Reviews of the Great American Food & Music Fest

Or as one blogger called it, the Great American Food and Music Fiasco.

Blogs and newspaper articles are rifling today over the debacle that was yesterday's Great American Food & Music Fest. There were so many, I didn't even jot down the url's for all of them.

"Where was the music," one blogger questioned. "We left after one hour, and warned everyone waiting in line to not go in," wrote another.

From a Serious Eats blog, here are a few more comments:

"As we were walking from our car to the venue in mid-afternoon, patrons walking back to their cars were warning us not go. They said that lines for food were hours long and some food was running low or gone altogether. I should have listened and turned around because not only were the lines ridiculously long and some food running low, there were way more people than I had ever anticipated. It was pretty much shoulder to shoulder. No wonder there was a problem getting food to everyone. I did see Guy Fieri's first demo (which was well done) squinting through at least a hundred heads."

"bobby flay and guy fieri should have fire their agents for talking them into such a poorly planned event."

"Did anyone even see Bobby Flay or Guy Fieri? Did they even show up?!"

And a reply from one of the event coordinators (A Mr. Jim Lewi, producer, of the Agency Group if I'm not mistaken)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I am so incredibly sorry about what you went through.

We certainly had every intention of making everything perfect. The fact is, the problems were not anyone's fault by ours. Not the building's, not Live Nation. We wanted to keep lines down so we invested all this money (upfront...not too smart) for the "cashless system" that would do just that... according to the company that was running it. This company had a resume that included NASCAR races (200,000 +) so when we heard that every transaction could be made in 3-seconds or less, we were in. We had them come in a week early and start testing...making sure everything worked...then as we opened the doors, the system failed.

The Fest did have an emergency system in place and cash banks and credit card machines were distributed prior to the show, but it took us nearly 45-minutes to switch over and by that point, we had very large lines. Added to that, it was our first year and we had no way to really judge attendance. We looked at "pre-sales" and doubled them thinking that was safe...and we would be over. We were wrong...and very sorry.

It is important to us as producers for you to understand that we do care and put years of hard work into this just to have one company take us down.

If you would like a refund, it isn't the easiest process, but it does work.

PLEASE SEND A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR TICKETS BACK TO

Shoreline Amphitheatre
One Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
ATTN: BOX OFFICE REFUNDS

Again, we are all so sorry this happened...but at the same time are not giving up. We will come back next year on our tour and will have something special for those who were put out this year.

Thank you again for writing.

Jim

When I get reviews from people who saw Guy Fieri's demonstrations, I'll post them ... uh ... post haste. ~D

Guy's Backyard Steakhouse (GI0613H) with video

Guy's Big Bite - Guy's Backyard Steakhouse - Aired: 6/14/09

Guy Fieri brings the steakhouse experience home with this do-it-yourself Dry-Aged Ribeye with spicy Horseradish Gremolata. For dessert, fudgy Conquistador Chocolate Chip Brownies.

Dry Aged Rib-Eyes - recipe
Fan favorite

(no photo available)

Mexican Rhubarb Chocolate Chunk Brownies - dessert recipe



Keywords:
beef rib or loin roast, cheesecloth, Horseradish Gremolata, rhubarb, chocolate

Related Guy Fieri Recipes:
Main dishes with beef
Desserts

-> more on Guy's Big Bite <-

Tickets on sale Monday for NY Wine & Food Fest

Tickets for the New York Wine and Food Festival go on sale Monday, June 15, 2009. The event is scheduled for Columbus Day Weekend, October 8 - 11, 2009.


Some highlighted events for Fans of Guy Fieri:

Chelsea Market After Dark - October 8, 2009
Hosted by Guy Fieri
$95

Guy Fieri Culinary Demonstration presented by Whole Foods Market - October 10 & 11, 2009
$35 each day

The Guy Fieri Package
(oh, I can hardly wait for the puns from THAT moniker)
Chelsea Market After Dark
Guy Fieri Demo
Choice of one Grand Tasting session (Sat or Sun)
$280

For more information, visit http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/2009/tickets.php

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Searching for the Next Pork Personality
Fieri kicks off the NY Wine and Food Fest weekend in October

Guy Fieri photo shoot closes a city block

On June 7th, 2009, Guy Fieri twittered (tweeted?) that he was "Doin' front cover photo for Triple D book II."

So there you have it, a formal announcement that there will be a second "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: An All-American Road Trip ... with Recipes!" I can only hope they'll make this second one have a shorter name?

The next day, the Press Democrat reported that a city block in the downtown Santa Rosa area was shut down for almost two hours. The photo shoot occurred in front of Guy's Tex Wasabi's restaurant after he had obtained a permit from the city to have Fourth Street between Mendocino Avenue and B Street closed Monday morning.


I should add that the article mistakenly says, "The event took place outside Fieri’s Rock N’ Roll Sushi restaurant on Fourth and included one of his trademark vintage cars," and of course we all know that the red car behind Guy in the photograph is not his; it belongs to the producer of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Incidentally, it appears Guy had a nice, fresh bleach job for the photo shoot, eh? Those roots were pretty dark in L.A. last week, man.

Sherrie Blondin conducted the photo shoot. The permit cost $75.

(full story)
Photo credit: JEFF KAN LEE

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Diners, Drive-ins and Dives drives business up

KSL.com reports that Utah area restaurants featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives have significantly increased their business. And not just after the episode first airs, but each time there are re-runs too, the businesses notice a remarkable increase in customers.

Owner Lucy Cardenas of Salt Lake's Red Iguana had concerns about doing the show, but now is glad she did. "I would say it has definitely helped at least 10 percent. At least 10 plus," she said, and further, "people come in from out of state simply because the restaurant was featured on DDD."

Fans of the show may remember one of Guy's more memorable quotes from the Red Iguana episode, "Love, Peace ... and Taco Grease!"

The reruns have their impact too. The Burger Bar in Roy, Utah has had its episode aired 14 times. Manager Jessica Fowler says, "Last summer was insane." Overall, the restaurant has seen a 35 percent increase in business.

Erika Nelson of Ruth's Diner said, "We get four or five questions a day [about the show]," everything from what the taping was like to what Guy Fieri eats.

Each restaurant takes two to three days to shoot. At Pat's BBQ in Salt Lake, crews shot 14 hours worth of video then an additional nine hours when Fieri was in town.

But owner Pat Barber says, "It's been very, very, very, very busy. Did I say, ‘very'?" Before the show aired in January, Barber was feeding roughly 300 people a day. That has jumped to nearly 1,200.

Barber further commented that a production company saw his episode, and he's in negotiations to host a cooking show pilot.

Take that, Next Food Network Stars!

(full story)

To view all of the restaurants Guy Fieri visited in the Salt Lake City area, click here.

And in Deep Ellum, Texas, Dave Faries of the Dallas Observer said, "on Saturday afternoon I waited in a 30 minute line, just so I could order one of Twisted Root's so-called milkshakes." The Twisted Root episode had aired the night before (or thereabouts).

He continued, "the show convinced a lot of folks--including the gentleman standing in line behind me ... to venture into the wilds of Deep Ellum."

(full story)

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode guide

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Results from Prostart Competition

Java Crusted New York Steak

While everyone else is talking about The Next Food Network Star, I'll talk about the only star that show has been able to produce. Or rather, I'll talk about Guy Fieri's food. And specifically, a perfect idea for a Father's Day dinner. Hey, it's coming up! June 21, 2009. Time to start planning.

This is one recipe that is truly unique and has rave reviews from everyone who's taken the time to make it, eat it and post a review online. Cate O'Malley of the Well Fed Network said,

"I don’t drink coffee, but I certainly have no problems cooking with it. In fact, one of my favorite go-to cookie recipes uses espresso - good stuff, and perfect for holiday cookie trays.... (This recipe is) so good. And surprisingly, the coffee flavor is not as strong as I thought it would be."

Java Crusted New York Steak with Stout Glaze

Ingredients:
1/2 cup medium grind Italian Roast coffee
1/2 cup black peppercorns, freshly cracked
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup granulated garlic
11/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
11/2 tablespoons paprika
4 (1 1/2 to 2-inch) thick New York strip steaks
2 tablespoons olive oil
16 ounces stout
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Combine coffee, peppercorns, 1/4 cup brown sugar, salt, garlic, cayenne pepper and paprika in a small bowl. Press firmly onto steaks. Let steaks rest, covered, for 30 minutes at room temperature.

To cook, heat oil in a large saute pan until almost smoking. Add steaks and sear 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Do not overcrowd the pan. Use 2pans if needed. Remove steaks to a baking dish and finish cooking in the oven until desired doneness. Remove to a cutting board or platter and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Meanwhile, bring stout to a simmer in a small saucepan and reduce by about 1/3. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. After steaks have rested, pour any juices from the cutting board into the sauce, and serve with steaks.



If you landed on this page searching for places Guy Fieri has visited in New York for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, search here.

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Guido's Italian Table (GI0607H)

Guy's Big Bite - Guido's Italian Table - Aired: 6/7/09

Guy Fieri honors his Italian roots with a spread that'd make mama Fieri proud. With recipes for Bucatini A La Surf and Surf, tossed in spicy tomato sauce, Cauliflower Croquettes in tangy red pepper aioli, and a zesty Italian Limoncello cocktail made with his pal Manny.

Bucatini a La Surf and Surf - recipe

Cauliflower Croquettes with Peppadew Aioli - recipe

Italian Limoncello Cocktail - recipe
"his pal Manny" is not one of the listed ingredients. ;)

Keywords:
bucatini, pancetta, Manila clams, shrimp, calamari, bay scallops, cauliflower, Parmesan, panko, grappa, limoncello

Related Guy Fieri Recipes:
Main dishes with pasta
Side dishes with vegetables
Cocktails with liqueur

-> more on Guy's Big Bite <-

Fans travel miles to Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

BaldwinCountyNow.com reports that Roger and Jane Holm of Lakeview, Minn. are among a growing number of people who travel, seeking out the places featured on Fieri’s show.

The retirees began trips one year ago and arrived on the Eastern Shore last week, where they visited their 60th Diner, Drive-in or Dive.

“We were thinking this would just be about eating food in restaurants,” Jane said. “It’s turned out being about people. We’ve made some good friends.”

(full story)

Of course, this was no surprise to me. I've had several private emails (and more than a few comments on the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives fan blog) from people who eagerly seek out any and all of the places featured on the show.

Meanwhile, Guy Fieri continues to seek out new Triple D joints in Los Angeles. He took a few moments to school Mario Lopez on how to fix a tasty cool drink.

The recipe:
Combine ice, 3 cups vanilla ice cream, a couple of tablespoons of orange juice concentrate, champagne and vodka in a blender.

Pour and top with whipped cream.

And there you have it.

While filming at Los Angeles' Nickel Diner, Guy paused to sign a few cookbooks at Metropolis Books in the Historic Core of Los Angeles.

Guy Fieri hits L.A. for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

Guy Fieri is in L.A. this week, June 2 through June 5, checking out the city's joints for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The shows will air later this Summer.



Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode guide

To view all the Triple D restaurants Guy Fieri has visited in the Southern California area, click here.

Upcoming Events:
The Great American Food and Music Fest - June 13, 2009
Summertini, benefiting CHEFS in San Francisco - June 19, 2009
Food & Wine Fest in Atlantic City July 30 - August 2, 2009
Daytime Emmy Awards - August 30, 2009
New York Wine and Food Fest - October 8 - 11, 2009

Video segments from Disney's Food Festival

Guy Fieri participated in Disney’s California Adventure's California Wine and Food Festival over the May 30 - 31, 2009 weekend. He did a cooking demo on Saturday, May 30th, where he introduced his forthcoming line of Ergo Chef Knives.



At right, Guy Fieri stops by Ergo Chef’s booth for a picture with Scott Staib President & Chef Randall Smith of Ergo Chef at the July 2008 Bally's Toast to the Coast Event in Atlantic City.

The OC Register claims that Guy Fieri rocked Disneyland with the demo. In her article, Nancy Luna writes there were "hundreds of screaming fans loving every antic this high-energy Food Network star has to offer." There were some 200 people in the audience, some of whom waited in line for hours before the show to claim the best seats.

"I met Guy after the show. He was very nice, and down to earth. He reminded me of what Hunter S. Thompson would be like as a chef. He has several different thoughts going at once, but ties everything together into a nice story. (Ex-NFL football star Vince Ferragamo is in background. He and Guy are buds. Note: Vince and I have same taste in shirts)"

Winkedinkie was at Disneyland to shoot some video of the cooking demo - She shot eight segments of about 10 minutes each from the cooking demonstration. Click here to view the entire presentation.


In another article, Luna followed Guy Fieri, family, friends, chef Jamie Gwen and Disney food and beverage executive Gary Maggetti to celebrate Lori's birthday at Taps Fish House and Brewery, in Brea, CA.

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Guy Fieri headed to Southern California
At Disney's California Food & Wine Festival