Articles about Food On TV

Brian McCullough of The Standard Pour Mixes a Delicious Cocktail on D: The Broadcast

The Standard Pour co-founder and barman Brian McCullough was on D: The Broadcast’s  mixology segment last Friday. He demonstrates The Standard Pour, a house specialty made with rye, Benedictine, and sweet vermouth. Stop by The Standard Pour and mention D: The Broadcast. You’ll get a deal. Wednesday is Ladies Night and I think I heard the word FREE more than once.

Keller Resident, MiMi Johnson, to Compete on Bobby Flay’s Dinner Battle on Food Network

Another day, another new food show, another Dallas-area resident on TV. I don’t watch enough food shows to know but it seems like the producers pick plenty of contestants from North Texas.

This morning comes word: Keller resident, MiMi Johnson, is competing on Bobby Flay’s new show, Dinner Battle on the Food Network. The show features three teams of home cooks battling to throw dinner parties. Wednesday’s show was shot in Dallas. The premise? “Three teams of the best home cooks in Dallas to throw a Wild West themed dinner party.” That’s an innovative theme.

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Keller Resident, MiMi Johnson, to Compete on Bobby Flay’s Dinner Battle on Food Network

Another day, another new food show, another Dallas-area resident on TV. I don’t watch enough food shows to know but it seems like the producers pick plenty of contestants from North Texas.

This morning comes word: Keller resident, MiMi Johnson, is competing on Bobby Flay’s new show, Dinner Battle on the Food Network. The show features three teams of home cooks battling to throw dinner parties. Wednesday’s show was shot in Dallas. The premise? “Three teams of the best home cooks in Dallas to throw a Wild West themed dinner party.” That’s an innovative theme.

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The Refrigerator Challenge: Top Chef Season 10 Contestant Joshua Valentine

The premiere of Top Chef’s tenth season airs TONIGHT on Bravo at 9PM. Dallas has three (out of 21) contestants on the show: Danyele McPherson (The Grape), John Tesar (Spoon), and Joshua Valentine (FT 33).

I asked all three chefs to send me photos of their refrigerators and answer a questionnaire about their food-storing habits. Danyele McPherson filed her report on Monday. Yesterday, John “The John” Tesar took time from his busy 48/7-schedule to provide a brief look into his unique fridge. Today, one Joshua Valentine, the pastry chef at FT33 opens his fridge and shows us his stuff. Valentine drinks beer, keeps okra until it rots, and has to ask his wife for permission to buy a new lawnmower.

His refrigerator says it all. You might as well jump.

Continue reading "The Refrigerator Challenge: Top Chef Season 10 Contestant Joshua Valentine"

Food TV Review: No Reservations With BBQ Snob, Daniel Vaughn, and Anthony Bourdain

Lunch at Franklin BBQ in Austin. Left to right: R. Nicholas McWhirter (Vaughn's photographer), David Hale Smith (Vaughn's agent), Tony Bourdain, Daniel Vaugh (self).

Any of you watch our local barbecue expert Daniel Vaughn of Full Custom Gospel Barbecue fame on the season premier of No Reservations last night? I did and I have about five minutes to give you my five cents worth:

I’ve watched a zillion episodes of No Reservations and I’ve learned a lot about food and foreign cultures from Tony. He made the right decision to make this the last tour of the show. Bourdain looks tired and his energy level in the show last night was down. He looked like a grandfather hanging out with all of those hip Austin bands. I would too. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but his questions were uninspired and when he tried to be cool by tossing in old druggie stories and Lou Reed references, it stung my brain. I’ve heard myself do the same thing in our office. Everyone around me is much younger and watching Bourdain last night made me feel like I was looking into a mirror. Except I would not attempt to be as cool and hip as Tim or Zac by getting a sun tattooed on my arm. That was just dumb.

However, he brought me back to some form of reality when he quipped “Only Jews and Texans understand brisket.” Zinger. Geezer humor at its finest. Continue reading "Food TV Review: No Reservations With BBQ Snob, Daniel Vaughn, and Anthony Bourdain"

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Top Chef Star Carla Hall in Dallas for a Celebrity Chef Dinner at Private Social

Carla Hall in the kitchen at Private Social. (Photo by Nyemale Macedo)

Intrepid intern Lesley Mann Lynch files this report:

When I showed up 15 minutes early (on time for anyone who has a Southern grandmother) for my meeting with Carla Hall, she was in Top Chef All-Star Tiffany Derry’s Private Social kitchen rolling out dough for tonight’s peach and blueberry pot pie, the last course in the celebrity chef dinner they are co-hosting. Once the dough was safely resting in the fridge, Carla and I sat down at the bar on the Social side of Private Social with Carla’s drink order: “water on the rocks, please.” Turns out that she is a hoot (Southern speak for a hilarious person) off-camera just as she is on Top Chef and The Chew.

Jump for more Southernisms with Carla Hall. Continue reading "Top Chef Star Carla Hall in Dallas for a Celebrity Chef Dinner at Private Social"

Nothing To Do With Dining Unless You Were Eating While You Were Watching “Dallas: The Next Generation” Last Night

Now he can go home.

I’m sure the web editors will take this post down as soon as I turn my back, but I can’t help myself. While we have the space, let’s talk.

Last night I chomped on one of Papa Murphy’s pizzas as I attempted to watch Dallas: The Next Generation on TNT. I lasted 20 minutes. I’ve seen some horrible television, but last night’s show was eye vomit. It took this city 20 years to get over the stereotypical characters in the original show. Please tell me TNT pulls the plug before we have to go another 20 to prove that we don’t drill oil wells in the Dallas area without the owner of the land knowing about it?

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Jay Jerrier of Cane Rosso Is a Great Host, and Great on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

The crowd watching Jerrier's TV debut.

Jay Jerrier invited me (and about 400 other people) via Facebook to his restaurant, Cane Rosso, to watch his debut on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Yesterday morning, I got a text message from Cane Rosso’s automated database system that Jerrier was going to host a watch party at 9PM.  I also noticed several tweets about the party. (There’s a reason he’s a nominee for best tweeter.)

My husband and I got there early. We knew the kitchen would close around 8:30PM so the staff could watch the show, and we assumed the 400 Facebook friends would be early, too. Turns out, we were a little too anxious. Around 7:30, we had no problem getting a seat. Jerrier was cooking up a storm. But around 8:30PM, he took a break and started walking around. At one point he looked out the window, said something about moving his car, and rushed out. Then we saw the food truck Enticed roll up. Next thing we know, SsahmBBQ pulled up along side.  Jerrier came in and announced that it was all on the house. People ran out to get their shaved ice and Korean tacos just in time to watch Jerrier’s performance on DDD.

I wish I could break down the segment for you, but I can’t. There was a lot of applauding and cheers, so I missed some of what was said. And while the crowd was frenzied, Jay stood stoically and watched the show. His wife and kids were there as well. I planned on rewatching the segment when I got home, but there was a little game on and it took precedence. But I can tell you this: the pizza looked amazing, the shots of the pasta made us wish we had ordered pasta, and Jerrier did a great job. Also, he’s a really great host. (He’s even been kind enough to allow people to order ranch dressing at his restaurant. Kinda.)

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Set Your DVRs: Cane Rosso Announces Air Date for Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives Episode

What a road-tripping coincidence. Nancy and Carol are traveling, so I’m posting. Word comes from Jay Jerrier that the episode of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives featuring Cane Rosso will air on the Food Network on April 30. Take it away, Jay:

Hey All – just got our air date from the Food Network…we’ll be on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives on 4/30.  We’ll for sure have some kind of watching party at Cane Rosso.  They didn’t tell me the theme of the episode (overrated blowhards??) or what other restaurants will be on it…as soon as I know I will pass it on.

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Top Chef: Texas, Episode 14 Recap

Part 1: Quickfire/Asian Domination

Last week, the chefs realized that one of the losing contestants (either Bev or Grayson) would be returning through Last Chance Kitchen, which would increase their numero to cinco. Sarah (who looks like Austin Eater editor Andrea Grimes, don’t you think?) is noticeably disappointed when Bev walks through the doors to compete with the other four in this elimination challenge because tiny Bev is a fierce competitor. She is a beast.

Now three out of the five contestants are repping the Asian continent. I would just like to point that out. #minoritypride

Jump for more shenanigans. Continue reading "Top Chef: Texas, Episode 14 Recap"

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Denny’s and Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan Team Up To Sell Skillet Meals

Don’t bite me for posting this. Let it be known that usually I am not easily motivated to promote national chains serving average food. I love dogs and I love National Geographic Wild’s “The Dog Whisperer” starring Cesar Milan. His dog-training shows are as addicting as “House Hunters International.” However, Cesar’s method of teaching one how to be the alpha member of the pack only works on animals. Every time Zac or Tim start to attack me, I stand tall and poke them deep in the solar plexus and “sisst, sisst, sisst” until my mouth is dry. They just look at me and continue to chew on my ego.

But hark! This morning comes word from the corporate world of Denny’s: They’re produced a video spoof dubbed “Skillet Whisperer” for Funny or Die. The company’s original intent was to find “someone energetic and who would connect with English-speaking Latinos but also the Spanish-preferred Latinos.” Instead they have produced a bilingual “commercial” funnier than any you’ll see on the Super Bowl. More importantly, it makes this middle-aged WASP want to try a skillet at Denny’s.

Skillet Whisperer with Cesar Millan – watch more funny videos

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Restaurant Rant: Why I Continue to (Really) Hate Paula Deen

Chicken pot pie at Lady & Sons in 2008. One serving could feed a family of four.

In August 2008, I traveled to Savannah, Georgia where I dined at Paula Deen’s restaurant Lady & Sons. We ran a post titled “Paula Deen Wants to Kill You.” I wrote:

I can still smell the rancid butter that hit us in the face when we walked in the door. I’ve got to find the pictures I took of the food I ate–everything was dripping in butter. I remember the chicken pot pie was big enough for four and almost everything was fried. OK, she admits she’s “not your cardiologist,” but she really is contributing to the delinquency of dieters. The night we went, at least 75 per cent of the diners were beyond overweight–they were obese. It was sad–like people watching at the slots in Vegas–everyone was gambling with their lives.

Last week Paula Deen confirmed the rumor: she has Type 2 diabetes. I wonder how many of her dedicated fans also suffer from Type 2? This really chaps my sass because two members of my family didn’t have a choice: they both were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when they were young. They have to continually monitor their diet and control their blood sugar. However, Ms. Deen, and other people who put on blinders and continue to fill their body with fat and sugar, had an option. Like not eating a burger made with Krispy Kreme donuts. It’s now rumored that Deen may become the spokesperson for Novartis, a company with a drug designed to treat diabetes. If she personally profits from developing Type 2 diabetes (Hey yáll, I’m your endocrinologist!), I’m going to go berserk. I can already see the talk show circuit lighting up. It makes me sick.

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Top Chef: Texas, Episode 7 Recap

Loren Means has a lot of different jobs here at D Magazine. Only one is writing the recaps of Top Chef: Texas. I thank her for her volunteer spirit. Now let’s get it on.

Episode 7 kicks off with twelve cheftestants remaining in the competition for the title of Top Chef. Technically there are still thirteen if we count Whitney who is still alive online in the Last Chance Kitchen (LCK). For now, let’s focus on the “Dirty Dozen” as they refer to themselves. Still in the running: my boy Paul, Grayson, Heather, Chris C., Chris J., Beverly, Lindsay, Dakota, Ty, Ed, Sarah and Nyesha. The episode takes place in Dallas at Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts. Is anyone else bored?

QUICKFIRE. Padma and guest judge Tim Love, chef/owner of Lonesome Dove in Fort Worth, greet the chefs in the kitchen. Lonesome Dove is known for serving fine game. The menu includes interesting dishes such as rabbit-rattlesnake sausage (guess I have to eat my words about never seeing rattlesnake on a restaurant menu in Texas) and kangaroo carpaccio “nachos.”

Game on. Continue reading "Top Chef: Texas, Episode 7 Recap"

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Top Chef: Texas, Episode 6 Recap

D Magazine’s Loren Means loves to watch Top Chef: Texas. Therefore, she volunteered to watch all of the episodes this season and write a recap. She’s reviewed episode onetwothreefour, and five. Today she reports on episode six which takes place in Dallas. Go, Loren.

Continue reading "Top Chef: Texas, Episode 6 Recap"

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Lisa Garza Names Jeffery Hobbs “Leader of the Kitchen” at Sissy’s Fried Chicken

Lisa Garza juggles relationships to get Sissy's Fried Chicken open.

At this moment, Lisa Garza is doing a walk through of her new space on Henderson Ave. The former Hector’s on Henderson will soon be transformed into Sissy’s Fried Chicken. La Garza’s idea is to serve “low-country” food in honor of her Southern roots in a “Billy Reid” dining room. Tea-infused vodkas (trending!) and specialty cocktails (a must have) will be featured.

Although La Garza is all about sisterhood (“I am Sissy,” Garza says. “Sissy is southern slang for “sister” and I am developing every aspect.”) there will be no sissy in the kitchen. La G has plucked Jeffery Hobbs and named him “leader of the kitchen.”

Oh, it’s a tangled tale—an episode of As the Restaurant Turns. Here’s the synopsis: Lisa was married to Chef Gilbert Garza. Together they operated Suze Restaurant, the cozy spot on Midway and NW Highway. At some point, Jeffery Hobbs joined the happy couple to work on the kitchen team as chef and partner. Hobbs and Gilbert ran a great restaurant. Lisa concentrated on catering. Lisa was picked as a contestant on Next Food Network Star. The experience was devastating, as most former TV reality participants will admit is generally the case. The Garzas divorced and Lisa retreated for a couple of years. She emerged as a fancy caterer. Found a new guy. Got re-married and is now pregnant with new restaurant.

After eight years at Suze, Hobbs splits to partner with burgeoning bully restaurateur, Jack “Maple & Motor” Perkins. They’re consulting on taco joints. Then La G calls Hobbs and asks him to be the “leader of her kitchen.” According to La G, Gilbert has given his blessing to the deal. See, there can be happy endings. Or beginnings. Stay tuned.

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Let’s Take a Mental Break: Posh Nosh

A couple of weeks ago, I posted an episode of Posh Nosh. The show is a 2003 BBC show parodying TV chef. I think it may be ten minutes long. The program stars Arabella Weir and Richard E. Grant as the chefs Simon and Minty Marchmont and is telecast from their make-believe restaurant The Quill and Tassel. Whenever I’m tired or grumpy, I watch an episode. I think it’s time for another show.

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Season Two of Next Great Baker Airs Tonight: Dallasite and Former Drag Queen Chad Fitzgerald is a Contestant

Tonight Dallas baker Chad Fitzgerald will get his close-up on Next Great Baker. The show airs on TLC at 8PM. D Magazine intern Arti Sharma interviewed Chad. Get to know him before tonight’s show. He’s a former-teacher-turned-drag-queen-turned-baker. Join him for a debut party at Magnolia Hotel at 7PM.

Chad Fitzgerald claims he and his partner, Edward Navejas, owners of The Cake Guys in Duncanville, are just normal guys. But that is about to change. Since Fitzgerald returned from his appearance on Next Great Baker, the two have opened a second location on Oak Lawn across the street from Pappadeaux. He seems a little anxious when he tells me others have warned him of the potential transformation that could take place once the show airs. He’s nostalgic about the days he baked cakes in his own garage and is excited, and perhaps, a little uneasy about what the future will hold. It is uncertain if he will welcome fame or retreat from it. Continue reading "Season Two of Next Great Baker Airs Tonight: Dallasite and Former Drag Queen Chad Fitzgerald is a Contestant"

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Top Chef: Texas: Episode Four Recap

D Magazine’s Loren Means loves to watch Top Chef. Therefore, she volunteered to watch all of the episodes this season and write a recap. She’s reviewed episode one, two, and three. Today she spills the chili beans on episode four . Go, Loren.

For the fourth episode of the season’s Top Chef: Texas competition, we return to San Antonio to watch the remaining fifteen chefs fight to the death!  Just joshin’ – you know why they’re there. The remaining cheftestants  listed in particular order based on personality and/or skill, are Paul, our resident Texan, Nyesha, Heather, Edward, Chris J. (although I would like to roundhouse kick his sunglasses off the top of his head), Chuy, Ty, Richie, Chris C., Grayson, Dakota, Whitney, Lindsey, Sarah and Beverly.

QUICKFIRE CHALLENGE

The chefs are greeted by Padma and guest judges, Mary Sue Millikin and Susan Feniger, chef/owners of Border Grill Restaurants in LA and Vegas and a few Top Chef Masters alums. Behind the judges are bowls of chile peppers and a board listing temperatures and dollar amounts. The heat of a chili is rated by the Scoville Scale varying from 0 (no heat) to 15,000,000 (pure capsaician). The Anaheim pepper usually ranks between 500-2,000 while the ghost pepper tops the edible chart at 1,000,000. According to Chuy, eating a handful of these babies would be “like eating a pile of fire.” (I’ve had a habanero drop me to my knees so I think I’ll take Chuy’s word for it.) The challenge is for the chefs to create a dish highlighting one type of pepper and show the judges you have cojones. The higher the tolerable heat, the more moolah you win. Continue reading "Top Chef: Texas: Episode Four Recap"

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Top Chef: Texas Episode Three Recap

D Magazine’s Loren Means loves to watch Top Chef. Therefore, she volunteered to watch all of the episodes this season and write a recap. She’s a Texan, and she’s on Texan stereotype alert. Go, Loren.

I, personally, could have done without the first two episodes required to wrangle out the 13 weaker chefs. It’s just too exhausting. I prefer to start off with the rock stars and get the show on the road. Alas, no one consulted me prior to filming/editing so this is how it was done, and we have had to endure it. Episode three begins and we finally have the 16 chefs who will actually be competing for the title of Top Chef. In no particular order, other than Keith, whom I will list first because he is my favorite, we have Keith, Richie, Lindsay, Edward, Heather, Ty-lor (whom I will now refer to as Ty because they do on the show and now I won’t have to figure out how to make those two dots over the O), Beverly, Chris J., Grayson, Paul (resident Texan), Sarah, Chris C., Dakota, Nyesha, Chuy, and Whitney.

Jump to see what happens.

Continue reading "Top Chef: Texas Episode Three Recap"

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Top Chef: Texas Episode Two Recap

D Magazine’s Loren Means loves to watch Top Chef. Therefore, she volunteered to watch all of the episodes this season and write a recap. She’s a Texan and she’s on Texan stereotype alert. Here is her report from last week

Episode 2 of this season takes us back to San Antonio. We only know this because there was a brief glimpse of the River Walk early in the show. If you blinked, you missed it. We open in the stew room (The Bubble) where Molly, Edward, Grayson, and Janine are commiserating and placing bets on how many spots will be left after group three competes. Edward compares the stew room to being in prison, bonds with his fellow inmates, then jokes that if he was there much longer he’d kill the other five chefs to get a jacket. I’m guessing he’d start with Molly since he basically laughed in her face when she said she was a chef aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. When that happened, my hand flew to my mouth while my brain said “oh no he di-int.” Then I laughed out loud just like he did. I’m thinking I like Edward.

Just as a refresher: 11 chefs including Heather, Nyesha, Chris J., Richie, Sarah, Ty-lor, Keith (my current favorite), Chris C., Chuy, Whitney, and Dakota have coats. There are only five remaining spots with 10 chefs left to compete and four on The Bubble. The 11 chefs who have made it through are at their manse in San Antonio sipping Champagne and victory while the other 14 chefs try to avoid bleeding ulcers.

It gets crazy. Continue reading "Top Chef: Texas Episode Two Recap"

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