Supernatural Botanicals

There’s no hiding Tony Bourdain’s dislike (or disgust) for Sandra Lee.  The Semi-Homemade queen does not rank highly amongst chefs or even the foodies of the world.  A particular episode of Sandra’s that made Tony’s eye twitch was the Kwanzaa cake episode.  In fact, he was so sure we’d agree with his thoughts that he told us to go home and You Tube Sandra Lee’s Kwanzaa cake.  Watch for yourself and come to your own conclusions. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we2iWTJqo98

Tony’s near sold-out F-bomb laiden show in Cincinnati had all of us in stitches all night.  He received as many laughs as a comedian.  Tony is an incredible story-teller and one who isn’t afraid to share his thoughts on Food Network personalities, i.e., he thinks Guy Fieri, at the age of 45, needs to take the glasses off the back of his head and thinks Giada has an abnormally large head. 

The audience in Cincinnati was filled with some of our most prominent chefs, foodies, bloggers and all-around interesting people in Cincinnati.  Tony opened the floor to questions, and it was amazing to see so many well-traveled Cincinnatians all in one place. 

Tony is welcome to our city any day…even if he made fun of our cinnamon-laced chili.  I have a feeling Cincinnatian’s would welcome him with open arms and another sold out venue.

Today is the last day to sign up for free tickets to see Tony Bourdain in Cincinnati on June 27th.  For your chance to win, ENTER HERE!  Good luck!

Have serious love for Tony Bourdain?  …of course you do, we all do!  He’s the epitome of cool, yet hot!  You know this boy has some stories to tell..and I want to hear them. 

So, I promised you a chance to win tickets, and here’s your chance.  Just leave a comment (see comment section below) and let me know what you love about Tony.   A commenter will be chosen at random to win two tickets to An Evening with Tony Bourdain in Cincinnati, June 27th at the Aronoff.  Good luck!

UPDATE:  Congratulations to Loki of Cincy Voices.  You won! 

“We don’t make our own Fondant.  Fondant is hard on mixers, and for the trouble, it’s better to just go the store and buy it.  Fondant is basically pure sugar.  You can add candy flavorings to alter the taste if you like.  We tend to think of fondant as the canvas that we decorate, but it also acts as an airtight seal that keeps the cake inside fresh and moist.  When it comes time to eat the cake, you can peel the fondant off like you would an orange peel. “ Duff Goldman, Ace of Cakes, on the blatantly grotesque taste of fondant icing.

Check out this rare behind the scenes peek of Jamie Oliver at home. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJi8ROrvZE

   Catch Alton Brown from now until Thanksgiving day on the Food Network for Thanksgiving Dinner 101.  AB truly is the master of this holiday.   We love, love, love Alton Brown!

   Hearst magazine will discontinue Cosmo Girl magazine, in publication since 2000, in December 2008, citing rising costs and shrinking ad page numbers.  Atoosa, girl, you gave it a good shot.  You are to be commended on that, sister. 

   But on a more exciting note, Hearst is going to launch Food Network Magazine!  For all you Food Network junkies (being a card-carrying member of that society myself), the magazine will feature articles and recipes from all your favorites, like Ina Garten (my favorite), Paula Deen (how can you not love her?), Tyler Florence (oh so easy on the eyes and makes a mean roasted chicken), and Alton Brown (this boy schools me every time..he’s so fun!)   Look for it on newsstands now.