Real Time Web Analytics Foodie Gossip: paula deen
Showing posts with label paula deen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paula deen. Show all posts

Friday, February 28, 2014

A Week in the Life of Paula Deen's Comeback


Just when you thought Paula Deen was gone for good, she takes over the internet once again with meme-inspiring nuggets of gold!  In case you missed any of it, here's a recap of her busy week:

Kicking her busy week off at the South Beach Food & Wine Festival in Miami, she hopped on Food Network's Robert Irvine for a quick ride, inspiring the hilarious website Paula Deen Rides Things.


Then she follows that hilarity with a major media faux pas during an exclusive interview with People Magazine, by drawing comparisons of herself and last year's debacle to "that black gay football player" earlier this week, almost certainly sending whatever is left of her PR team into a frenzy.

Ms. Deen, we love you, but maybe you only speak in food for the next few years.

And now she's just announced her latest venture, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, in Pigeon Forge TN.  This could be worth the trip just to be a part of the "crazy"...

Needless to say, this sassy little Southerner definitely knows how to keep things interesting.


Monday, June 24, 2013

Does Paula Deen Deserve to be Sacked?

On Friday, The Food Network announced that they had decided not to renew Paula Deen’s contract at the end of this month. And it was rumored that her deal with QVC was on the rocks.  However, is Paula Deen being sacked too soon?

Let’s remember that she wasn’t “caught” using the “n” word in recent casual conversation over lunch with the girls last week. She was honest and admitted to spewing racist remarks on her own. She could have lied, like most people would do. While she did admit to using racial slurs years ago, she’s also a white person who grew up in the deep South, where in her youth (1950’s and 60’s), ignorance and racism ran deep.  Don’t know what I’m talking about? Watch “The Help” (dummies guide to Southern racism).

I’m not defending her past actions, but if someone behaved like the biggest ignoramus the world has ever seen a few years back, does that mean that person is incapable of growth or perception change? Look at how much our awareness as an American culture has grown over the last few decades, from the 60’s (when Deen was in her teens/early 20’s) to the 80’s – and look how much we have evolved from the 80’s to the present.

Nobody (including Paula Deen) is excusing her past behavior, but could it be possible that Deen’s perspective on racial discrimination could have changed over the last 20 years?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Anthony Bourdain Swimming Naked in the Pool



It’s been quite the controversial year for the No Reservations host Anthony Bourdain. First he goes off and bad-mouths Paula Deen. Then a picture controversy, which he was savvy enough to avoid too many repercussions for.

First thing’s first. Bourdain publicly insulted Paula Deen on his show. Being a nation that loves drama more than anything, we gobbled it up and started a huge controversy. Some may blame the media, but who didn’t know what I was talking about? The media wouldn’t print it if we didn’t accept it. Here’s what Bourdain said:

"The worst, most dangerous person to America is clearly Paula Deen. She revels in unholy connections with evil corporations and she's proud of the fact that her food is f---ing bad for you. If I were on at seven at night and loved by millions of people at every age, I would think twice before telling an already obese nation that it's OK to eat food that is killing us. Plus, her food sucks."

The dispute that ensued lasted for way too long if you ask me. But I read all about it. Also, Bourdain does reach millions of people, which puts my next topic into context.

The next big controversy for Bourdain was a certain picture that surfaced from Bourdain’s ex-wife, Nancy Putkoski. The pictures shows Bourdain lounging naked in a pool with a beer in-hand. In order to diffuse the situation, Bourdain tweeted, “I look good! Nice tan. As I haven’t seen the photos without the star, I can only hope the water wasn’t too cold that day.” Great strategy, rather than try and deny it, Bourdain embraced the situation and cast himself in a positive light. Or as positive as he possibly could under the given circumstance. 

The whole situation really amazes me. Here’s a man that under normal standards would be considered a terrible person. There are certain societal mores that we, normal people, have to abide by. Yet this man disregards those mores completely. Not only that, his book, Kitchen Confidential, is a best-seller, his show is very successful and now he has a new show called The Layover, which will no doubt also be a smashing success.

Seriously? I thought Gordon Ramsay had already cornered the “jerked meat” market.

What’s the deal with the entertainment industry? Should celebrities also abide by the same rules we do? Should they be treated differently just for our entertainment?

Friday, December 9, 2011

Martha Stewart Makes Dirty Jokes About Sausage



Keeping up with the comedy this week, Martha Stewart actually made some dirty jokes about sausage casings. She likened the casings to a condom and insinuated that maybe they would work since they are meant to “hold the beef.” Apparently, jail time did not have too much of a good influence on our home-making diva. 


When I first saw this video, I was actually surprised at Martha. But I also thought it was funny.
I somewhat remembered hearing a bit of a controversy about Sandra Lee also being a bit raunchy. So I looked it up. Here are the outtakes of Sandra Lee’s show Semi-Homemade, showing a less than PG version of the celeb.


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Apparently Martha and Sandra are not the only ones with a less-than-sparkling vocabulary. Paula Deen joined the ranks in this episode of the Today Show. She and Al Rocker seem to have had a lot of fun filming this together.


With celebrities who are so highly dependent on their reputations, should these examples have behaved in such a juvenile manner? Personally, I thought it was funny and actually made me like them even more. But I also appreciate anything that is remotely funny. Leave us a comment and let us know whether you think it’s inappropriate or, like me, you appreciate the humor in the situation.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Food Network Posts 13 Cookie Recipes by Celebrity Chefs


The Food Network has been graciously sharing what they’re calling 12 Days of Cookies,

recipes provided by some of their most illustrious celebrity chefs. Currently, we’re on day 6 with Holiday Biscotti by Giada De Laurentiis. Mmm, delicious! (and yes I’m talking about the biscotti) Joy to the foodies during the holidays!

So far The Food Network has posted recipes for Shortbread Cookies by Ina Garten, Ginger Snaps by Alton Brown, Loaded Oatmeal Cookies by Paula Deen, Delicate Mint Sandwich Holiday Cookies by Melissa d'Arabian and Spiced Gingerbread Piggies by Patrick and Gina Neely.

For the next six days The Food Network will feature cookie recipes by Jeff Mauro, Anne Burrell, Bobby Flay, Sandra Lee, Alex Guarnaschelli and Guy Fieri. To see their recipes, click on the following links:

For the thirteenth day, The Food Network asked its Facebook fans for what recipe they most wanted to see. Apparently, they chose Snickerdoodles. The Food Network decided to create Apple Cider Snickerdoodles.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Top Chef All Stars Episode 11: Southern Love, a Bromance Renewed and Dale Talde Packs His Knives

Chef John Besh
What an amazing episode of Top Chef! I don’t even know where to start…

We’ll start with the light stuff:  Props to Top Chef for the Gulf Coast-themed episode. And seeing the Food Network’s ever-so-lovable Paula Deen on Top Chef All Stars was fantastic. But why keep the James Beard Award winning John Besh under wraps? I’m really surprised that Bravo didn’t advertise him more prior to airing the show…

And how much did you just love having the former cheftestants back in action? Watching Richard Blais and Fabio Viviani rekindle their bromance gave me the warm fuzzies… And it totally helped to soften the tension around the Mike Isabella/Richard food theft fiasco.


Fried Chicken Oysters w/Mustard Gravy & Oyster Liquor
Speaking of which, what was up with the recipe robbery? Mike can be a bit dense sometimes, but to blatantly steal Richard’s Fried Chicken Oysters idea was stupidity on a platter. You’re on national television, dude, and you’re taking credit for someone else’s work - that's retarded… BTW, Antonia’s McNasty comment to Mikey about his belching, farting and flicking his nose bits – was that really necessary?

And I absolutely loved how Tiffany Derry handled Marcel Vigneron. It’s a rare person who can shut that guy down without causing any major tension. But then again, maybe he overcooked her shrimp and screwed up her sauce on purpose. We’ve all seen Marcel in action and the boy can cook…

Last, but most definitely not least: Dale Talde’s departure. I have never been quiet about disliking Dale and his incessant bitchiness, but seeing the tears in his eyes after he was asked to pack his knives totally tugged at my heart strings. I wasn’t expecting to feel even a twinge of disappointment and now I feel guilty about ripping on him as much as I did. Oh well… What’s done is done.

Top Chef's Richard Blais, Angelo Sosa and Tiffany Derry
So now there are just 5 chefs left and it’s very likely that Richard Blais, Carla Hall and Antonia Lafaso will be three of the final four in the Top Chef All Stars showdown. And while it’s very unlikely it’ll happen, I can’t help but hope Tiffany Derry at least makes it to the finale. To be cut from the competition at 5th place again would bite.

Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait until next week to find out…


More on Top Chef

Monday, February 21, 2011

Top Chef All Stars Episode 11 Sneak Peek: Paired Up

Food Network super star, Paula Deen.
Y’all ready for a little Top Chef preview? The Food Network’s Paula Deen pays a visit to the Top Chefs as guest judge on this week’s Top Chef All Stars episode 11 (Paired Up) and Carla Hall is majorly star struck!

Top Chef Quickfire
This week’s Quickfire has the chefs running around like their tails (asses) are on fire as they whip up dishes aimed to impress Paula Deen. And the prize for this week’s Quickfire is $5,000 (again).
  • Dale Talde says Paula Deen is just so night and day from his flavor spectrum. He works in a Chinese restaurant for Christ’s sake. He whips up raw oysters wrapped in beef and thinks his dish is worth $5,000. Even though he won $30,000 in the last challenge, he wants the cash from this challenge because he’s a greedy American (his words – not mine).
  • Antonia Lafaso says she friends food more than she should – is there a limit? She’s making a fried shrimp salad.
  • Mike Isabella makes Fried Chicken Oysters (yummy).
  • Richard Blais whips out the liquid nitrogen (again) to make fried mayonnaise balls (flavored with coffee and lime). Yes people, the Blais has added a whole new dimension to fatty foods.

Marcel Vigneron "helps" Tiffany Derry cook for the people.
Top Chef Elimination Challenge
Angelo Sosa, Fabio Viviani, Spike Mendelshon, Tre Wilcox, Tiffani Faison and Marcel Vigneron return to assist the remaining chefs in the Elimination Challenge… And Dale Talde could not be more disappointed – McNasty Nancy #1 bitches, bitches, bitches all about Top Chef Kitchen… Can someone staple Dale’s lips together please?
  • The chefs need to prepare 320 orders?
  • The Richard/Fabio and Angelo/Mike Isabella bromances are reignited (sorta).
  • Marcel wears on Tiffany Derry’s last nerve as he tries to help her cook food for the people. Marcel, let the shrimp heads go already! Dale thinks that if anyone can get Marcel in check, it’s Tiffany.
  • Mike Isabella is heckling the other chefs more than usual and grating on Richard’s nerves. Mike is paired with Tiffani Faison and it looks like she may be doing most of the work.
  • Antonia is having a great time cooking with Spike.
Can't wait for this week's episode of Top Chef. It might just make up for last week's departure of fan-fave, Angelo Sosa. I'm still a little teary...


More on Top Chef

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Top Chef All Stars Episode 10 Sneak Peek: Lock Down (UPDATED!!)

Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi and Sesame Street's Elmo bond.
This week on Top Chef All Stars Episode 10, the chefs commandeer a Target and must prepare dishes for 100 people, using only the store’s merchandise.

The Quickfire: Sesame Street comes to Top Chef and the chefs each have to whip up a cookie that will impress Sesame Street stars Elmo, Telly Monster & Cookie Monster.
The Elimination Challenge: The chefs take over a Target store in the middle of the night and have 90 minutes to make a dish for 100 people (owch) using items found in the aisles. Anthony Bourdain guest stars.

And now for the Sneak Peek deets:
-     Carla Hall is the last chef to her station
-     Carla makes a curried apple soup with apple slaw. She wants to get a protein, but is afraid to leave her station due to time constraints.
-     Richard Blais is worried that Carla’s dish won’t mature in time.
-     Looks like a new bromance is brewing between Mike Isabella and Angelo Sosa. Mike lovingly refers to Angelo as “sweetie” when looking for his can opener.
-     Mike wants to make a spicy coconut shrimp stew, but doesn’t have the shrimp. He then tries for coconut and pork, but scraps the pork and just makes spicy coconut broth with veggies. But flavors are coming together and Mike Isabella feels confident.
-     Angelo is making a (baked) potato soup with bacon, onions and cheddar cheese. Mike Isabella plays Angelo’s taster and tells him the soup is a bit thick and missing “something”. Angelo adds more bacon and salt, hoping that it’ll fill the flavor void.
-     Antonia Lafaso thinks that it’s ridiculous that all the chefs are making soup. “$25k on the line, I’m not going to make a soup, call it a day and play it safe.”
-     Anthony Bourdain thinks the food was cooked by stoners.

It’s amazing how Carla is still so underestimated by the other chefs – particularly Richard Blaise. Every week, we hear how he’s “so concerned” about whether she’ll make it or not, and in the end, she ALWAYS ends up kicking some culinary tail. I really hope we see a Richard and Carla showdown in the season finally. Richard may know some magic, but Carla has all the love – and we know that the best dishes are only the best because they’re cooked with a whole lotta love.

And is it bad that I’d like to see Antonia go home? She just doesn’t seem like a nice person. She messed up Casey’s dish, but never came forward and she’s constantly making snotty comments about the other chefs and finding ways to put them down. Mean people suck, dude.
Can’t wait for tomorrow night’s Top Chef All Stars. Wish I could be on Lock Down with them!


More on Top Chef:

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Rachael Ray beats Bobby Flay for PCA’s Favorite TV Chef

Congratulations to Rachael Ray for winning the People’s Choice Award's Favorite TV Chef!


The runners up? Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Paula Deen and… the amazing Bobby Flay! It’s pretty impressive work to take the prize from VERY stiff competition.

Good work Ms. Ray!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Chef Paula Deen’s Housekeeper Caught with Her Hand in the Cookie Jar

Paula Deen’s former house keeper pleaded guilty to charges of theft on Monday, December 20, 2010 for stealing $100,000 worth of men’s and women’s jewelry from the Food Network star’s home in Wilmington Island, GA.

Charged with theft on May 5th, 2010, for attempting to pawn Paula Deen’s $18,000 earrings,
Mary Alice White will now be spending the next 18 months in prison, followed by 6 years on probation.

White was considered “part of the family” by Paula Deen and her husband, Michael Groover, during her nine-month employment. Way to pay back the Queen of Cuisine for her kindness…

Happy Holidays, y’all!