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Media for Foodies: Gourmet Television, Books, & Culinary Awards

Top Chef Season 6
Here is a photo gallery of contestants and judges from Season 6 of Top Chef on Bravo TV.
Hell's Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay
Photo gallery of contestants for season 6 of Hell's Kitchen with Chef Gordon Ramsay.
Top Chef Masters
Photo gallery of the chefs of Top Chef Masters.
Casting Call for 2010 Season of the Next Food Network Star
The Food Network has announced plans for a sixth season of the Next Food Network Star and is looking for professional chefs and home cooks to apply.
Interview with Bobby Flay
I spoke recently with Chef Bobby Flay (Mesa Grill) about the new season of the Next Food Network Star. Bobby Flay is an award-winning restaurateur, cookbook author and one of the Food Network's biggest stars (Iron Chef America, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and Grill it! with Bobby Flay). Season 5 of the Next Food Network Star starts Sunday night, June 7th.
The Next Food Network Star Season 5
Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, Alton Brown, Guy Fieri, Ina Garten, Emeril Lagasse, Gina and Pat Neely, Masaharu Morimoto, Ted Allen, Tyler Florence, Michael Symon and the season four winner, Aaron McCargo, Jr., will appear throughout the season to help guide the finalists through the challenges.
2009 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Award Winners
During a ceremony hosted by Cat Cora, Emeril Lagasse and Stanley Tucci at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, awards in 38 categories were presented for the 2009 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards, including Restaurant and Chef, Book, Design and Graphics, and special achievement awards.
2009 James Beard Foundation Media Award Winners
The James Beard Awards are the nation’s top awards honoring professionals in the food and beverage industries. The 2009 winners in 19 media categories were presented during a ceremony hosted by television host and author Ted Allen at the Hudson Theatre in New York City.
Food & Wine's 2009 Best New Chefs
For over 20 years Food & Wine Magazine has recognized up and coming young chefs with their Best New Chef Awards. Many of today's culinary superstars were once relatively unknown. Food & Wine had the foresight to recognize their genius. Past winners include Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Gary Danko, Todd English, Allen Susser, Tom Colicchio, Gale Gand, Suzanne Goin, John Besh, and …
Jamie Oliver's Dinner Menu for the G-20 Summit in London
World leaders of the G-20 meeting in London this week will be treated Wednesday night to a meal prepared by Chef Jamie Oliver and assistants from his restaurant, Fifteen. Oliver plans to showcase modern British cuisine with organic salmon, slow roasted lamb and a selection of local seasonal vegetables.
2009 James Beard Foundation Book Awards Finalists
The James Beard Awards are the most prestigious honors in America for the food & beverage industry, The "Academy Awards of the Food Scene". Past winners include a who's who of the country's culinary greats. Almost 10,000 entries were narrowed down to the finalists in each category.
2009 James Beard Foundation Journalism and Broadcast Awards Finalists
The James Beard Awards are the most prestigious honors in America for the food & beverage industry, The "Academy Awards of the Food Scene". Past winners include a who's who of the country's culinary greats. Almost 10,000 entries were narrowed down to the finalists in each category.
2009 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards Finalists
The James Beard Awards are the most prestigious honors in America for the restaurant industry, The "Academy Awards of the Food Scene". Past winners include a who's who of the country's culinary scene. Almost 10,000 entries were narrowed down to the semifinalists listed here.
The Chopping Block with Marco Pierre White
Legendary Michelin-star chef Marco Pierre White stars in this cooking competition that pits eight couples against each other for the grand prize of $250,000.
2009 James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists
The James Beard Awards are the most prestigious honors in America for the restaurant industry, The "Academy Awards of the Food Scene". Past winners include a who's who of the country's culinary scene. Almost 10,000 entries were narrowed down to the semifinalists listed here.
Team USA Places Sixth in 2009 Bocuse d'Or Competition
Near the end of January, 24 international teams competed in the 2009 Bocuse d'Or in Lyons, France. Also known as the Culinary Olympics, the Bocuse d'Or is a very prestigious competition and its grand title is coveted by chefs everywhere, not only for personal glory but for the positive attention it brings to the winning team's country.
Obamas Choose Sam Kass for Personal White House Chef
The Obamas have chosen Chicago chef Sam Kass to act as the family's personal chef at the White House. Kass also worked as a private chef for the Obamas while they were living in Chicago. Kass, of course, will not be the family's only cook and will work as an assistant to White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford.
Interesting Fact of the 2009 Academy Awards Governors Ball
A lot of work goes into serving the Academy’s 1,500 Ball guests, which will include Oscar® winners, nominees, presenters and telecast participants. Here are some fun facts about the huge amount of staff, food, equipment, and man-hours needed to produce this glitzy Hollywood party.
2009 Governors Ball Menu of the 81st Annual Academy Awards
For the 15th consecutive year, Chef Wolfgang Puck will create and execute the menu for the 81st Academy Awards Governors Ball, the official celebration immediately following the Oscar Awards presentation.
81th Academy Awards Governors Ball
For the 15th consecutive year, Chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago's) oversees the menu of the official post-Academy Awards party, the Governors Ball. Some 1,500 guests of the 81th Oscars will be seated for the delicious menu created by Puck, pastry chef Sherry Yard, and the rest of his team. Here is a collection of photos of the food and decor of the 2009 Governors Ball.
Menu and Recipes of the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon
The tradition of the Inauguration Luncheon dates back at least a century. Approximately 200 guests including President Obama, Vice President Biden, their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet designees, and members of Congressional leadership will attend the event in Statuary Hall. The menu by Design Cuisine (Arlington, VA) is based on favorites of President Abraham Lincoln.
Interview with Adam Gertler
Adam Gertler, runner-up of the Next Food Network Star, stars in a new culinary adventure series Will Work For Food. Adam will put his life on the line to take viewers behind the scenes of some very unique food jobs. Watch Adam as he attempts to collect honey from 3 million bees, carve ice with a chain saw, dig a wine cave, harvest clams with a water canon, enter a competitive eating contest, and other fun and dangerous professions.
Adam Gertler - Star of Food Network's Will Work For Food
Adam Gertler, runner-up of the Next Food Network Star, stars in a new culinary adventure series Will Work For Food. Adam will put his life on the line to take viewers behind the scenes of some very unique food jobs. Watch Adam as he attempts to collect honey from 3 million bees, carve ice with a chain saw, dig a wine cave, harvest clams with a water canon, enter a competitive eating contest, an…
Cristeta Comerford to Stay as White House Chef for Obama
Its offical! Cris (Cristeta) Comerford has been asked to stay as White House Chef for President Obama and his family. In a statement released by Michelle Obama, the First Lady said, "Cristeta Comerford brings such incredible talent to the White House operation and came very highly regarded from the Bush family."
Interview with Ted Allen
I had the pleasure of talking with Ted Allen about his new cooking competition show Chopped on the Food Network. Culinary guru Ted Allen has appeared on Queer Eye, Top Chef and Iron Chef America. He now has two shows of his own on the Food Network: Chopped and Food Detectives.
Interesting Food Facts of the 15th Annual SAG Awards
The 15th Annual SAG Awards are January 25, 2009 with more than 1,000 guests attending. After the huge extravaganza of the award show those guests are going to be hungry and ready to party. Here's a look at the menu and some fun facts about what goes into the after-award show gala.
Christmas Menus at Camp David
President Bush and his family celebrated their last Christmas at Camp David this year. President and Mrs. Bush have spent 12 Christmases at Camp David - eight years during this Administration and four years during President George H. W. Bush's Administration.
Menu for the 66th Golden Globes Awards Gala
Because of last year's writers' strike, there was no Golden Globes Award ceremony just a boring news conference announcing the winners. The Golden Globes are back, though, with all the glitter and glamour of Hollywood. Of course, the most important part for the attendees is the after-parties. Here's a glimpse of the menu from the official Golden Globes Gala at the Beverly Hilton.
Food Network to Open Studios for Tours
For the first time ever, the Food Network will give the general public exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of its studios. Tour goers will see where Food Network stars like Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri produce their shows as well as a look inside Iron Chef's Kitchen Stadium. Guests will also see Food Network Kitchens where the network’s recipes are developed and tested.
White House Menu for the 2008 Holiday Receptions
Well, 2008 will be the last Christmas in the White House for George W. and Laura Bush. And possibly for White House Chef Cristeta Comerford and Pastry Chef Bill Yosses. Here is the food that will be served at the White House during this year's holiday receptions.
Thanksgiving Menu at Camp David
So, what does your Thanksgiving feast consist of when you are President of the most powerful country on earth and leader of the free world? Well, pretty much the same as most Americans: roast turkey, apple pie, stuffing, cranberry sauce...gazpacho? Check out the complete menu!
Menu for the Dinner for Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy
Leaders of the G-20 (the twenty richest nations in the world) met November 14, 2008 at the White House to discuss the current economic crisis. They were treated to an exceptional dinner by Executive White House Chef Cristeta Comerford.
Santé Restaurant Awards 2008
The annual Santé Awards were created to honor excellence in food, wine, spirits service and hopitality. Recognition is given in four distinct categories: Culinary Hospitality, Wine Hospitality, Spirits Hospitality, and Service Professional.
White House Menu for the Dinner for Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of Italy
What do you serve the Prime Minister of Italy when he comes for dinner? White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Pastry Chef William Yosses created a menu that was distinctly American including the wines.
Top Chef Season 5
Top Chef 5 hits New York City! The number one food city in America welcomes 17 contestants competing for the title of "Top Chef" as well as a $100,000 grand prize. Judges Chef Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi, Gail Simmons return with newbie Toby Young, food critic and best-selling author. Guests this season include Martha Stewart, Foo Fighters, Jean-Georges, Eric Ripert, Rocco DiSpirito, Wylie Dufr…
Casting Call for the Next Food Network Star - Season 5
The Food Network is conducting open auditions for season 5 of The Next Food Network Star. Applicants have until Friday, October 31st, 2008 to send in a three minute audition video explaining why he/she should be Food Network’s newest star.
White House Menu for State Dinner with President of Ghana
This menu was created by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Pastry Chef William Yosses in Honor of His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana and Mrs. Theresa Kufuor. This is President George W. Bush's sixth state dinner.
Interview with Aaron McCargo, Jr. - the Next Food Network Star
Aaron McCargo, Jr. was the winner of the Next Food Network Star season 4. AaronÂ’s new show, "Big Daddy's House", will be on for the next 6 weeks. Tune in beginning this Sunday, August 3rd at 1:30pm/12:30c on the Food Network. Here is an interview with Aaron from Monday, July 28th.
Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations
Photos from the Travel Channel series Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
James Beard Award Winners 2008
The James Beard Foundation is the most prestigious organizaton in the professional culinary world. Since 1986, the annual James Beard Foundation Awards honor the best chefs and restaurant professionals in the industry. Over 9,600 entries were received for the 2008 James Beard Awards.
the Next Food Network Star Contestants
Season 4 of The Next Food Network Star begins June 1st. The 10 finalists are put to the test with complex challenges that determine their culinary competence and on-screen star potential. Host Bobby Flay and the selection committee will narrow the contestants down until there is only one winner.
The Next Food Network Star 4 - Finalists Bios
Season 4 of The Next Food Network Star begins June 1st. The 10 finalists are put to the test with complex challenges that determine their culinary competence and on-screen star potential. Host Bobby Flay and the selection committee will narrow the contestants down until there is only one winner. Guest stars include Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, and Giada De Laurentiis.
Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs 2008
Every year Food & Wine Magazine chooses 10 up-and-coming culinary superstars. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the Best New Chef awards. Past winners include Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Gary Danko, Todd English, Allen Susser, Tom Colicchio, Gale Gand, Suzanne Goin, John Besh, and other greats.
2008 Chicago Rising Star Chefs
Rising Stars represent the future of American Cuisine. They are young culinary professionals that exemplify the contemporary American dining scene. Rising Stars are creative, passionate, ambitious, and, of course, incredible chefs creating delicious food. They also show a strong desire to support the culinary community by sharing their knowledge.
Finalists of the 2008 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards
Over 9,600 entries were received for the 2008 James Beard Awards. Those entries were then reduced to 5 finalists in each of the 19 Restaurant and Chef awards categories which include Best Chef in 10 different U.S. regions, Best New Restaurant, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Chef, and others.
Nominees for the 2008 James Beard Foundation Media Awards
The James Beard Foundation is the most prestigious organizaton in the professional culinary world. Formed in 1986, the James Beard Foundation was created by Julia Child and Peter Kump to preserve the home of James Beard and his legacy as America's father of gastronomy. The James Beard Foundation Awards were established in 1990 to recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their field.
2008 James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalist Nominees
Over 9,600 entries were received for the 2008 James Beard Awards. Those entries were then reduced to 20 semifinalists in each of the 19 Restaurant and Chef awards categories which include Best Chef in 10 different U.S. regions, Best New Restaurant, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Chef, and others.
Top Chef Chicago
Bravo TV's Emmy Award nominated show Top Chef returns for a fourth season, this time on location in Chicago. Head judge celebrity chef Tom Colicchio (Craft restaurants) returns with host/model Padma Lakshmi, judge Gail Simmons (Food & Wine Magazine), and Ted Allen (Robert Mondavi Wines) along with 16 talented chefs competing for the big prize. Top Chef Chicago premieres Wednesday night, March 12.
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern
What does gourmet food mean? It all depends on who you are and what country you're standing in. If you happen to be chef and food writer Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods, you're idea of gourmet food differs from most of us.
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern
Photos from season 2 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.
White House Menu for the Dinner with the Prime Minister of Denmark
This menu was created by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford for the Prime Minister of Denmark, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and Mrs. Rasmussen.
80th Academy Awards Governors Ball
For the 14th consecutive year, Chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago's) oversees the food of the traditional post-Academy Awards party, the Governors Ball. Some 1,500 guests of the 80th Oscars were seated for the delicious menu created by Puck, pastry chef Sherry Yard, and the rest of his team. Here is a collection of photos of the food, decor, and celebrities from the 2008 Governors Ball.
Quotes from Bravo's Top Chef Guest Chefs
If you watch Bravo's Top Chef, you know that every episode features one of today's hottest chefs as a celebrity guest judge. Past celebrity judges have included Anthony Bourdain, Rocco DiSpirito, Alfred Portale, and Norman Van Aken among others. Here is a collection of their thoughts on food, cooking, and other topics.
Top Chef 4: Chicago - Chef Bios
Bravo TV's Emmy Award nominated shop Top Chef returns for a fourth season, this time on location in Chicago. Head judge celebrity chef Tom Colicchio (Craft restaurants) returns with host/model Padma Lakshmi, judge Gail Simmons (Food & Wine Magazine), and Ted Allen (Robert Mondavi Wines) along with 16 talented chefs competing for the big prize. Top Chef Chicago premieres March 12, 2008.
Interesting Facts of the 2008 Oscar's Governors Ball
Here's a list of fun facts about the magnitude of work and materials that went into creating the 2008 Governors Ball, the main celebration following the 80th annual Academy Awards presentation.
2008 Governor's Ball Menu of the 80th Annual Academy Awards
Chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago's) will once again (this will be the 14th consecutive year) create the menu for the Governor's Ball, the celebration after the 80th annual Academy Awards. According to Chef Wolfgang, the menu will "feature locally grown, sustainable and organic ingredients, providing guests with a culinary experience that will please even the most discerning of palates.”
Casting Call for Hell's Kitchen Season 4 with Gordon Ramsay
Want to become an instant celebrity chef? Fox TV's "Hell's Kitchen" with Chef Gordon Ramsay is having an open casting call for season 4. This season's prize has not been announced but in the past has included having your own restaurant - a dream of many would-be chefs.
James Beard Awards 2007 - A Behind the Scenes Look Photo Gallery
Here's a behind the scenes look photo gallery of the 2007 James Beard Awards, the most prestigious event in the food industry.
Top Chef 3 Miami - Contestant Bios
Season 3 of Top Chef will be held in tropical Miami with 15 new contestants competing for $100,000. Top Chef is definitely the best show in the cooking reality shows. Returning this season to judge the contestants are celebrity chef Tom Colicchio (Craft, Craftbar, Craftsteak)and Gail Simmons (Food & Wine). Model and actress Padma Lakshmi returns to host Top Chef. New to the judging panel will be Ted Allen of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
2007 IACP Cookbook Awards - Finalists and Winners
The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) is a worldwide organization made up of 4,000 members involved in culinary education, communication, and the restaurant industry. The annual IACP awards were created to encourage quality in cookbook and food literature and to spread awareness of culinary publications.
Nominees for 2007 James Beard Awards
The James Beard Foundation is the most prestigious organizaton in the professional culinary world. Formed in 1986, the James Beard Foundation was created by Julia Child and Peter Kump to preserve the home of James Beard and his legacy as America's father of gastronomy. The annual James Beard Foundation Awards honor the best chefs and restaurant professionals in the industry.
Spain's 10: The Summit
Spain's best chefs converge on New York City for the opening of the International Culinary Center.
Spain's 10: The Summit
Spain's best chefs - Ferran Adria, Paco Torreblanca, Juan Mari Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Alberto Chicote, Quique Dacosta, Daniel García, Enrique Martínez, Joan Roca, and Paco Roncero - come together in New York City to celebrate the opening of the International Culinary Center.
Menu from the 2007 Oscars Governors Ball
Once again (this in number 13), Chef Wolfgang Puck ([i]Spagos[/i]) has created an Oscar-worthy menu for the Governors Ball, the traditional Academy Awards post-show party. Puck and his team, along with Sequoia Productions, created an elegant sit-down dinner for 1,500 celebrity guests. Here is the entire menu along with some interesting facts about the amount of products used for the party.
2007 Oscars Governors Ball Photo Gallery
Gallery of photographs from the 2007 Academy Awards post-show Governors Ball.
2007 Grammy Celebration Menu
Along Came Mary Productions (ACM), a well known event producer in L.A. and one of the country's top caterers, was responsible for the 49th Grammy Celebration, the music industries biggest night. The event's menu featured exquisite food stations featuring a variety of international cuisine.
Oscars Governors Ball 2007
A preview of the 79th Oscars Governors Ball, the postshow party of the Academy Awards.
Best Cookbooks of 2006
A list of the best cookbooks of 2006.
Hell's Kitchen starring Chef Gordon Ramsay
Hell's Kitchen, the reality TV series from FOX, starring London Chef Gordon Ramsay.
Summer Reading List - A Gourmet Collection
A selection of books about food, eating, and cooking that will keep you entertained all summer long.
2006 James Beard Foundation Awards
The James Beard Foundation is the most prestigious organizaton in the professional culinary world. Formed in 1986, the James Beard Foundation was created by Julia Child and Peter Kump to preserve the home of James Beard and his legacy as America's father of gastronomy. The annual James Beard Foundation Awards honor the best chefs and restaurant professionals in the industry.
2006 IACP Award Finalists - Cookbook Awards and Bert Greene Awards
The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) is a non-profit professional association with over 4,000 members in 35 countries. The IACP supports continuing education of its members who are involved in every aspect of the food industry. The prestigious IACP awards are given each year to cookbook writers, journalists, and other food professionals that have impacted the industry.
Gourmet Magazines for Food Lovers
As gourmet food and celebrity chefs have become more popular, dozens of magazines have devoted themselves to the culinary world. Like anything else, some examples have become outstanding in their field, while others flail helplessly with poor journalism and vision. Here are my choices for some of the best food magazines available.
Food Blogs Good Enough To Eat
Blogs (or web logs) are an interesting phenomenon. Anyone with a computer and an opinion can start a blog, a sort of online diary, for the entire world to read. Food blogs generally relate the dining adventures or cooking experiments of the writer. Many of these blogs are very well written, extremely interesting, and can be addictive. Here are some of my favorite food blogs. Explore these and you may want to start your own. Surely someone out there cares what you had for breakfast.
2005 James Beard Foundation Book Awards
Formed in 1986, the James Beard Foundation was created by Julia Child and Peter Kump to preserve the home of James Beard and his legacy as America's father of gastronomy. The annual James Beard Foundation Awards honor the best of the culinary world. Besides cookbook authors, awards are given to journalists, chefs, restaurant designers, and other professionals in the industry.
Children's Books About Food - A Gourmet Guide
Books are a fun and exciting way to teach children about food. There are many wonderful books that illustrate a variety of topics such as eating right, identifying foods, where food comes from, respecting food and the people who grow or cook it, and other food-related topics. Here are some of my favorite kid's books about food written for ages infant through pre-teen.
The Best Cookbooks Made For Kids
Cooking is an excellent way for children to learn responsibility, teamwork, and valuable skills they can use later in life. Spending time together in the kitchen also creates quality family time and wonderful memories. Here are my choices for kid-friendly cookbooks that are well-written, engaging, and teach valuable culinary skills.
Funny Amateur Food Films
A listing of short films collected by Adam Roberts ("the Amateur Gourmet"). Most are amateur videos of people cooking or attempting to cook, I should say, or enjoying food. Others are more elaborate productions. Classics include Pastry Chef, David Lebovitz (formerly of Chez Panisse) shopping for food in Paris, a music video about pie, and how to make marshmallows (in reverse).
Decoding Ferran Adria - the Documentary
Watch this fascinating documentary about the king of molecular cooking, Spanish chef Ferran Adria of El Bulli. Hosted by Anthony Bourdain. About 45 minutes long.
Oscar Govenor's Ball Preview
For the 12th consecutive year, Chef Wolfgang Puck has been selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create the menu for the Governors Ball, the post-telecast celebration following the 78th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 5, 2006. Check out the preview photos.

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