The Truth About Robert Irvine?

[UptownKevin]

Interesting article yesterday about Robert Irvine in the St. Pete Times (Florida). It's more of an investigative piece about his reputation and some of his prior statements, but I am not sure which side to believe. Regardless, it's a hot topic in this area, since his two restaurants are slated to open in downtown St. Pete, one of these days. I've never met the guy, but I do enjoy his "Dinner Impossible" show from time to time.

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/17/Sou...

-Kevin

[Jonah1]

Who the hell cares about embellished resumes! Fact is, as a Chef Robert Irvine has more talent then all those Iron-Chefs combined! His shows are great and his support for our troops and our vets is well known. I say Rock-On Chef Irvine keep up the good work!!

[Pincus]

In Toronto, the subways have posters proudly proclaiming his new season, so at least Food Network Canada is still spending money on promoting him.

[mrsjenpeters]

chef irvine responds...

http://www.usmagazine.com/fired_dinne...

[Phaedrus]

I am glad he stood up and took it like a man. He is an idiot for having lied in the first place but he is taking responsibility for his errors, which eliminates him from jobs in politics, law, advertising, high finance, and the clergy in certain religions.

[southernitalian]

Advertising? Heck, I'd hire him if he'd come clean about the steroids.

[sleepycat]

what does steroids have to do with cooking or food?

[melly]

That is what my husband said Anna. He loves that show.

[Rentacoptrainer]

According to the Royal Navy website, with your parent's permission one can enlist at 15 and begin training any time after one's 16th birthday. I read is book and it doesn't mention designing the cake, only working on it. And let's be honest, could there REALLY have been only one?

I'm not saying there might not have been embellishment, but I'm not necessarily willing to say it's entirely Irvine's fault. FN sold us a package when they set up the show and I'm ok with that because I find it entertaining. His book isn't nearly as self-serving as all the stuff coming out about his resume, though. Give the guy a fair shake and consider that it may not have been him (or not entirely, anyway), but FN working the ratings. If it was all Irvine, FN probably wouldn't be taking as much of a "wait and see" attitude.

Just my $0.02.

[Withnail42]

You bought the goods FN and Irvine were selling.

Who would want to watch a show about a former navy catering cook who lives in New Jersey and sells dried fruit online? Can't imagine there is a big market for that one.

I wonder what story Irvine told FN when things were getting started? Clearly FN worked things to their advantage; But Irvine removed his bio from his own website.(He still has yet to 'create' a new one.). He sold a lot of goods top people in Florida unrelated to the show. He alone told every one about being knighted and being given a castle from the Queen. As regard to the cake apparently Irinve has said things ranging from helping design it to having the top tier in his freezer.

At the end of the day Irvine alone is responsible for his situation.

[LindaWhit]

He alone told every one about being knighted and being given a castle from the Queen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just started laughing when I read this. Does the monarchy even *give* castles away anymore the way they did in Henry VIII's time? Isn't it just a title in name only, and usually just for the life of the person, not in perpetuity to the family? How could he think that someone wouldn't look at this statement on his CV and say "Ummm.....yeah. That so doesn't happen anymore"?

[MplsM ary]

Here's another article from a Minneapolis 'zine (formerly print and online, now only available online). http://www.rakemag.com/blogs/breaking...

[sleepycat]

Just saw DI in Vegas... It was a fun episode :D

[Bergerman]

The latest is hardly unexpected: Irvine won't be opening restaurants in downtown St. Pete. http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2008/03/irvine-backs-ou.html

And some speculation about who will take his place in that space:

http://blogs.tampabay.com/dining/2008...

[TrishUntrapped]

It appeared he wasn't going to be able to fund the restaurants even with his lies intact, so the expose' gives him a great reason to just walk away.

Set and match to you, Sir Robert.

[Ligros]

Say what you want about Rachel Ray. She is the first to admit she does not have a chef's background and training. She does not lie about it. On the other hand...Robert Irvine does and really cakes it on thick. My question is why did it take so long to be researched. Worked on Di's wedding cake? Are you kidding?!!!!!!!!! He can't be over about 42. Give him the boot.

[Severn2]

I thought this story was pretty interesting, since it was a defense of irvine:

http://allyourtv.com/0708season/indef...

I think the point of it is wrong, but at least it's a different take on the story.

[Ligros]

The reason keeping him at FN is no good for me is basically saying what he did was naughty but ok. We need the $$$$ his show brings in. To heck with accountability. Hey! I used to cook for Alexander the Great, The Titanic main dining room (I survived by simply swimming ashore) and for Olivia Newton John on the set of Greece. Oh and I am 31 years old. Hire me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Minger]

Interview with a Chef.

[Withnail42]

FN is bidding it's time to sees how the ratings pan out, as well as any legal issues Irvine might find himself dealing with. I get the feeling that his contract was going to be up anyway. This way they can seem to be making a stand by saying 'We're not renewing...at this time.' The plain fact of the matter is that if they really wanted Irvine out they could have easily and legally fired him on the spot.

I'm sure it helps that his show is produced by Mark Sumners. The same guy who brings us unwrapped telling us how toothpicks are made. And this new Ultimate Recipe contest.

Perhaps it's the conspiracy theorist in me but I do think that FN was well aware of his real credentials. They then played up fractional truths to enhance his James Bond image. Which is perhaps why he still has a job. FN is just as guilty. I don't think that they expected the blowhard to go around and continue to embellish things so ridiculously.

[Scortch]

Withnail may have a particularly interesting (if a bit inflammatory) spin on all this. While I had always considered FN to have the ability to just be so dunderheaded as to never bothering to check Irvine's credentials, I had never entertained the possibility that they might have been complicit in hiding the truth.

Of note to somewhat support this idea; this whole shebang broke open once Irvine took those phony creds outside of the Dinner Impossible world and started to use them to strike business deals. B.S. as a TV celebrity is almost part and parcel. It can be that as well in the business world. It can also be fraud.

[Phaedrus]

Lets take this further along the conspiracy line. Say Irvine is going out of the coccoon of the FN family to start his own chain of restaurants, and the FN brass isn't happy about it. So what do they do? Leak the fact that he padded his resume to the St. Pete Times?

[Scortch]

Man! Are we starting to get into the realm of trenchcoats and clandestine meetings in darkened parking garages?

"Just call me... DeepFried"

[Phaedrus]

They started it!!!

[Scortch]

Laughing heartily on this end, Phaedrus, most certainly WITH and not AT you!

[sommrluv]

"Perhaps it's the conspiracy theorist in me but I do think that FN was well aware of his real credentials. They then played up fractional truths to enhance his James Bond image."

This is SOOO what DH and I were talking about last night, and I was coming here to post a very similar theory...DARN! LOL

I was thinking how niave it was of myself to believe that Jag had never been background checked. And here comes Irvine. Hmmm. Don't these people get 'handlers'? Or at least, PR people? And than I dwell a bit, and remember the way Jag 'confessed' he phrased it as he should have stopped it when he saw what statements were being made or something similar...almost as if, he read an interview, or his own PR package, and saw it than. And how intimidating that could be to a young kid...play ball here, this is how we're going to portray you, war hero.

It seems obvious from earlier posters that Irvine has issues, and tells stories. We've all encountered someone like that, but don't we smell the rat immediately? Can you see the interview between Irvine and the greedy PR person?

"So, you enlisted in the Royal Navy quite young, I see. You wouldn't happened to have anything to do with Diana's Wedding Banquet, did you?"

Irvine, Jokingly, "Well, I might've picked the fruit for the cake.."

Pr person, scribbling 'Single-handedly created wedding cake masterpiece'.....

[Withnail42]

I figured the same scenario. But the PR person would have said something like. 'Help worked on wedding cake'. Then much to FN chagrin Irvine then turned into the Jon Lovetz old character from SNL.' Yea...I baked and designed that cake myself yea that's the ticket....and the Queen knighted me...yeah yeah that's it and she gave me a castle too...that's it.'

As for JAG I think they knew darn well all along that they weren't going to use him. He was clear that he was interested in doing a latin show. Yet all along they had Indgird Hoffman in production. They left him to twist in the wind for the sake of a bit of drama.

[jlafler]

But remember that the episodes of Next FN Star were taped months before they were aired. By the time the show was aired, they certainly knew everything about JAG, but that was months after they were finished taping everything but the finale, and all the contestants had gone home.

But I, too, took the heavy marketing of Ingrid Hoffman as a signal that JAG had not succeeded. Too bad: he was the most technically competent cook, by a long shot.

[lori529]

its really a shame I loved his show "dinner impossible" but don't you think FN should check the backgrounds on these people a little bit better before they post the chef's bios?

[amykragan]

Do you think they'll keep the show but use a different host? I really liked the premise.,

[LabRat]

They'll probably use someone who is already under contract, but the show will be renamed "Tablescape: Impossible"

[Phaedrus]

LOL. With the program ending when she can't get any of it done so they all pitch in to make a humongous punch bowl and the requisite Kwanzaa cake with corn nuts and the "chefs" all get snockered with the guests and everyone calling it a success.

[LindaWhit]

I might actually watch that show! :D

[Blueicus]

Like a member of a particular legion, I'd pay good money to see that on the air.

[jackbauer]

And as of today Food Network did the right thing and decided not to renew his contract. What a dope.

[Withnail42]

It seems that they have changed the opening to the show. There is no real mention of his past 'work'. The narrator simply says the he is a chef who takes on challenging assignments. No mentions of royalty or presidents anywhere.

[jjbourgeois]

Mr. Irvine's contract has not been renewed with the Food Network. Stick a fork in 'em, he's done.

[Suzy Q]

Seems pretty shady of the network to profit from him living on in reruns if he's gone. Especially since he's on right now.

[jjbourgeois]

The Food Network is not about food. It's the MTV of food. No music, no food, just a lot of entertainment that is bland

[ccbweb]

None of any of this has anything whatever to do with food, actually. And if the Food Network were about food, what would that mean in this case?

[Phaedrus]

Food Network, acting like a prostitute? Shocking!

[Axalady]

"...and we can revisit this decision at the end of the production cycle..."

They haven't closed the door just yet. I think if his fans complain loud enough they'll probably keep him.

[jlafler]

He may have some sort of royalty agreement regarding re-runs, though if he broke his contract it would probably be void.

[joan]

"Irvine is currently filming new episodes for Season 4 and there are 13 episodes per season. "

Seems to me, we'll be seeing him for at least one whole more season. By then, all the hoopla will have died down, and my bet is if the ratings are good (and I like this show!), then they will renew.

As Phaedrus said above, there's no such thing as bad PR.

[Missi]

There's an article about Irvine and DI on MSN's page today
http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?new...

Seems like most of the posters to this article are fans of both chef and show. Most don't seem like the fabrications on his resume bother them. I too think that the "looking for a new chef" statement issued by FN is to buy time to see what impact the story has on the show's ratings. If they are still good, I'll bet we'll still see Chef Irvine doing the impossible :)

[LindaWhit]

I'm floored at some of the comments - he's "awesome" and the show's "amazing" and "Robert Irvine fibbed a bit? So What?". Huh?

But I had to laugh at the complete contradiction in this one: "Who cares if he worked for the Royal family? I certainly don't. But I do care about the show's integrity, which will be lost without Robert."

So it's OK for Robert to lack integrity, but the show must have it.

[nosh]

My newspaper shows a Dinner Unwatchable marathon scheduled for FoodTV tonight. I'm in L.A., so I won't know for a few hours whether they go ahead with it or telecast something else. Hoping for something else.

[LindaWhit]

It was on here on the East Coast. I clicked over to a couple of the shows during commercials of what I was watching; essentially, a challenge show. Not interesting overall.

[mumblety]

I noticed the marathon too.

What better way to handle a controvery than to...show the program even more?

Wow, way to go FN.

[Phaedrus]

There is no such thing as bad PR.

[Missi]

I noticed, and watched some of the DI marathon last night too. I was thinking that over at FN all must have been forgiven and forgotten concerning Robert Irvine. I must admit I do like the show for entertainment's sake. Of course he shows us nothing about cooking on the show, you just watch it to see if he is going to "complete" his mission. He certainly is a master organizer, unless you count all the ingredients he conveniently forgets when he goes shopping for the meals on his list :) I really don't see where he felt the need to lie on his resume just to get that one show. I mean look at Rachael and Guy. I don't think either of them have a resume and they've got tons of shows! And the FN statement does hedge a bit about what they are going to do about Irvine's misrepresentations, other than the fact that they've taken all that away from the opening of his show, and "talking" about finding a new host after his contract runs out. I bet money they'll keep him on.

[ccbweb]

What would be on such a resume? The ones Rachel Ray and Guy Fieri don't have, I mean.

Guy Fieri has opened and run something like 6 restaurants (all still going and all but one opened before The Next Foodnetwork Star), a catering business and a competition barbecue team over the last 12 years.

Rachel Ray wrote and published her first cookbook 2 years before her show first aired on Foodnetwork. She also did cooking segments on local news as a result of popular cooking classes she taught.

Sounds like resumes to me.

[steve h.]

show was lame.
basic set-up was irvine gets a james bond-like assignment to feed many, many folk. he then blasts off in a fancy german car and drives to somewhere. once there, he moans about the pathetic infra-structure, crummy food provided and the incompetent help he must dominate/overcome. his white board served as a reminder of how pathetic the help was and how orchestral he is.
he likes to yell.

he was not a sympathetic character. turns out he was full of s**t.

adios irvine.

[Ina]

I am new to this chowhound.com and first of all Gracious! it is great! I don't know really what to feel about Robert irvine...In all honesty I liked the show - entertaining - and I didn't care at all what his credentials were, so sad that he did lie and that the FN felt like they had to play it up to get us to watch it. At least he is making food from scratch (for the most part) unlike other people (woman) on the FN.

[Withnail42]

Most contracts have a clause, along the lines of that if the person has lied about their experiences, been untruthful or engage in acts that bring discredit to the company they can be fired, end of story. Interesting that FN has not chosen to do so. They are honoring the contract as if nothing has happened. Then if the ratings are worth it they'll look for a new host if needed. I think the only thing that will change is Irivne's shirt. He'll stop wearing anything with that military insignia as it will be a reminder of his dishonesty.

I can't help but think that some where in FN's workings they had a 'hunch' all along about what the real story was/is.

Perhaps they have done this and I missed it but FN should issue an apology of their own for this mishap they were more than happy to sing his praises when they 'thought' everything was kosher. They messed up and are acting like nothing is their fault. this isn't the first time that they have been ' fooled'; usual FN arrogance.

[Phaedrus]

None of the announcements say anything about FN not working with him again. In this age of media prostitution, I wouldn't be surprised to see it at some time much later.

[berkleybabe]

Our Detroit metro paper indicated he'd been fired by FN. I'm a bit sorry, I liked his energy --and his tremendous arms. Watching the operation of feeding hundreds/thousands of folks good meals was fascinating. In this age of "tansparency" it amazes me folks think they can get away with this stuff...I supposed this will mean ANOTHER Rachael Ray show.

[aurora50]

I'll shoot myself if that happens.

[lori529]

aurora I will hand you the gun and then take it back and shoot myself

[Diane in Bexley]

Just curious, cause I don't watch DI - has Irvine ever lost a challenge? If so, what was the premise? Thanks!

[TrishUntrapped]

Well, I saw one episode where Robert failed the challenge. It was the one where he had to make a lot of different recipes for a cooking school - maybe CIA?? Not sure which one. The task was to recreate classic dishes of several different nationalities, plus add a dish of each nationality.

Robert had the use of numerous students, but the task was daunting and he had to use whole, nonprocessed food (i,.e. beef that was uncut) from the school's kitchen. He couldn't make enough of the dishes to satisfy the challenge.

[jlafler]

There have been a couple of other times when he's either gone over the allotted time or not completed everything he was supposed to, but it's never an abject failure -- or at least, it's never portrayed that way.

My guess is that they shoot at least 20 hours of tape for each episode (remember, they have multiple cameras and follow various characters). In condensing this to 50 minutes, the editors have a lot of leeway in the story they tell. For example, they're obviously not going to air any negative comments about the final product.

[noellek]

I know TMZ is not the most reputable news source, but this is what they have on their website:

"Dinner: Impossible" chef Robert Irvine has been fired from the Food Network's kitchen!

After it was discovered that Robert lied about his credentials -- including having designed Princess Diana's wedding cake -- Food Network honchos investigated the situation and today released a statement saying they "have not renewed Robert's contract for future seasons" and "will be looking for a replacement host."

Robert apologized for his actions adding, "I was wrong to exaggerate in statements related to my experiences regarding the Royal Family."

[amanda3571]

LOL! I just saw that too. Hilarious.

[Bergerman]

The St. Petersburg Times, which uncovered Irvine's lies, has the Food Network's statement and Irvine's statement.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/dining/2008...
And some comments from readers variously attacking Irvine and the Times' coverage.

[scubadoo97]

Update in todays paper for those interested

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/03/01/Sou...

[mumblety]

Worth noting- they're not really firing him, they're just not renewing the contract. They'll still be showing his old and new episodes and will just be looking for a new host.

So to some extent he's in "trouble" since it's not renewed but he's not in much since he still gets the old stuff aired. So... I guess it kinda pays to lie?

[speyerer]

Will the Food Network be checking the credentials of their other performers who claim hard luck backgrounds. Thanks for the post UptownKevin. If Chowhounds are wondering who Kevin is, you can check him out on the website listed below where you will find good conversation and tasty recipes.
http://www.nolafoodie.com/id1.html
Good to hear from you Kevin.

[sachetbag]

FN is at fault for not doing proper background checks. Just like Jag, and now Robert, they are nothing but liars who got past the FN executives. Seems like most desperate people who don't have the industry experience to climb the ranks the correct way will do anything to get there face on TV.

Another perfect example is Michael Chiarello who for years claimed he gradusted from FIU School of Hospitality Management, big liar, now he claims he attended the university. Lee Schrager claimed he graduated FIU, never did but did receive an honorary degree in 2003. Did Lee really graduate from the CIA, the guy can't make ice.

This is why Anthony Bourdain is appreciated for telling it like it is, FN is a bunch or boobs who don't understand or appreciate true cuisine and the chefs that work hard to prove themselves.

FYI- The FN South Beach Wine & Food Festival is getting worse each year. Keep raising the prices and putting money in your pockets from all the misinformed sponsors. Soon Schrager will be shown as the liar and fake that he has always been, only in Miami would a former catering manager at a hotel become a legend, what a joke!

[MplsM ary]

I actually admire Robert Irvine’s gift to build his resume in the most fantastic ways. Yeah, sure I guess I’ll be having my own sorts of troubles when I arrive at the circle of Hell devised for people who inappropriately defend outright liars, but so be it. I’ll just have to hang onto the memory of this long, cold Minnesota winter when I get there.

It’s the sheer breadth and depth of his resume overhaul I find so amazing. That takes some huge cojones. At the same time it just goes to show you probably shouldn’t drink everything your publicist pours for you. Stay away from the Kool-Aid.

His first lie I find pretty easy to excuse. When trapped by that first lie I guess it just gets easier to add on to the house of cards rather than start again from scratch.

I do think Food Network really has to take their fair share of blame. Weren’t they the ones who touted his “cooking for Presidents” by flashing a graphic of the White House at the start Dinner Impossible? I’m not prescient in the least but that always bothered me. I always wondered how that sat with the White House Executive Chef.

[TrishUntrapped]

Let's say you are an applicant for a job and the search is narrowed to you and one other candidate. Both of you are highly competent, but the other person has more credentials and gets the job. But those credentials were fake. If you lost out on a FN job to Irvine, you might not take what he did in stride. You have a family to feed too.

The truth is people lie on their resumes all the time. When they are caught they are often fired. Why? Because it is lying and credibility and honesty does matter. At least in some professions. Guess we have to see what FN thinks.

[Scortch]

Google Irvine's name and click on the "About Us" on his website currently "Under Construction" and then check the cached version for a view of the Hallowed Halls of Claims before they were torn down for rebuilding...

As the rubble now stands:

http://www.chefrobertirvine.com/aboutUs.htm

Before demolition:

http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:...

[LindaWhit]

Interesting philosophy from Irving at the bottom of the "before demolition":

"Robert's philosophy is: If you are going to do it, do it right, don't take short cuts, spend time researching, and most of all be dedicated to whatever and whomever you are working with and have lots of fun doing it. If you do not do the above, it's time to change your career direction. "

Don't take shortcuts. Hmmm......shortcuts like a manufactured resume?

[Scortch]

Actually it sounds like good advice to be taken by his current employers... particularly the "research" bit.

[Withnail42]

He should have added, 'and don't get caught!'

[Missi]

LOL With! That's exactly what all the uproar is about...he got caught. I thought it was interesting that I did not see a repeat of a DI show on FN this weekend. Usually they do have one or two shows on Saturday and Sunday. But then again, maybe I just missed it.

[songbird2020]

You didn't miss the weekend episodes; they didn't air.. Also, at the end of last week's Hawaii episode, no preview for this week was given. They're showing reruns tonight. However, it looks like the jury's still out over at FN since they have now posted a new episode (Santa Fe Struggle) will show on March 12th. And the challenge he failed did take place at the CIA.

[Kajikit]

You know what... I honestly couldn't care less. It's not like it has any affect on his ability to cook or his program... I'm not watching Dinner Impossible because he said he cooked for the King of France (or whatever) - I'm watching it because I find it fascinating to see the mechanics of feeding so many people in such a short period of time. What somebody 'says' about his past is totally irrelevant to the issue of whether he can actually come up with the goods in the kitchen and make an entertaining half-hour of television.

[body]

Trust is fundamental in a show like that. You going to believe he is actually doing what it appears or is it another "deception". The only one who "said" Robert cooked for presidents, royalty and created a bogus background was Robert.

[Suzy Q]

The questions re: his background notwithstanding, I find it difficult to believe that FN would "prop" him up on his show if he couldn't actually plan menus and at least had some level of culinary proficiency. Is that actually what you're suggesting? I've not investigated the background controversy (and don't really have any desire to do so), but I have no reason to think he's not cooking on his show.

But hey, I do believe that man has actually walked on the moon, too, so maybe I'm just gullible. /end sarcasm

[songbird2020]

I agree. Regardless of what his actual educational/experience background may be, the man has excellent skills. I've used a couple of his recipes and my dinner guests reall enjoyed them. I don't think Robert should have lied, but I also think his expertise as a chef can't be denied either.

[Phaedrus]

We are looking at this with a priori knowledge. We have all seen the shows we know the guy is more than competent and he is probably better prrepared to cater massive feeds better than most chefs, but would you have watched the show if he was a nobody? More importantly, would he have gotten a TV show if he didn't have all the untruths on his resume? So his major sin is getting a sweet deal under false pretenses, I don't think it should cost him his show, but then again, I don't think he will be able to continue on the show because if he lied on the resume, what else is he lying about?

[Suzy Q]

Phaedrus, I'm not sure I follow. What do you think he's lying about that impacts the actual work he does on the show? Why would he not be able to continue?

[Phaedrus]

Oops, poorly worded, I was trying to sneak that in at work.

I am saying that it would be incredibly painful to keep doing what he is doing, you have to be thick skinned to continue as if nothing has happened. He will be answering the truth question whenever he goes on PR junkets etc. So I think this show is over. Not sure if he will get another shot.

[Suzy Q]

Gotcha - that makes sense. Thanks!

[joan]

Martha Stewart did it!

[Phaedrus]

That is a little different, that involved her dealings as a CEO rather than her resume as a domestic diva. It also involved insider trading, honesty as an investor in a shark infested world. It had nothing to do with her abilities as a decorator or a cook. As a CEO, you are expected to be a worthless piece of dung, or else no one expects you to survive.

[alkapal]

not insider trading, iirc. obstruction ---- this process charge leads to a relatively easy conviction, thus a lesson in why you should not talk with the law enforcement folks without your attorney.

[Avalondaughter]

That's a good point, but you could make a show like that without embellishing your past. YOu could jsut say, "Robert Irvine is chef. He started out in the British navy as a cook and worked on cruise ships. Let's see if this old pro at feeding crowds can work under enormous pressure." You don't need a guy who designed a royal wedding cake to do that kind of show and have it be interesting to those who enjoy that sort of thing.

[sleepycat]

That's what I thought too. I can't cook to save my life. I find the concept interesting they can put together something in such a short time. I also find Iron Chef equally fascinating. It's like drawing... some people can and some can't.... those who can't....can just admire and say, "Wow! I wish I could do that?" It's better than some of reality shows out there.

[The Dairy Queen]

Actually, that's the appeal to me, too, for Iron Chef-it's just fun to watch people cook. I was blown away by Iron Chef in the beginning because (silly me) I bought into the premise. I thought the challenger was choosing the chef in the moment, the "secret ingredient" was revealed on the spot, and the chefs were creating the recipes right in front of us. The first couple of times I watched, I'd say things like, "How did they know how to find [whatever unusual ingredient] in the pantry?" Or, "How does that sous chef know what she's supposed to be doing?" I didn't realize that the chefs got to plan their menus, prep their staffs, and stock their pantries ahead of time, etc. But, now that I know a lot of it is staged, I confess it hasn't dampened my enjoyment of the show as much as it maybe should. I still like the camp and drama of "The Chairman" and Alton Brown and, at the end of the day, it's fun to watch these elite chefs cook.

On the other hand, I haven't been able to get into Dinner Impossible. While I can accept Iron Chef as a "cooking competition" the scenarios they stage for DI are just too goofy. I realize they make these restrictions to amp up the excitement, but I just think, "Well, that's just dumb." I saw one recently at the Mall of America where he was supposed to cook dinner for a couple hundred people at their "Thank you for your 15 years of service with the MOA" using only ingredients, equipment and sous chefs he could find at the Mall. So, he was cooking on equipment he found at Sears and he raided all of the MOA restaurants kitchens for food and staff. They weren't allowed to run or grill (no fire allowed in the mall) and they didn't have a proper sink (yuck!) because they were just cooking in the middle of this atrium. I wasn't impressed that he could pull it off, I was simply saddened that these poor 200 people had to eat this dinner that was thrown together at the last minute and by people who didn't even have access to a sink. Yes, I suppose it's interesting to see him come up with a menu on the spot (the way I orginally thought they were on Iron Chef), but mostly, it just stresses me out because "the consequences" are real--there are people who will actually have to eat this meal if it turns out awful.

~TDQ

[anniemidwest]

Perception is EVERYTHING.....
From the expose of his educaction to his culinary experiences....
Did Irvine try to bolster what people's perception of his background by deception?
'Did Irvine 'ooze' charisma and charm and 'schmooze' his way into investors of his Florida restaurants bank accounts and food network executives buying into his program "Dinner Impossible'?

Perception is everything....
Since his B.S. degree is exactly that..... BS.
What can be said about his culinary 'resume"? Well, it appears he serves up a good tale or two, or three or four....

Perhaps, the Food Network will give him his just desserts and he'll end up flipping burgers at some obscure greasy spoon. He's burned himself by with his 'resume impossible' and there's not going to be any forgiveness by the American Public and foodies around the world.

That's what can happen when perception, is actually based by deception.

[Antilope]

Resume Impossible?

'Dinner: Impossible' chef Robert Irvine accused of cooking-up his past
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/di...

[Caitlin McGrath]

Anyone who would name a restaurant Ooze and Schmooze has problems beyond his ego and a wildly faked resume.

[mamaciita]

Either Ooze OR Schmooze would be a great name; together, well, they're just two very unappetizing words.

[punkgirl107]

Sorry but Ooze reminds me of a festering wound, not food.

[goodhealthgourmet]

agreed. if he hired a marketing specialist to come up with that gem, it's the one person whose outstanding bill he shouldn't pay.

[alkapal]

good one, ghg!

[mamaciita]

Reminds me of cheeeese!

[pabulone]

I have a restaurant on St. Pete Beach called Patrick's. Robert has frequented my establishment, and has always shown to be a gentlemen with a great understanding of of the culinary field. He has never boasted of the items listed in the article, but it seems that it was those who rode his coattails who consistently spoke of these with an ever increasing embellishment. I hope that those who are free of embellishment of their own lives can look at this person and rate him on his skills and forgive a somewhat misconception piled on him not by himself, but those who wanted to be around him.

[LindaWhit]

forgive a somewhat misconception piled on him not by himself
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry, I don't buy this. If these "misconceptions" were piled on him by others, why has he never disputed them, and why does he continue to use them as his own bio in so many places such as books, TV shows, etc.?

[Withnail42]

Have to agree with you.

[MplsM ary]

I dunno - he seems to acknowledge he fibbed a bit:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live...

[Withnail42]

I think they quoted from the Florida article.

I had been wondering about this big award he goes on about. Didn't know it was bought on line.

[Phaedrus]

At least he fessed up and didn't pull a Roger Clements. Now to wean him off the HGH.

[TrishUntrapped]

If you want to see what Robert Irvine's bio on Food Network was... google Robert Irvine, Food Network, then when you see the FN entry ...click CACHED... and voila. That's what was deleted and is now in dispute.

[mumblety]

Yep, that's how I found the bio last night.

I got a real kick out of the bios that ARE up: they have one for Anthony Bourdain that must be out of date (I think it mentions his wife, Nancy- I think he's divorced from her and is now married to another woman with whom he has a baby).

Seems like a strange way to handle it. I'm sure they can put up info and just strip away what's contested- this way it looks like they're not backing him AT ALL. His lies are pretty pathetic but despite my dislike of the show, clearly he was a bit of a cash cow for them.

[Miss Needle]

His show is airing tonight at 10P. I wonder how FN will handle the intro.

[punkgirl107]

I always like Robert but give me a break. Only a total doofus would lie about his credentials, especially to the extent that he did. I went to see him at a cooking demo and while it was obvious his ego was as large as his muscles, he did seem engaging with the audience. However after this, I will no longer be a fan.

[tudor3522]

All of this is just too delicious. No one deserves this more than robert!!!!!!!!!

[body]

It seems very few are reading the entire article. The man not only lied about the wedding cake, his relationship with Prince Charles but then lied about cooking for presidents and lied about his culinary education. The opening of his show says he cooked for Royalty 10 years, 3 presidents and Air Force One - those are FTC violations now. You don't do that. Stories in his "autobiography" therefore are lies too. How is this okay? Whoever finally blew the whistle on this lying sack of chef deserves a medal.

[southernitalian]

I've never had much luck navigating the FN website. It's always been slow and clunky for me. But since this thread was posted it's been completely jammed up. I suspect people are as indignant ans you and I and are looking for answers (or at least a good excuse). Maybe he would best be suited as personal chef to Roger Clemons.

[melly]

I noticed FN took away that opening for his show..all those resume lies.

[alkapal]

body, would you elaborate on your "ftc violation" statement, please? and the "now" aspect (as opposed to when?) just curious....

[hummingbird]

Thanks for the info.

While watching the local news (Boston) a promo for one of the gossip info shows mentioned that there was a story about a FN "Stars" bio in question.

Well I changed the station and nothing came on Extra and the next show. I think it was on Inside Edition, which I didn't watch.

So I was still wondering, so thought oh I bet it will be posted on this forum.

Righto - thanks as I was so curious, thinking it could be one of so many of their "Stars".

[LindaWhit]

Yes, it was on IE. (I leave the TV on after the news while I'm making dinner.) All I remember really hearing was that Buckingham Palace's chef did dispute that Irvine helped in making the cake (which was also noted on the follow-up article in the SPTimes).

[southernitalian]

Can you really enlist in the British Navy at 15? Why did he decide on St. Petersburg to begin with? I bet he DOES take steroids after reading all of this. It would make perfect sense. I watched his show on Sunday. He was making lunch for a construction crew at a mall in NY or NJ. He was soooo rude to everyone. His arms and neck are enormous but not in a hot way.

[Richard 16]

<<He was making lunch for a construction crew at a mall in NY or NJ.>>

it was at the Natick Mall in my hometown, Natick, MA. Home of the US Army testing labs, where many of the space program's items are developed, most notably the food.

Those construction guys were great at improvising and making stuff.

[TrishUntrapped]

Wikipedia reflects the current controversy about Chef Irvine, but also contains this about his early life.... Just wondering who, other than Robert, can correct it...

"A native of England, Chef Robert Irvine began his adventures in cooking upon enlisting in the British Royal Navy at the age of fifteen, where his talent in the kitchen was soon discovered by his superiors.

His culinary skills came to the attention of Prince Charles while he was stationed at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, where the Prince was undergoing certification training to fly the Wessex Mark III helicopter, and Robert soon found himself transferred to service as a Leading Cook aboard Her Majesty's Royal Yacht Britannia. He was part of the team that created the wedding cake for Charles and Diana and he continued his service in the palaces of the British Royal Family for the next ten years. He has cooked for presidents and prime ministers, for the royalty and celebrities of many nations, accompanied Her Majesty the Queen to locations around the world, and often traveled in the private entourage of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Upon completion of his 10-year tour of duty, his travels led him to perform consultant work in Bali, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh City, before embarking on his next challenge as Executive Chef aboard numerous cruise ships, culminating with the world renowned, five-star MS Crystal Harmony."

[Withnail42]

None of that is hard to look into. There will be loads of records as to his service or lack there of.

[alex8alot]

the wikipedia entry is now gone. hilarious.

[southernitalian]

Now, Wiki says: "The factual accuracy of this article is disputed."

[tudor3522]

I am a professional Chef who knows Robert, has worked with him, and listened to his tall tales. Allow me to try and weed through this bio....

Yes he's a Brit
He did always claim he was in the Royal Navy at a very young age
He's got terrific knife skills - his wife bought him a set of Porsche knives - they're stunning
Don't recall him boasting about the Prince (he may have recently come up with that one)
Always claimed he was on the Britannia - don't honestly know
He was 12 when she got married
Don't know about the Royal Family - doubt it
There actually was a picture in his office - at the White House
"The Queen" - "...private entourage..." - PLEASE!
He was always babbling about Jakarta etc... if you wanted to spin a tale and feel relatively safe that you wouldn't get caught, Jakarta is a pretty good place.
Ho Chi Minh City !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As far as I know, the Cruise ship story is true.

Don't misunderstand me, the man can coordinate the production of mass quantities of "good" food. We fed 5,000 on New Years Eve once! He's good at that sort of thing. He is not devoid of talent, he just can't be comfortable in his own skin.

Those of us in the culinary world have always ignored him as a blowhard

He has no friends because his pomposity trumps any iota of people skills. He doesn't just burn bridges with people, he nukes 'em

[mudster]

You've stated twice that he was 12 when the wedding occurred. According to several online sources, he was born in 1965. The wedding was in 1981. That makes him 15 or 16.

I'm not claiming he's not a fraud, but your math is off. Stop saying he was 12. He wasn't.

[Withnail42]

While no one is yet sure where the truth lies. Clearly there are what appear to be some major discrepancies. As previously mentioned this is not the first time this seems to have happened at FN., ironically it was also an issue regarding a military service claims.

It seems to illustrate the point that many of us have been feeling for quite sometime that FN has some serious issues of their own just and they just don't know what they are doing.

[Phaedrus]

Well, let us not forget the George O'Leary fiasco at Notre Dame football, claiming he had a masters degree when he didn't. People do all kinds of little white lies and half truths all the time, but the magnitude of his claims are so outrageous that I have a hard time understanding how he thought he could have gotten away with it. And the flip side is: why didn't people catch it sooner, as most people here had done by doing the math with the Lady Di wedding cake chronology.

[mumblety]

It definitely seems like they're struggling to keep their head above water. I think he's a bit of a meathead and, though I watch the show, really dislike what he's up to. I imagine the food he's cooking really isn't that bad but the concepts/challenges baffle me. It seems like they're just increasingly interested in catering to people who not only don't cook but aren't even necessarily foodies. Not being a cook isn't a huge deal- I am a foodie and love food but am not an amazing cook. But endless shows about diner fare and silly "challenges" with a burly, intimidating chef--- you wonder what they're trying to prove.

I feel sorry for him if only because this could possibly destroy his career, but then again I think FN's grasping at so many straws that they may just keep him around anyway.

[MobyRichard]

OTOH: Martha's made a huge comeback. On network tv again, back in control of her empire. And she was convicted, sentenced and did her time.

[scubadoo97]

Follow up article from the St. Pete Times. Chowhound gets a plug
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/19/Sou...

[Gio]

I wonder if the poor fellow will ever live this down. Thanks for the followup. I never would have seen it.

[scubadoo97]

2nd follow up article from the Times. Locally based Home Shopping Channel "drops chef's items"

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/21/Sou...

[Gio]

This is probably the beginning of the end for Irvine. Too bad. He successfully managed to ruin his career. Thanks again, scubadoo!

[LindaWhit]

Irvine's "pulled out" from TFN's South Beach Food & Wine festival this weekend. Pulled out - or was booted?

And he finally took down his "bio" from his own website. The "About Us" is now "Under Construction" as is the "Events" page. :-/

[The Dairy Queen]

Yeah, but the chowhound plug is for those who lOve to eat... Ha!

~TDQ

[scubadoo97]

Wouldn't be here if I didn't.

[The Dairy Queen]

Well, of course we all love to eat...but the actual CH tag line is "for those who live to eat"

~TDQ

[sugarbuzz]

I found this Tampa Bay blog which has a comment from the FN
http://blogs.tampabay.com/dining/2008...

They also contacted the actual baker of princess Di's wedding cake.
I never liked Irvine...his personality just screams A**hole

[Withnail42]

Irvine was born in 1965(?) so that would have made him 14 or 15 when the cake was being made as far as I know that is a little young to be in the Royal Navy.

[jlafler]

He's younger than I am. How depressing.

[TrishUntrapped]

To paraphrase and slightly tweak one of the responses to the article...

It appears Mr. Irvine has a BS in BS.

[joan]

I have always enjoyed his Dinner Impossible, and he seemed so sweet helping the contestants on Top Chef.

So I signed up for his newsletter.

The first issue arrived yesterday - the same day as the St. Pete Times article, and you know what? In a case of "You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up", he announced he's going to be the subject of a new Food Network show called "Chefography" - focusing on his bio!

Can't wait to see it - he says it'll show in March....we shall see.

[mpalmer6c]

And now I see his biography is no longer on the FN web site.

[Missi]

I could find his bio on FN web site either, but there is information about 2 new Dinner Impossible shows appearing next week, on February 27.

[Withnail42]

I have to admit I was always curious as to his background. I always thought it odd that he has 'done' so much very high profile and public work and yet somehow was able to keep himself completely anonymous. Quite a trick.

I thought the picture accompanying the article was interesting. I have never seen any other chef with as many things or ‘logos’ on their jacket. It reminded me of those pictures you see of military dictators who simply cover their uniforms with dozens of awards and epilates that they give themselves.

This is not the first time this has happened on FN. Does anyone remember 'JAG' from TNFNS?

[goodhealthgourmet]

that's the first thing i thought of when i saw all this. the difference is that jag voluntarily removed himself from TNFNS...something tells me robert irvine won't go quite as willingly...

[Phaedrus]

Question is: will he go the Jimmy Swaggert route: tearful, repentent, pepper in the eyes for effect, or the Roger Clements route: defiant, hardass, and unrepentent.

[Miss Needle]

While it looked like Jag voluntarily left TNFNS, I've got this feeling that FN asked him to leave. I'm curious as to what will happen to Robert Irvine.

[charlottecooks]

Miss Needle's right. I knew someone who worked at the network at the time and asked her about him leaving voluntary. She laughed. Once they got the scoop, they made him leave and give his own resignation.

[goodhealthgourmet]

oh i know jag didn't initiate his resignation - the whole thing was clearly orchestrated by TVFN. i just get the feeling there won't be a way to handle it quite as gracefully with irvine.

btw, did anyone see the bravo special of the top 20 most outrageous moments from their various reality shows? i found it interesting that the infamous top chef debacle with cliff & marcel incited so much outrage when it occurred, yet it didn't even garner one of the top spots on the list.

[LindaWhit]

I caught most of that show, and I swear I did see the Cliff/Marcel debacle as one of the top 20. Bravo doesn't have anything on their website, but I'm positive I did see that that was one of the top 20.

[goodhealthgourmet]

oh it was on the show, just lower down on the list than i would have expected.

[stellamystar]

or NASCAR Drivers.

[nosh]

Mission Unwatchable.

Oooooh the drama... this time he might not pull it off. Puh-leeze. Horrible even by the current Food Network standards.

We already knew he was obnoxious. Now, as we suspected, he's a fraud as well.

[kkak97]

Wow, what a pathological liar! I cannot wait to see how, or if, FN responds to this.

I watched his show maybe two or three times. Once when he was cooking in a school cafeteria, and he treated the staff like dirt. I was appalled.

[LStaff]

Once they figure out his resume is not as great as it was originally submitted, I'm afraid they are going to have to give this guy two more shows. ;-)

[scubadoo97]

Beat me to it. I don't think FN is too interested in credentials, just ratings

[Claudette]

Rachel and Sandra are living proof that you don't need credentials to get on FN, and I know plenty of people who like them anyway (pas moi!).

OTOH, I know plenty of people who graduated from culinary school who cannot pull together a 3-course dinner for four (little rich girls who attend for the status but still have private chefs/caterers do all their cooking in their trophy kitchens).

It's all about profit, not food: people vote with their dollars and tv time.

[ccbweb]

Yes, Rachel Ray certainly had no credentials at all. Didn't work her way up in specialty food stores learning about food and cheese and wine. Didn't get asked to do a segment on local TV because she was already doing demonstrations in local markets. Certainly didn't write a cookbook that succeeded well before she had a TV show.

There are many sorts of credentials in the world, not just the few many on this board seem to recognize.

[Dave and Stuff]

I absolutely agree. While I have grown to loathe Rachel's on-air "personality", she hardly strikes me as someone who "just got lucky"...

She has positively effected millions more home cooks than even masters like Thomas Keller have.

[rcfoodie]

I think you are right. I don’t think people should be rewarded for cheating, but on the other hand, I think sometimes we make it too hard for good people to succeed, by focusing only on a narrow definition of credentials. I don’t know if Robert Irvine lied on his resume, or if he did, to what extent. And since I am never going to meet him or anyone he worked with, I will never know. I will say, as far as how that pertains to my willingness to continue watching the show, that I am a mother of a toddler, and I work more than 40 hours a week, as does my husband, and we are not affluent. We both have really enjoyed watching his show, and have gotten both great general food ideas and much-needed inspiration in how to use the crap already in our kitchen to fix impromptu and exciting gourmet family meals in very little time, with very little money. Rachel Ray is good for that too, although if I have to hear the expression “Delish” one more time I’m going to throw something at the TV. Dinner Impossible just gets you thinking on the fly and it’s a blast to watch. Our toddler was the one who got us addicted. So whatever the truth is about his resume, honestly, I couldn’t care less, I hope he stays on. Whatever his personality differences or insecurities are with other staff is also for them to work out, not me as a watcher. I have noticed though, in his defense, that he seems to make a point, often, to acknowledge the efforts of the folks he works with publicly on the show. I think that giving credit where credit is due is really important, and however rude he is in the kitchen in private, the acknowledgement is a good sign. I also have not seen the episode with the cafeteria, but what I have seen is someone in a hurry with a brusque manner, which can often be mistaken as rude. He did not seem truly rude in the ones I have watched. I guess it depends on how thick your skin is.

[kkak97]

Now that is FUNNY, LStaff! LMAO!

It's probably true...sad, but true!

[tudor3522]

I had the unfortunate experience of working for "Chef" Irvine. His culinary skills are "ok" but nothing spectacular. He is, beyond a doubt, the most insecure man I've ever met. I am certainly not a professional psychologist but my only explanation for the ridiculous tales that he spins was a neurotically poor self-image.

In a meeting one afternoon he tried to pass off the story of having made Lady Di's Wedding Cake. Knowing his age and the year she was married I intoned; "Chef, you were like...12, that remarkable!!" Everyones laughter was uncontrollable, his embarrassment was uncomfortable, and retribution was forthcoming.

Other tales of being the only Chef that Tony Blair would allow to cook for him when he was in the States, redoing the plates of Tom Keller, Charlie Trotter, and Eric Rippert at a James Beard event in NYC before they left the kitchen are just too bizarre. Tom Keller would break his arm if he touched his plate!

I could go on, all of the stories were a gas, but not intended to be!

My "insecure" claim is only because I can't imagine any other motivating factor to justify such neurosis. Needless to say, he's not even a very nice person, to know him is to dislike him and pity him. I never met anyone who didn't mock him.

[TonyO]

He could probably use those giant choppers to make ice sculptures if the FN lets hom go.

[starfishbysea]

I know your posting was made almost a year ago, but what other tales of events can you share? Was Robert Irvine rude or just insecure as you mentioned? Just wondering what his true personality is like since he will be back with this season's Dinner Impossible.

[TrishUntrapped]

FN doesn't care about a host's integrity or behavior.... so why should we?

[kcstimpy]

I don't feel you are being very honest, but instead just trying to damage the reputation of Robert Irvine for what ever reason. Robert was born in 1965. Diana & Charles were married in 1986. That would make Robert 21 years old when he baked for them.

Why are you posting lies?

[Chimayo Joe]

Charles and Diana were married in 1981. Irvine would have been older than 12 but still very young to be entrusted with something of that magnitude.

[rochfood]

Well, he did get beat in a "cook off" by Guy Fieri on one of the FN shows.( Even though the judges were teenage kids). Sigh.

[Blueicus]

I know it's usually not overly difficult to slip one by the HR department when you're giving a CV but you'd think they'd check the stars of these shows a little more carefully before putting all that nonsense on the show's title itself... I mean there aren't that many of them and those places I'm sure have lots of documentation.

[Bergerman]

It kind of makes you wonder what he told the Food Network before he got his show.

[Gio]

I can't decide if that boy needs a good lawyer or a psychiatrist.

[Phaedrus]

Wow. I smell a rat. Too much inconsistencies in his tories for the allegations to be completely false.

I always wondered how he had the time to do all of this stuff and how did a brit get to be the chef at the White House? I know German pastry chefs and French execuetive chefs have worked at the White House, but he doesn't have a distinct specialty to justify that.

[Missi]

I really hate to hear all that about Robert Irvine. While some of it may be false, the article does smack of the truth. I love Dinner Impossible though and watch it as often as I can catch it. I can see where he could be a PITA to work with as he does lose his temper on DI. LOL it always makes me laugh when he plans out a menu to a "T", goes out shopping for the food, and always forgets something important, like one dish calls for hamburger and guess what, no one thought to get any hamburger. I do hope he can get his act together. He stands to gain nothing by lying. Look what happened to JAG on the last Food Network Star.