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Cooking School Is In Session With Sherri Shepherd, Nate Berkus and Aaron McCargo, Jr.

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I feel bad for my poor neighbors last night and have to apologize for the hysterical laughter coming from the house.   I was watching a DVR’d ep of The Nate Show and The View’s own  Sherri Shepherd was his co-host.   Not only are they a hoot together, but the producers decided that it was time for “Cooking School.”

Now if any of you watch either The Nate Show or The View, you know that both Nate and Sherri have admitted that cooking is not their forte.  Well, one of my fave FN peeps, Aaron McCargo Jr. decided to attempt to teach them how to cook Filet Mignon and Bananas Foster with a little flambe’ action.   Be prepared to laugh hysterically and, yes, Sherri does indeed “Cook In Stilettos.” Well done!

Cooking School with Food Network’s “Big Daddy”

Sherri & Nate learn how to Flambe’!

Fab Friday – New York City Wine and Food Festival Edition

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One thing I’m looking forward to is a day of R&R in one of my favorite cities – The Big Apple. This year’s Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival is set up a bit differently in that the demos are at the Grand Tasting Tents so the likelihood of me running around the city like a chicken with my head cut off like last year is null and void. The tents are near one of my favorite happy places, Chelsea Market, and, if time allows, perhaps a quick jaunt to the store with a shoe floor that has its own zip code might be on the agenda.

Fab Friday - NYCWFF Edition

 

1. I’m on the fence between sassy flat and wedgy boot. However, in a perfect world, what I would LOVE to wear is this Tory Burch Lawson bootie. I’m a sucker for wool and lace up details.  I know I know – when it comes to shoes, I will never learn.

2. Well, I can say that I learned my lesson last time and, in addition to NOT wearing 4″ stiletto boots, I will also not be lugging anything super heavy – whether it be cookbooks, magazines, etc. until I’m heading home.   It’s bad enough that the dslr cameras are a bit hefty.   One must item to take is my lovely iPad to do some blogging and writing in my travels and this Rebecca Minkoff Touch And Go iPad Case has been a lifesaver – chic and functional. I broke down and got the pink one but I will say that when I’m looking for my iPad among a slurry of books, binders and other items, I always can see the bright pink and smile.

Now – if only this gorgeous Jimmy Choo nude iPad case would be priced MUCH lower, I’d be a very happy stiletto wench. Sadly, it’s about the cost of a pair of stilettos *sigh* Oh well…

3. One of my must visit places is the Chelsea Market. Every time I head to the city, I drop by there to pick up a thing (or three) and I have definite plans on picking up some seriously delish pumpkin seed brittle from Jacques Torres, perusing the cookbooks at Posman Books, looking for intriguing cooking finds at Bowery Kitchen Supply and picking up this lovely Pembroke Salt Dish from Anthropologie for my Aleppo pepper.

4. One of the demos I’m excited about seeing is the Beekman Boys. They have a great cookbook, The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook: Heirloom fruits and vegetables, and more than 100 heritage recipes to inspire every generation, that is garnering quite the buzz. Amazon has it but it was a bit of a wait time on delivery.  Luckily for me this weekend, Barnes & Noble had copies prominently displayed and a copy immediately went home for the cookbook arsenal.  This is a cookbook that will be treasured – beautifully photographed with vintage notepad touches and the recipes – oh the recipes. We’re talking seasonal recipes that scream comfort such as Beer Braised Beef with Onion Dumplings, Harvest Beef Chili with Pumpkin and Beans, Orange Gingerbread with Bourbon Custard and Jumbleberry Pie. Seriously – get this cookbook because I promise you will cook from it often. These are recipes that I’m sure are “Polka Spot The Llama Approved”.

5. Finally, after the chaos of the day to day and all that’s gone on with the Sous Pug recently, I reached my exasperation point and made an executive decision – the hair needed to be chopped. I’m a serial cheater when it comes to hairstylists and always have been. When I went to SOBE, the ‘do was the result of last minute rushing to someone I didn’t know and, when I saw the photos, I winced. Also, knowing that I was cutting off a ton of hair, I didn’t want my fabulous friend Heather to be put into a position of dealing with my crazy “Cut. It. Off.” moments as I adore her too much. Looking at my packed schedule, I made a call to Manayunk’s own Salon L’Etoile and begged the gals to see if my favorite stylist there, Jeff, had an opening. Thankfully there was one spot left and thanks to Jeff’s very skilled scissors, the hair is short (well for me) and sassy and will do fine in NYC. Jeff accepted me back with open arms and he’s aware of my stylist commitment issues but never judges.  Seriously, if you are in Philly and need a fab salon that will spoil you rotten, check them (and him) out.

What do you have planned for the weekend?

Anne Burrell To Show Fans How To Cook Like A Rock Star

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If you watched the Food Network’s Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Worst Cooks in America and Iron Chef America, you already know that Chef Anne Burrell cooks like a rock star. For years she was Mario Batali’s right hand on Iron Chef, with recipes that would often secure the defeat of any challenger and they got it done in under an hour.  Since her show’s debut, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef  has taught viewers tips and techniques to make any dish fabulous and is a constant on my DVR.

Last year, during Food Network’s New York City Wine & Food Festival, I caught her demo and I learned so much in that one hour that I will never forget. One of Anne’s favorite takeaways is that black pepper brings a whole other flavor to the party so think before you season. Also, salt can be your friend, brown = flavor and so many tips and techniques that have vastly improved my cooking.  We won’t even get into the Louboutins that she was spotted wearing at events.  To quote Rachel Zoe – “I. Die.”

When Jen from One Curly Fry and I were visiting Sunny one day on set last spring, we had heard through the grapevine that Chef Anne Burrell’s first cookbook was in the testing stages and due to come out in the fall. I knew then that this was a book that had to be in my cookbook arsenal and referred to often. If I learned so much in one chef demo, imagine the plethora of info in her cookbook, right?

Well, the tour schedule for Cook Like a Rock Star: 125 Recipes, Lessons, and Culinary Secrets has been released and I am thrilled to see Chef Burrell is set to visit Philadelphia at, where else, my “happy place” – the Williams Sonoma in King of Prussia Mall on October 6, 2011. She will be signing copies of Cook Like a Rock Star beginning at noon.

Now, a gal has to wonder – will Chef Burrell be rocking the crocs or the Louboutins – we shall see.

Check out the schedule and see if she’s visiting a place near you!

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Nate Berkus Gets An Insiders View Of The Darby With Alex Guarnaschelli

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During the New York City Wine & Food Festival, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend a master cooking class with Food Network’s Chef Alex Guarnaschelli which was held at New York City’s hottest supper club, The Darby. As you may know, Chef Guarnaschelli is not only the executive chef at Butter, but also is at the helm of The Darby. In my opinion, this master cooking class was one of the highlights of festival and I can’t even begin to tell you how it affected my cooking. Having the opportunity to learn from Chef Guarnaschelli is one of those experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Not only is she kind and gracious, she’s a phenomenal chef and teacher.

The Darby was a showstopper as well. I have to tell you – when you see the interior of the restaurant, be prepared to pick your jaw up off of the floor – the chandeliers alone are breathtaking! No detail was overlooked.  From the deep red interior, the ceiling detailing, the plates and seltzer bottles and, especially, the menu.  The Darby has a vibe that brings you back in time to days where socialites and stylishly suited men socialized while enjoying a cocktail (or three!)

Nate Berkus recently visited The Darby to get an insider’s view from Chef Guarnaschelli and even visited the kitchen to whip up her Waldorf Salad (ahhh – now that is a retro recipe!) and took some amazing pics!   Nate always knows how to pick a stylish spot!

[Picture and video courtesy of The Nate Berkus Show]

Sunny Anderson Showcases Fab 4th of July Sides On GMA

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With the 4th of July fast approaching, Food Network’s  Sunny Anderson showcased some delish side dishes on Good Morning America this morning, including her Easy Baked Beans, Summer Corn Salad and a creamy Potato and Prosciutto Salad.   Well, that corn salad will be on the menu this weekend and, possibly, the baked beans. While the Barefoot Contessa had a good recipe for baked beans, I have to confess, it seemed somewhat daunting to this gal.  Sunny’s recipe seems super simple and won’t have me grabbing multiple ingredients, soaking beans for hours all while stumbling over the Sous Pug who will camp his happy behind by the stove hoping for a piece of bacon to fall.

Oh – before I forget – DVR Alert! Sunny’s All American Celebration will be airing on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.  and July 4th at 6 p.m. on the Food Network.  Check out the description from Food Network:

Sunny Anderson shows us that behind every great soldier is a good meal! It’s a very special personal and patriotic journey for Sunny as she travels to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Lee, Virginia to look back on her time in the military, celebrate our men and women in uniform, reconnect with her active duty family members, and show us why food is often the glue that holds military families together.

Way to go Sunny!

What’s on your menu for the 4th of July?