredient: spinach. This is a challenge. I typically think of spinach as a side dish so it was interesting to see how each chef could make this the main ingredient.
Well, onto the battle. Both chefs’ put on a good show. Bobby Flay appear to have some trouble with his new sous chef and his BBQ sauce, but he got it under control. Chef Back appeared very relaxed for his first time in kitchen stadium.
In the end, I think Iron Chef Flay really presented much better dishes. The spinach and oyster bisque and the spinach mac and cheese really caught my attention. At the same time, Chef Back certainly had a great presentation, but something was missing. I think in the end, the judge’s decision was spot on. Bobby Flay really won this one by far.
March 10th, 2008
I just got back from Las Vegas. In addition to being a playground for adults, it is a culinary haven for foodies. There are so many good restaurants; it was hard to decide where to dine. I have been to Vegas a few times, so my husband and I decided to try new places, instead of revisiting our favorites. Sometimes that can be good; sometimes bad.
We went to Daniel Boulud Brasserie in Wynn Las Vegas.
The setting was perfect, overlooking the Lake of Dreams. (Various shows entertain as you dine every half-hour so I would recommend asking for a table outside or by the window.) My husband had the famous “Original NY DB Burger”, which is a sirloin burger stuffed with short ribs, foie gras and black truffle, served on a parmesan bun with fries. I was a bit skeptical at first, but this “burger” was exceptional. It was cooking perfectly and the combination of short ribs with foie gras and black truffle was a flavor explosion. I, on the other hand, went with an old standby, the steak frites. It was also, very savory. My steak was tender and juicy and the “frites” were perfectly fried; crispy and light.
Needless to say, you can not go wrong with Daniel Boulud. In addition to the great meal and setting, the staff was exceptional.
My favorite food is Italian, so I had to try the Rao’s in Caesar’s Palace.
I grew up in New Jersey, just 45 minutes from Manhattan and my family and I could never get a reservation at the exclusive Rao’s in Harlem. It only has 10 tables and you must know “someone” to get a reservation. Now, I can understand why it is so exculsive.
Rao’s was the best dinner of the trip; it was truly unbelievable. My husband had the Veal Parmesan. I know, you are thinking, “how boring!” Well, it was a bone-in veal chop, pounded thin and it was so tender, you could cut it with a fork. The sauce and cheese were a perfect compliment. I had the Gnocchi Bolognese and it was also very good. Although, I have to say, that was the best veal parmesan I have ever tasted. If you go with a group, it is a good idea to each try something different. The portions are large, so it is easy to share and try different entrees.
Disappointing was Michael Mina in the Bellagio. The service was rushed and it was not worth the hefty price tag.
So, needless to say, if you visit Las Vegas, please find time to dine at Rao’s….and Daniel Boulud. Now that I am back from vacation, please stay tuned for more……….
