477980 Thu Jan 10 09:36:30 -0800 2008 146 33 Food Media and News 0 3281123 Is this Food TV trying to dispel the complaint about the network not having people of color? I like bbq so it looks interesting. I hope it's more cooking than a "Hogan knows best" type reality TV show. Thu Jan 10 09:36:30 -0800 2008 56054 dave_c 1 3281986 Who exactly are the Neely's? I don't get the Food Network anymore so have no idea about some of the shows. Thu Jan 10 12:29:24 -0800 2008 3281123 28392 HollyDolly 2 3282513 I think they own a restaurant - BBQ - Memphis. I would rather have an Indian or Thai show, personally. But, that is a different thread entirely! Thu Jan 10 14:32:38 -0800 2008 3281986 88683 stellamystar 3 3287507 Interstate Barbecue in Memphis: http://www.jimneelysinterstatebarbecue.com/ and Neely's Bar-B-Que in Mempis and Nashville: http://www.neelysbbq.com/home.htm Not only do they disagree between wet and dry, but on spelling too. Fri Jan 11 22:38:43 -0800 2008 3282513 10059 ChinoWayne 3 3439985 Why not all of the above type of shows? Meaning, why not a Neeley's, Indian, Thai and other cuisines. This is why Food Network is failing now--limited thinking. Wed Feb 27 09:47:16 -0800 2008 3282513 13427 Ora 4 3882539 Food Network needs to get away from stupid reality shows like "The Next Food Network Star". Give me Alton Brown and Good Eats anyday. Fri Jul 18 22:04:21 -0700 2008 3439985 206877 jpc8015 2 3283147 I think I saw the Neely's guest star one time on Paula's show. That's probably where they came from- they had nice chemistry with Paula though. Thu Jan 10 17:22:43 -0800 2008 3281986 58855 digkv 2 3436483 The Neeley family owns several resteraunts in Memphis. Having just moved from there, it's nice to see something familiar on TV and I get some of the receipies fto bring the flavor to my new home. Their food was great and I enjoy eating there on return trips. Tue Feb 26 10:28:49 -0800 2008 3281986 169656 RRICCH 1 3282688 Have not seen the show. But good to hear they are getting away from the low-cut-quick-and-easy set. I just hope that the Neely's have not been indoctrinated into the FN cult of (louder and outrageous is better) personality. And does this mean their family is going to be a big part of the show as well? That being said however there are already numerous BBQ specials and several souther cooking shows already on. As someone already said it would have been nice to see FN try something completely different. Perhaps they are the first of the new crop of talent that FN is cultivating to make money from merchandising. Anyone been to their restaurant? Thu Jan 10 15:07:45 -0800 2008 3281123 23758 Withnail42 2 3283550 Yes, their restaurant is very good. It's not touristy at all (about 95% local clientele), and it is one of the better bbq restaurants in a city famous for bbq restaurants. The Neely's seem to be a louder, more boisterous group, but they aren't faking it and seem to be a lot of fun. I think the Food Network is looking for more minority representation. Nearly 1/3 of our nation is not white, yet this isn't represented on the food network. While there is a lot of "barbeque" on the food network, hardly any of it is real barbecue in the traditional sense of the word. The Neely's should bring the element of real barbeque and soul food (not the same as Southern) to the network. Thu Jan 10 19:35:45 -0800 2008 3282688 105991 tennreb 3 3285195 I remember the Neely Bros. from an episode of BBQ with Bobby Flay (yeah, I watch too much Food TV). In that episode, the 2 brothers fought over wet vs dry ribs. Either way, both styles looked pretty darn good. Fri Jan 11 10:07:26 -0800 2008 3283550 61376 Bhutani 4 3287468 Yes, both styles are very good, and it is really a matter of preference. "Wet or dry?" is the classic question in Memphis, like asking someone if they are Democrat or Republican. I'm a dry-leaning independent. It really depends on what restaurant I'm in. Some places have better wet, some have better dry. Fri Jan 11 22:08:56 -0800 2008 3285195 105991 tennreb 5 3531948 I just say "yes, please" Wed Mar 26 23:02:09 -0700 2008 3287468 67706 WCchopper 3 3315068 The Food Network is decidedly lacking in "people of color" and yes they were on Paula's Party, at least that's where I first saw them. So I say WTG Food Network for your attempts at diversity but.... their show has a bad time slot IMHO, 11 PM ET, and what about the winners of the first Food Network Star, the gay couple, are they even on anymore? If they are it's in the middle of the night or very early in the morning. Maybe the Neely's will be seen in reruns on the weekends. I for one am sick of seeing the same shows every weekend. Case in point, right now they are showing the Beef Cookoff competition, which was shown yesterday, and twice last weekend, etc, etc. I hope the Neely's is a hit and gets a better time slot. Sun Jan 20 16:16:05 -0800 2008 3283550 148057 Missi 4 3315375 Yes, they are still on, usually around 10:30am, but I don't kow the last time I saw one of their shows. Here's their schedule, Party Line with the Hearty Boys: http://tinyurl.com/3d6l9v Sun Jan 20 18:27:16 -0800 2008 3315068 14620 hummingbird 1 3406568 WTF???? I just caught this show and it was the most horrible thing I've ever watched on The Food Network. Whoa. My head is still spinning... as is my stomach. Barbecue spaghetti, strawberry shortcut cake and more sexual innuendo than Hugh Hefner can muster. Seriously, don't the execs at Food TV coach these folks or at least watch one of these taped episodes? Gina Neely said things like "wah-la" (voila) and her brother in law said "eggcellento". Ugh. The ribs looked good but the rest of the stuff they called "food" was worse than something you'd get at the local school cafeteria. Barbecue spaghetti made w/ barbecue sauce & shredded pork - ew. Strawberry short cut cake made w/ boxed cake, jello, strawberries and whipped cream. I rarely watch Food TV as it is and catching this show just reaffirmed why. The Neely's, Rachel Ray, Paula Deen & Sandra Lee have destroyed any credibility the network had from Mario, Brown, DeLaurentis, Garten, etc. Sun Feb 17 10:50:00 -0800 2008 3281123 71241 lynnlato 2 3406645 "Barbecue spaghetti made w/ barbecue sauce & shredded pork" Erm...as opposed to barbecue spaghetti made WITHOUT barbecue sauce and shredded pork? Sorry that the dish isn't to your taste, but barbecue spaghetti is a common dish around Memphis, as well as one of the renowned specialties of Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue, the family restaurant. Anyway, you lost me when you claimed that the idiotic Little Big Head gave Food Network any credibility: call me when she runs a restaurant one-tenth as good as Neely's Interstate. Sun Feb 17 11:19:55 -0800 2008 3406568 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 3 3413984 Barmy you took the words right out of my mouth, about the BBQ spaghetti that is. While I don't think it's my cup of tea, it certainly is a staple in the TN area. I think the Neely's have a restaurant also in the Memphis airport. I ate there, had the BBQ sandwich and it was wonderful. I'd love to try their ribs, both wet and dry. I've watched their show and they come across as just a good old down home wholesome family. They don't put on airs, as a certain New York male chef does, and they act like they are having fun while they are cooking. To get right down to it, isn't cooking and having fun with your family while doing so what it's all about? I certainly think so. Tue Feb 19 13:31:09 -0800 2008 3406645 148057 Missi 3 5141803 I thought I was the only one who noticed the Big Head!!! Are we talking about GDe????So funny!!! Thu Oct 29 18:57:03 -0700 2009 3406645 1118993 toni Vaughn 2 3406684 I thought the barbecue spaghetti looked delicious. It's one of those Southern barbecue things that they do: a real regional thing I guess, so it's not really right for us to judge the validity of the food. I also don't think that DeLaurentis has any cred at all, I think Paula Deen has more cred than she does. Paula is an expert in Southern food and though she has become a strange exaggerative character she still knows a lot about food. Also, to not the Neely's talking, it's quite weird. Their accents don't seem region specific or anything, I would never have expected them to be Southern but could expect them to be from the west coast or something. Sun Feb 17 11:38:42 -0800 2008 3406568 58855 digkv 3 3407568 Forgive me, barbecue spaghetti is so against the grain for me, the daughter of a Sicillian cook. I've never heard of such a thing and would never, ever eat what they made. Some things are just wrong and that is one of them. Have u seen the show? You can defend it 'til the cows come home... Paula Deen doesn't know food, she knows commercialism. Deep fried cheese cake is not "Southern" food it's gross. Call it regional food or whatever you like. The Neely's, although probably lovely people, have no culinary skills outside of their bbq. They over used, and improperly used, the term "balance". As in "the onion powder balances the paprika" or "the cayenne pepper balances the black pepper"... what? And they made comments like "the apple cider vinegar is bitter to the sweetness of the sugar" It's not bitter it's acidic. Why would you add jarred lemon pepper seasoning to the cole slaw when you've already added fresh lemon juice and zest. Because you're not paying attention, that's why. I could go on but why? Sun Feb 17 16:54:44 -0800 2008 3406684 71241 lynnlato 4 3407624 actually, paula deen does know southern food -- but we haven't seen it in a long, long time.... Sun Feb 17 17:14:06 -0800 2008 3407568 105717 alkapal 5 3409591 Haha, I love how my sort of sarcastic response was deleted by the admins. I guess I offended someone out there? Anyways, since my mom doesn't actually know an actual "recipe"I found on online that was similar http://www.recipehound.com/Recipes/1245.html only difference is that my mom would actually sear the pork. She used this weird dark brown sugar "candy" for the caramel but I think turbinado is a good substitute. She also used frozen coconut juice. To eat this properly you have to serve it with pickled bean sprouts and scallions called gai chua. Just to make sure this isn't deleted: the neely's seem like nice people. Mon Feb 18 11:12:41 -0800 2008 3407624 58855 digkv 6 3410848 bravo, digkv! Mon Feb 18 17:29:13 -0800 2008 3409591 105717 alkapal 4 3407835 "The Neely's, although probably lovely people, have no culinary skills outside of their bbq." Good thing that's what they sell in their restaurant, then, isn't it? The BBQ spaghetti is a local Memphis thing. It seems like an odd combo to me, but hey - to each their own. I'd never try to argue BBQ with anyone. There are folks who think vinegar sauce on 'cue is just as weird, but there are tons of us in North Carolina who love it. Sun Feb 17 18:37:42 -0800 2008 3407568 67610 Suzy Q 5 3408604 Et tu, Suzy Q? Check out the show. They were so over the top. I take issue more w/ FTV for not helping these folks. Where's the production? It's as if they set up a camera and left. Mr. Neely, "trimmin' the skirt" (eyebrows up & down at Gina). Mon Feb 18 06:02:53 -0800 2008 3407835 71241 lynnlato 6 3408762 Over the top, bad production...is this your first time watching FN? Mon Feb 18 07:13:49 -0800 2008 3408604 23758 Withnail42 7 3408900 Good point. Mon Feb 18 07:52:23 -0800 2008 3408762 71241 lynnlato 7 3410996 That's exactly what I was going to say...this definitely wouldn't be the first time an FN show was over the top. Paula's Party, anyone??? Mon Feb 18 18:10:16 -0800 2008 3408762 67610 Suzy Q 6 3414076 Lynn - you know I always have your back but you said so yourself, you don't watch a lot of FN. This is what it's become. That's why so many CHers rant and rave about what once was great entertainment and is now aimed at the lowest common denominator. I don't know why I can't stop watching. But this show is like a lot of FN. It's a train wreck. I can't not watch. Tue Feb 19 13:50:31 -0800 2008 3408604 116638 southernitalian 7 3414383 Ha! I suppose that's why I watched the show through to the end in the first place. Kind of like nascar, some folks just watch it for the wrecks - ha! Tue Feb 19 14:55:26 -0800 2008 3414076 71241 lynnlato 5 3422621 I put this in the Cincinnati Chili category. To each his/her own! Personally, I think it sounds tasty - but with macaroni not spaghetti. Thu Feb 21 18:31:01 -0800 2008 3407835 88683 stellamystar 4 3417252 Best not try Cincinnati chili either then. I agree with the assessment that the show is terrible. Mrs. Sippi is from just south of Memphis and was all excited about watching. I gave up half way through and since she hasn't bothered to talk about it/watch it again I'd say she wasn't very impressed. As for the food, just because it's not your cup of tea doesn't mean you should dismiss it. Secondly, how do you know if you don't love bbq spaghetti (or something else) unless you give it an honest taste drive?? DT Wed Feb 20 10:59:21 -0800 2008 3407568 11291 Davwud 4 3655785 It is a common fact that what is considered nasty and disgusting in one culture is a culinary delight in others. I personally hate calamari and find it puzzling why anyone would choose to consume such a thing. On the other hand, others may question why I throughly enjoy black eyed peas and sweet cornbread mushed together in one bowl, eaten with my hands. We are all different and those differences should be celebrated not criticized. So Gina Neely said a word incorrectly. Big deal. Let her use her colloquialisms. It makes her her. Sun May 04 15:19:47 -0700 2008 3407568 189509 mrsjoeburgess 3 3414024 Having lived in the Deep South for about 40 years, I find that the Neelys do have an accent. It one of a educated southern African American family. LOL if anyone, black or white, uses y'all a lot while talking, that's a southern accent. Although southern accents do vary from state to state and even to different portions within a state. And I agree that Paula is indeed an expert in the ways of Southern cooking. I don't think she exaggerates very much at all, I just see it as her natural personality coming though. Tue Feb 19 13:40:37 -0800 2008 3406684 148057 Missi 2 3436498 Bar-B-Q spaghetti is a staple at any BBQ resteraunt in Memphis. Don't knock it until you try it. If BBQ spaghetti sounds repulsive, have you ever tried BBQ pizza? Tue Feb 26 10:31:00 -0800 2008 3406568 169656 RRICCH 2 3828441 Hey, I just have to comment on your response to the Neely's off key sorta speech. Well as we all know from Paula and the creepy gothnic Ida Garden, the Food Network has all kinds of off balance characters ie: Alton Brown, Ace of Cakes and even Guy whats his name. I feel the network is aiming to showcase a character that someone from every side of the world can relate to. There is Giada who is very conservative, Sandra Lee who's a blend of southern girl yet modern. Paula is like everyone favorite great aunt, she's loud, lively, full of stories and willing to try just about anything at least once just for fun. Then even the gay guys are people that a certain community can relate to, then we have the bad boys of the network... Guy and the Ace of Cakes guy. So stop coming down so hard on the Neelys as everyone's style may not suite your fancy therefore just tune in and watch the one's you can relate to. Not everyone on The Food Network channel has culinary skills but they give off their own unique brand of cooking and personality that's sure to capture someone's attention in tv land. The Neely's will grow as time goes on just like all the others, give them a fair chance. If you've ever seen old episodes from Bobby Flay, when he first started he couldn't even operate a blender so how's that for starters. Mon Jun 30 19:42:00 -0700 2008 3406568 205409 holiday6424 3 3953070 Sandra Lee is from the state of Washington, about as un-southern as you can get. Assuming you are referring to Ina Garten, please tell me what "gothnic" means. I'm dying to know! "Even the gay guys are people that a certain community can relate to"? Really? Seriously, really? Wed Aug 13 08:21:49 -0700 2008 3828441 116638 southernitalian 1 3407800 I HATED this show watching for the first time but it had nothing to do with the food they were making. I've seen broccoli cheddar cornbread and vegetable soup with fried porkchops. It was very homey and all, not exactly my type but that didn't phase me. I'm fine with shows that are for everyday cooks since I basically am one. But I found their style ridiculous and annoying. I wanted to like them and was glad to see FN branching out, but it just looked like they were trying too hard. Like Paula on a sugar rush or something - "give me some of that sugar, sugar" followed by screeching laughter is only funny once if at all. Sorry. Sun Feb 17 18:19:08 -0800 2008 3281123 99136 AMFM 1 3408620 cant have too many shows about bbq in my world. caught one episode, and would probaby watch them again if their are no sports to watch. Mon Feb 18 06:08:03 -0800 2008 3281123 26725 swsidejim 2 3408707 I saw the first episode, wasn't really impressed by it. I like BBQ and all but I'm surrounded by it all the time living in the South. Don't understand why FN would do yet another southern-type cooking show when Paula Deen is already on air all the time with her show and with Paula's Party. I know they want to appeal to the home cook, which is fine, but do all these new shows need to be of the same format? I've learned a lot from FN but feel like I'm growing out out of it already. Mon Feb 18 06:54:42 -0800 2008 3408620 159649 Madelyne 3 3408733 I can see your points. I just enjoy seeing different takes on bbq since I own a smoker, and am always looking for others techniques, styles, etc.. I dont watch Paula, so I dont get that overload. I do get an overload with two FN channels, the regular one, and FNHD. Other than Bobby Flay not much on either that I like to watch. They are just a part of my channel surfing regulars. Mon Feb 18 07:06:23 -0800 2008 3408707 26725 swsidejim 3 3408788 That's what FN does they have one type of show and they use it over and over. Same goes for the people. Lose one plump shorts wearing Italian, bring in in another. Mon Feb 18 07:19:32 -0800 2008 3408707 23758 Withnail42 1 3409988 After watching ultimate receipe showdown, it makes the Neely's show look like any of J Pepan's shows by comparison. Mon Feb 18 13:10:43 -0800 2008 3281123 67683 littlestevie 1 3415049 Food Network has long seemed more invested in building a cult of personality/marketable celebs than in gourmet shows. That said, the Neely show is fairly inoffensive- it's not my cup of tea but I enjoy the couple and the food is appealing if you're into BBQ. But it does seem a little calculated- I remember on Next Food Network Star, Jag mentioned that they weren't really including Latino chefs and they seemed a little miffed. But it was the truth--- "Simply Delicioso" didn't come around until AFTER NFNS and Down Home is bringing some new diversity as well. Tue Feb 19 18:41:24 -0800 2008 3281123 167671 mumblety 2 3415507 What could they do that would not "seem calculated?" Also, TV shows take a bit of time to plan and produce; it's very likely they had Simply Delicioso in the works before Jag was cast in The Next Food Network Star. Tue Feb 19 21:41:13 -0800 2008 3415049 80141 ccbweb 3 3415536 You're right, it has to be calculated because that's how TV works. I think a better way of saying it is that it seems disingenuous to me- like they're more interested in filling a niche any way they can than just showcasing what they perceive as talent. SD definitely had to have been in the works before the Jag debacle. But his point at the time was valid- at that moment in time, they still did NOT have a lot of latino representation and he wanted to help them present some latino flair, however he might have done so with his skills (which I'd considered kind of limited anyway). Their umbrage over the remark seemed kind of strange---- had they just said "we have some things in the pipeline now" it would have been better, but instead I thought they insisted that they thought they DID have a latino presence. Tue Feb 19 21:54:01 -0800 2008 3415507 167671 mumblety 1 3415569 Yes, the Food Network is trying to dispel the complaint about the network about not having people of color. They are airing this show during Black History Month. A lame attempt at multi-culturalism. Tue Feb 19 22:12:02 -0800 2008 3281123 152375 Sammiches 2 3415592 I get confused about what makes the attempt lame. If you don't like the show, ok, but otherwise, it's clearly some form of diversity at work, and that seems like a good thing. If they'd run the show in January, people would say they were trying to forestall complaints in February because it's Black History Month. Whenever they run a show that breaks away from having a white host, some are going to deride them as engaging in a shameful attempt to have a token show. They have to start somewhere and at some time during the year, why not applaud the effort and critique it on its merits. Tue Feb 19 22:28:21 -0800 2008 3415569 80141 ccbweb 2 3415633 What will you say when it's still on the air in March? Perhaps "They're just showing this because Obama is doing so well in the polls!" Tue Feb 19 23:00:08 -0800 2008 3415569 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 2 3417165 I'm not sure why any attempt at multiculturalism should be labelled as "lame", unless it is crass or offensive in some way. Which, IMHO, this show is not. It's a show featuring an African American family that has been quite successful in their chosen field. I don't know if the timing is intentional or not, but Black History Month seems as good a time to premier this show as any. Wed Feb 20 10:43:17 -0800 2008 3415569 67610 Suzy Q 3 3417602 I enjoy the Neely's, at least they are cooking real hearty food minus the frou-frou. I would love, love, love a thai cooking show...are you reading FN?!? Wed Feb 20 12:10:39 -0800 2008 3417165 76186 moymoy 4 3422622 Thai and Indian!!!! Bring it on FN!!! Thu Feb 21 18:31:49 -0800 2008 3417602 88683 stellamystar 5 3450709 GAWD, I would LOVE to see more of a variety....Thai and Indian ,yes bring it on! Sat Mar 01 18:04:37 -0800 2008 3422622 170962 karlottassoul 1 3427383 Please ditch "He always stealing my sugar" Sat Feb 23 10:53:04 -0800 2008 3281123 147713 speyerer 2 3427546 FTV could just run a quick edit clip, "He's always stealing my sugar." "Bam!" "Yum-O." "Oh ya Babe." "How cool is that?" DT Sat Feb 23 11:55:40 -0800 2008 3427383 11291 Davwud 3 3427554 She's said that exactly once. What are you even talking about? Sat Feb 23 11:58:50 -0800 2008 3427546 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 4 3427917 I wouldn't know. I watched half of one show. I was more making comment on the fact that FTV seems to love people with some sort of catch phrase. DT Sat Feb 23 14:28:05 -0800 2008 3427554 11291 Davwud 5 3428640 Saying something ONCE makes it the exact opposite of a catch phrase. Sat Feb 23 20:09:22 -0800 2008 3427917 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 6 3430401 "Saying something ONCE makes it the exact opposite of a catch phrase." Really?? Cause I had no idea. I didn't know that it was only said ONCE since I only managed half of the first show. It was presented by another poster and I interpreted it as something that is said often. DT Sun Feb 24 14:56:53 -0800 2008 3428640 11291 Davwud 7 3439005 Oh good God, I've been on FoodTV/HGTV binge for the last month, and if I didn't go a day without hearing "He's always stealing my sugar" 12 times during primetime... this was how the show was pitched across the cable landscape, a commercial featuring this line *as if* they were trying to brand it ala "BAM!" Yum-O" style - so I do get where Davwud and speyerer are coming from. Wed Feb 27 00:35:05 -0800 2008 3430401 97231 Annie S. 3 3565211 don't forget here we go. Giada must say that 15-20 times while she is on the air. As for the Neely's I have watched a few episodes but find she is just too loud for my taste. but that is why we have the option to change the channel if we don't like what is on Sat Apr 05 16:11:54 -0700 2008 3427546 180068 Smileelisa 2 3429090 My daughter and I love that! We've been saying it all week. "She always stealing my sugar!" XX Sun Feb 24 05:40:58 -0800 2008 3427383 116638 southernitalian 3 3429168 My grandmother always used to say that when I was a little girl. I have one German friend who asked me what I meant when he heard me ask my young niece to "give Aunt Suzy some sugar". I think I made him understand the concept, but he said he'd never heard anything like that before. Come to think of it, I'm not sure my NY-born and raised hubby knew what that meant, either. Sun Feb 24 06:43:35 -0800 2008 3429090 67610 Suzy Q 1 3431359 I'm really not interested in this show. I'll do exactly what I do when Sandra Lee or Rachael Ray are on, change the channel. The good news is when Sandra Lee comes on, Molto Maria is on Fine Living (in my area, on DirecTv.) As others have said, we have Paula for southern cooking. There have been SO many specials about BBQ, I don't think the information isn't out there if you want it. There are so many cultures and types of cooking that haven't been covered at all. Hell, what about a show that just features segments from different cultures. A Persian chef, Thai, Russian, Mexico, etc.. Then you can truly say that you're being diverse. Sun Feb 24 22:23:34 -0800 2008 3281123 107212 Azizeh Barjesteh 2 3432244 They had a show during the early years called "My Country, My Kitchen" (if I remember correctly) that featured chef's of different ethnicities preparing dishes from their respective cultures. Good show, but that was before the dark times, before the food network empire. Mon Feb 25 08:59:44 -0800 2008 3431359 73013 LabRat 3 3482386 I remember that show, it was great! I'll put it on Tivo, because as someone else mentioned, Fine Living is resurrecting a lot of classic FN shows, like Molto Mario and Sara Moulton's show. Tue Mar 11 12:04:18 -0700 2008 3432244 95577 yamalam 1 3433410 This is the most awful show! That womans voice is so highly iritating and their cooking is a heart attack on a plate! Who suggested them for a show? Paula? Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Mon Feb 25 13:26:08 -0800 2008 3281123 80361 MellieMac 1 3435602 I believe Paula's producers also produces this show. I have not seen the show because I really can't be bothered with FN anymore. But credit to FN for, finally, putting something different on the air. Granted it is not a huge leap, but a step in the right direction. I have not seen the show because I really can't be bothered with FN anymore. Tue Feb 26 06:34:35 -0800 2008 3281123 23758 Withnail42 2 3435764 I watched it the other day and I like the husband and the brothers and think the show would be better with them than the wife who makes everything simply about her. The food wasn't high-brow but good "family style" food and the husband was pleasant and funny without crossing the line into being obnoxious. Tue Feb 26 07:27:50 -0800 2008 3435602 11990 Janet from Richmond 3 3436480 I agree Janet...I liked the husband and brothers, but she waaaaaaaay crosses over into the obnoxious category. I really wanted to like this show, growing up in Tennessee, but I felt like I was watching it with my hands over my face, peeking out and being embaressed for them. Tue Feb 26 10:28:20 -0800 2008 3435764 169405 jcrisco 1 3438394 My chief complaint is the use of sharpie to cover the KROGER store brand canned goods and bagged cheese. Come on Food Network and Neely's!! You are cooking in a $300 Viking pan, wearing a rock bigger than mine, but you are using a SHARPIE!!! Other than the over-acting and too much sexual suggestions, it makes this show look low budget...more like Ann Cox on Talk of the Town (a local)...yuk! But, Neely's has the BEST slaw on the planet. We drive across town just for the slaw! Tue Feb 26 18:50:44 -0800 2008 3281123 169815 stampchick724 2 3438557 Because god forbid a married couple should be sexually attracted to each other. Won't someone think of the children? Tue Feb 26 19:53:51 -0800 2008 3438394 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 3 3450707 hahahaha, LOL too funny, you're so right! Sat Mar 01 18:02:56 -0800 2008 3438557 170962 karlottassoul 2 3438762 What's wrong with shopping at Kroger and using a sharpie? Did I miss something? And Barmy, you crack me up! Tue Feb 26 21:11:35 -0800 2008 3438394 67610 Suzy Q 3 3439011 Mmmmm I don't think stampchick's post is suggesting that sharpies and Krogers are the past-times of inferior people. Rather, it was a comment on the inconsistency of production value between established shows and new ventures. We watch Rachel Ray's Justifying Yourself To Your Nuclear Family in 30 Minutes or Less and clearly they have some top-shelf interns committed to pumping out cutsey faux-labels in Illustrator to glue over their store-bought bounty. And though I haven't tuned in to see this over-acting and sexual innuendo (only seen the Neely's with Paula) - yeah, it does sound completely predictable for a show trying to find its footing - and one I hope that does. Wed Feb 27 00:47:08 -0800 2008 3438762 97231 Annie S. 1 3438520 Anything that gets more Americans in the kitchen and cooking is good in my book. If it takes sexual innuendo, fine. Tue Feb 26 19:40:04 -0800 2008 3281123 76025 mojoeater 1 3450859 Great! FoodTV Finally found someone more annoying then Rachel Ray. Someone tell Gina to shut the heck up and let Pat talk. Pat has something of substance to say usually.....she can't compete with his stories or his classy ways and that's why she makes fun of him every time he gets 2 seconds of talk in. I don't see the love that alot of others do in this show. I see a pushy woman making her husband look like a fool. Sat Mar 01 19:21:37 -0800 2008 3281123 170975 Speechlass1 2 3450878 Speechlass, your profile and lack of posts other than this one don't indicate where you're from, but perhaps the way this family communicates and relates to each other is just unlike what you're accustomed to in your own family. Being a Southerner and knowing many families that act in a similar way to what I've see of the Neelys on their show, I'd have to disagree with your assessment. While I'm fairly ambivalent about the show - I don't purposely set out to watch or to avoid it - I really don't see where it's making a fool of anyone. Sat Mar 01 19:30:53 -0800 2008 3450859 67610 Suzy Q 3 3450949 I have lived in many places and my family is mostly in the south. Loud and obnoxious is just that in which ever state you live in. Over talking another person and just talking jibberish is annoying. Sat Mar 01 19:59:43 -0800 2008 3450878 170975 Speechlass1 1 3452011 I watched the show a second time. There is a whole lot more talk than cooking – lots of clichés, too many sexual overtones with antics and banter played to the camera for laughs. In other words the show is a lot like Paula Deen's Home Cooking Show, " as she prepares home cooked meals that satisfy your taste buds and soul". Sun Mar 02 10:52:46 -0800 2008 3281123 147713 speyerer 2 3453368 Amen to that. I was sooo looking forwarding to people of color being on Food Network..finally. But c'mon. We wanted to see em outside BBQing!! Let's see the rubs, the meat, the sauce, mac n cheese, corn on the cob, pie! I love BBQ spaghetti, BTW. That over the top wife grates on me. Get rid of her and just have the Neely boys...if I hear something like "he's always takin' my sugar" in that high pitched tone again, I am gonna hurl. Sun Mar 02 19:11:29 -0800 2008 3452011 11408 melly 3 3454784 OKAY-- I just heard Pat say "i'm gonna put the SHALLOPS in the pan" It's SHALLOTS Pat!--I just read all the reviews, some I agree with some I don't. The sexual comments and Gina shakin' her booty (to the camera) HAS TO GO. Gina--If you're out there, please girl...take it down a notch, stop talking over Pat and relax. I think you're "hamming" it up too much. I saw when you were making the cornish hens. SO OVER THE TOP when you were talking about the spices "having a party and dancing with eachother" Talk and cook! Be nicer to Pat, no more dancing, booty shakin', you seem to be a lovely lady just tone it down. oh, and please learn to use a knife you guys.....I do like the lighting. the pictures should come off the cabinets too. Till next time ya'll--The foodman Mon Mar 03 09:43:34 -0800 2008 3453368 171427 thefoodman 2 3454940 I agree--even the commercial about Pat having a way with his hands turned me off. What they cook is fine but the delivery leaves something to be desired; pun not intended. Take it down a notch or two. Mon Mar 03 10:22:42 -0800 2008 3452011 39874 chowser 3 3566637 She DEFINITELY needs to turn it down. Stop shouting, please please quit with the sexual inuendo and stop acting like you're some kind of Goddess of the perfect family. They act like they invented the concept of a close family. Sun Apr 06 09:04:19 -0700 2008 3454940 181212 JacquiS 1 3456621 Can't handle this show. I watched them yesterday for the second time and find the wife extremely annoying. She has this awful "it's all about me" attitude I just can't stand. But I love their Viking kitchen..... Mon Mar 03 16:58:40 -0800 2008 3281123 147538 polish_girl 2 3460541 Me either. I can't agree more with the last two posts. Jeeze...tone it down. They are about the worst FN has added in years, It took me a few flips with Guy, Paula, ect, but this was a instant annoyance. Tue Mar 04 18:04:27 -0800 2008 3456621 171531 SDMike 1 3466249 Totally trash TV... Thu Mar 06 10:56:52 -0800 2008 3281123 65057 Uncle Bob 1 3466441 Terrible, just terrible. I saw this monstrosity last Friday for the first (and last) time. There is so much wrong with this show, I couldn't even begin to type it all out. It simply isn't even worth the time to comment any more on the subject. Thu Mar 06 11:37:36 -0800 2008 3281123 142652 madgreek 1 3467487 Seems the Food Network is no longer about food. It's about franchising "properties" with little catchphrases "(Hah, yawwwwwl!") and trademark shrill voices. After all, iit worked with Rachael Ray, so they're actively trying to add more marketable hams to their lineup. Soon it'll be like watching cartoons on Saturday morning TV. Bet the Neeleys aren't anything like they appear on camera...... once they're OFF camera. Thu Mar 06 15:40:55 -0800 2008 3281123 145206 SSqwerty 1 3479584 This show is the most rediculous show I have yet to see on Food Network. I wouldnt watch those idiots if I was being paid. They act really stupid. Mon Mar 10 16:56:14 -0700 2008 3281123 173618 darn 1 3480493 I happened to catch this show yesterday, must be a rerun .. anyhow, they were cooking game hen, creamed collard greens and apple-crisp in ramekens. There was nothing spectacular about the food or the cooking methods or even the recipe. But the woman kept pointing to her face everytime she said 'brown sugar' Methinks she feels a sense of guilt about her wealth and so desperately tries to act like the rest of their target audience, making a fool of herself in the process Just sayin Mon Mar 10 23:32:56 -0700 2008 3281123 141107 JiyoHappy 1 3511594 I watch and enjoy Food Network however there is quite a disparity. I was wondering why do they not have more ethnic cooking shows, but I also have my eyebrow up to why a BBQ show. Is that the only cuisine that people of color dine on? Either way people will have their strong opinions on their likes and dislikes for the show and network. I say EAT, DRINK & be "Quiet"! Thu Mar 20 12:04:43 -0700 2008 3281123 176412 cpatte36 2 3511641 Because they're a good-looking couple who are reasonably well-known and very respected in their home town. They are part of a family that owns a BBQ restaurant. This show could have been good. Thu Mar 20 12:16:17 -0700 2008 3511594 116638 southernitalian 3 3511728 I think it would be better with Pat and the brothers and without Gina. I hate how she treats Pat like a child or an idiot depending on the situation. Thu Mar 20 12:38:25 -0700 2008 3511641 11990 Janet from Richmond 4 3545999 I'm sure FN and the Neelys want this thread to go away for good but I have to chime in (again). I watched the first episode again yesterday. DON'T ask me why. I was bored. It really bothers me how FN put this show together because I really think it could be good if it was just Pat and his brother. Or just let them be heard. Let Gina come on the last 5 minutes and make some nauseating dessert. We've got these two guys who obviously know a thing or two about BBQ and they can't get two words out without Motormouth taking up air time to show me how to slice a strawberry. The only problem I can see with this show is how many programs can they do around BBQ? You got your beef, your pork, your chicken, dry and wet. That's 6 episodes. Maybe the brothers could travel to BBQ restaurants in the Memphis area. Just hate to see them fail because of poor editing. They seem talented and sincere. Mon Mar 31 10:54:45 -0700 2008 3511728 116638 southernitalian 5 3655196 I'm sure their BBQ food tastes outstanding at their restaurant. The problem with the show is that you can't duplicate slow cooked BBQ meats at home unless you own a smoker (which most people don't have). So while their real BBQ spaghetti probably tastes great and is certainly a tradition in the south, a home cook putting some non-smoked shredded grocery store meat with a bottled sauce is going to find the result gross. I would find it more useful it there were instruction on converting a typical grill into a smoker or making a back yard BBQ pit or even how to use a real smoker. And like others on here, I could do without the constant silliness and flirting. But apparently FN is encouraging their chefs and cooks to all be over the top. Sun May 04 10:23:16 -0700 2008 3545999 150115 Mellicita 2 4034021 Gosh- doesn't anybody remember "Melting Pot on FN just a few years back? Aron Sanchez was just one of the regulars. It was a great show, but maybe I was the only one that thought so. But there was a lot of diversity on that show- many people on ONE show. It's almost segregated the way they do the shows these days, one for the blacks, one for the Latins, one for the whites, one for the crackers (southern whites), one enterpreneurial know-nothing-about-food for the Barbies, etc. But they got rid of Mario because he knows too much. Way too polysyllabic. And couldn't they have found somebody to do a Latin cooking show that a) knows something about Latin cooking and b) doesn't have a German name? Ingrid Hoffman- that doesn't count as multicultural, even though she's likely descended from Jews that emigrated to Cuba from Germany just before WWII. Sun Sep 14 11:02:07 -0700 2008 3511594 105625 EWSflash 1 3513114 I watched it once, the man acts halfway normal, the wife acts like Paula Deen. I guess I didn't like her silliness takes away from what they are actually cooking. Thu Mar 20 19:23:52 -0700 2008 3281123 152622 cook52 1 3519410 As for the actual FOOD, they prepare - I am making the Neely's apple crisp (in the oven right now) for Easter. It smells great - let's hope it is, too. Sun Mar 23 09:20:39 -0700 2008 3281123 88683 stellamystar 2 3547802 Report on my Neely's Apple Crisp. Easy, portable, and everyone liked it. Extraordinary? No. Will I make it again? In a pinch for company- yes. But, it is pretty hard to mess up apple crisp! I predict this will be a one season wonder..which is fine with me. Mon Mar 31 19:22:51 -0700 2008 3519410 88683 stellamystar 1 3528328 Wanting to judge for myself, I went in with an open mind and an open heart.. After 20 minutes, 9 'brown sugahs' and 27 flaunting, smirking, 'thank you daddies' I flipped it off and sided with the opposition... Tue Mar 25 22:24:10 -0700 2008 3281123 10783 Mild Bill 2 3531931 My husband wanted to try watching it last weekend. He can't stand the wife either. All the sexual inuendos made us laugh. I still hate this show and we will never watch it ever again. We tried to watch the entire thing..but we just couldn't do it. Wed Mar 26 22:41:36 -0700 2008 3528328 11408 melly 1 3542257 today: "the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice." now we can do without all this! plus, food is boring. Sun Mar 30 03:11:46 -0700 2008 3281123 105717 alkapal 2 3566641 If food bores you, you haven't been eating in the right places! Sun Apr 06 09:04:59 -0700 2008 3542257 181212 JacquiS 3 3576336 THEIR food is boring!!!!!!!! Wed Apr 09 06:53:01 -0700 2008 3566641 105717 alkapal 1 3566755 I actually watched this show the first day that it premiered. I was very excited to see African Americans hosting a show. Half way through the show I was logged on the FN website writing about how disappointed I was with the entire show. I couldn't stand all of the sexual innuendo. At one point when they were talking about "Rub Downs" I thought Gina was going to push the meat off the counter & jump up there herself. I do agree that if Pat & his brother could get a few words in edgewise & Gina just kept her mouth shut, the show would be slightly better. All in all I would have to say that the "Spice Fairy" (Gina) was the MOST annoying thing about the whole show. Not sure if anyone else caught this, but is it me or did she seem to be in competition with his mom? Every time he said something about his mom, she tried to come back & show how she could do it better, even at dinner when she put the cake on her head. That was the first & last time I will ever watch that show. As an African American I was embarrassed for them & for FN. At this point, I'm looking forward to the new show Cooking For Real w/ Sunny Anderson. Hopefully this will worth watching. Sun Apr 06 09:45:19 -0700 2008 3281123 181223 ladyweez 2 3570578 Hi everybody! New to the board. The Neely's have actually been on Food Network a TON before this show even aired! Not only where they on Paula's Party and Road Tasted (as mentioned) Bobby Flay was there years ago (can't remember the show but he was traveling the US looking for the best BBQ places), Rachel Ray ate there on an episode of $40 a Day, and Alton Brown and the crew ate there on the Feasting on Asphault: River Run series. Gotta be one of the most exposed restaurants in Memphis. As many times as they've been visited by the Food Network, no WONDER they have their own show. Mon Apr 07 13:21:36 -0700 2008 3566755 181556 Tab1975 1 3634648 they just seem so damn phony to me. Sun Apr 27 16:23:04 -0700 2008 3281123 184055 beelzebozo 1 3634663 If Gina could keep her mouth shut for more than 5 seconds this show might actually be watchable. Sun Apr 27 16:26:58 -0700 2008 3281123 60803 coasterphil 1 3646229 the production values are poor, too. i wanted to like the show. and i'm not a racist, either. it is not a good show. period. fn has several bad shows. just read these boards. Thu May 01 07:15:07 -0700 2008 3281123 105717 alkapal 1 3646447 I've watched this show occasionally, and I agree that Gina's loud, annoying ways and endless sexual innuendos make her hard to take. And I really don't need to watch tv to learn how to make a cake from cake mix and jello. I grew up eating those kinds of "semi-homemade" monstrosities, and my adulthood is a conscious decision NOT to eat that way. On the other hand, I hardly blame the Neelys, who obviously love each other and are quite a success in Memphis. The Food Network chose to showcase this family and the kind of food they cook and the way they cook. Gina's over the top behavior is no doubt modeled on the outrageous "Paula's Party" personality that Paula Deen has morphed into. In fact, I suspect that the FN has gotten some pretty bad reviews for DHWTN. In the more recent episodes (yes, I channel surf), Gina is very toned down compared to how she was in the first shows. The later shows have much fewer sexual innuendos, and the focus is more on cooking and less on "personality." I can't hold the Neelys responsible for the FN's weird cult of personality and I don't. However, I can choose not to watch FN, and now I favor PBS where the cooking shows are not so much presented for the MTV generation. The only thing the Neelys themselves are really guilty of is agreeing to present themselves the way the FN likely told them is the recipe for success. I'm sure it was hard to say no considering how well they're probably paid to do it. Thu May 01 08:44:28 -0700 2008 3281123 178560 SharaMcG 2 3652861 a very balanced view, shara! Sat May 03 08:25:13 -0700 2008 3646447 105717 alkapal 2 3657410 I agree. I have to thank Food Network for tuning me back into PBS Mon May 05 08:31:37 -0700 2008 3646447 13010 cleveland park 1 3653631 There is a Down home with the Neely's marathon on Sunday May 4th. I myself will NOT be watching FN tomorrow. I can take about 1 minute of her loud obnoxious voice and 1 second of her sexual innuendo's. Sat May 03 14:34:38 -0700 2008 3281123 180068 Smileelisa 2 3654074 Now I feel really bad. I feel bad because I've watched the Neely's show, and I didn't find the show demeaning. The food and the recipes sound good to me. I'm comfortable with the show's parameters, but now feel like something is wrong with me because I enjoy catching their show when I can. And I'll catch a couple of the May 4th marathon of shows too. And finally, I still smile recalling my Dad ask a one word question when Mom would tell him she needed sugar. "Granulated"? he would ask! Sat May 03 18:21:39 -0700 2008 3653631 189303 texasgranny 3 3654519 Texasgranny, don't let other people's opinions push you away from doing what you enjoy. If you like watching the Neelys, then do so with a smile! Life's too short to be ruled by fear of what other people might think. I lived like that for a long time and missed out on a lot of life. Some of us, like me, dislike the show and that's our opinion. Others, like you, enjoy it, and that's your opinion. Opinions aren't right or wrong, they just are, like the weather. So do what you enjoy doing, whether it's watching the Neelys, writing poetry, or skydiving naked. Sun May 04 01:08:38 -0700 2008 3654074 99521 KenWritez 4 3820526 I was just perusing this old thread but just wanted to say, yay KenWritez! What a great post! Fri Jun 27 16:37:51 -0700 2008 3654519 56784 lanersg 3 3654711 seriously, if you like it, i think that's fine. i can see why some might find it appealing, but it just doesn't strike a chord with me. Sun May 04 06:16:50 -0700 2008 3654074 184055 beelzebozo 3 3655054 texgranny--watch your show! Don't let these comments deter you. Some of the comments on this thread are over the top. Do I think the show needs tweaking?--sure it does--it's new. But, not everythng about it is terrible. I also think some cultural differences are in play--a cooking show doesn't need to be bland and devoid of personality, a cooking show can offer some entertainment with the cooking. In any event, dont let this thread deter you in your tv viewing. Sun May 04 09:24:39 -0700 2008 3654074 13427 Ora 1 3655405 Finally! I've been able to catch the show during the Sunday marathon. The first show was the cornish game hen show... Gina is a very fast, hyper, high-pitched talker. Reminds me of Andrew from Top Chef. I can see that being very annoying. Pat is very mellow but is quite humorous. The second show is the bbq turkey meatloaf. Gina has mellowed out... speaking at a slower pace and not as high-pitched. Overall, they're cooking for the typical home cook with common pantry items. They're not trying to foo-foo their cooking. I do like the way the two interact and if the hostess can avoid being pitchy it's a watchable show for me. I guess the innuendos don't bother me or they just go over my head... lol. Sun May 04 11:58:34 -0700 2008 3281123 56054 dave_c 1 3655956 I don't have the time to read through all of the responses and I respect that you don't have time to read mine. Frankly I was appalled and amazed that these two people would allow such an Uncle Tom type of humiliating show to showcase them. After one or two shows I was so embarrassed by racial bias I just could not bring myself to watch again. Sun May 04 16:33:32 -0700 2008 3281123 10285 Candy 2 3656570 I think racial bias, as beauty, is in the eye of the beholder--at least as far as they Neelys are concerned. Yes, Gina annoys the crap out of me, as do Giada, Robin Miller, George Duran, and the shoot-on-sight Mark Miller--wait. To save time, let's just say I hate everyone. I'm an equal opportunity curmudgeon. Thus I can't see any racial bias in the Neelys' show. I do see geographical and cultural bias--they're from the South and proudly so. But as a Texan, I'm pre-disposed to like the food and culture of the South. I hope the Neelys have great BBQ, I'd love to try it some time, just never within earshot of Gina. Sun May 04 21:33:57 -0700 2008 3655956 99521 KenWritez 3 3656767 Technically I am a southerner. They characterize themselves so broadly it is an embarassment. Mon May 05 01:37:07 -0700 2008 3656570 10285 Candy 4 3656773 I understand your point, but IMHO you're confusing the actions of an entertainer and literal clown with those of a normal person. Gina is acting as a clown--the Fool, the jester, the comic, the maker of jokes, the lightning rod for the audience's attention. So yes, her performance is so broad she embarasses herself *if you see her as a normal woman and not a performer.* Think of David Lee Roth, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ozzy--their actions are different onstage compared to offstage, say at the grocery store or at home cooking a chicken breast for their lunch. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts when the cameras are off she's more restrained and calm in her demeanor. Mon May 05 01:57:52 -0700 2008 3656767 99521 KenWritez 3 3828474 I like the Neely's but Gina can be very annoying. Sometimes it seems as if she tries too hard to give off a spunky personality. But it comes across as 2 people "playing" in the kitchen rather than "teaching". It's always been a bit aggravating to me to watch 2 people cooking and speaking at the same time. Sometimes they're talking over each other and it's hard to focus on the main dish when someone else "Gina" is making stupid faces in the camera and laughing uncontrollably at nothing. They could use some coaching. However, hopefully their new series "Road Tasted w/the Neely's will help to shut Gina up and bit and it'll be a hit for them. Mon Jun 30 19:53:39 -0700 2008 3656570 205409 holiday6424 1 3657388 I think that if you´re going to have a cooking show on tv, there should be minimum knife skill requirements. It really makes me cringe watching the Neely´s cut an onion or anything for that matter. And for the food network, if you know the guy doesn´t have knife skills, please don´t zoom in on him doing so, it makes the show and the neely´s look bad Mon May 05 08:27:17 -0700 2008 3281123 13010 cleveland park 1 3815149 The Neely's have owned and operated their BBQ joints here for forever. I think they have a great energy on camera and personally enjoy their show...I'm even guessing that they tape it in their kitchen at home. Not 100% sure on that one, but I know where they live (not scary stalker, its just public record and I was bored one day.) and it fits in with the style that most of those houses have. That aside, I'm looking forward to their new show...Road Tasted with the Neely's. Yeah, its been done before, but I just like watching these 2 interact. Thu Jun 26 07:16:38 -0700 2008 3281123 204103 sierraskyesmom 2 3816225 I like how they interact too...I think it is cute. Thu Jun 26 11:54:58 -0700 2008 3815149 11854 LaLa 3 3820331 i really like them alot as well, i like they way they interact too -glad they are getting a 2nd show i wish they would show down home in the evening sometime (maybe replace an ad nauseum rerun of oh i dont know ...UNwrapped maybe?) Fri Jun 27 15:04:48 -0700 2008 3816225 177237 sugarsnapp 1 3822974 I did watch it once. Once was enough... Sat Jun 28 19:31:18 -0700 2008 3281123 203621 todao 2 3826153 I watched them and this was my basic reaction: I didn't learn anything from them. I am all for diversity on FN; I am happy to hear about BBQ; and I like the Neelys' personalities. But they aren't teaching me technique or dishes I would want to replicate. I get much more out of Bobby Flay's Throwdowns, because they showcase different types of food and chefs. Mon Jun 30 08:24:21 -0700 2008 3822974 83766 brendastarlet 3 3883308 Exactly - I have not learned a single thing from them so have zero interest. Far too basic - where did the actual cooking shows go? Is there anything that is even a little challenging? Frankly I am growing very tired of the same old thing, only slightly different versions... Sat Jul 19 09:44:16 -0700 2008 3826153 206532 chefathome 1 3903836 Hi all, this is my first post, (so please be gentle) LOL. I had to weigh in on the comment that the Neely's accent is "educated Southern African American". Ah Hayyyyel Naw it isn't. I've lived in the South all my life and my family is pretty well educated and NO one I know sounds like them with all the continuous innuendo, etc. That said, while I can appreciate FN's attempt to show more diversity...I sure wish they could find Marvin Woods from Home Plate!!! His show was classy, fun and informative. I'll bet anything that it would get way more positive reviews that the Neely's shows (which in my humble opinion are pretty embarrasing) Sat Jul 26 12:37:31 -0700 2008 3281123 213351 Dollbaby 2 3952072 It's obvious that you're not a linguist or a speech pathologist. Anyway, the Neely's accent is quite authentic and the content (i.e. recipies) are as well. It is quite possible that many of you who find their accent or humor "embarrassing" or "annoying" have little experience with African-American people and are uncomfortable with Gina because of your own inexperience. I, on the other hand, am from the South, and am familiar with African-American culture (i.e. food, music, literature, history) and thus, am delighted to see and experience their spirited dialogue, and back and forth banter while simultaneously communicating culinary instructions that no one else on the FN comes close to. I'm delighted and I think that a lot of people are as well. Keep it up Neely's!!!! Tue Aug 12 20:20:38 -0700 2008 3903836 218025 tryagainplease 3 4005666 Dollbaby SAID she's lived in the South all her life (assuming she's a female with the online name! <g>) so I'd have to say she's probably pretty used to African-American people and has experienced their speech patterns despite you not thinking she has done so. Wed Sep 03 09:15:29 -0700 2008 3952072 10532 LindaWhit 1 4033831 Horrible, horrible show And what is with the guy making all the sexual slurs to his wife all the time Sun Sep 14 09:17:41 -0700 2008 3281123 115105 duckdown 1 4177036 So Mrs. Sippi decided to watch the show this morning. I have to say, I didn't hate it this time. Have they tweaked the show/personalities?? They were a lot calmer and much less with the double (and sometimes single) entendres. I may try it again. DT Sat Nov 15 20:42:04 -0800 2008 3281123 11291 Davwud 2 4177190 Hmm I saw a few minutes today and they did seem slightly toned down, still annoying. I don't care for their little schmaltzy gushing sessions between segments. If I wanted marriage advice I would watch Dr. Phil or some shiz, not FN. Sat Nov 15 23:30:12 -0800 2008 4177036 240339 Chefsquire 3 4202771 I've also tuned in recently and actually find Pat and Gina very entertaining. No, they are not chefs- but they don't pretend to be either. Their recipes are solid and look good, very simple, southern and homey. They have toned down the banter and seem much more comfortable on camera then they did in the earlier seasons. I will watch again. Wed Nov 26 00:02:18 -0800 2008 4177190 95166 butterqueen 1 4231724 i'm totally liking the neelys these days. i'm so happy fn backed off with "pushing" over-the-top-ness. they are engaging, funny and truly likeable people. they are very affable, and their road trips are really entertaining, too. Tue Dec 09 05:20:15 -0800 2008 3281123 105717 alkapal 1 5141974 Rachel, Paula, and Gina are not chefs but if you want to hear annoying voices put the three together and you could blow a fuse. In Gina's defense I can say that she is just new to the game and was probably prompted to act a certain way by the FN producers. When you think about it, Paula and Rachel seem to be strong women who are real go-getters. Paula talks to her husband and sons quite bossy in my opinion. Rachel acts like she's on speed. GIna made a tape when FN decided to give them a show and if you saw it you would know that she was terrified. I think she just needs time to get her bearings. Perhaps that loud pitch in her voice is a mask for her not being used to being a television personality. And more importantly, I can afford some of the food items that the Neely's use far better than Ina, DeLaurentis and a few others. Who can afford beef tenderloin? I think some chefs really do not realize that their audience cannot cook these expensive meals everyday like they do. Give me a chef who cooks a pot of pinto beans and cornbread. I can afford those. Oh and Alton is not a chef either, but he sure does know his stuff. I just love him. Thu Oct 29 20:41:22 -0700 2009 3281123 1118993 toni Vaughn 2 5142262 deen is a chef in her restaurant, the lady and sons in savannah. she is a go-getter, and knowing her life story, she *had* to be. Fri Oct 30 04:38:24 -0700 2009 5141974 105717 alkapal 2 5145920 Alton did go to culinary school..... New England Culinary Institute... graduating in 1997,,,,he also has a degree in Drama from U of Ga. Interesting I talk the same way to my husband and son as Paula.... Sat Oct 31 18:23:07 -0700 2009 5141974 11854 LaLa 3 5147310 Going to culinary school does not make you a chef. Running all aspects of a kitchen makes one a chef. There are great chefs that never went to culinary school but there has never been a person that hasn't run a kitchen that can be called a chef. Sun Nov 01 13:46:01 -0800 2009 5145920 10195 KTinNYC 1 5146909 I really dislike this show. The food they cook is boring and not very original. Sun Nov 01 10:18:32 -0800 2009 3281123 18011 Jacey 1 5147347 When watching 'Down home with the Neely's' I almost feel that at any moment they are going to throw all the stuff off the countertops and start getting busy..not in a food way. ; ) Sun Nov 01 14:02:05 -0800 2009 3281123 97452 Beach Chick