Sunday, April 3, 2011

New shoes, a Bumblebee and a first pitch

I don't typically repeat Guy Fieri's tweets, but these past few days have seen a newsy @ChefGuyFieri Twitter account.

We first heard about a line of Guy Fieri Globe shoes in October, 2010. Looks like the mock-up is done, @ChefGuyFieri - "Chillin' with Sherwood @globeskate checkin' out my new signature model kix...comin soon"


Guy Fieri had a briefphone chat with radio personality Mancow, based in Chicago. Here's Guy on Cooking Bacon on the Mancow Experience. Click here to listen.

On Friday, April 1, Guy participated in a Food Network upfront in Chicago. He, Vanilla Ice, Mancow and ?? had dinner that evening. @ChefGuyFieri - "Headin’ outta Chi Town after a big night with the Food Network Krew and my homie, Rob Van Winkle (@vanillaice)…Vanilla Ice!"


On Saturday, April 2, Kent Porter of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat caught Guy Fieri throwing the first pitch at a Little League Game. "I was totally out of position for the pitch, but shot it anyway," Porter wrote. "After a strike to home plate, Fieri ran the outer perimeter of the diamond and high- fived players on the field." Not only that, but he was wearing the new shoes!

Photo: Kent Porter / Press Democrat

And very exciting: Guy has some new heavy metal to add to his collection of cars. @ChefGuyFieri - "Bitchin' Camaro...thanks to my bruthas at Chevy! First yellow conv off tha line!"


The Twitterverse is asking, when will we see the Bumblebee on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! Is it time for an updated set of wheels for the show?

Related Posts:
Upcoming line of Guy Fieri jewelry, by Room 101
Guy Fieri attends Scripps' upfront for The Cooking Channel
Guy Fieri in recent news, December 2010

Saturday, April 2, 2011

DDD chef, Guy Fieri help celebrate Gulf Coast

Members of the Coastal Resiliency Coalition (CRC) and tourism leaders from the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area have partnered to mark the Gulf Coast's progress one year after the Deepwater Horizon explosion with a 500-person seated dinner directly on the white sand beaches.

BaldwinCountyNow.com reports, “Supper on the Sand: A Celebration of the Gulf” to be April 17, 2011, will feature a spectacular menu showcasing Gulf seafood and local produce presented by chefs including local food celebrities Lucy Buffett and “Panini Pete” Blohme and the staff and students of Faulkner State Community College Culinary Institute.

Guy Fieri is lending his support to this project as the celebrity host chef: "It's an honor to come down to Alabama's Gulf Coast and participate in an event that celebrates this community. Shooting Diners, Drive-ins & Dives over the years, I've spent time with the people and sampled the area's food, and that is one spot-on combination."

Panini Pete, known to fans of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for his Fairhope, AL sandwich shop and bakery, wrote to us, "It's a really positive event about the community coming together. Were not done with this oil spill and its effects, but were all working hard to repair the damages to the Gulf and it's beaches as well as the Seafood and toursim industry down here."

A family-style Seafood Feast is planned right on the sand. Not a glitz and glamor gig but a meal with a message. "Sustainability and resilience," Pete wrote. "We will be hosting alot of Politicians, industry leaders that can help with the seafood industry, meadia and sports celebrities as well as some Food Network personalities, and many local heroes who helped with everything from clean-up to moving turtle nests!

"Guy agreed to come down and host the event to help bring attention to our situation. He's filming in Jersey Saturday Night and again Monday morning in VA. So for him to squeeze this in AT NO CHARGE I might add!!! Is fantastic! He helps a lot of great causes when he can, and he sure helps out his friends too!"

The dinner, a by-invitation only event, will be held at the Gulf State Park beachside pavilion. Click here for the full article.

Panini Pete will be assisting on Guy Fieri's Food Tour, as he did in 2009. Pete, our hats off to you and your great work!

Related Posts:
Triple D chefs entertain troops
Guido's Neato Panini (GI0618H) w/ video
Real Deal Fast Food (DV0308)

-> More Guy Fieri Events <-

Friday, April 1, 2011

Win tix to Guy Fieri Brunch in Louisville

Guy is serving brunch at the 3rd annual Marriott Oaks Bourbon Brunch in Louisville KY, benefiting Kosair Children’s Hospital. Win tickets to the brunch by attending Louisville Magazine launch on April 6, 2011 at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, 325 W. Main St.


The event is free and open to the public, with free appetizers, the Jeff Ruby "Paparazzi" drink special, and a chance to win two tickets to the Marriott Oaks Bourbon Brunch, featuring Chef Guy Fieri.

The winner will be drawn and announced at the launch party.

Visit Louisville.com for more.

Related Posts:
Guy Fieri to host 2011 Marriott Oaks Bourbon Brunch, Louisville KY
Guy Fieri at the 136th Kentucky Derby, 2010
The Guy Fieri Foundation's Pretzel Cart Project

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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 <-

Monday, March 28, 2011

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

Saturday, March 26, 2011

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

Friday, March 25, 2011

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 <-

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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.


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 <-

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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.
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 <-

Sunday, March 20, 2011

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 <-