Zacharian and Next Iron Chef
I am sure many of you read the article in the NY Times today about Zacharian's legal problems. Obviously, people are sued every day. What makes this problematic for him is the accusation he did not pay workers properly and has declared bankruptcy to avoid restaurant related obligations. Whether true or no, I have no ides. However, I wonder if this will impact his Food Network career and specifically his chances of winning TCM on Bravo. What do you think?
Oops - it's the Next Iron Chef, on Food Network - which makes sense as that is the "Chopped" network as well.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/27/din...
Permalink | Reply
TVFN took back Irvine they''ll keep Zacharian if he brings the eyeballs
Permalink | Reply
Agree.
But man, the lawsuit does not make him look good!
Permalink | Reply
Zacharian isn't first celebrity chef with legal issues, nor will he be the last.
Star-studded (partial) list here: http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/files/b...
Permalink | Reply
FYI to all, his last name is "Zakarian."
Permalink | Reply
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/...
The darling of many Chow posters, Mario, has been hit with similar lawsuits.
Permalink | Reply
as long as I can continue to view his lovely face on tv, his problems are his and I am oblivious as to what they are, wasn't there. I find him simply beautiful, I know OT...
Permalink | Reply
Really, even before this imbroglio I found him unappealing. He is arrogant in a very unappealing way. On chopped I prefer the two rotating female chefs or almost any of the others to him.The description of him in the NYT article is how I imagined him to be. I think exploitation of workers is an issue we all, as avid chow consumers be aware of and concerned with.
Permalink | Reply
I agree with you. And now that I hear that his partner is taking the side of the employees, saying that Zakarian did indeed cheat them, and use the funds from the restaurant for his own personal gain, I think this is more complicated than a simple bankruptcy.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html...
Permalink | Reply
Manzita
I was simply commenting on an attractive mans appearance.
Nothing more.
Permalink | Reply
Hmmm...yes, that is definitively a matter of taste!
Permalink | Reply
Irvine lied about his resume, Zacharian's issues, if found guilty, are much bigger. I remember David Ruggierio from "Ruggierio To Go" from the early FN years having legal issues as well and he never re-appeared on FN. Google search actually turned up this short Chowhound post from 1999 (yikes) - http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/286092
If Zacharian is found guilty I doubt FN puts him back on TV.
Permalink | Reply
Found guilty of what?
Permalink | Reply
I think Bunson is being a bit loose with language.
No, not "guilty" but "liable".
Permalink | Reply
The bankruptcy filing will likely nix the suit
Permalink | Reply
ah yes, the Donald Trump approach...file bankruptcy when troubles loom
Permalink | Reply
"ah yes, the Donald Trump approach...file bankruptcy when troubles loom" and screw all the people you stole from.
http://community.nytimes.com/comments...
Permalink | Reply
I think this says that as food enthusiasts we need to have a modicum of concern about what type of establishments we support. I know the food industry has many issues but supporting chefs who blatantly exploit others is something I do not wish to do.
Permalink | Reply
I know the food industry has many issues but supporting chefs who blatantly exploit others is something I do not wish to do.
_____________________
Conservatively, I would say that 75% of the restaurant industry involves some form of employee exploitation.
Permalink | Reply
"They wouldn't work at said restaurant if they were not willing to endure the positive/negative treatment"
They use to say the same thing about children working in sweatshops 100 years ago.
Permalink | Reply
Sure. But deciding that is what has happened based solely on allegations in a law suit is risky business.
Permalink | Reply
...And then run for President ;-)
Permalink | Reply
PS... to get back on topic... I'm glad Zakkkarian and his hair part arre on Next Iron Chef... I think he's a wonderful chef... but he's going to play the Ming Tsai role unfortunately. I don't know if he's in the running but I do not want Marc Murphy anywhere near more TV time. His craned back neck pisses me off every time I see him. Screw that guy.... even more than Coneant.
Permalink | Reply
wow, junescook...I'm amazed at the signed Joe Rueter comment. Zakarian seems to have pissed off a few people!
Permalink | Reply
didn't work for Roberto Donna in DC or NoVa,the tax folks got him,he now has a criminal record,problematic for "ownership" of anything where alcohol is served
and his past employees are still chewing hard about money in the court system
Permalink | Reply