Food Network

[cougjunkie]

I think that competition was Aarti's to lose from the very beginning. Food network has been desperately searching for an Indian or Middle Eastern representative for the last handful of seasons, as the genre is completely unrepresented, despite the fact that the area comprises roughly 1/4 of the earth's population.

Two seasons ago they had a contestant named Nipa whose culinary viewpoint was something like "Simple Indian Cuisine." She was terrible, and her food was even worse, but she lasted about 3-4 weeks longer than she should have simply because her culinary viewpoint was intriguing to the judges. Aarti was the perfect candidate to fill the role, as she's pretty quite natural on camera and her food is excellent (just ask the Iron Chef judges).

I really liked Tom, and I think he'll probably get a show on the network anyway, but I was not surprised at all when Aarti won. I think her show title is misleading (it's a catchy rhyme and all, but her show's not about a party) and I think she'll either have to tweak her culinary viewpoint to help fit it (Indian party food, anyone?) or she'll eventually have to change the name.

What about Herb? I think his viewpoint had the most potential. Like the girl in the focus group said "Fat free is generally taste free and his food is not" With so many people being health concious these days, I think someone that could truly cook great tasting and low calorie meals would do really well.

[Donuthole]

What about Herb? I think his viewpoint had the most potential. Like the girl in the focus group said "Fat free is generally taste free and his food is not" With so many people being health concious these days, I think someone that could truly cook great tasting and low calorie meals would do really well.

They do already have "Healthy Eating with Ellie Krieger." Also, they used to have a show called "Calorie Commando" which was a guy a lot like Herb--formerly fat, now fit with a ton of personality and energy. He would take delicious recipes submitted by the viewers and alter them to be more healthy while retaining the majority of the taste.

On top of that, I think Herb is a bit of a basket case (significantly more so than either of the other), despite his pilot, which ended up making him look more at ease than he really was.

[filsdepac]

Just had dinner at Tyler Florence's new restaurant, Wayfare Tavern. Got the "chef's table" so we sat next to the kitchen, getting to watch him guide the cooking. Awesome experience and his fried chicken was incredible. Really nice guy, too.

[Donuthole]

This interview with Giada De Laurentiis makes me really dislike her. Am I really supposed to believe that a bunch of trained professionals couldn't quite "master" her chicken Milanese recipe? Like it's just that intricate. Sounds to me like the problem was more with the recipe (which is the problem with a LOT of the recipes from FN--they look great on TV and taste very "meh") than the caterers. I do think it's funny how she thinks she's on "a different playing field now". While she may not have meant it that way, it comes off as supremely haughty.

[old_gregg]

This interview with Giada De Laurentiis makes me really dislike her. Am I really supposed to believe that a bunch of trained professionals couldn't quite "master" her chicken Milanese recipe? Like it's just that intricate. Sounds to me like the problem was more with the recipe (which is the problem with a LOT of the recipes from FN--they look great on TV and taste very "meh") than the caterers. I do think it's funny how she thinks she's on "a different playing field now". While she may not have meant it that way, it comes off as supremely haughty.

is it weird that i think she's very attractive? i can't decide if it is or not.

[Donuthole]

is it weird that i think she's very attractive? i can't decide if it is or not.

I don't think it's weird, per se, but I think you do have to be willing to look past her phony TV persona and focus the other things she has to offer.

[Babs]

I don't think it's weird, per se, but I think you do have to be willing to look past her phony TV persona and focus the other things she has to offer.

She sure has a nice smile.

[wuapinmon]

is it weird that i think she's very attractive? i can't decide if it is or not.

She's about as cute as one of the cuter girls in your high school. It's not weird; it's normal.

Donuthole, as to your critique. Yes, she's pretentious, but she doesn't think she's being. It's that hot girl thing like Babs does.

[myboynoah]

She's very irritating.

[SuperGabers]

She's very irritating.

+1 mbn

[old_gregg]

look at the fun bags on that hose hound! goodness gracious, giada in a bikini makes my odd fondness come full circle.

[MarkGrace]

Always struck me as a huge bitch. Can't stand that chick.

[pellegrino]

Always struck me as a huge bitch. Can't stand that chick.

I have three things to say about Giada De Laurentiis.

1. She is the granddaughter of one of my favorite actresses of all time, Silvana Mangano (pic below for GN)

2. There is no way she gets where she is today without her looks.

3. I have to mute the TV to watch her, but it is a guilty pleasure of mine that I occasionally indulge.



This picture doesn't really do her justice, but she was the original Italian screen siren. Some would say that she paved the way for Sofia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida. She was a fantastic actress and a beautiful woman. Giada inherited a lot of her looks, imo.

[Surfah]

I have always thought Giada and her big dome and nose were hot. It helps that she is stacked.

[Sizzle]

I have always thought Giada and her big dome and nose were hot. It helps that she is stacked.

Yup. I agree. She's hot.