Guy Fieri checks out at Cemitas Puebla as Tony Anteliz introduces him to authentic Cemitas and Taco Arabes. With that kind of spread, well, why wouldn’t everyone want to go?
Cemitas Puebla
3619 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
773-772-8435
At Original Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria they’ve created quite a stir – thin crust pizza. Chicago is the birthplace of the deep dish, a giant pie that is as much casserole as it is pizza. But Vito & Nick’s specializes in (gulp) thin crust pizza.
Original Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria has been a cornerstone of the Chicago dining since Mrs. O’ Leary’s cow kicked over that stupid lantern. It began as a small eatery in 1923 known for home cooked Italian staples including the Sicilian style flatbread favorite by Vito Barraco. In 1945 he was joined in the venture by his son, Nick after the war. The accolades have been rolling in ever since including being featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri.
Today there are two locations to serve Chicago’s guilty pleasure (thin crust pizza) the original location at 8433 South Pulaski Road in Chi Town and the newest outpost at 1015 South State Street in Lemont, IL which features a bowling ally and delivery services.
On June 7th, the Food Network kicks off it’s fifth season of the Next Food Network Star. My question to the Food Network is Why should I watch? I mean, your track record is dubious to say the least.
Season one was historical in a couple of ways. It was the first such contest of it’s kind. Second, the winners were a gay couple which, too, made it ground breaking. Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh are bright and talented caterers from Chicago. Their winning show, Party Line with the Hearty Boys, was not very entertaining but that wasn’t as important as the standards set by that first season.
Season two yielded the only Next Food Network Star winner to ever actually become a Food Network star, Guy Fieri. And a star he has become. Those TGIFriday’s commercials speak to the California culinarians mass appeal. He has hosted Guy’s Big Bite, Guy Off the Hook, Ultimate Recipe Showdown and another show you may have heard of, Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives.
Season three is where things started getting - what’s the word? -oh, yeah, suspicious. JAG would have won, should have won, but for the last minute revelation that he had exagerated his resumé. This resulted in an 11th hour return of recently booted Amy Finley who, given a second chance, ended up winning the contest (just like in a Hollywood script).
Why is this suspicious? Having been through the NFNS process I know how thorough their background checks are. Honestly, it’s easier to slip something past the FBI than it is The Food Network. With that in mind the idea that FN hadn’t bothered to check the accuracy of resumés just doesn’t wash. I do know this, the inncident was huge for the ratings.
Season four the shinannigans were even more outlandish. A stand-up comedian who was so unfunny it was actually painful, a boorish elitest who described anyone who has ever eaten boxed macaroni and cheese as “white trash” and a chef who was scared of fish and stayed weeks too long because she was pretty and satisfied a missing demographic at TFN, Indian cuisine.
There were two contestants who blew away the competition every single week. Shane Lyons and Kelsey Nixon were both perfect packages, however the judges (Bob Tuschman in particular) kept harping on their youth. It didn’t matter how well they performed, they were too young to take seriously. That of course begs the question, why let them into the contest at all? Nixon, by the way, won TFN’s fan poll on their own web site in a land slide.
After eliminating the two best contestants, in succesive weeks no less, we were left with the trio of Liza Garza, Aaron McCargo Jr. and Adam Gertler. Garza arrived as a foppish diva with serious cooking chops who, more than anyone else on the show, listened to the judges and turned herself into exactly what they alleged they were looking for. Gertler was good on camera but had limited culinary skills. McCargo was a passable cook but was terrible on camera; still is.
In an episode designed to whittle it down to two ccontestants McCargo, who had been a model of mediocrecy, bombed. He bombed hard. In fact, it was without a doubt the single worst performance in the history of the show. Adam was okay and Garza blew the doors off the studio. Easy choice right? Boot the guy who bombed, right? Nope, the judges decided to change the rules and bring all three back for the finale. Aaron should have been gone but given a second chance brought home victory (just like in a Hollywood script).
Then there was the slip on the web site. Apparently, some web geek accidentally revealed the outcome of the show days before the final episode was to premiere. The web fiasco turned into a boon as fans who had tuned out because of the questionable antics (the elimination of Kelcey Nixon, especially) tuned back in to see if the web screw-up was a deception.
Rumors swirled about the controversial outcome. Many allege that recent complaints about the snow white line-up of the Food Network had led them to tilt the board in favor of a person of color. Others suggested that McCargo’s personality was so amiable that FN brass just fell in love with the big man with the even bigger heart. One thing seems certain, the judges had decided the winner weeks before the contest actually ended. Why else manipulate the rules to keep McCargo in the contest?
The past two seasons have proven that regardless of the show’s title it’s goal is anything but finding the Next Food Network Star. The casting calls for this season were only done on the west coast and the east coast therefore it should not suprise anyone that all of the contestants save one are from major cities from those regions; more than half are from LA or New York. Hmm. So again I ask, Food Network, why should I watch?
Recap of past winners:
Hearty Boys – back in Chicago running their catering business and using their six episodes of experience to teach others how to cook on TV.
Guy Fieri – a bona fide star, host of four shows (and counting), and expanding his brand.
Amy Finley – did her six shows and was rumored to have been offered a second season. Now lives in France and has written for Fodor’s travel guides.
Aaron McCargo Jr. - despite mediocre ratings and less than steller critical reviews of Big Daddy’s House he received a second season then was tucked away in a time slot that pits him against regular church services and the NFL.
Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of grilling season and to kick it off Food Network has scheduled at boat load of shows to help you get your grill on. They began at noon on Monday with a Grill It! with Bobby Flay marathon. This of course was planned to coincide with the premiere of the new season of Grill It! on Saturday May 30th at 10:30am (ET).
After the Flay-athon came the latest round of Dear Food Network: Grilling. The first episode of the week featured Guy Fieri on location from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where two of Guy’s biggest fans were treated to the California Wild Man’s expertise at the grill. Subsequent episodes are hosted by Giada De Laurentiis, Aida Mollenkamp, and the Neeley’s.
Scattered amongst the two feature grilling events were the regular Monday night line-up that fit the theme. Food Network Challenge was at the Memphis in May, the world’s most important BBQ contest. A rerun Unwrapped entitled Outdoor Cooking preceded the brand new Unwrapped: Barbecue Bonanza. The night also included a Triple “D” dedicated to BBQ and a Good Eats devoted to steak followed by another Unwrapped about BBQ. And as mentioned before, this is just the beginning.
Food Network serves up a platter of primetime BBQ and grilling-themed programming Monday, May 25th at 8pm through Friday, May 29th. Five of Food Network’s resident grilling experts answer viewers’ toughest grilling and BBQ-related questions during four premiere episodes of Dear Food Network: Grilling.
Premieres: Monday, May 25th at 9pm
“Dear Food Network: Grilling – All Access Grill Pass”
Guy Fieri brings two of his biggest fans to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to show them the culture, lifestyle and flavors he enjoys when visiting Mexico. He shows his new friends the old and the new culinary hotspots of Cabo, including the well kept secrets only local foodies know. Plus, Aaron McCargo gives one of his fans a behind-the-scenes tour of Food Network.
Premieres: Tuesday, May 26th at 9pm
“Dear Food Network: Grilling – All American Style”
Alton goes door to door answering viewers’ grilling questions in Sarasota, Fla. with a secret mission to surprise one lucky fan who dreams of becoming a Food Network host. Alton coaches her toward her goal and teaches her the secret to the perfect burger. Giada De Laurentiis shares the secrets behind perfectly barbequed chicken, and Aaron McCargo shows how to get big grilling flavor on a small grilling budget.
Premieres: Wednesday, May 27th at 9pm
“Dear Food Network: Grilling – Grilling in Paradise”
Bobby Flay is in the Bahamas serving up fresh flavors and new ideas for the grill with an international spin. Bobby invites one lucky Food Network fan to grill one of his favorite dishes with him right on the beach. Later, Aida Mollenkamp finds inspiration in kabobs while Aaron McCargo stuffs tropical plantains.
Premieres: Thursday, May 28th at 9pm
“Dear Food Network: Grilling – Grilling Family BBQ Secrets”
Pat and Gina Neely head to Florida where they’ll reveal a handful of family barbeque secrets and visit a scenic inter-coastal community to judge a friendly neighborhood grilling competition that gives new meaning to the phrase “block party.” Ted Allen debunks some mistaken barbeque beliefs, and Guy Fieri shares the recipe to his famous flank steak.
Premieres: Saturday, May 30th at 8pm
“Ultimate Burger Bash with Food Network All-Stars”
Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Bobby Flay, and the Neelys show that there’s more to burgers than just ground beef and fries with Food Network’s big burger bash. The one-hour special premieres as part of Food Network’s “Burger Theme Night,” which includes special encore episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Unwrapped and The Secret Life Of.
NEW YORK – APRIL 7, 2009 – The stakes are higher than ever when The Next Food Network Star returns this summer with a star-studded fifth season on Food Network. As television’s most challenging food fight, the series provides 10 hopeful TV chefs the chance to compete for the ultimate dream job: his or her own Food Network show. Iron Chef Bobby Flay leads the selection committee that ultimately decides the winner’s fate and launches one lucky man or woman into a food and television celebrity. The series kicks off on Sunday, June 7th at 9pm ET/PT as the finalists cater Food Network’s “Sweet 16” party with network talent and media there to judge.
“This season we’ve created the biggest and toughest challenges the show has ever seen,” said Bob Tuschman, Senior Vice President, Programming and Production. “We have an incredibly competitive group of finalists who are hungry to become Food Network stars, and they all came to win.”
The 10 finalists include: Brett August (Washington Heights, N.Y.), Katie Cavuto (Philadelphia, Pa.), Melissa d’Arabian (Keller, Texas), Teddy Folkman (Alexandria, Va.), Eddie Gilbert (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), Jen Isham (Orlando, Fla.), Debbie Lee (West Hollywood, Calif.), Jamika Pessoa (Atlanta, Ga.), Michael Proietti (New York, N.Y.) and Jeffrey Saad (Los Angeles, Calif.).
This season’s finalists must prove their culinary expertise and star potential through a series of complex challenges. In each episode, their cooking chops will be put to the test to see who can handle the pressure and present the most mouth-watering food. Challenges include catering a party for a roomful of Food Network stars, impressing the “Barefoot Contessa” herself in the Hamptons and preparing a comforting meal for returning soldiers on the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. The show also flies to sunny Miami – for the first time – where the finalists must survive a beachside wood-grilling challenge for Red Lobster and create a delicious dinner for a group of culinary elite at a screening of Columbia Pictures’ movie Julie & Julia (in theaters August 7). Throughout the season, they will also have to prove they have star quality and dazzle a variety of media outlets with their personalities, including Access Hollywood, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Food Network Magazine, and USA WEEKEND.
Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, Alton Brown, Guy Fieri, Ina Garten, Emeril Lagasse, Gina and Pat Neely, Masaharu Morimoto, Ted Allen, Tyler Florence, Michael Symon and the season four winner, Aaron McCargo, Jr., will appear throughout the season to help guide the finalists through the challenges. The selection committee comprised of Flay and Food Network executives, Bob Tuschman (Senior Vice President, Programming and Production) and Susie Fogelson (Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy), will narrow the field down until the finale. The winner will be revealed during the series finale on Sunday, August 2nd at 9pm ET/PT, and he or she will receive a six-episode show that will premiere in August 2009. The Next Food Network Star is produced by CBS EYE too Productions.
Originally published at Edible TV on March 26, 2009.
We have all watched the many cooking contests scattered across the dial and thought, “I could do that.” And many more have wondered what it is like to go through some of those intense competitions like say, Food Netowrk’s Ultimate Recipe Showdown.
Well Fed blogger Jenny Flake has done just that. Flake is no stranger to big time cooking contests. She has competed in Build-A-Better-Burger, the esteemed Pillsbury Bake-off and has even appeared on Food Network six times in the last five years. Flake is so comfortable in the spot light that noted Pheonix-area food writer Jess Harter has suggested she get her own show.
On February 8th Food Network aired the dessert competition of season 2 of Ultimate Recipe Showdown hosted by Guy Fieri and Jenny was there to dazzle the judges with her Roasted Banana Bread Drop Doughnuts. So what was the experience like? Glad you asked:
Edible TV: You are a veteran cooking contest competitor, how was Ultimate Recipe Showdown different?
Jenny Flake: The Ultimate Recipe Showdown was different because we got to compete right in the Food Network Studios. They actually made us a set right in the Iron Chef Arena. I would say this was by far the best competition I have been to.
ET: Can you briefly describe the process from initial entry to showtime?
JF: The initial entry time was a period of about 6-8 weeks where Food Network was accepting recipes for the show. When the contest closes, you wait for a couple months before you hear anything at all.
I remember them calling me in the summer during my lunch break at work saying I made it through the first cut for the dessert show. At this time, they required us to submit an additional recipe that could be made from start to finish in 30 minutes that would also be prepared on the show in a speed round. We also were asked to send in a 5 minute video of us preparing a recipe.
A couple weeks later up to I think a month, they called back and said I had made it as an official finalist for the dessert show. At this point, we still had a couple months before the show. In the meantime, there was paperwork to send in to get ready for the trip.
Showtime started the day before we actually went on set. We had a pre-interview basically talking all about our recipes from start to finish. The next day started bright and early at 6:00am at the Food Network Studios. We got mic’d and waited for our cue to go
set up our kitchens. The set was incredible. We had a full kitchen to work with and a “kitchen helper” to bring us everything we needed for both of our recipes. Right before we got started, Guy Fieri came and
chatted with us.
We had an hour and a half for our signature round then a half hour for the speed round. The time went really fast, especially during the speed round. Ingredients were flying all over the place!
Sitting in front of the judges was the most nerve racking moment of the day. You are just hoping they say something positive. Thank goodness I got very positive remarks from them, so although I was not crowned the Grand Prize winner, I felt good about both dishes that I brought to the judges.
ET: What emotions did you experience when you entered the studio for the first time?
JF: It was such an honor entering the Food Network Studios. Right after stepping foot out of the elevator, you see the big Food Network logo onthe wall and are greeted with a security guard. I think it really hit me thatI was there when they walked us through the test kitchens. It was just likeI remember seeing it on tv. It was hard to believe I was really working whereall of the great Food Network Chefs work.
ET: This is the question that has to be asked, how cool was it meeting Guy Fieri?
JF: Guy Fieri couldn’t have been nicer. He was just as cool and down to earth as he seems on tv. He spent time chatting with each of us, making us all feelcomfortable. It was nice to know he is a genuine and kind person.
ET: How has the exposure from URS changed your life?
JF: I wouldn’t say the exposure from URS has changed my life, but I will say that it is an experience that will never be forgotten. Every time I compete in a competition I always learn something new.
Meeting the other finalists, and improving on the comments that the judges give you are the things that I treasure from competition to competition.
ET: Can we expect to see you on future episodes?
JF: I will say yes, you will see me on future episodes! It is by far one of the most exciting cooking competitions I have done.
Originally posted at Edible TV on February 17, 2009.
Those of us who have watched Next Food Network Star the past few years have long lamented the disappointing finale of season 3. JAG (Joshua Adam Garcia) was sure to be a run away star, much in the mold of Guy Fieri who won season 2. Well, that didn’t happen but all who watched NFNS 3 knew that JAG was far to talented to not be a cheflebrity.
Food Network’s loss is Tampa’s gain as JAG is heading up the kitchen at POSH 27, an exciting new restaurant and night club opening later this year in the Cigar City. Chef JAG was kind enough to give Edible TV a few minutes of his time via e-mail and here’s what he had to say:
ET: The menu at Posh 27 appears to take flavors from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. Was this planned or did it just evolve?
JAG: This was definitely planned out to showcase a hot new culinary style all on its own. My Latino Fusionè will be tasted in every culinary aspect of Posh 27.
ET: What dishes on the menu are you most proud of? Which ones most accurately proclaim, “This is JAG?”
JAG: It would be unfair to the other dishes to proclaim “This is JAG” or that is not JAG enough! LOL… I stand behind every crumb laden morsel and can not decide or discriminate towards which dish best represents myself or my cuisine. The whole damn menu is all JAG’ed up!
ET: What is the scope of your influence over the operations of Posh 27?
JAG: I am currently the Corporate Executive chef and culinary mind of Posh 27’s restaurant concept.
ET: One of the stated goals of Posh 27 is to seamlessly transition from restaurant to nightlife. What exactly does this mean? How is this accomplished?
JAG: That is our little secret… All I will say is that the changing of the lighting and ambiance alone will reveal an atmosphere specifically designed to tantalize your senses.
ET: JAG, you remain one of the most popular contestants in the history of Next Food Network Star. How has that popularity translated into your post NFNS career?
JAG: Well… Lord knows I don’t see myself as Mr. Popularity but God has definitely blessed me with a loyal post Food Network following and the much deserved opportunity to showcase my cuisine; for that alone I am humbled and truly grateful.
ET: With a name like Posh 27 and a celebrity chef manning the kitchen is it safe to say that the restaurant will be a “place to see and be seen?”
I would say so… You be the judge… If I were you, Stuart, I’d start making some plans to be in Tampa Bay surrendering your senses to the hottest combination of Dining and Nightlife to hit the restaurant scene since Emeril went green! To answer your question…YES! It will most definitely will be!
ET: Is there an opening date yet for Posh 27 Tampa?
JAG: Our current opening projection is scheduled for the summer of 2009.
Guy Fieri returns as host of Ultimate Recipe Showdown as a new batch of home cooks step up and put their prized personal recipes to the “ultimate” test, premiering Sunday, January 4th at 9pm ET/PT.
With more than 12,000 recipes submitted from home cooks across America, Ultimate Recipe Showdown returns for another season of delicious competition as the top 24 contestants battle head-to-head for national glory. Hosted by Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives; Guy’s Big Bite), the series features six categories: Comfort Food, Burgers, Cakes, Hot and Spicy, Desserts, or Hometown Favorites. Each week, the judges crown an “ultimate” winner who receives $25,000 and the chance to have his or her recipe featured nationwide at T.G.I. Friday’s® restaurants.
GUY’S FAMILY FEAST
Premieres: Friday, November 28th at 10pm
Guy Fieri goes primetime and serves up a live one-hour special. Everyone joins in the fun as Guy and his family party – Fieri style! Guy’s stirring it up; the DJ’s mixing it up; and the crowd’s livin’ it up. With big dishes and even bigger surprises, Guy’s Family Feast is a must see!
THE BEST OF DINERS, DRIVE-INS AND DIVES
Premieres: Sunday, November 23rd at 10pm
Guy Fieri looks back at some of Diners greatest hits – the diviest dives, the most off-the-hook dishes, the craziest characters and some of the weirdest things he has eaten on his endless road trip across America.
Originally posted on Edible TV on October 30, 2008.
After winning the second Next Food Network Star, Guy Fieri has done something no other NFNS winner has done… actually become a star. First there was his grand prize, his own show (Guy’s Big Bite), then there was Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives, Ultimate Recipe Showdown, guest spots on Dinner: Impossible, NFNS, and finally Off the Hook. Guy also wrangled an endorsement for fern bar chain TGIFriday’s. He now has five restaurants in his home state of California. So what’s next for the guy named Guy?
His first cookbook. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: An All-American Road Trip . . . with Recipes!, has a title as big as his bite. For years now, Guy has been running the roads in his ‘67 Camaro tasting (and apparently writing down the recipes to) the best grub in the country. Fieri’s offering is co-written by Ann Volkwein who has written or co-written several books about regional food including The Arthur Avenue Cookbook. The book features some of the best recipes that Fieri has sampled on his romp through the back roads of America.
Wednesday morning Guy was a guest on ABC’s Good Morning America talking about the book and preparing his “Mac Daddy” Mac & Cheese:
Inactive prep time: 1 hour Ease of preparation: Easy
Ingredients:
2 shallots, peeled
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 pieces bacon, diced, cooked, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound penne pasta, cooked
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
2 tbsp. melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place shallots and garlic in a small aluminum foil pouch and drizzle with olive oil. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from foil and chop. In a large sauté pan, reheat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add roasted shallot and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream and thyme. Reduce by a third.
“Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving Leftovers” – Premieres: Thursday, November 20th at 9pm
With fresh ideas for tired leftovers, Food Network stars show viewers what to do with virtually everything from the Thanksgiving table from turkey and cranberry sauce to sweet potatoes and leftover wine. Hosted by Bobby Flay and guest starring Guy Fieri, Danny Boome, and Sunny Anderson.
“Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving Disasters” – Premieres: Tuesday, November 18th at 9pm. Fans share their wildest dinner disaster stories and get great tips and recipes for a worry-free Thanksgiving. Hosted by Guy Fieri and guest starring Tyler Florence, Michael Symon, and Sunny Anderson.
DEAR FOOD NETWORK
Tis’ the season to deal with our toughest culinary challenges and disasters, but never fear – Food Network is here. Viewers have submitted Thanksgiving and holiday questions, and now their favorite Food Network stars will provide answers. With a week devoted to Thanksgiving and another to the holidays, viewers will surely find all the answers on Dear Food Network:
“Thanksgiving Disasters” – Premieres: Tuesday, November 18th at 9pm. Fans share their wildest dinner disaster stories and get great tips and recipes for a worry-free Thanksgiving. Hosted by Guy Fieri and guest starring Tyler Florence, Michael Symon, and Sunny Anderson.
“Thanksgiving Turkey” – Premieres: Monday, November 17th at 9pm
It’s all about THE BIRD. Host Alton Brown answers every question imaginable about the star of the Thanksgiving meal – the turkey. Guest starring Tyler Florence and Giada De Laurentiis.
“Thanksgiving Desserts” – Premieres: Wednesday, November 19th at 9pm
Not the same old pumpkin pie. Ina Garten hosts a special dessert hour featuring classic seasonal flavors plus modern confections to satisfy the Thanksgiving sweet tooth. Guest starring Alton Brown and Tyler Florence.
“Thanksgiving Leftovers” – Premieres: Thursday, November 20th at 9pm
With fresh ideas for tired leftovers, Food Network stars show viewers what to do with virtually everything from the Thanksgiving table from turkey and cranberry sauce to sweet potatoes and leftover wine. Hosted by Bobby Flay and guest starring Guy Fieri, Danny Boome, and Sunny Anderson.
ROAD TASTED WITH THE NEELYS
“Thanksgiving”
Premieres: Friday, November 21st at 10pm
From Baltimore and Brooklyn to San Diego and Salt Lake City, Pat and Gina Neely highlight the nation’s most unique specialty stores and family-run businesses with one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving treats. The Neely family gobbles up a mouth-watering meal including Arkansas smoked ham, Portland stuffing, and Vermont apple pies. Viewers can experience a Neely-style “Turkey Day” feast of their own as all the fabulous food finds offer nationwide delivery.
ALL-STAR THANKSGIVING FEAST
Premieres: Saturday, November 22nd at 8pm
Tyler Florence shares Thanksgiving recipes from Food Network favorites.
THE BEST OF DINERS, DRIVE-INS AND DIVES
Premieres: Sunday, November 23rd at 10pm
Guy Fieri looks back at some of Diners greatest hits – the diviest dives, the most off-the-hook dishes, the craziest characters and some of the weirdest things he has eaten on his endless road trip across America.
GUY’S FAMILY FEAST
Premieres: Friday, November 28th at 10pm
Guy Fieri goes primetime and serves up a live one-hour special. Everyone joins in the fun as Guy and his family party – Fieri style! Guy’s stirring it up; the DJ’s mixing it up; and the crowd’s livin’ it up. With big dishes and even bigger surprises, Guy’s Family Feast is a must see!
Stuart Reb Donald is the executive chef at Mars Hill Cafe and a freelance food writer whose work has appeared both online and in print. Donald performs live cooking demonstrations and has penned the cookbook Amigeauxs - Mexican/Creole Fusion Cuisine. He is also the publisher of WannabeTVchef.com and hosts two Internet cooking shows.
After winning the second Next Food Network Star, Guy Fieri has done something no other NFNS winner has done… actually become a star. First there was his grand prize, his own show (Guy’s Big Bite), then there was Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives, Ultimate Recipe Showdown, guest spots on Dinner: Impossible, NFNS, and finally Off the Hook. Guy also wrangled an endorsement for fern bar chain TGIFriday’s. He now has five restaurants in his home state of California. So what’s next for the guy named Guy?
