Whose job do you want on any TV cooking show?

[alkapal]

Hands down, I want Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives gig. I always get hungry when watching that show! I'm a good eater; I can make bad puns; I can drive a convertible; and I can even wear my sunglasses in unusual places. (EVEN my cleavage). See, I'm ready!

You can be a host, a producer, a photographer, a prep cook, a cameraman, the accountant (ha, gotcha!) -- anything to do with a TV cooking show.

What'll it be?

My runner-up is Jose Andres "Made in Spain"....because I love to travel, talk to producers and restaurateurs, cook in a nice kitchen, eat... yeah, the usual stuff. ;-). Third runner-up -- Eric Ripert. (alkapal, how many runners-up do you get? "as many as i think of before the edit function stops."). Oh, oh, I want to be the person who gets to "inherit the set" in Tyler's Ultimate show. That's not really a "position is it? Well, I can try!

[Jadore]

I want to be a permanent judge on Iron Chef America.

I also want to work with Ina Garten, become her best friend, and get invited to all of her Hamptons cocktail and dinner parties.

[alkapal]

"That dog is as sorry as his father!"

Quote from Paula Deen on the recent show "Unwrapped II: Behind the Scenes at Food Network."

(Later on, I learn that the "dog belonged to Michael." LOL! Well, I guess the rumors were true.)

Anyhow, gossip aside (humorous as it may be), the show was terrific, showing all the jobs involved in several shows: how Iron Chef is really done, the production of Tyler's Ultimate show (three rounds of making the same food because you only use two cameras? Wha???), Gordon Elliott as Deen's producer, working in her home as studio, Sandra Lee.....so much more.

Alton's job on Iron Chef sounded more fun than I expected, as he gets info from culinary "reporters" getting information from the floor, feeding it up to him. The Food Network Librarian job also sounded fun to me, surrounded by oookbooks and tracking down information about ingredients, etc. Iron Chef tapes two shows on a day -- that's a lot of work and clean up.

Funny thing, the Iron Chef "pantry" included a box of frozen leaf spinach! ;-).

I was surprised to learn that they do about 9 re-takes of the "secret ingredient reveal." I was interested to see how the chefs say half the work comes after the initial plating, when they have to prepare 15-20 (?) plates of each of their menu items. (three judges and the chairman....who else? chefs and teams? special guests?).

I was really surprised that Sandra Lee went to the Cordon Bleu in France; she said she'd go to her hotel room at night and figure out shortcuts. I gained a lot of respect for how much hard work she does in planning, sourcing, designing her show and "re-jigging" recipes to make it easier for home cooks. (All I know is I'd like to see the warehouse where they keep all the table and kitchen "stuff."). She's only been on three seasons? Did I hear that right?

And Tyler's kitchen IS Tyler's kitchen -- reproduced exactly in a Brooklyn studio.

Did anyone else see the show? If not, and it re-runs, watch it -- you'll be entertained and often say to yourself "Aha, I see!"

P.S. I think Sandra Lee looks terrific!

[goodhealthgourmet]

I was really surprised that Sandra Lee went to the Cordon Bleu in France;
~~~~~~~~~
alka, before you get too impressed...she attended a *two-week* course at Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa. not that there's anything wrong with LCB in Canada - IMO all of their outposts have just as much cachet as the original. but she certainly didn't bust her butt for 2 (or more) years to earn a Culinary Arts degree.

[alkapal]

well, i didn't know it was in ottawa. but i figured she didn't go for any period of time because she was staying in a hotel.

[goodhealthgourmet]

gotcha - when you said "went to LCB" i took it to mean you thought she was enrolled in their Culinary Arts program. FYI she never even completed the 2 weeks - she said in a Gourmet magazine interview years ago that one day when they were scraping beef tendons she just decided to bail.

[DougRisk]

"I was interested to see how the chefs say half the work comes after the initial plating, when they have to prepare 15-20 (?) plates of each of their menu items. (three judges and the chairman....who else? chefs and teams? special guests?)."

I had a friend go to a taping, and he said that the 5 plates of each dish are for:
- 3 for the the 3 Judges
- 1 for the chairman
- 1 for the photograph ( you know, the one they show right before they start eating it)

He also said that they were there for something like 3-4 hours.

[alkapal]

thanks, dougrisk, ... but i swear that it was several more preps per plate. maybe i misheard, but i don't think so, because it really surprised me in the number.

[junescook]

Anybody on the Best Thing I Ever Ate

[petek]

Antony Bourdain's job any day of the week.I just watched an old episode(2008) of No Reservations in Tokyo.he got to hang out with chef Morimoto!! How freakin cool would that be?!

[junescook]

I guess I have to agree on Bourdain. As long as not called upon to do anything too dangerous, which I guess, since his daughter was born has been less frequent. This year, though, the shows have taken on the wierd pity for humanity aura and kind of lost the joie de vivre they used to have -- at least up to the Boston show.

[petek]

I'm way behind on No Reservations.Got a lot of catching up to do..

[srsone]

wasnt that the one where they met with the guy making the knives?

[petek]

Yup that's the one.Morimoto's favorite(at that time) custom bladesmith Yoshi Kazuakode of Inotada knife works.I wish that segment was a bit longer.

[buttertart]

What is the matter with me? I would love to be Nigella. Absolutely and unreservedly.

[Reposado]

Lydia's mother or "Grandma" on Lydia's Italy -- get to come on whenever I like what Lydia has cooked and taste a sample.

[ttoommyy]

Nonna lives upstairs! All she has to do is leave her room. Sweet deal!

[Jay F]

No "y" in Lidia.

[UncleRemus]

Anything that involves Wayne Harley Brachman

[invinotheresverde]

I'd like David Rocco's life.

Tool around Italy. Drink wine. Go fishing with crazy locals. Drink wine. Make grub with said locals. Drink wine. Drink wine. Drink wine.

If that's not La Dolce Vita, I don't know what is.

[HillJ]

And David has the added benefit of a co-producer wife who enjoys the good life right along side him. I'd say they both have the good life!

[thew]

especially as she doesnt seem to mind his boyfriends popping over for a visit and a bite....

[DougRisk]

Boyfriends?

I have never heard anyone refer to a Man's friends as his "boyfriends"? The "boys", "mates", "crew", even "dogs", but never, ever "boyfriends".

[mariacarmen]

good thing thew's not so stuck on silly proprieties.

[DougRisk]

I can't say I am stuck on them, but I sure was amused by her choice of words. I will have to tell my boyfriends when we go tailgating.

[mariacarmen]

ahahahaha! i'm sure they'll be tickled.

[mariacarmen]

ahahah love it. i'm sure they'll be tickled. pink.

and speaking of being stuck on something....i thought thew was a boy. ahem, i mean man.

[thew]

i am

[thew]

i think my implication was other than what you're reading.

[DougRisk]

I can't imagine I am alone in what I read. Like I said, never have I seen the term "boyfriends" used in that context.

[Jay F]

Thew may not have been using "boyfriends" in "that context." He may actually have meant "boyfriends." At least, having seen David Rocco on TV a couple of times, that's the kind of "boyfriends" I think he meant.

[thew]

yes. i meant boyfriends. as in boys one has a romantic/sexual relationship with. the guy sets off my gaydar bigtime. can i be any clearer?

[Jay F]

Well, I found you to be like crystal. In fact, I had no idea David Rocco liked girls until I read this thread.

[HillJ]

plenty of woman show up too :)
if you have an apartment and a farm in Italy, I would imagine you tend to make alot of friends!

[Rella]

Doesn't David Rocco have twins? I thought so, he was always carrying them around.

[HillJ]

Yes, David & Nina have twins.

[thew]

why was my reply moderated? unless someone thinks being gay is a bad thing, it was not insulting, but part of the speculation ongoing in this subthread. I merely said to rella that there are plenty of gay and/or bi men who have children. ANd that's true

[Rella]

My question was trying to figure out the difference between Rocco Dispirito and Rocco who has twins. And if so, that he is married and has twins, so why are there women showing up at the farm.

[HillJ]

Oh boy, this is such a sidetrack. My reference to friends showing up at the farm is to imply both men and woman friends to the couple. It's common on the show to see the Rocco's entertaining all of their friends. What being married with children means you can't have female friends?

[Rella]

"Married with Children." I believe that's another show. :-))

[HillJ]

Ah, so it is...and I don't recall the dining experience of MWC amounting to more than a vending machine purchase...so I'll stick with Rocco's luscious peasant-style cuisine.

[Rella]

I liked Rocco's shows better before he "took to the country."

Although I suppose it does give an inkling what it is like to live in the country in Italy; I have wondered if it's a fair representation of Italian farmers with a piece of land.

But after all, it is but a cooking show -- like art, perhaps artistic license.

[HillJ]

I see it as more of a lifestyle show than cooking program. I like David's style/approach to life; find him appealing and the show just hits all the bells for me (from show soundtrack, to Italy locals, to food, to friends). I'm just a fan. OTOH, the recent inclusion of an Italian farmer married to an actress on the Cooking Channel does nothing for me..and I believe incredible "artistic lic" is taken on that show. So, it's preference. I happily admit I enjoy Rocco.

[Rella]

I agree, for me, it is a lifestyle show and I have enjoyed Rocco for sometime.

However, lifestyle shows don't always cut it for me -- I know some here have posted that they liked the foursome in Spain.

I adored Mario for many years, but my enjoyment of his personality began to wane when he and his friend were on some sort of interview show maybe 2-3 years ago. I have enjoyed his interviews on Borders with Immer and interviews about his products and family. But on the Spain trip, I found him a little toooo blustery in an attempt to know the mostest.

They seemed like grown-up brats -- well, that's a bit of hyperbole, but close enough.

[HillJ]

Oh, I don't lump the lifestyle shows all together by any means. I don't enjoy all of the ones that have run either. Or, more to the point, every episode. I'm not so sure I see "brat" as much as lucky. Hard not to admire the folks who get to work this type of gig. I'd work on a lifestyle program in a heartbeat. Looks like a hell of a good time.

[mariacarmen]

i would have loved to have been the driver (they didn't have one, they drove themselves) on that show with Mark Bittman, Mario Batali, blond actress-Blythe Danner's daughter? name escapes me - and Spanish actress/model. I loved the places they visited, and how much they really enjoyed their food and wine. I would eat all the cheese that blond actress wouldn't eat.

[thew]

the spanish woman, Claudia Bassols, would distract me from my driving

[coney with everything]

blond actress-Blythe Danner's daughter

Gwyneth Paltrow

[alkapal]

do i recall that she is a vegetarian? i don't recall that from the show, though! she has a new cookbook.

[ttoommyy]

Worst...food show...ever!

[alkapal]

oh come on, worst EVER? no, remember that show on FN f that gal with the stringy hair whose opening shots included her getting in or out of the back of a u-haul?

[ttoommyy]

Not sure what show you are citing, but I'd rather watch someone get out of a u-haul than a bunch of pretentious snobs tool around Spain. I found the show revolting. Of course I am speaking for myself. Honestly, I can even watch a full episode of Sandra Lee. But the show in question? I couldn't make it through a whole episode.

[mariacarmen]

i thought the same when i first saw it, but it really grew on me, and Bittman and Batali, at least, are serious about the food. it won me over.

[ttoommyy]

I love Batali's food, but the man is full of himself and annoying. I've seen him plenty of times at his restaurant Otto in NYC and he seems like a real tool. Bittman makes my skin crawl. And why on earth is that one-trick-pony Gwyneth Paltrow on the show?

[Sloth]

My solution was to turn the sound off and listen to music while taking in the sights of Spain (and their cuisine).
As for the question that started this all, I would have loved to tag along with the Two Fat Ladies as a camera-person or producer. They looked like they were having fun.

[mariacarmen]

oh yes! the Two Fat Ladies would have been been great to hang out with!

[goodhealthgourmet]

remember that show on FN f that gal with the stringy hair whose opening shots included her getting in or out of the back of a u-haul?
~~~~~~~~~
i never actually saw it, but i remember hearing people say that the curly-haired woman (Amy?) who won TNFNS and did one short season of a vaguely French-inspired show had some stupid promos with a moving van. was that the one?

Edit: i just looked it up - her name is Amy Finley, and the show was The Gourmet Next Door...

[alkapal]

YAY -- you found it GHG!

she's the gourmet *moving out* from next-door -- apparently. ;-). (and thankfully).

[ttoommyy]

Yeah, she really went nowhere fast. And all the money FN invested in that season's show just to come up with a real clunker of a winner. At least with Fieri, they got/get their money's worth.

[ChefJune]

<her name is Amy Finley, and the show was The Gourmet Next Door...>

She moved to France with her family and wrote a book. (I'll bet that made your week!) You can get one here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_...

[alkapal]

chef june -- look at all the great reviews of her cookbook there on amazon.

[goodhealthgourmet]

yeah, i couldn't stand her on TNFNS so there was no way i was going to watch her show. i don't think i ever even saw one of the promos for it!

[ChefJune]

<that show on FN f that gal with the stringy hair whose opening shots included her getting in or out of the back of a u-haul>

YUCK! Glad I missed that one.

[jillbcooks]

Researcher for Alton Brown and maker of props for Good Eats.

[JimboWoodside]

I want the job of being Nigella Lawson's brassiere!

[alkapal]

how refined!

[Kelli2006]

I'd love to work with Alton, or as the host of DDD.

[jmckee]

At the very least as one of the "Actors" who plays roles on the show.

[Bunson]

Cameraman for No Reservations or Bizarre Foods - you get to travel the world and not have to deal with the talking and schmoozing for the camera, and you probably get to taste/eat some of the food after the shot is over. Chariman for ICA is a close second because you get to taste every dish made on ICA.

[tarbaby]

Gotta be Tom Fazeeka on Outrageous Foods!.... THAT:S CRAZY! A TEN POUND HAMBURGER! WHOAH... LET ME STROKE MY MANICURED BEARD AND GRAB AARTI'S DOOPA ONE MORE TIME.

In all seriousness, I wanted to be on one of Bobby Flay's Throwdown's. I would have done either pierogi's or galumpkis.

[monavano]

I'd Throwdown my golabkis too!

[Jay F]

I would not mind hanging out with (producing?) Ina in East Hampton. I cook more like her than anyone else on FN, except I love cilantro, and I feel as if we'd probably get along. And I would not mind hanging out with her gay friend TR. Or any of her friends, for that matter.

[invinotheresverde]

I just want her house!

[ttoommyy]

"I just want her house!"

Yes, especially since in one episode she was throwing a surprise outdoor lunch for her husband and she said something about him not even knowing that part of the property existed! Imagine having so much property that there are parts you haven't been to! lol

[Jay F]

"Imagine having so much property that there are parts you haven't been to!"

Especially in East Hampton.

[coney with everything]

Did you see Ina pop up in Tina Fey's fantasy on 30 Rock last night?

[HillJ]

skip to 4:29 for the spot:
http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/video/resp...

[Jay F]

Thanks coney and Hill. That would be the life.

[DougRisk]

I am surprised that, so far, there have been no references to Anthony Bourdain and No Reservations...I had thought that would be number one.

[monavano]

I think NR looks sexy on the outside, but grueling as far as schedule, climate, location on the inside. I've seen the episodes which show the nuts and bolts of making the show and it can be brutal. But yeah, I'd take the job if offered.

[DougRisk]

Mona, I, personally, was thinking the same thing. However, I thought that many would immediately choose his gig over others.

I always love the "Making of.." episodes of any sort. One thing that definitely came through with the making of No Reservations is how much time is needed to simply set up a shot.

[monavano]

Yes! The heat, leeches, ticks on Bourdain's nutsack (his words!). I'm watching the NR Phillipines ep right now,and he's chowing on goat head and popped an eyeball in his mouth.
You simply couldn't pay me enough...well....maybe ;-)

[thew]

I love thatsort of travel sometimes. So he'll yeah, pay me for it

[twyst]

No doubt, this would EASILY be my first choice, although Im a single guy. I imagine for people with families bourdain's schedule could present an issue.

[Shann]

Probably D,D & D, even though it is not really my favorite FN show. It has the type of food I generally crave, hanging out, and travelling.

I kind of like Man v. Food, but he has to force feed himself sometimes, instead of like Fieri, who just can taste stuff to his heart's content but not have to try to eat the wings of death, etc..

[monavano]

I would not want Adam's job for all the tea in China. I've stuffed myself silly only a couple times in my life, and it is uncomfortable and miserable for hours!

[monavano]

Any show but Sandra Lee. You could not pay me to eat that crap.

[ttoommyy]

I want to be a prep cook on Lidia's Italy. First, imagine all you would learn. Second, imagine all the great food you would eat. A win/win situation all around!

[coney with everything]

I'm with you, alkapal, on the "travel and eat" job description. I'd like to do the Alton Brown Feasting on Asphalt instead of DDD, though, much more low key and 80% less gluttony. We have a classic car...why not?

[srsone]

can i take the job of husband to giada de laurentis?

[alkapal]

er, what "position" would that be? ;-P.

[ipsedixit]

Some of those shots are bordering on soft-pornography.

[srsone]

umm...just show up and eat the food.....yea thats the ticket....

[thew]

doggie-bag style

[ipsedixit]

The Chairman on Iron Chef America.

I get to act dorky, eat without having to judge, and then make the contestants sweat before announcing a winner.

High fun, good food, no stress.

[alkapal]

plus, you get to have a snappy wardrobe! LOL.

"are you ready for your close-up?"

[ipsedixit]

Plus, I get to do cool somersaults in my snappy wardrobe.

[mattstolz]

this one! what a great gig

[HillJ]

Hands down Luke from this CC show: http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/luke-...

Today he was making escargot with a dipping sauce while in a canoe, portable hot stove going, chaperone handling the paddles, taking in the sky....man, I want that gig~