Fan questions, March 2011

Recently I added a new page to this blog, Have a Question? At the end of each month, I'll share what fans are asking and what answers I could find for them. [Some answers are edited for brevity. ~D]

Darla from Cleveland, TN wrote, "I work in television and am very impressed with how well the show is shot, edited and produced. Can you tell me what kind of cameras you shoot with? Thank you!"

Our answer:: I wrote to Anthony Rodriguez, one of the crew who shoots Diners, Drive-ins and Dives with Guy in the field with your question. Here's his reply: "First off all, please pass on a very big thank you from the crew. We work hard to put DDD together in the field and it's such a huge compliment to hear that people enjoy it.

"To answer the question, we shoot DDD on Panasonic AJ-HDX900 DVCPro HD cameras."

Thank you Anthony! The camera costs $30,235; Anthony writes, "that's just for the camera body without a lens... :) !" Yikes.

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Elena of Santa Maria writes, "There are two things my four year daughter Ashli knows really well, President of the United States and her favorite cook. She will make it a point to watch every time Guy comes on and we can't pull her away from the television when he's on. Once Guy is on we sit and watch. She will be five in June and all I want to make sure of is she gets T-shirt and autographed picture."

Our answer: Five! Always glad to hear that kids are interested in food and cooking. :) For Ashli's birthday, I'd like to suggest that you check out this T-shirt? For information on autographed merchandise, click here. I hope Ashli will be thrilled! Keep in touch to let us know it all worked out. :)

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Cody of Thief River Falls writes, "Hey Guy, so since you didn't show at The Anchor Bar and Grill they don't have a 'Guy Ate Here' sign. Is there anyway you could find it in your heart to help them out with that? Personally, I think they deserve it."

Our answer: There are a few Triple D joints that have been featured on the show, un-hosted. Since Guy wasn't there to eat, he wasn't there to paint the "Guy Ate Here" tag and sign the wall. Also, none of the restaurants from the first season have tags; that practice started late in 2007.

But I should think that if the Anchor Bar wants something, they could contact their on-site producer or contact at Page Productions' home office in Minnesota. Thanks so much for taking the time to write in with your support of one of our Triple D's. The Anchor Bar is certainly a fan favorite!

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Joey in Batesville, AR wrote, "about a month ago I watched a show (I can't rember what one)Mr. Fieri went to a restaurant where young adults (kids) were the chef's. I say Kids, teenagers. Can you please tell me the restrant's name? all I rember that it is in cal. Me and my wife are going to visit there and i'm wanting to take her to the restaurant."

Our answer: I'll bet that was Worth Our Weight, known as WOW, in Santa Rosa, CA. It was featured on the Funky Finds episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Worth Our Weight - website
1021 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 - map
(707) 544-1200
www.worthourweight.com
Facebook

Worth our Weight is a certified 501c(3) non profit. And if you'd like to review that segment from the show, follow this link for video on YouTube. I hope that was the one! And if you go, send our regards!

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Edward, Allentown asks, "How did Guy Fieri start his career?"

Our answer: From Guy Fieri's official biography, Guy Fieri began his love affair with food at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels from a three-wheeled bicycle cart he built with his father named “The Awesome Pretzel.” ... attended University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. He began his career with Stouffers, managing their flagship restaurant in Long Beach, CA. After three years, Guy became District Manager of Louise’s Trattoria, where he oversaw six restaurants and was in charge of recruiting and training.

In 1996, Guy and his business partner, Steve Gruber embarked on a Sonoma County, CA-based Italian restaurant, Johnny Garlic’s. They opened their first location in Santa Rosa in the fall of 1996. And Guy competed and won the 2nd season of "The Next Food Network Star" in 2006.

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Italo of Belle River, Ontario writes, "Is Guy coming to Ceaser's Windsor Ontario Canada if yes when? thanks"

Our answer: Yes! He sure is. And as far as I can tell, this is Guy's first public appearance in Canada. Guy Fieri's Food Show at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, Windsor, ON is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011 09:00 PM - tickets

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Karen from Bedford writes, "On Guy's Big BIte, who's trophies and what are they for?"

Our answer: Although a huge fan of sports in general, Guy isn't a judo champion, slam-dunk master or wold-class golfer. All the trophies on Guy's Big Bite shelf are rented from a prop house. Shhh, it's a set secret! :)

More information about the set, visit Food Network Magazine's Behind-the-Scenes on Guy's Big Set.

Related Posts:
Fan questions, Mid-March 2011
Fan questions, February 2011
Fan questions, Mid-February 2011

-> more Frequently Asked Questions <-

Vote to enter RITZ Cracker recipe sweepstakes

In January 2011, cardboard cutouts of Guy Fieri went up in the cracker isles of grocery stores all over the country, together with a booklet of Guy Fieri's RITZ Cracker recipes. Guy and RITZ issued a recipe challenge to the nation, and the Top Ten Semi-Finalists, chosen of almost 1500 submitted recipes of the RITZ Cracker Recipe Challenge, have been announced.

Kraft Foods, RITZ Crackers and Guy Fieri invite you to vote for your favorite entry starting today, Monday March 28 through Thursday April 7, 2011.

Each vote counts as an entry into a sweepstakes to win Guy Fieri autographed swag. Visit www.facebook.com/ritzcrackers and click on the Guy Fieri App to vote!

The winning recipes and semi-finalists are:

Italian Wedding Snackers, by Linda

Dynamite Beef Stack, by Monica

Ritzy Key Lime Bites, by Tina

Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Poppers, by Nathan

RITZ Peppercorn-Crusted Steakhouse Sliders, by Kathi

Baby Bluegrass Burgoo Bites with Sweet Corn Jicama Chow-Chow, by Jeanette

Salted Coconut Caramel Shortbreads, by Richard

RITZ Buffalo Shrimp Boats, by Susan

RITZ Hawaiian Bread Pudding, by Gaylenn

Sweet and Savory Gorgonzola Beef Burger Bites, by Rhonda

Click here to read comments from a few of the semi-finalists!

Fans can vote once per day for their favorite recipe to decide who will win $20,000, a trip to California and dinner with Guy Fieri. The two runner-ups will receive $5,000 cash and a chef jacket autographed by Guy Fieri, and the remaining seven win $1,000 cash and an autographed chef jacket.

The three entries that receive the most votes will be deemed Finalists and will be judged by Guy Fieri and a panel of Kraft appointed judges based on the following criteria: Taste (33%), Creativity as it relates to the Theme (33%), and Appetite Appeal (34%).

It's this voting round that gets your favorite recipe into the Top Three!

There will be 10 sweepstakes winners, so definitely don’t forget to vote each day! The prize is an autographed plate. Each vote is an automatic entry, limited to one vote per email address / Facebook account per day. Sweepstakes winners will be selected in a random drawing on or about April 4, 2011 from among all eligible entries received.

Contest void in MD and VT and where prohibited. For the names of the winners (available after May 2, 2011) send a #10 self-addressed, stamped envelope to: RITZ Over-the-Top Recipe Contest - WL, P.O. Box 329, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Requests for Winners' List must be received by March 31, 2011.

Related Posts:
Ritz Crackers recipes by Guy Fieri
More on the Guy Fieri RITZ Cracker recipe contest
Video: Guy's Super Sunday snack ideas with RITZ

The Guy Fieri Foundation's Pretzel Cart Project

One of our most frequently asked questions about Guy Fieri is how he got his start in the FoodTV biz. The unlikely answer is ... pretzels. In this video, Susan Noyes of Make It Better talks with Guy about the Guy Fieri Foundation's Pretzel Cart Project.

"My dad says, 'Let's make you a pretzel cart,'" Guy recalls. "So for six months after school, I go to this woodworking shop (a guy named Tim Ford had it), and we would build this pretzel cart.... And I really attribute a tremendous amount of how I got to where I am from having the pretzel cart."


*Link to video*

The Guy Fieri Foundation is about inspiration, imagination, empowering kids. The Foundation builds the carts ($10,000 each!) completely within Health Department specifications. And kids can work together with their non-profit mentors to sell the pretzels.

Since January 2011, when the Worth Our Weight episode aired on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, we've received several requests for a Guy Fieri Pretzel Cart. Here are some guidelines:

1. It has to be a kids' organization,
2. It has to be non-profit,
3. The organization has to be able to show they have the ability to put the pretzel cart program into play.
4. This program is not for adults working together to raise money for kids; this is about the kids doing it.

Susan Noyes got to know Guy during a 4 day wedding party in Mexico. "He cooked the wedding feast, and I helped with the shopping," she wrote. "And while you might not think we have much in common, we have the same drive to give back and help others achieve their potential."

Click here to read her article, written in January 2011, in which she and Guy talk about the Guy Fieri Foundation for Inspiration and Imagination.

“It sounds whimsical,” Fieri acknowledges, “but I couldn’t improve on the name. That’s what it’s about—inspiring kids to live their imagination. You don’t have to be stuck.”

As part of this empowerment, Fieri developed a 21st century version of his original pretzel cart, and an accompanying program to teach entrepreneurial and other skills to youth. He donated the first one to the grade school he attended.

Guy Fieri is well-known for his philanthropic works, particularly for children. "He auctions off items for charities, like customized KitchenAid mixers and sunglasses," Susan writes, "and is excited to hand out a huge check to a children’s hospital at the Kentucky Derby."

For more on Susan Noyes, visit www.makeitbetter.net, follow on Twitter @makeitbetterNS or like them on Facebook.

Related Posts:
Chefography: Guy Fieri
Guy Fieri on his father
Guy Fieri donates Awesome Pretzel cart to Ferndale Elem School
Video: The Awesome Pretzel Cart
Guy Fieri pretzels and pizza recipes in FN Mag

Video: Guy Fieri interview on knives, plus more

Brad Bradley of Eatnlisten.com had the opportunity to interview Guy Fieri at the 2011 Home Housewares Show in Chicago, IL, March 2011.

"We chatted about why he chose Ergo Chef for his line of knives, Guy's favorite type of knife to use," Brad writes, "and how he came up with the 'manly' names for his knives."

"I don't want my name just put on something," Guy Fieri said in the video interview. "I want something that really has my style, my attitude, the equipment level, the quality level." And Ergo Chef delivered.


*Link to video*

You can follow Brad on Eatnlisten.com, on Twitter @EATnLISTEN, or on Facebook.

In addition to producing Guy's knives, Ergo Chef has a complete line of cutlery and accessories. @ErgoChefKnives recently tweeted, "10% off any order at the Ergo Chef Store! Special offer supports @ChefGuyFieri alma matter UNLV."

And in Ergo Chef's Chop Talk Blog, Christina Pirello, from the PBS show “Christina Cooks,” is guest writing a series of posts. Visit ErgoChef.com, or find them on Facebook.

*Update* The Ergo Chef road show comes to the Carlsbad Costco, California, on March 24-27 to introduce Fieri’s “Knuckle Sandwich” line of knives.

Also, Guy Fieri's BBQ Sampler Set of BBQ sauces, marinades and wok sauce is now available to order online at Cooking.com, with regional flavors from coast to coast.


Guy's BBQ Sampler Set includes:
Carolina #6 BBQ Sauce: Carolina #6 BBQ Sauce and Marinade is the perfectly tangy and versatile "mop and slop" sauce. Apple cider vinegar, sweet brown sugar and a little bit of cayenne pepper heart is a rockin' combination to be slopped right on pulled pork or used as a marinade or baste for any grilled meat.
Kansas City BBQ Sauce: Kansas City BBQ Sauce is your traditional go-to sauce that you'll dig on just about everything. Sweet, smokey molasses, a hint of apple cider vinegar and a little black pepper heat will rock everything from beef brisket to chicken wings or anything else you can throw on a grill.
Pacific Rim BBQ Sauce: Pacific Rim Wok and Sauce is great on its own or as an off-the-hook wok sauce. Sweet ginger, some chile heat, nutty sesame and soy sauce are a rockin' combination for stir fry, pork ribs, salmon or shrimp.
Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce: Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce rocks on just about anything. Smoky bourbon, sweet brown sugar and a hint of spicy black pepper create off-the-hook flavor that's a perfect compliment to everything from beef to chicken, pork and seafood.

Related Posts:
Guy Fieri talks knives with Restaurant Radio
Guy Fieri BBQ sauces hit grocery websites
Guy Fieri knife combo sets on sale

-> more Guy Fieri Merchandise <-

Food Network Local, map of featured restaurants

The FN Dish, a blog on FoodNetwork.com, recently ran a story on Louie and the Redhead Lady, a Louisiana restaurant recently featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. "Since the show aired [in January, 2011], Chef Louie tells me his business has doubled. He hired five new people and now meets guests visiting from all over the country," writes blog author Sara Levine.

For the whole story, click here. And for more posts about Guy Fieri on The FN Dish, click here.

At the end of the article, The FN Dish announces a long overdue Food Network interactive travel map, with markers for over 1500 restaurants featured from Food Network shows like Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, $40 a Day, Road Tasted with the Neelys, Kid in a Candy Store and more.

www.foodnetwork.com/local

Food Network Local is actually pretty neat. The closer you zoom in on an area, the interactive map shows more location details. The Food Network star's image is an easy indicator of in which show the restaurant was featured, and clicking "view more details" on a particular restaurant tag brings up an information page about that eatery.

The restaurant index page includes address, phone number and website when available. It also has a brief statement about what made the restaurant special on the show and on which episode the place aired. Also included are the restaurant's specialty dishes for which it is known and a link to a recipe when available.

At the time of this writing, the map's information is a bit incomplete, listing 387 diners, drive-ins and dives of the over 420 that have aired, and noticeably missing Mandeville's Louie and the Readhead Lady, specifically.

Food Network Local is currently a beta version. The only thing I can see missing are video clips specific to each location (please, no auto-play!). The most recent and upcoming air dates would be handy too. But by and large, we give Food Network Local a hearty "Fork Yeah!"

Visit Food Network Local and give it a whirl. We'd love to hear your comments, reviews and suggestions! If the web-based version of Food Network Local is successful, a mobile version is only a matter of time.

Related Posts:
TV Food Maps (guest blog)
DDD iPhone apps violate trademarks?
iPhone Apps for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

-> more on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives <-

M2WI for iPhone, iPad, more on "Minute to Win It"

"Minute to Win It" games are now available for your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Capcom Mobile has released a collection of 1-minute long mini-game challenges based on the manipulation of everyday household items, available on the Apple App Store for a limited-time launch price of $1.99.



The game offers two single player modes, "Play the Game" where players follow the rules of the show, and a "Minute Challenges" mode where players attempt to complete mini challenges and best their own times. There is also a multiplayer "Pass-and-Play" mode where players can compete against a friend by passing their handset between contestants. Finally, Minute to Win It supports Game Center achievements, and leaderboards so players can see how their scores stack up against friends and the rest of the world.

(press release)

Visit www.capcommobile.com for more.

"Minute to Win It" is still actively seeking players for the game. Last week, auditions were held in Dallas, TX. NBC in Dallas/Fort Worth reported, "I know when they're sitting at home, they're watching it on TV, they're like, 'Oh, I can do this; I can do this.' But they don't know the feeling of once they're on set with the lights and Guy Fieri, the audience. It is so much pressure," said casting director Aaron Simnowitz.



Upcoming "Minute to Win It" open casting sessions:
SAN DIEGO, CA
March 26th, 2011
Rock Bottom Restaurant
401 G St., San Diego, CA. 92101
11am-3pm

BAKERSFIELD, CA
March 26th, 2011
Premier Insurance Services
(located on Panama Ln & South H in the Vallarta Shopping Center)
1619 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA. 93307
11am-3pm

www.nbc.com/casting

On "Minute to Win It" last week, Los Angeles Lakers teammates Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown played for their charities. Here's a video interview with Guy Fieri on his thoughts about professional athletes playing in the 60-second circle.



Fans of Guy Fieri had a huge spike of visitors during the LA Lakers in the Circle episode of Minute to Win It, thousands of people searching for "How tall is Guy Fieri," surprised that Guy didn't look much shorter than the two players from the LA Lakers. Derek Fisher is listed on Wikipedia at 6 ft 1 in, and Shannon Brown at 6 ft 4 in. Guy Fieri is 5 ft 10 in, maaaybee pushing 5'11" in dress boot heels.

From what I can see in this picture, they line up just about right. :)


On TV This Week
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
8:00 PM / 7c - All New - LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER - Wayne and Darcy Kawamto from Tustin, CA team up in a quest for the million-dollar prize. See preview.

Related Posts:
"Minute to Win It" charity episodes with stars
Video: Guy Fieri on "Minute to Win It" games
Rachael Ray meets "Minute to Win It" game wizards

-> more on Minute to Win It <-

Guy Fieri pretzels and pizza recipes in FN Mag

I am, once again, behind on keeping up with Guy Fieri recipes via Food Network Magazine. Better late than never? If not, and you need your Guy fix of new recipes faster than I can provide them, consider a subscription? Click here.

From Food Network Magazine: January/February 2011

Soft Pretzels - recipe


Pretzel Rolls - recipe


From Food Network Magazine: March 2011

Hot and Spicy Pie - recipe


More on FN Mag at FoodNetwork.com.

Related Guy Fieri Recipes
Crispy Deep-Fried Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Guy's Knot for Nuthin, Everything Pretzel

-> More Guy Fieri Recipes <-

DJ Chef and Nadia G, pals of Guy Fieri

Fans of Guy Fieri might like get to know other rockin' chefs in the entertainment industry. In recent months, two such "outta bounds" chefs hooked in with Guy Fieri at public events. Allow me to introduce ...

Marc Weiss, the DJ Chef

Marc cooks & deejays simultaneously for private parties & special events, food & wine festival, grand openings, launch parties, corporate events, trade shows & cooking competitions world wide. Visit his website at www.DJCHEF.com.

In Chicago, IL, Sunday, March 6, 2011, the DJ Chef provided music entertainment for a scholarship fund-raising benefit for C-CAP, the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. "Happy Hour with Guy Fieri" was catered by C-CAP students, preparing and serving Guy's recipes.

Marc Weiss wrote, "it was great time doing this event with Guy for the 2nd year in Chicago. It's heavy business at the show, but we got to talk about some Sammy Hager (article in the new Rolling Stone) and music in the down time! It was bigger this year with the addition of a pre-meet & greet event."


*link to video*

"Guy had some great advice for the students," Marc said. "I got to speak with them as well, took photos with them and answered career questions. The event was super fun, and as you can see in the video the kids really enjoyed themselves!"

For more photos from the C-CAP Fund-raiser, visit ErgoChef on Flickr.

Nadia Giosia, a.k.a. Nadia G.

Known from Food Network Canada and the Cooking Channel's "Bitchin' Kitchen," Nadia G. has been called “The Julia Child of the Net generation.” She brings a Fieri-esque rockin' 'tude to her show, quirky jokes and skits a la Alton and an unapologetic but sweet sexiness that makes Giada look plain. Visit her website at bitchinlifestyle.tv.

Nadia G. has appeared alongside Guy at both the New York and South Beach Food & Wine Festivals. Below, she climbs on stage with Guy for a cameo cooking demo.


*Link to video*

see also Nadia G. and Guy Fieri at South Beach Wine and Food Fest.

Related Posts:
Round up of photos, SOBEWFF 2011 (part 2)
Meet Guy Fieri at C-CAP charity Happy Hour
Guy Fieri and others raise money for C-CAP, 2010

McConaughey & Fieri: healthy cooking on a budget

From cookinglite.org, Matthew McConaughey and Guy Fieri share cooking tips on healthy meals on a budget for the "just keep livin foundation."

First, a healthy breakfast: omelet with vegetables

*Link to video*

Next, a healthy lunch: chicken sandwich

*Link to video*

Last, a healthy dinner: pork chops with apples and green beans

*Link to video*

For more, check out the just keep livin YouTube channel.

Music by Mishka (Song: Just Keep Livin, Album: Talk About) For more info go to www.mishka.com and www.jklivin.com.

Related Posts:
A McConaughey and Fieri Feast (GISP02H)
Guy Fieri on wine, in new book by Mark Oldman
Popeater.com interviews Guy Fieri

Guy Fieri at L.A. launch, "No Kid Hungry" campaign

According to a Share Our Strength press release, a coalition of celebrities, government leaders, corporations and nonprofits launched a drive dubbed "No Kid Hungry" on Wednesday to get more children to sign up for federally funded nutrition programs, which also include free meals during the summer and in child-care centers.

@JFSPolicy

"This is a mission we shouldn't be fighting, a mission that should be solved," said chef Guy Fieri. "We have the resources." Guy will be one of the campaign's celebrity faces. Actor Jeff Bridges, who founded the End Hunger Network in 1983, is serving as the campaign's national spokesman. "One in four kids goes hungry. It's insane," he said. "It doesn't have to be this way."

Guy Fieri, Jeff Bridges with Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa, USDA Secretary Vilsack and Los Angeles kids at the kick-off:

@ShareStrength

Share Our Strength is spearheading the national No Kid Hungry Campaign, in addition to state and city campaigns and is working closely with the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service who administers nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Breakfast and Child and Adult Care Food Program, to increase access to the programs at the national, state and local level.

Click here for more photographs. Visit www.Strength.org to get involved.

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Meanwhile, Guy Fieri also visited The Grove and challenged "Extra" host Mario Lopez in a "Minute to Win It" game.



"Minute to Win It" is casting:
DALLAS
March 19th, 2011
11am-3pm
The Palace Arts Center in Historic Downtown Grapevine
300 South Main St
Grapevine, TX. 76051

SAN DIEGO
March 26th, 2011
Rock Bottom Restaurant
401 G St.
San Diego, CA. 92101
11am-3pm

www.nbc.com/casting

Related Posts:
Guy Fieri, doing charitable works for others
Guy Fieri at Celebrity Softball Game
Guy Fieri - a day in May in L.A., 2010

Fan questions, Mid-March 2011

Recently I added a new page to this blog, Have a Question? At the end of each month (and sometimes half-way through!), I'll share what fans are asking and what answers I could find for them. [Some answers are edited for brevity. ~D]

Medina of Leicester wrote, "Hi, I entered the Guy Fieri Ritz Cracker contest on Saturday and read where I would receive an e-mail of confirmation after I entered but have not received that confirmation yet what would be the reason for not receiving the confirmation?"

Our answer: Your spam blocker may have prevented Ritz Crackers from sending your confirmation. As you know, RITZ is no longer accepting recipe submissions. But they invite you back between March 28 and April 7, 2011 to vote for the top 10 finalists. Each vote counts as an entry into a sweepstakes to win Guy Fieri autographed swag! Visit www.facebook.com/ritzcrackers and click on the Guy Fieri app for more.

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Fred of Montgomery wrote, "Where does Guy get those great shirts he wears?"

Our answer: We're still working on getting more information about Guy Fieri's wardrobe on Minute to Win It. But we do have a lot of information about the brands of shirts he wears on his Food Network shows. Most of Guy's shirts are Cubavera, and he says he's been wearing Fender shirts lately too. See trivia questions. From GuyFieri.com, "to name a few: Remetee, Roar, Cubavera, Affliction, Fender."

If you're looking for Guy Fieri Knuckle Sandwich shirts, they are available from his website. www.shopguyfieri.com

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Gramma Phillis of Crystal Lake wrote, "With all the food sampling and gorging at the umpteen various places that Guy goes to, he never seems to gain weight?? As much as I see him eating -- I would be as big as an Elephant if I ate as much!! How does he stay at the seemingly same weight in every episode?"

Our answer: Guy Fieri has maintained his 210-215 lbs since starting with the Food Network in 2006. When Guy first started Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2007, he had no exercise plan. But now, when he is not on the road, he tries to follow a balanced diet including counting vegetables. He lifts weights for 45 minutes and does about 45 minutes of cardio each day.

Also keep in mind that although we see him eating TONS on the Food Network, several dishes at each restaurant, three restaurants in 30 minutes, five or six hours each week, he isn't eating THAT much food in such a short time.

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives typically shoots, on average, 7 or 8 restaurants each month. He and his film crew start each day with a blended juice of fruits and vegetables. And at each restaurant, Guy will usually only take 2 or 3 bites of each dish. It isn't as many calories as one might think. :)

Her reply: "Thanks-I would love to be with him-and eat some of that stuff-IT LOOKS SOOOOO GOOOOD!!!!"

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Renee of New York wrote, "looking for a recipe for blueberry goat cheese and basil pie featured around Feb. 17 18 19 or 20. My TV reception went out do to a winter storm, it sounded savory and wonderful."

Our answer: That was from the Signature Sandwiches episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. If you'd like to set your calendar or DVR, it is re-airing on Mar 26, 27 and Apr 11, 2011. At the time I'm writing you, no recipes for that episode have been posted, so you may want to keep checking back every few days, or so.

*Update* Recipe for Blueberry Goat Cheese Pie - recipe - courtesy Moira Sommers, Co-Owner/Chef of 3 Sisters Cafe in Indianapolis, IN

Alternately, you may consider contacting the restaurant directly, to see if they're willing to share the recipe. If they do, let us know too! :) The restaurant has no website, but here is their address and phone number:

3 Sisters Cafe
6360 Guilford Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
(317) 257-5556

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Joan of Boston wrote, "Will Guy be coming to Massachusetts this year?"

Our answer: We haven't seen any upcoming dates in Massachusetts, but that doesn't mean there won't be any. The closest appearance we've seen so far is the Cooking Demo in Linden, NJ.

The Guy Fieri Food Tour only has dates so far in the Southeast and through the central Midwest, none along the eastern seaboard, none in the West. That surprised us. We wonder if he won't hit those areas later in the summer or fall.

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Darla of Cleveland, TN wrote, "Can you tell me what material the prep area/counter top is made of on Guy's Big Bite? Thank you very much!"

Our answer: It's a cross cut walnut, produced by the Vermont Butcher Block. In earlier episodes, he used a 16" x 20" walnut end grain cutting board and a 16" x 20" cherry end grain cutting board by Ozark West.

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Ilene of Fairfax wrote, "Has anyone ever informed you about Dixie Bones in Woodbridge VA?? Place is always packed. www.dixiebones.com People come from all around to this small dive of a place.

Our answer: Yes, as a matter of fact Dixie Bones was on the short list for a segment of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, but a schedule just couldn't be arranged. They're definitely on the short list for the next time Guy is taping for the show in that area! Click here for more Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in the D.C. metro area.

We've been in touch with the owners of Dixie Bones and are eager for them to be featured. Thanks for writing in with your support!

-------------------------------------------------

Maria of Worcester wrote, "How did Guy meet his wife, and where is she from?"

Our answer: Great question! In his early 20's, Guy was working as a manager at a growing chain of restaurants in southern California. Lori walked into the restaurant, and Guy fell in love at first sight. He courted her and won her over. :)

She's originally from Rhode Island.

You can watch Guy's Chefography Part 2 at www.eatmedaily.com. Check out the video right about the 5:00 minute mark.

Related Posts:
Fan questions, February 2011
Fan questions, Mid-February 2011
Fan questions, January 2011

-> more Guy Fieri Frequently Asked Questions <-

190 Diners, Drive-ins and Dives ... and counting ....

Read a great article on Sunday by Dave Bakke of The State Journal-Register, based from Springfield, IL, about a local couple who has been to 190 of Guy Fieri's diners, drive-ins and dives.

Ben and Barb Stillwagon started in September of 2008 with a trip out to the iconic Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, WV. Since then, they've visited Darwell’s in Long Beach, MS, Panini Pete’s in Fairhope, AL and Kelly O’s Diner in Somerville, MA, just to name a few of the one hundred ninety restaurants they've visited from the show. One wonders where the 200th will be!

“That’s my goal,” says Ben, “to meet Guy Fieri or, if not, to get a call from him.”

Click here for the full article. And to view Ben Stillwagon's Top 20 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,' click here.

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives is a Food Network #1 show. According to the website TVbytheNumbers.com, its top airing for the last week of February 2011 drew 1.6 million viewers. And of the Top 10 viewed airings of any show on FoodTV that week, "Triple D" boasts 6 spots of those top 10.

The Stillwagons aren't alone in going where Guy went. Roger and Jane Holm had their 100th DDD visit documented in the Family Joints episode of the show.

And Phil S.'s last count of diners and drive-ins is up to 54. He hit his 50th at Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis, MN. Phil wrote in,

While we were bowling (in the restaurant) the head chef came over and handed me their signed Guy picture that every restaurant gets and most display. He said it had been sitting in their basement and they didn't have anywhere to display it, and I would enjoy it much more!! ... I sent Guy a huge map of the U.S. which I use to track our DDD progress as well as a note, a few pictures and a list of our DDDs for him to keep. I got it back signed and personalized within a few weeks. He even personalized the tube that it was in.

Phil also found the cool replica DDD sign on eBay (pictured above) and snatched it up!

Rob McCleland, who we've nick-named Dr. DDD, recently had behind-the-scenes access to a "Triple D" shoot. He celebrated his 50th at Hodad's in San Diego and his 100th at Poke Stop in Hawaii. To date, he's been to 135 of the restaurants that Guy Fieri has featured on the show, returning to favorites more than visiting new ones lately.



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Guy Fieri talks knives with Restaurant Radio

Our friend and fellow Fan of Guy Fieri, Brad at Eatnlisten.com taped an interview between Guy Fieri and Restaurant Radio at the International Home + Housewares show in Chicago, IL, March 2011. The topic of discussion: the Knuckle Sandwich Knife line by Ergo Chef.

An interview about Guy's line of Knuckle Sandwich Knives while he was at the International Home Housewares Show 2011 in Chicago.



Guy talks about building a relationship with Ergo Chef and filling out a complete set of kitchen knives, including the introduction of a meat cleaver, "The Beast."

Visit Eatnlisten's YouTube for more or visit Eanlisten.com. Listen to Restaurant Radio for this interview plus Cat Cora's new line.

Brad also covered Guy Fieri's cooking demonstration at the show, capturing several incredible photos. My favorites:

Guy Fieri cooking demo, Chicago, IL 2011

Guy Fieri and fans, March 2011

Click here for more snapshots on Eatnlisten's Facebook page.

Check back soon for the demo's video, with Guy, fans and a special guest!

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Guy Fieri Live at Brookdale College, Lincroft NJ

On Saturday, April 16, 2011 The Breeze-Thunder 106-B98.5 Radio Stations presents: Guy Fieri LIVE Cooking Show at the newly renovated Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College. Tickets are on sale through www.Ticketweb.com or by calling (866) 468-7619.

Doors open at 5 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. with Fieri cooking favorite recipes for his New Jersey fans.

The event will open with visits to a multitude of food-related vendors, whetting appetites for cooking demos by Jersey Shore’s Famous Caterer, Joe Leone. There will also be challenges before the show where audience members can participate for their chance to win prizes.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $150. For additional information, call (732) 224-1867 - source.

Guy Fieri Live at
Brookdale Community College - website
765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
(732)224-2377
www.brookdalecc.edu

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Guy Fieri sits with AARP's "My Generation"

Guy Fieri speaks with Bill Boggs of AARP's "My Generation" about creating better eating habits. "Superstar chef Guy Fieri has some mouth-watering ways to cut down on fat while still satisfying your cravings."

Guy talks about menu choices, eating in moderation and his "Cooking with Kids" initiative. He also endorses juicing organic fruits and vegetables.


*Link to video*

The interview was taped at the Atlantic City Food Festival, at Ceasar's Palace, July 2010.

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Guy Fieri's Lamborghini, stolen

The internet is a-buzz with this story, seeming to come from the script of an action movie: Celebrity chef's Lamborghini stolen in S.F. heist.

At this time, we don't have any more information than what has been reported.

A "thief using climbing gear stole from a swanky car dealership in San Francisco early Tuesday morning: a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo sports car. ...worth more than $200,000 - and is owned by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, star of the game show Minute to Win It and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."

The article went on further to say, "Sometime in the wee hours of Tuesday, a thief climbed up to the roof of the dealership, attached a climbing rope, and then rappelled into the showroom, investigators said.

"He - or she - then cut the lock to the dealership's garage door and drove off with Fieri's car."

*Update 3/9/11 p.m.* - According to SFAppeal.com, the Lambo was "last seen touring around Marin County, police said.... Sgt. Michael Andraychak said this afternoon that video surveillance footage from the Golden Gate Bridge captured the car's county-crossing journey.

"The yellow Lamborghini was seen traveling across the [Golden Gate] bridge sometime early Tuesday morning, Andraychak said.

'Additional video showed the same car entering Tiburon,' Andraychak said. The car exited the Marin County community 'a short time later,' he said."

*Update 3/10/11 a.m.* - DMK Burger Bar in Chicago, IL tweeted, "Guy Fieri was here when he received the call that his Lamborghini was stolen while filming for Triple D. The burgers helped his mood," for which we all can be thankful!

San Francisco police are asking anyone who has information on the vehicle's whereabouts to contact the department at (415) 575-4444 or to text a tip to TIP411.

*Update 3/14/11* - According to SFAppeal.com, "Interestingly, this is not the first time this exact same crime has been committed at this very dealership. John Marx had his green Jaguar driven right off the lot by a particularly brazen thief in 2005. Marx said a mechanic at the dealership told him at the time of the theft that a yellow Lamborghini was also stolen off the lot only weeks before. That would make Fieri's yellow Lamborghini the second one the dealership has lost in a relatively short time."

*Update 3/14 p.m.* - RumorFix spoke with Fieri's publicist who had this to say about the incident:

Guy is shocked and disappointed by the loss of a car he worked very hard for, but is confident that the dealership will handle it properly and do the right thing to rectify the situation.

*Update 4/14/11* - Guy Fieri comments on the loss of his Lamborghini. Click here for the full article.

More updates to come!

Rachael Ray meets "Minute to Win It" game wizards

Rachael Ray tries her hand at the Minute to Win It games on her show today when one of the game developers comes for a visit.

The Minute to Win It game wizards show how they transform everyday items into heart-stopping challenges and let Rach take a crack at one of the 60-second games! Click here to see a promo video.


Find the Rachael Ray Show on Facebook or follow on Twitter @rachaelrayshow.



Yumsugar.com recently reported that Guy Fieri and Rachael Ray announced they "will be working on a fun upcoming project together. It's a 'culinary version of Dancing With the Stars' and should air on the Food Network sometime later this year."

And producers of Minute to Win It are still on the hunt for new contestants. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that hundreds showed up for a recent casting session in Salt Lake City, UT.

Pictured at left, Rick Pitcher, a volunteer firefighter from St. George, UT raises his hand as the question is asked, "who traveled the farthest to get here?" Pitcher hitch hiked over 300 miles and joined hundreds for a chance to appear on the popular game show.

The next open casting call is set for Nashville, TN.
NASHVILLE, TN
March 12th, 2011
BB Kings Blues Club and Restaurant
152 Second Ave N.
Nashville, TN. 37201
11am-3pm

Upcoming casting calls are scheduled for Orlando, Dallas and San Diego. Visit www.nbc.com/casting for current information.

On NBC tonight, Wednesday, March 9, 2011
8:00 PM / 7c - COUPLE SHOWDOWN - All New - Two couples square off in the 60-Second Circle.

DDD films new locations in Chicago, IL, again

Chicago is one of America's leading cities in food and restaurants.Guy Fieri and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives have visited Illinois many times and are once again hitting up eateries in the Windy City for the Food Network's hit show.


Here's where we hear Guy Fieri went in Chicago:

Garifuna Flava Caribbean Cuisine - website
2516 W. 63rd St.
Chicago, IL 60629
(773) 776-7440
www.GarifunaFlava.com
Twitter: @GarifunaFlava1
Facebook
*Premieres 5/23/11 - You Can Only Get It Here*

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe - website
6501 W. 79th Street
Burbank, IL, 60459
708-229-8700
www.chuckscafe.com
Twitter: @ChucksCafe
Facebook
*Premiere 10/24/11 - Global Comfort*

Irazu Costa Rican Dining - website
1865 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-5687
www.irazuchicago.com
Facebook
*Premiere 10/10/11 - Latin Street Food*

Panozzo's Italian Market - website
1303 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 356-9966
www.panozzos.com
*Premiere 11/28/11 - Seafood & Sammies*

Nana Organic - website
3267 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 929-2486
www.nanaorganic.com
Facebook
*Premiere 9/26/11 - Gettin' Fresh*

Big & Littles - no website?
939 North Orleans Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-0000
View Flickr photo
*Premiere 11/7/11 - Pizza, Pancakes and Pork*

DMK Burger Bar - website
2954 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 360-8686
www.dmkburgerbar.com
Twitter: @DMKBurgerBar
Facebook
*Premiere 10/17/11 - Slammin' Sammies

Chilam Balam - website
3023 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 296 6901
www.chilambalamchicago.com
Facebook
@ChefGuyFieri tweeted, "Chuy used to work for me at Johnny Garlic's and is now killin' it in Chi Town with his joint, Chilam Balam"
*Premiere 10/3/11 - Homemade & Homebrewed*

We love tips! If you see blond spiky hair and/or a red convertible Camaro in and Chicago, or you have snapshots or stories to share, just comment below. We'll update this post as confirmations and more information becomes available.

Click here to view a DDD map of the Chicago area.

There are over a dozen Diners, Drive-ins and Dives featured in Chicago alone, including fan favorites Kuma's Corner, Taste of Peru and Smoque. We also recently learned that Grace Delcano, owner of the Galewood Cookshack, a DDD that was run out of a truck, has sold her truck, open for catering business only.


From Off the Hook Specials

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Guy Fieri BBQ sauces hit grocery websites

"We're Fans of Guy Fieri, and we're rollin' out, headed to America's greatest diners, drive-ins and grocery stores."

Well, if we aren't rollin' out to grocery stores, we're at least shopping them online. To date, two retailers have introduced Guy Fieri's line of gourmet barbecue sauces: Nassau Candy Specialty Confections & Fine Foods and ShopRite of Mullica Hill. More to come.


Nassau Candy currently does not have online shopping available. Instead, click here to request a catalog. ShopRite currently carries the 19 fl-oz. Guy Fieri Kansas City BBQ Sauce and Guy Fieri Pacific Rim BBQ Sauce for $3.99.

Guy Fieri introduced his line of sauces and salsas at the Winter Fancy Foods Show in January 2011. More as we hear of it!

*Update* Guy Fieri's BBQ Sauces are now available for purchase through the Food Network Store. Click here. And Guy's Sampler Set of BBQ sauces, marinades and wok sauce is now available to order online at www.Cooking.com, with regional flavors from coast to coast.

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Guy Fieri on Nickelodeon, “Lies We Tell in Middle School”

via Nickelodeon press release:

KIDS AND FAMOUS FORMER KIDS COME CLEAN

IN NICK NEWS WITH LINDA ELLERBEE: “LIES WE TELL IN MIDDLE SCHOOL,”

PREMIERING MARCH 6 AT 9:00 P.M. (ET/PT) ON NICKELODEON

Kids —Plus Former Kids Owen Wilson, Donald Faison, Jeff Foxworthy, Guy Fieri, Victoria Justice, Big Time Rush, Rosie Perez and Niecy Nash — Featured in Kid-Ranked Countdown of Top 10 Middle School Lies

NEW YORK, March 1, 2011 – Liar! Liar! Pants on fire! Most people lie at one time or another, but according to recent research, the most deceitful age is 12. Nick News with Linda Ellerbee asked kids what they lied about, then kids went online to rank their lies in the half-hour special, “Lies We Tell in Middle School,” premiering Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.

The show features these most memorable tall tales from kids and celebrities Owen Wilson (Marley & Me), Donald Faison (Scrubs), Jeff Foxworthy (Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?), Guy Fieri (Minute To Win It), Victoria Justice (Victorious), Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan (Big Time Rush), Rosie Perez (White Men Can’t Jump) and Niecy Nash (Clean House).

(source)

Nick News Special Edition: Lies We Tell in Middle School

"I'm a Big Fat Liar" - Nick News With Linda Ellerbee
A countdown of the top fibs middle-school kids tell includes celebrities confessing lies they told in their youth. Appearing: Victoria Justice, Jeff Foxworthy, Owen Wilson, Niecy Nash, Rosie Perez, Donald Fasion; Guy Fieri; and the Big Time Rush boys. (TV Guide)