Foobooz Gets Some Face Time on Food Network
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 | posted by Mike
You may remember a post a while back in which I told you about Food Network coming to Philadelphia for a soft pretzel battle. As we said at the time, soft pretzels don't get the fanfare of other local favorites like the cheesesteak and TastyKakes, but they are certainly a Philly Favorite.(They're also a great way to keep co-workers on your good side. About once a month, I run out of the office and come back with twenty pretzels. Everyone loves it. It's money well-spent.)
Anyway, the Throwdown aired and a local blogger, Kirsten Henri, from the fantastic Philly foodie site Foobooz was one of the judges.
Yes, that was me on Throwdown! with Bobby Flay on the Food Network last night. And yes, that was me NOT voting for the Philly version of the soft pretzel, but for Bobby Flay’s surprisingly delicious alternative. Before you rabid localists start a petition to get me thrown out of the city on grounds of culinary treason, take in the whole tale.You can get the whole story, which is really interesting. I always find it so fascinating how much goes on behind the scenes when filming television shows...even "reality" shows like this.
Oh, and Kirsten's right -- there's no way cheese sauce is an authentic Philadelphia add-on. That's wrong...just wrong.
Labels: Bobby Flay
Throwdown Not as Covert As It Used to Be
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 | posted by Mike
We're still getting back in the saddle around here, so in the mean time, we'll rely on a little help from our friends.As you know, Bobby Flay's Throwdown has been around for a little while now. Of course, the main conceit of Throwdown is that the competitors don't know what they're in for when they agree to the taping.
You probably remember that show, Punk'd, which featured celebrities being set up for practical jokes. Well, after a season or two, any time you saw Ashton Kutcher walking your way, you had to be suspicious. It appears the same thing is happening with bogus-sounding shows that want to tape local chefs.
Our buddies over at endless simmer have a first-hand account of a taping of America Eats. You don't have to be a genius to figure out what happened next...
Labels: Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay Looks to Imporve His Record in the Delaware Valley
Friday, February 01, 2008 | posted by Mike
Apparently not content with his current record in the City of Brotherly Love (you'll remember his Cheesesteak and mac & cheese Throwdowns), Bobby Flay was back in TVFF's backyard for a couple more competitions, according to local media reports.He ventured to Collingswood, New Jersey (about fifteen minutes from where I grew up) to face off over grilled cheese:
South Jersey got a shot of television glitz and glamour Monday as celebrity chef Bobby Flay came to the Pop Shop for a grilled cheese-making contest for a future episode of the Food Network's "Throwdown! With Bobby Flay."
Flay squared off against Stink and Connie Correia Fisher, co-owners of the popular Haddon Avenue eatery whose menu features 31 varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches. For the show, which is scheduled to air in the spring, the Fishers pitted their Calvert sandwich against Flay's creation, dubbed the "Five B" by one of the invited guests at the taping.
Really?!? I've never heard of this place, but I may need to check it out if they're sporting 31 types of grilled cheese!
And that wasn't his only stop. I guess the producers figured: "Since we're down there anyway..." He stopped by Drexel University to battle it out with soft pretzels:
You've heard us talk quite a bit about local Philadelphia food specialties, particularly the cheesesteak, TastyKake and scrapple. But the soft pretzel is another local favorite. A product of the city's German heritage (hey, we have a section of the city called "Germantown"), the figure-eight shaped pretzels (you'll know them if you see them) are tasty and dirt cheap.Cameras rolled last Sunday in the Drexel Hill store. Pretzel Boy's John Howe and Tim Dever were dispatched the next day to Drexel's culinary school for an hour of shooting in front of about 50 hospitality and culinary students and faculty.
Then Bobby Flay walked in.
Snack Attack?
No, sneak attack.
Flay challenged the Boy's boys to a pretzel-making contest for his Food Network series Throwdown!
Labels: Bobby Flay
A Bobby Flay Restaurant Sighting!
Thursday, October 18, 2007 | posted by Mike
Hey, why is it that every time a member of the TVFF Staff runs into a Food Network celebrity, it's Bobby Flay?
First, there was TVFF Ace Reporter Jessica spotting him on a street corner in New York City. On a side note, you'll be happy to hear the Jessica is now gainfully employed in New York City full-time (she happened to be in NYC for a job interview when she saw Bobby), so we're expecting fresh reports on a regular basis, since she's only working a mile or two from Food Network Studios.
This time, it's Dave -- the Official Brother of TVFF -- who was out celebrating his friend Jay's birthday down in Atlantic City. As you can see from the photographic evidence, the man himself was there, and he consented to some pictures with the guests. I'll let Dave tell his story:
We walked into Bobby Flay's Steakhouse at the Borgata for Jay's birthday. We looked at the menu and laughed at the price saying that for so much money for some cow, we better be able to milk it once a day. I ordered the spicy southwest ribeye steak that had roasted red and green chilis and garlic on top. $42. I also got a side of smashed baked potato with crème fraiche, goat cheese & green onions. $9.
After we ordered, we made a few jokes about the what seemed to be quite expensive sides of beef. During our wait for our food and a little humorous banter about what type of loans we should take out and what body parts we could spare so we can pay the bill, our friend said, "Oh my god! It's Bobby Flay!" We thought she was joking. We turned around and it was him. Straight out of the kitchen was Bobby. We went over and asked him for a few pictures causing what might look like a mob of fans around Donovan McNabb at an Eagles training camp session. He obliged to shake hands and take pictures with us. Afterward, he wandered around the restaurant talking to people.
After a decent amount of time (Friday night) and 2 baskets of bread later, our food came out. My spicy southwest ribeye was a good size steak. 1 -1 1/2 lbs with roasted green and red chilis and garlic on top, a red chili sauce on one side and green sauce on the other. The presentation of the meat was very nice... but the surprise came when I went to cut the first slice off my slab-o-meat. It cut like a hot knife through butter. The meat melted in my mouth. It had a wonderful consistency and a perfect balance of sweet meat and herbs and spices from the cracked pepper, roasted chilis and chili pepper sauce.
The smashed potatoes, a large helping well enough for two to share, also had a nice flavor, but as far as sides go, they were tasty, but nothing to write home about.
We finished up dinner and I still had plenty of meat on my plate... by the way I judged it... $12 left... and a bunch of potatoes.
For the price, not an everyday eatery. Maybe not even monthly for some... but by far it was probably the best cut of meat I've ever tasted. Five Stars.
There you have it, a satisfied Bobby Flay customer and independent confirmation that Bobby is not only still spending time in the kitchen, but that he's even doing it at one of his non-NYC spots.
Hey, I know these sort of sightings extend beyond TVFF's immediate family and close circle of friends, so be sure to let write me at mike@tvfoodfan.com if you have a personal encounter you'd like to share, especially if you have photos.
And especially if it's with someone other than Bobby Flay.
Labels: Bobby Flay
A Bobby Flay Street Sighting!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 | posted by Mike
You remember TVFF Cub Reporter Jessica, right? She noticed the plane with the TNFNS banner a couple of weeks back. Well, she's just been promoted to TVFF Ace Reporter Jessica thanks to this little exchange (paraphrased and condensed for dramatic purposes):
(Phone Rings)
TVFF: TVFF Branch Office, how may I help you?
Jessica: I'm in New York. I just left a meeting and I'm staring at BOBBY FLAY!
TVFF: Get out! What's he doing?
Jessica: He's taping a show.
TVFF: Get a picture!
Later, back at the TVFF Branch Office
TVFF: So, where did this happen, Chelsea?
Jessica: No, 51st between 6th and 7th.
TVFF: What show was he taping?
Jessica: Hmmmm...
TVFF: Was there also a guy with a bike there?
Jessica: Maybe...or it could have been a wheelchair...(regardless, we established that there were wheels involved)
TVFF: Did the guy also have a mask?
Jessica: Yes! How did you know!?!
TVFF: Throwdown!
Yup, it looks like Bobby was taping an intro to one of his Throwdown episodes and a TVFF correspondent just happens to stumble upon him.
What's that? You want proof? Check out this bad boy!
OK, you're probably just going to have to take our word for it. The TVFF IT department was unable to get the photo off the phone so we just took a digital photo of the cell phone. It's a bit "ghetto," but I'm not opening up the TVFF coffers to upgrade Jessica's data plan, so this is about as good as it's going to get.
Labels: Bobby Flay
Basketball Jones
Saturday, February 17, 2007 | posted by Mike
We really, really wanted something embarassing to say about Bobby Flay's appearance at the NBA All-Star Celebrity game. Unfortunately, the only "big story" to come out of the whole things is that New Orleasns Saints running back (that's football, for all of you non-sports people) managed to sustain a minor ankle injury during the game. We did manage to track down a team photo that included Bobby, which you can see below.Needless to say, we also felt compelled to include a phot of Carrot Top. You know...whenever I see Carrot Top performing, I laugh. Of course, it's the very definition of "laughing at" rather than "laughing with," but I'm guessing that Mr. Top will take any laughs that he can get. The photo below is funnier than any of Carrot Top's routines.
(Click both to enlarge)
Labels: Bobby Flay
Nelly Passes to Bobby Flay for Three. Yes!
Monday, February 12, 2007 | posted by Mike
Some times TVFF gets news from the Associated Press. Some times we get it from The New York Times. This story comes to us via a news dispatch from Weirdsville.Tune in to ESPN at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, February 16th to see what Bobby Flay looks like in shorts and a tank top.
If you follow sports at all, you know that an All-Star game is never just an All-Star game any more. There are days and days of fan festivals, skills competitions and the like, and the fact that the NBA is holding their All-Star inLas Vegas this year only adds to the hype and hoopla.
In addition to the dunk contest and the 3-point shooting contest, the NBA has been including a celebrity game featuring stars of stage, screen and, apparently, kitchen. NBA.com has the news:
Academy Award™-winning actor Jamie Foxx (Ray) Grammy™ Award-winning entertainer Nelly, Academy Award nominee Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile), actor David Arquette (“In Case of Emergency”), actor James Denton (“Desperate Housewives”), and the Food Network’s Bobby Flay (“Throwdown with Bobby Flay”) are among 18 celebrities who will compete in the McDonald’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by 2K Sports, in association with T-Mobile USA, as part of NBA All-Star 2007 in Las Vegas.
Now, what's weird about this whole thing isn't the fact that Bobby is playing in a celebrity basketball game. He appears to be in pretty good shape (although standing next to Mario on Iron Chef America will make anyone look svelte) and very well may possess, ask the kids say, "mad skillz." What's truly crazy about this whole thing is that Bobby won't be the red-headest redhead on his own team. I can just hear the announcer now:
"And starting at small forward...from the University of the Improv...Carrot Top!"
That's right. Prop comedian extraordinaire Carrot Top will be one of Bobby's teammates. February 16th can't get here soon enough.
Labels: Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay + DaimlerChrysler CEO = Bad Humor
Tuesday, January 09, 2007 | posted by Mike
Hmm...we sure have been spending quite a bit of time lately talking about celebrity endorsements and that sort of thing. Of course, in addition to appearing in advertisements and being seen in public consuming the product, celebrity spokespeople often make personal appearances at things like corporate meetings and trade shows.
Apparently not wanting to fall behind Rocco DiSpirito in the "young, brash chefs who endorse luxury automobiles" competition, Bobby Flay made an appearance at the North American International Auto Show to unveil a new line of minivans for DaimlerChrysler.
And, of course, what is an on-stage appearance of a celebrity and CEO without a little stilted dialogue and "humor?"
According to an article in the International Herald Tribune, Bobby appeared with DaimlerChrysler CEO Tom LaSorda (no, not that one). They then went on to prove true the old axiom that "comedy is hard" with the following exchange:
Flay, joining LaSorda on set, told the company leader during the cooking segment, "I can see from your skill set that you're spending a lot of time in the hot kitchen," drawing knowing laughter from reporters.
"The kitchen's been pretty hot lately, I've got to tell you that much," LaSorda quipped. "Thank you for bringing it up — I've got enough press talking about it already."
Hysterical! In other news:
DaimlerChrysler is expected to release its 2006 earnings in February, and is expected to announce a restructuring plan that includes job cuts and plant closures. The company lost $1.5 billion (€1.15 billion) in the third quarter.
Labels: Bobby Flay
Twists on Proven Formulas + Likeable New Stars = Food Network Winners
Sunday, December 03, 2006 | posted by Mike
UPDATE: Be sure to check out the comment by Don at the end of the message. Feel free to follow his lead or to add your $.02.All right...I’m tired of “news posts” this week. We all know the true reason to start a blog: Foisting your opinion on others.
A lot was made a little while back about the “loss” of Rachael Ray to chat show-land and the fact that the Food Network was in need of someone to step up and supply the star power. Paula Deen and her party show and the return of Nigella Lawson from across the pond were cited as the remedy.
Prime time programming on the FN has been very good of late, but I don’t think it’s because of some new, glamorous star. Rather, they’ve debuted a number of new shows featuring interesting spins on existing formulas and which star interesting and engaging personalities with whom we can easily identify.
Admittedly, I cringed whenever I saw the promos for Ace of Cakes, with the welding torch and the guitar playing, but the show has been something close to fantastic. With its ensemble cast of quirky “characters” and the built-in storyline of having to complete the cakes for a deadline, it plays out just like a workplace comedy along the lines of The Office.
The Hungry Detective, a riff on the food travel show, may be filling the spot of $40 Dollars a Day. The big difference between the two shows, however, is the personality of the hosts. Rachael Ray was an obviously polished television personality. And it was hard to believe that she was just dropping in these shops and restaurants. Chris Cognac, however, seems like someone you know. And so, when you see him visit a place, it’s a bit more believable. I know that it’s all perception, but I’m more likely to try out one of Chris’s places because it just feels a bit more familiar. Also, when you look at the later episodes compared to the Las Vegas pilot, Cognac has become quite a bit more polished without losing his “everyman” attitude.
But the freshness hasn’t been relegated to new faces. Bobby Flay’s newest show, Throwdown!, has been quite enjoyable. Now, everyone likes to rip Bobby for what I call the “smirk factor.” And, yes, it’s hard to deny that Bobby likes him some him. But the beauty of Throwdown! is that it takes “Bobby” and makes him more likeable because it puts him in a position to lose once in a while. Even on Iron Chef America, when Bobby loses, he’s losing to a trained and accomplished chef. When he loses on Throwdown!, he’s losing to someone like you and me, and that humanizes him.
It will be interesting to see if this trend continues with Dinner: Impossible. There aren’t many chefs more refined and esteemed than Robert Irvine, so the conceit of putting him in an over-the-top situation might be just what the show needs to make him more of a hero. If not, you end up in the same situation that we see with Gordon Ramsay on Hell’s Kitchen, where people just see Ramsay as the heel.
The Food Network is always going to need it’s “aces” or “anchors” or any other sports metaphor you want. But programming a full week’s worth of TV means you need to find and develop new shows and talent. Mary Alice broke the news on food network addict that Ace of Cakes will be renewed for a second season. Hopefully, we’ll hear the same thing about The Hungry Detective soon, too.
Rachael Ray is a star now, but she became popular because people identified with her message of quick, easy cooking. It’s always nice when you can find a natural on-air talent, with charisma and looks, to whom the audience responds. But they’ll also respond when they see themselves on the screen. And that’s a big part of the appeal of Food Network’s current slate of programs.
Labels: Bobby Flay, Chris Cognac, Duff Goldman
Iron Chef: De Laurentiis vs. Food Processor
Friday, December 01, 2006 | posted by Mike
It's may be Friday around here, but I'd say it looks like Giada "has a case of the Mondays."By the way, if you're still hanging in there, check back in a little while for one more post before I hang it up for the weekend.
Labels: Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Iron Chef America
Giada vs. Rachael
Monday, November 13, 2006 | posted by Mike
So, the big event went down last night. If you taped it and don't want to know the outcome, you should look away now...Are you still here?
The reaction to the Rachael victory in the TVFF.com household was mixed. Although the dishes clearly looked better than the other team's and the judges' reactions were nearly unanimous in their preferences, there was some thought that the fact that Mario was on Rachael's team was the deciding factor. Bobby's osso bucco did look good, though I'm not sure about the venison.
Also...was it just us, or did Giada look pretty pissed off that the judging went against her? We're hoping that Jacob over at food network addict fires up the screen capture software and provides another look at Ms. De Laurentiis' reaction.
As always, thoughts, questions and general gabbing are welcome in the comments below.
UPDATE: Madeline over at Everything Rachael Ray has a great run-down of what happened.
Labels: Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Mario Batali, Rachael Ray
How Much is Too Much?
Wednesday, November 01, 2006 | posted by Mike
I’m sitting here at TVFF.com Headquarters and next to me on the desk is a copy of the menu from The Frog and The Peach, at which I had dinner a few weeks back. For those not in or around New Jersey, The Frog is regularly cited as one of the top restaurants in the state. It’s also priced as such, with entrées ranging from $20-$39. It was very good, but at those prices, not the kind of place you go to every week.Now, even if you’re shopping for the finest ingredients, the prices at a restaurant like The Frog far outweigh what it would cost to cook at home. But, since we’re “foodies,” we understand that we’re paying for the artistry and craftsmanship of the chef who prepares our meals and we’re OK with paying a premium for a fine meal. Not everyone feels the same, but that’s why we’re different.
But how much is too much when it comes to the prices of dishes at restaurants? I ask because MSNBC.com has an article as part of their partnership with The Motley Fool highlighting the arrival of the $39.95 shrimp scampi at a New York Restaurant. The psychological impact of the $40 entrée can be quite intimidating.
And it’s not just the raw dollar amount that is the issue:
It's worth noting that these increases have outpaced inflation. The New York Times cited Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill restaurant in New York as an example: "His entrees at Mesa Grill in New York top out at $34. (When it opened in 1991, the steepest entree was $19, or $28.30 when adjusted for inflation.)"So…1991 would have been well before Bobby Flay became the internationally-known celebrity chef who gets stopped on the street by admirers. Say, we’re not paying a premium for Bobby’s “name,” are we?
For my part, I don’t mind laying out a little extra for a special occasion and when I know the food is truly worth it. But $40 shrimp scampi? No thanks…I’ll have the pasta.
Labels: Bobby Flay
Apparently, It’s the New "Black"
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 | posted by Mike
The Village Voice is the official arbiter of what is trendy, hip and cosmopolitan (at least we assume that, we don’t read it). So, when they weigh in with a headline like “Being Nice to Rachael Ray is so Trendy,” maybe there is something there!Actually, not so much. The post is just a rehash of a couple of recent articles, one in Slate and one in The New York Times cutting Rachael some slack for being, by her own admission, “not a gourmet chef.”
So, why the post? Because it gives me an excuse to bring up the fact that they’ve been running spots on the Food Network for the Rachael & Mario vs. Giada & Bobby tag-team match up on Iron Chef America! The showdown is set for November 12th and it looks like all of the participants are having a grand old time in the commercials. If nothing else, it will be fun to watch Mario stare blankly at Rachael when she asks him to pass the EVOO.
One quibble. Bobby, Mario and Giada are all sporting the silk jackets, but Rachael is in some sort of black get-up. What’s the deal? I know she’s “not a gourmet chef,” but you would have thought they would have given her something that doesn’t scream “I’m the one who didn’t attend culinary school!”
Hey…could be worse, she could have worn the outfit pictured in the Village Voice post.
Labels: Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Iron Chef America, Mario Batali, Rachael Ray
Cheesesteak Throwdown Recap
Friday, October 20, 2006 | posted by Mike
I’m hoping that everyone had a chance to see last night’s episode, because I do think it was a lot of fun. I know that I have a bit of a bias on this item because it is the Philly cheesesteak, but I always end up enjoying Throwdown a lot more than I think I will. I guess that is because, for all of Bobby’s “slickness,” everyone seems to have a lot of fun on this show.If you haven’t seen the show and don’t want to have the ending spoiled, best to look away now.
Adam had a comment a few days back about Bobby’s chances and I put up a response. As I said at the time, the cheesesteak is a uniquely Philadelphia institution, and it was going to be tough for anyone to come in and beat a local favorite. There are plenty of regional dishes like barbecue and chili and pizza and chowder, but the cheesesteak goes beyond “regional” to “local,” and this is something that Bobby mentioned in his intro, saying something about the Chicago hot dog and the Philly cheesesteak. I think he hit the nail on the head with that, and that was why he knew he was up against a tough situation.
Also, not to pat myself on the back, but the show did spend a lot of time on what I have always said is the most important part of the sandwich, the bread. Bobby said it was vital, as did Tony Luke. I wasn’t aware that Tony Luke’s bakes their own rolls, but I can attest to the fact that they are soft in the middle but with a nice crust, just as described.
They picked a great setting on a beautiful day, with Independence Hall in the background. I’m still not why Bobby was driving down the Ben Franklin Parkway towards the Art Museum (i.e. the exact opposite direction of Independence Mall), but I’m guessing that was for the obligatory “Philly flavor” shot of the Museum. At least he didn’t run up the steps.
You got a pretty good idea of what the cheesesteak is all about in the first half, and the simple “Whiz wit” is my favorite way to go, but you had to know that both of them would do something a little special. I think Bobby was actually right when he said that he was including too many ingredients…I would have ditched the mushrooms. I understand the layering, but I don’t think they were necessary.
Truth be told, I’ve never had Tony Luke’s Italian. I have, however, had their chicken cutlet with broccoli rabe, and it was fantastic.
Like I said, it came as absolutely no surprise when Tony Luke, Jr. pulled it off. This was local pride that we were talking about. And, as Bobby said, “You can’t let a New York City boy beat you at cheesesteak!”
Labels: Bobby Flay
Cheesesteak Throwdown This Week!
Sunday, October 15, 2006 | posted by Mike
I was checking out the Food Network earlier this weekend and saw a preview for a Throwdown! with Bobby Flay episode coming up on Thursday at 10:00. We mentioned some time ago that Bobby had come to TVFF.com's home town of Philadelphia and was going to duke it out using the city's pride and joy, the cheesesteak, as the battleground. And, if that wasn't good enough, it was rumored that Flay was taking on TVFF.com's favorite place, Tony Luke's.Well, the rumor has been officially confirmed (thanks to the commercial) and we'll get to see what kind of strategy the outsider comes up with to try to win. As I've said before, there really isn't that much difference in the techniques involved in making cheesesteaks. It's more about the quality and type of ingredients, particularly the roll.
Regardless of the outcome, it looks like they managed to snag a cool location for the competition, filming right along Independence Mall in TVFF.com's favorite hangout, Old City.
Labels: Bobby Flay
A Cheesesteak Throwdown?
Tuesday, September 05, 2006 | posted by Mike
Welcome back, all. I hope you all took the “unofficial end of summer” as an opportunity to gorge yourself on grilled meat. Now, get back to work.If the Internet is good for anything, it’s for spreading completely unsubstantiated rumors. Now, most respectable “journalists” would wait to get confirmation, but this rumor brings two of my favorite things together, so I’m just going to go ahead and publish it.
Although I’m not the world’s biggest Bobby Flay fan, I do enjoy Throwdown! And my love of Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks is well documented. So, what could put me in such a good mood on the day back after a long weekend?
Unconfirmed reports (i.e. a message board posting) that Bobby was recently in Philadelphia challenging Tony Luke to a cheesesteak throwdown! According to the poster, who says she works at the Independence Visitors Center:
In fact, speaking of how lucky I am to be working there, does anyone watch that show on Food Network with Bobby Flay? The one he calls "Throwdown" or something, and challenges each city he goes to to make their signature food? Well, Bobby Flay was in Philly today at the Visitor Center doing a cook off challenge with Philly's own Tony Luke on who could make the best cheese steak.She then goes on to spoil the outcome of the competition, so thanks for that. I’ll keep the suspense alive for you.
I’m glad they went to Tony Luke’s for the competition instead of the tired stand-by of Pat’s or (Heaven Forbid!) Geno’s. Pat’s and Geno’s being presented as the best of the Philly Cheesesteak is really a disservice to some great places in both the city and surrounding suburbs.
Labels: Bobby Flay
Review: "Throwdown! with Bobby Flay"
Friday, July 14, 2006 | posted by Mike
“Throwdown,” which debuted this evening on the Food Network, is a Bobby Flay show through and through. It takes full advantage of Flay’s charms and talents – his wisecracking self-assuredness – and provides a good forum for someone who clearly thrives under competition.
We’ve been treated to previews and advertisements for some time, which outlined the basic premise: the super-chef challenges the best and brightest on their own culinary turf. This theme kicks off the show, with Bobby Flay receiving a package marked “Confidential” containing his assignment for the episode.
This segment (which was repeated in the second episode as well) and the voice over work by Flay are occasionally cringe-worthy. Both feel far too scripted and stilted. The posing and posturing of the challenger, who thinks that he or she is being profiled by Food Network, is equally annoying.
However, things really pick up when Flay gets down to work on his assignment, collaborating with experts to perfect his recipes. His training is presented warts-and-all, and the banter among the chefs elicits smiles, if not outright laughs. The footage spends some time illustrating Flay’s strategy, although it could be a little more explicit in laying out his thoughts. After all, he’s supposedly in their world, so you think he would need to come up with something truly spectacular.
Eventually, Flay drops in on the unsuspecting challenger for the cook-off, marking what is clearly the highlight of the show and the best use of Flay’s talent. There is a fair amount of friendly trash-talking, some technical difficulties and some good candid interviews of the crowd, which provide a nice, natural feel.
Episodes conclude with a tasting by an impartial judge (a panel, in the case of the second show), followed by scoring that is less transparent than Iron Chef and the declaration of the winner. Flay, who came out on both sides of the judging in the first two shows, seems genuinely gracious and complimentary of the challenger.
The only truly disastrous moment is when a friend of the challenger, enticed by the free beer and a chance for instant fame, performs some sort of horrible white-guy rapping. I was horrified. Soon-to-be-Mrs. TVFF.com just said, “Ohhhhhh….painful.”
Flay is at his best when he’s training and competing, having fun and mixing it up without lapsing into the smugness that many of his detractors find grating. In fact, he’s downright self-deprecating and endearing when he’s struggling with a wedding cake.
“Throwdown!” is not an instant classic, but the excitement and fun exhibited by Flay and the challenger provide enough reason to tune in.
Labels: Bobby Flay
UPDATE: Crisis Averted! NJ Budget Deal Puts Bobby Flay Back to Work
Thursday, July 06, 2006 | posted by Mike
You'll be happy to hear that Governor Corzine struck a deal today to reopen the New Jersey State offices, which means that Bobby Flay's brand new restaurant at the Borgata is open and ready for business.None too soon for Bobby, though. The New York Daily News had reported that "celebrity chef Bobby Flay, who opened a new steakhouse at the casino Friday, strode around looking peeved."
Drunken gamblers will take comfort in the fact that they don't have to eat at the buffet.
Labels: Bobby Flay
Robo-Bobby Flay
Sunday, July 02, 2006 | posted by Mike
If the folks at the Food Network are good at one thing, it’s promoting a new show. You’re practically unable to make it to a new show premier without having seen (very, very many) teaser commercials. And, frankly, with a network that tends to shuffle the lineup around from time to time, this is a good thing. I mean, I probably would have missed Ham on the Street were it not for the 435 promos we were shown before it debuted.Anyway, the current push is for Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, which features the grill-meister mixing it up with unsuspecting chefs who “believe that Food Network is shooting their profile for a show.” Little do they know…they’re in for a crushing defeat at the hands of Mr. Flay usually reserved only for those foolish enough to wander into Kitchen Stadium.
The spots feature a Terminator-like Bobby Flay, complete with computer graphics and, well, let’s just say it’s a bit much.
Yeah…you can probably tell I’m not a huge Bobby Flay fan.
The new show debuts on Thursday, July 19th at 10pm/9pm central. Check back after then for a review from yours truly.
Labels: Bobby Flay
