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Will Central 214 Top Chef Blythe Beck Bottom Out on TV?

Is reality TV good for the career of a chef? I don’t watch enough to have an educated opinion but, from where I sit, it looks like more top chefs bottom out after their 15 minutes, or months, of fame. Casey who? Tre what? Lisa Garza is where? Dig what I’m shooting at you?

Next girl up is Central 214’s Blythe Beck. She will star in The Naughty Kitchen With Chef Blythe Beck on Oxygen. I’ve never really understood the naughty kitchen concept. So I checked the shows website. It says:

Blythe Beck, the fiery young chef and star of Oxygen’s upcoming series The Naughty Kitchen With Chef Blythe Beck, shows off her distinctive sexy American cuisine, her cutting edge Dallas restaurant, Central 214, and her loud and flamboyant staff. The Naughty Kitchen With Chef Blythe Beck is certain to cook up the drama both in and out of the kitchen. Oxygen follows executive chef Blythe Beck, a 29-year old Texas native, who is plus-sized in stature and personality, and her colorful crew at Central 214, inside and outside the kitchen as they interact with the Dallas elite and the local university students.

Monday night I went to Central 214 to check it out and write a mini-review. Sadly, I didn’t see waitresses in garter belts or waiters wearing thongs, but I did find the Door Whores. And calories. Lots of calories. What is sexy about calories? I guess we will find out when the show starts on September 22nd. Somebody tell me this is a good thing.

Lisa Garza Gets A TV Show On CBS?

Two of my Deep Goats in the food biz are telling me that the ink in drying on a deal between Next Food Network Star runner-up Lisa Garza and CBS. My niece is going to her cooking camp next month. Perhaps she’ll get the poop on the scoop. Way to go, Lisa.

Lisa Garza Announces 2009 Kids Culinary Program and Camp

Lisa Garza has jumped into teaching kids to cook—she has eight five-day sessions lined up this summer. Full details below. (more…)

Dallas-Based Patry Chef Bronwen Weber Takes Third Place on Food Network’s Last Cake Standing

Bronwen Weber of Frosted Art in Dallas just lost the Last Cake Standing competition on the Food Network. I’m sure she is sad right now so let’s cheer her up.  Bronwen, you were tougher than Lisa Garza, Casey Thompson, and Trey Wilcox combined. Those cake judges make Padma look like a pussy cat.

Meet Potential Next Food Network Star Melissa d’Arabian

(photo courtesy Food Network)

As I mentioned below, local gal Melissa d’Arabian will be a contestant on the upcoming season of  The Next Food Network Star. Melissa, 40, lives in Keller and is married to Philippe, whom she met while working in Paris. The bio says she “pairs her varied culinary and life experiences to provide food lifestyle solutions and approachable recipes for today’s families. As a stay-at-home mom to four young daughters (Valentine, 4; Charlotte, 3; Margaux and Oceane, 18-month-old twins), she efficiently budgets time and money to prepare the finest in fresh, home-cooked meals every day. Melissa finds culinary inspiration in family, friends, cooking classes, and world travels.” Her culinary “experiences” includes work on a Greek cruise ship, live-in cook for a wealthy family in D.C., stints at Disney in Burbank and Paris, and an active member of her local Economic Development Board.

Budgets time? I think Mel needs to talk with Lisa about how much time this gig takes out of a gal. Philippe, I hope you’ve got a box full of money and a long list of babysitters in your back pocket. Hurry up, June 7.

The Next Food Network Star Next Food Network Star Season Five: Melissa d’Arabian of Keller Is The New Lisa Garza

I guess the folks behind The Next Food Network Star pay attention to their demographics. Last season, Lisa Garza was a big hit for their numbers. This morning they announced the finalists for the fifth season. Starting on Sunday, June 7th, we’ll be following Melissa d’Arabian of Keller, Texas. Deets below. (more…)

Update: Lisa Garza’s Junior Supper Club

You may recall that I blogged about Lisa Garza’s (slightly overpriced) Junior Supper Club. And many of you commented in a very lively way. Well, a time and place has been set for the first one on May 1. It’s going to be at Tei Tei at 6 pm. So start saving now.

Join Lisa Garza’s Junior Supper Club

The almost Next Food Network Star Lisa Garza is starting a Junior Supper Club to educate kids ages 10-13 on the art of fine dining. Starting May 1, and going once a month, Garza will host 10 children around the chef’s table at top restaurants around town, including Tei Tei, Fearing’s, Bijoux, Arcodoro & Pomodoro, and more. (The picture to the left is from last year’s outing at Rise.) The chef and server will explain the menu, and Garza will chime in with dining etiquette to complete the educational experience. Price is $150 per child, per outing, including dinner. For reservations, send an e-mail to pantryorganics@aol.com.

Lisa Garza Update

I have received 10 e-mails this morning asking me about Lisa Garza. Why the sudden interest? There is a new four-star review of Suze today in the DMN. At the risk of being called the town gossip (Hi, Tom Colicchio!), and after a long conversation with my esteemed executive editor, I will say, for the public record, that Lisa and Gilbert are divorced. I will turn comments off.

Chef Gilbert Garza Can Cook

Last night I took my mom, her BFFFITW, and my Sig-O (Hi, FF Kim!) to dinner at Suze. This cozy neighborhood spot has really blossomed into a sophisticated, yet casual, dining destination. Garza’s gumbo was a spectacular file-scented broth filled with chunks of fresh okra and topped with three or four fried okra balls. Nice texture and taste contrasts. Both seafood entrees were delish: A pan-fried trout layered over crunchy quinoa and a red fish floating in a clean, lightly curried Moroccan sauce. The French fries are amazing: thinly sliced, double-fried strips tossed with fresh pepper bits big and small, sea salt, and truffle essence.

We tried a new dessert: apple pie served with Roquefort ice cream. The frozen, heady cheese was a little overwhelming. Okay, it was a lot overwhelming. Garza admits the dish is a work in progress (they make the ice cream there) and he is cutting the cheese down. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.) Wife Lisa was not in the restaurant but Gilbert says that she is close to inking a deal for her own TV show. In the meantime, go try that gumbo. Jump for photos!

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Spotted: Lisa Garza in White Fishnets

See for yourself. How does this woman not have her own show? Does anyone even watch this? I had to change the channel.

Lisa Garza Joins Forces With Rich Hippie

Not Steve Jobs silly, the funky fashions store in Inwood Village that will carry her new line of fancy aprons. Speaking of Lisa, I ended up (don’t ask) watching the Next Food Network Star winner Aaron McCargo’s Big Daddy’s House yesterday, and it was just awful. I’d bet that the contestants who lost are doing better than Aaron. Just a though. Gott go put on my best Casey outfit for court this morning. Wonder if Ms. Novak is a rich hippie? That sound.

Lisa Garza’s Actions Speak Louder than Her Words

OK, we all heard Next Food Network Star finalist Lisa Garza wax poetic about wanting to be a role model for young girls. Many people thought she was just floating a bunch of warm-and-fuzzy babble on national TV. However, I just received an e-mail from a mother whose 8-year old daughter, Maggie, a burgeoning foodie, was captivated by Lisa. The family lives in Round Rock, and made plans to drive to Dallas, eat at Suze, and meet Lisa. Here’s Mom’s report:

After weeks and weeks of waiting and days selecting what to wear, we made arrangements to stay overnight in Dallas. Then…a phone call…Lisa will not be able to meet her at Suze after all!! She became tangled up with another obligation. There were tears, but we were already in Dallas and Maggie wanted to go eat there anyway. We walked into Suze and were greeted with “Are you Maggie? Lisa is so very sorry she can’t be here. She sent these flowers for you though!” Beautiful flowers too! Maggie was in awe of being in the elegant little bistro and took her seat.
The food arrived and we were all happily eating when suddenly Maggie turned chalk white,dropped her fork and squealed. There was Lisa!!!! She’d ducked out of her catering commitment to run by to make sure she didn’t let Maggie down!! There was Lisa in brown and cream looking every bit the movie star in her hostess apron. She took Maggie outside and talked with her and posed for pictures and even pulled her husband out of the kitchen so Maggie could tell him she “will never order pasta again if there is lamb on the menu.” Lisa had to get back to her work so she hugged Maggie and tied her apron around her little waist and thanked her for being such a great fan. It is we who thank Lisa for her gracious, unselfish spirit that makes this world a more beautiful place. Thank you.

Goose bumps. Who has ‘em?

Next Food Network Star Lisa Garza’s Phone is Ringing

Love her or hate her, thanks to her appearance the Next Food Network Star, Lisa Garza is now wearing the apron in her family. I mean, designing the aprons. Sorry, Gilbert. Anywhoo, Lisa sends this update:

I’m actually working more than ever. I have had so many great opportunities arise from my stint on the Food Network! Right now I’m taking meetings with 2 different networks about my new show. I’m also raising capital for my organic retail concept, finishing a cookbook, developing my product line for Whole Foods AND working on new styles for my apron line! When it rains it pours!

When it rains, it pours? I like that. Jeez, that girl can turn a phrase too. Amazing. Several of you have asked me about her apron line. I’ll find out and get back to you later.

UPDATE: The website for Lisa’s designer aprons, www.couturecaviar.com, is under construction, but there is a phone number to call for info.

Lisa Garza Has Some News

She’s going to tell me in the morning. Developing.

More Lisa Garza

I know, I know. Most of you are suffering from Garza fatigue but my inbox is full of notes from folks who want more inside poop. Our indefatigable video producer, Kyle Kearbey, has put together a new clip. This episode is full of Lisa’s insight on her wardrobe, makeup, and fellow cast members. Lights, camera, Lisa.

Chef Casey Thompson Leaves Shinsei Restaurant

Ding, dang I take part of the morning off to pay bills and the world continues on without me. I know it’s all over town, but I’m going on the record here: chef Casey Thompson sent out this e-mail this earlier:

“My years as executive chef of Shinsei have been a wonderful experience. At this time, I am currently exploring a variety of culinary opportunities. I appreciate the opportunities provided to me at Shinsei and wish them all of the best for the future.”

Methinks she’s got something in the bag because, let’s face it, the future isn’t looking to good to the majority of us. Perhaps she’s leaving town. I don’t know. I will, however, do my best to find out. I think Shinsei should hire Lisa Garza.

Next Food Network Star 2008: Lisa Garza Interview

Dishers, a round of applause for our video producer, Kyle Kearbey, who braved the exclusive friends-and-family-only Next Food Network Star 2008 season finale watching party hosted by Lisa Garza and managed to whittle it down to a few minutes. Whew! Watch it here.

Next Food Network Star Winner: Aaron McCargo

Shocking, really startling news, I know. We’ll have a kick-bass video of the only official Lisa Garza-watching party in Dallas online in a matter of hours, but first let us put this show to rest.

First of all, I’d like to welcome all of the new fans SideDish has made. Last Thursday night when we popped the Food Network for releasing the winners 3 days before the final show, the webby people at the FN decided to take down Bob’s blog and turn off all of comments and SideDish became the go-to-blog for Food Network talk. If you have a couple of hours, read the comments here. (Warning: crazy stuff!)

Secondly, I would like to congratulate Lisa for pulling off a great pilot for her Beautiful Basics cooking show. She pan-fried her inner I’m-not-good-enough demons and whipped the egg yolks of her savory zabaglione to the exact shade of her Carolina Herrera dress. (Hi Gilbert! Hi Ian!) Nice work, Lisa.

I learned a lot about the Food Network since this series began. I admit I don’t watch much of it–not because I think the shows are bad; I’m just not around a TV enough. I’m not tossing any judgment here, it’s just that the reality of my life leads me elsewhere.

That said, I feel sorry for the final three-I think the Food Network owes them an apology for spilling the favas before the ending. As I said the other day, all of the contestants sold their souls to the Foodie Devil when they signed the dotted line to participate. Even though they didn’t win, they are all still under contract and have to remit part of their earnings for the next two years to the Food Network. (Think American Idol.) Yes, I know it makes sense-they got an immense, to say the least, amount of promotion from the FN, and I’m sure Lisa’s catering line is ringing off the hook, but it still feels icky to me.

Aaron, I’d call you Big Daddy, but we already have one in our city and you do not want to mess with him. Good luck with Big Daddy’s House, I’m sure your mom and wife will watch. Adam, I thought those tong twirls would seal the deal for you. Sorry you lost, but you’re just a puppy. A few days on Lisa’s catering staff would get you up to speed.

Fightin’ Foodies of the SideDish Nation, the curtain is down on this phase of our journey but fear not, another drama (Hi Gina Campisi!) is about to begin on this very web page. We’d love to hear your final thoughts on last night’s Next Food Network Star show. Let it bleed.

The Fairmont Hotel is Rebuilding The Pyramid Restaurant

“What has one voice, and is four-footed, two-footed and three-footed?”

A snake? A building contractor? A dining critic? Oh, I give up. I can never remember the answers those wacky Thebans gave when trying to solve the riddle of the Sphinx.

But back on this side of the world, in downtown Dallas, the great Pyramid restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel is getting a face lift. Anyone remember the glory days of the Pyramid Room–the gaucho-clad sommelier on the ladder; the ice swans with a sorbet palate cleanser on top; male diners in suits and ties?

It doesn’t sound like they’re going backward, the press release says the redone restaurant will “resonate with a modern, sleek, contemporary look evoking a stylish vigor and energy.” However, they are adding a Chef’s Tasting Room for sampling executive chef J.W. Foster’s new cuisine.

And since they are located in the Arts District, there will be tons of new art: the focal point of the new space “is an organic, eight-foot, teak wood sculpture that is an amazing artistic interpretation of a centuries-old, crosscut tree perched on an ornate bronze base.” (That is sooo Lisa Garza.)

Anywhoo, the renovations have begun and the new Pyramid Restaurant and Bar will be unveiled in mid-September. I hope they have a costume party for the opening–I want to go as Atia on Rome.

Coming Tomorrow on SideDish

Every Wednesday is “Restaurant 101″ and tomorrow we will get another lesson from Miss Amy. Also, Gina Campisi is hard at work on her next “How to Open A Restaurant” report. And next Monday, we will have a surprise from Lisa Garza. If you have a question or comment, leave it below. I have tons of work to do and I don’t want to do it. Tra la.

Dallas’ Lisa Garza Goes to The Finals of Next Food Network Star

Fowl! I mean FOUL! The Selection Committee on The Next Food Network Star didn’t play by the rules—they put everyone through a grueling six-hour cooking competition and even though Aaron “Coke the Van” failed miserably, they did not send him home. Why don’t they just give him his own show right now and let me have my Sunday nights back?

First up: the promo competition. Each contestant had to record an on-camera, scripted promo in a different setting. Adam was put on stage with two showgirls. Bam! He hit it on his second take. Once again, Aaron–remember Rachael Ray and the Girl Scout–was put with a group of people to help keep him loose. When he looks at the camera he goes blank, so the producers have chosen to surround him with cheerleaders. Hometown gal, Lisa Garza, was taken to the wine wall at Aureole, strapped into a harness wearing a black catsuit, handed a cue card, and hoisted up four stories up the wine wall to heaven as she attempted to recite her script. (I’d like to see Paula Deen try to be a “wine angel.”) Put in the same situation, Aaron or Adam wouldn’t have had a chance. Stay with me, I’m on a roll. (more…)

Lisa Garza Sighting! Lisa Garza Sighting!

Lisa Garza is alive. I haven’t been able to find her anywhere but she has been spotted. Guess I forgot to look in Austin. A loyal Disher reports:

The Liza Garza Train stopped in Austin this weekend. She’s on a Whole Foods Market statewide tour (3 weekends in Dallas, 2 stores in Houston, and the flagship store in Austin this weekend). People stopped Lisa everywhere on the streets. At the Lamar store, customers asked for her autograph on anything and everything, including a wooden tasting spoon, as she did a cooking demo of cod with peach salsa. And she never once cried.

Hmm. I like it when Lisa cries. I wonder what kind of mascara she uses. When I cry on national TV, I always look like a raccoon.

Next Food Network Star: Episode 7

Ladies and Gentlemen, and I use those terms loosely, I can handle eating a lot of awful food. In my other job, reviewing restaurants for D Magazine, I eat tons of it in search of greatness on a plate. But I still have culinary nightmares over a dinner I ate a couple of years ago at Lady & Sons in Savannah. Yes, that Lady & Sons owned by big mouth Paula Deen. I know a lot of you foodies love Miss Paula, but I don’t. Her restaurant smells like burning rancid butter. But I digress.

Paula Deen was the celebrity judge on last night’s miserable episode of The Next Food Network Star. Why they bothered to go to Las Vegas is beyond me. The set for last nights show looked like they could have been anywhere—they were shoved to the back lot of some ginormous hotel. Where were the white tigers? Show girls? Wayne Newton?

Our hometown gal, Lisa Garza was arched-eyebrows-and-duck-confit above her competition. The format of the show was a shameless Food Network promotion of Throwdown with Bobby Flay—contestants were paired and each had to cook their signature dish plus a version of their opponent’s signature dish. Jump before I do. (more…)

Incoming Message To SideDish From The Next Food Network Star

Yesterday I reported that Lisa Garza was no longer blogging about her appearance on the Next Food Network Star, which is a real drag because I love it when she takes her wheels off and veers out of control. It makes me feel like a centered, grounded woman with a clear direction on life. Without my Monday dose of Loopy Lisa, I was fuzzy and out of focus and frankly, a little hurt that she just shut up without giving me notice. I feel better now thanks to Shane, the nice PR person from the Next Food Network Star who just sent me this note:

Unfortunately as we get closer to the finale and with only four finalists remaining, we’ve asked ALL the finalists to discontinue any blogging they have been doing during the run of the show. It’s a tactic a lot of reality shows take and it helps to keep the integrity of the show intact. This rule is no way being put in place due to anything Lisa alone has done. It’s a rule that encompasses all of the finalists.

Oh, the integrity of the show. Silly me, I totally forgot about that. And who said anything about Lisa doing anything wrong? Sean, spill the couscous–what did she do? I mean, you brought it up.

As far as I’m concerned, nothing could top my already favorite moment on this season’s show–it came the second Aaron muttered “Coke the Van” when referring to coq au vin. I am obsessed with working the phrase into my everyday life: Last night I called my friend and said, “Dude, let’s coke the van and get a bite.” How do you coke the van?