Padma Lakshmi says things are so bad in the U.S. of A. now, she and lots of others have lost their ability to laugh. We got the “Top Chef” host Thursday in NYC, and she doubled down on her take that Donald Trump is a racist and a bigot. Beyond that…
Showing posts with label Chef. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chef. Show all posts
Friday, October 19, 2018
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Fatima Ali: Terminally Ill Top Chef Star Receives Outpouring of Support
If you’re a fan of the acclaimed Bravo cooking competition Top Chef, then you may have already heard the tragic news that beloved former contestant Fatima Ali has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Ali revealed her diagnosis Tuesday in a heartbreaking essay published by Bon Appetit.
“My oncologist has told me that I have a year to live, with or without the new chemotherapy regimen,” Ali wrote.
“I was looking forward to being 30, flirty, and thriving. Guess I have to step it up on the flirting. I have no time to lose.”
“I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants, reaching out to past lovers and friends, and smothering my family, giving them the time that I so selfishly guarded before.”
Displaying the trademark wit that made her a fan favorite during her time on the show, Ali added:
“I was looking forward to being 30, flirty and thriving. Guess I have to step it up on the flirting. I have no time to lose.”
In the hours after Chef Fatima’s article was published, thousands offered words of gratitude and support on social media, including her Top Chef co-stars:
“This is my friend, she is courage, strength and she wrote a piece almost as beautiful as she is, link is in my bio please read and share #teamfati,” wrote Top Chef Season 15 champion Joe Flamm.
“Can’t even begin to say how devastated I am to hear this news, it really hit me hard! No one truly can understand the bond created through @bravotopchef we’ve become a close knit family very quickly,” fellow chef Bruce Kalman wrote.
“I’m so inspired by @cheffati bravery and positive outlook on this situation.
“The deep connection and love we all have for each other, for better or worse, is unrivaled. Life is too short and it’s time we all appreciated everyone and everything in our lives.”
Just days before she revealed that her illness had reached the terminal stage, Ali posted the above video of her co-stars wishing her well from an event in Connecticut that she had been unable to attend.
We hope Fatima finds comfort in knowing that she will receive such love and support in her final days — and joy in knowing that she’s been an inspiration to so many.
Fatima Ali, Beloved Top Chef Star, Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
Fatima Ali is in need of your prayers.
The former Top Chef contestant, whose personality made her into a fan favorite on Season 15, has penned a powerful and emotional essay.
In it, Ali reveals that she has cancer — and will almost certainly be dead in a year.
“The cancer cells my doctors believed had vanished are back with a vengeance in my left hip and femur bone,” wrote the 29-year old on Tuesday wrote in a post published by Bon Appétit’s Healthyish.
In heartbreaking detail, she proceeded to give fans her diagnosis:
“My oncologist has told me that I have a year to live, with or without the new chemotherapy regimen.
“I was looking forward to being 30, flirty and thriving. Guess I have to step it up on the flirting. I have no time to lose.”
We have no idea how Ali, or anyone in her situation, can joke at a time like this.
It’s the epitome of bravery.
“It’s funny, isn’t it?” continued the beloved reality star.
“When we think we have all the time in the world to live, we forget to indulge in the experiences of living.
“When that choice is yanked away from us, that’s when we scramble to feel.
“I am desperate to overload my senses in the coming months, making reservations at the world’s best restaurants, reaching out to past lovers and friends, and smothering my family, giving them the time that I so selfishly guarded before.”
That’s what the song and the saying says, right?
To live like you are dying?
It really is tragic that only those actually dying typically have this kind of perspective.
Ali finished in seventh place on Top Chef.
In late 2017, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, which is a type of bone and soft tissue cancer.
The aspiring chef underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy prior to having the tumor in her left shoulder surgically removed.
This is a photo of Ali and Padma Lakshmi in the hospital from January of 2018.
She announced in February that she was cancer-free, yet started suffering complications after completing her final found of chemotherapy in August.
“I’ve spent more time in sterile hospital rooms in the past year than I have in my own apartment,” Ali wrote in her essay.
“This has become my new home, and the staff a part of my family…
“Everyone’s amazed that I’m taking it so well. But when you hit rock bottom, there really is no place to go but up.”
Ali doesn’t know how much time she has left for sure, but she plans to spend the final months of her life doing what she loves best: visiting new restaurants in New York City.
“I was always deathly afraid of being average in any way,” she concluded. “And now I desperately wish to have a simple, uneventful life.”
God bless her.
Monday, August 6, 2018
French Master Chef Joel Robuchon Dead at 73
Joel Robuchon, who has a seismic influence on French food, turning it from stuffy to fun and accessible, is dead. Robuchon’s impact of food was so enormous, he was called “cook of the century” back in 1990. One of the things he did that has…
Friday, June 8, 2018
Buff White House Chef Andre Rush Talks Army Past, Trump"s Diet and Workout Routine
Andre Rush — the White House chef who looks more like a bodybuilder — says he never expected his military career to lead him to D.C., but it all worked out … and speaking of workouts … The retired Army Master Sergeant Chef was on “TMZ Live”…
Anthony Bourdain Dead of Apparent Suicide; Celebrity Chef Was 61
Stunning news out of the food world today, as beloved celebrity chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Anthony Bourdain has passed away at the age of 61.
The news was confirmed this morning by Bourdain’s home network, CNN.
The outlet has revealed that the cause of death appears to be suicide.
“It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” CNN said in a statement.
“His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.
“His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Sources say Bourdain was filming an episode of Parts Unknown in France, where he was found unresponsive in his hotel room by fellow chef and longtime friend Eric Ripert.
There was perhaps no greater star in the food world than Bourdain, who first rose to prominence outside the New York restaurant scene with the publication of his 2000 book, Kitchen Confidential.
He went on to author two more bestselling books and host several popular TV series, including No Reservations, The Layover, and Parts Unknown.
Bourdain’s trademark wit and erudite commentary have been widely imitated but never duplicated, as his adventurous lifestyle and observations about food, travel, and the world around him attracted a larger and more diverse audience than any previously enjoyed by a celebrity chef.
In recent months, Bourdain became an outspoken supporter of the #MeToo movement, largely as a result of his relationship with actress Asia Argento, an alleged victim of Harvey Weinstein’s.
News of his passing comes just days after the death of fashion designer Kate Spade, who also took her own life.
On social media friends, fans, and fellow celebrities are paying tribute and expressing shock over the death of a man whose jet-setting, epicurean lifestyle made him the envy of millions.
“According to AFSP, there are nearly 45,000 suicides every year in the US. Shocking. I was saddened to hear of the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain,” tweeted actor Bryan Cranston.
“RIP. It illustrates that success is not immune to depression. We all need to be more aware of our friends who are suffering.”
Anthony Bourdain is survived by a daughter from his second marriage.
Our thoughts are with his family during this tremendously difficult time.
We’ll have further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Will.i.am"s Company Sued by Former Chef for Age Discrimination
Will.i.am’s company is ageist, according to his former chef who says she got canned purely because she’s over 40. Pamela Bailey is suing will.i.am Music claiming the Black Eyed Peas singer laid off a bunch of employees in 2017. In the docs, she…
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Celebrity Chef Art Smith Rallies LGBT Bakers After Supreme Court Decision
Ex-“Top Chef Masters” star Art Smith is imploring all Americans to avoid cake made with hate … and he’s also rallying all LGBT bakers to help the cause. Art, who’s been the personal chef of both Oprah and former Florida…
Celebrity Chef Art Smith Rallies LGBT Bakers After Supreme Court Decision
Ex-“Top Chef Masters” star Art Smith is imploring all Americans to avoid cake made with hate … and he’s also rallying all LGBT bakers to help the cause. Art, who’s been the personal chef of both Oprah and former Florida…
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Chef Mario Batali Fired from ABC"s "The Chew"
Mario Batali is officially cut from “The Chew” … for good. ABC completed its review into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against the celeb chef — and says, “While we remain unaware of any type of inappropriate behavior involving…
Monday, December 11, 2017
Mario Batali: Celebrity Chef Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Steps Down
Mario Batali is famous for his work as a chef, for his television appearances, and for his signature look.
And now his name goes on the long, long list of powerful men accused of sexual misconduct.
Batali has issued an apology and announced that he is stepping back from his restaurants and television work.
You don’t have to be someone who cares about celebrity chefs to at least vaguely recognize the name Mario Batali.
He’s a chef, a restaurateur, and also a television personality.
He has the sort of classical culinary training that one would expect from a chef.
But he is also considered an expert on the history of Italian cuisine.
Mario Batali owns or co-owns restaurants in major cities across the US and also spanning the globe.
He’s had a Food Network series and has also acted as a guest and cohost on other shows related to his area of expertise.
Batali is perhaps most recognizable for his signature look, which features a fleece vest, shorts, and then either orange crocs or, in more recent appearances, Adidas Yeezy footwear.
Unfortunately, you know the drill, folks: it sounds like there was a side of Batali that the public never saw.
Four women have come forward and accused him of sexual misconduct.
Eater New York reports that they interviewed dozens of people who’ve worked with Mario Batali over the years in order to confirm the accusations against him.
What they found does not paint a pretty picture.
One woman said that Batali “grabbed both of my breasts” while at a party.
Another accused the celebrity chef of “put his hand on half of my butt and he squeezed it.”
These examples are on top of a described pattern of inappropriate behavior, which included frequently using innuendo in the workplace.
The accusations include asking questions about the sex lives of his female employees and also asking about their underwear.
(Gross!)
The list of jobs in which asking about a woman’s underwear or sex life are appropriate is very, very short.
It’s mostly just certain types of modeling and certain types of sex work.
The list of jobs in which it’s okay to grab a woman’s butt or breasts without her permission is even shorter, at exactly zero.
The public expects some bad behavior from chefs — prima donna nonsense, flaring tempers, storming out and breaking dishes. None of that’s acceptable, but some people think that they have to put up with it if they want a “genius” chef.
(Note: if an artistic genius of any kind is acting like that as an adult, they’re a genius and a dickbag; you don’t have to put up with nonsense to get fancy food)
The Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group has announced that Batali has agreed to step away from his businesses — including restaurants and TV appearances (though the TV part had already been decided by ABC and others).
Batali has issued an apology:
“I apologize to the people I have mistreated and hurt.”
That starts off vague, but he does more or less admit to the allegations.
“Although the identities of most of the individuals mentioned in these stories have not been revealed to me, much of the behavior described does, in fact, match up with ways I have acted.”
When you compare that to Al Franken’s resignation statement or Matt Lauer’s “apology,” Batali appears to be owning his behavior better than many of those who were named before him.
“That behavior was wrong and there are no excuses.”
Agreed.
“I take full responsibility and am deeply sorry for any pain, humiliation or discomfort I have caused to my peers, employees, customers, friends, and family.”
While no apology magically undoes wrongdoings as serious as Batali’s, a good apology is still nice to hear.
Eater New York reports that they interviewed dozens of people who’ve worked with Mario Batali over the years in order to confirm the accusations against him.
What they found does not paint a pretty picture.
Celebrity Chef Mario Batali Accused of Sexual Harassment, Stepping Away from Restaurant Biz
Mario Batali is accused of “inappropriate touching” by 4 women — 3 of them former employees — and the allegation is forcing the celebrity chef to step away from his restaurant empire. One of Batali’s accusers called him ”creepy” and said…
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver Sued Over False "Gluten Free" Labels on Recipes
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver might be claiming some of his recipes are gluten-free — but they’re actually full of crap ‘cause the label’s not official … according to a new lawsuit. A non-profit called Gluten Intolerance Group of North America is…
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Floyd Mayweather"s Chef Reveals Breakfast of Champions, Including Spaghetti Obsession
Floyd Mayweather eats likes a horse … because he can. Floyd’s chef, J. Santiago, tells TMZ, Floyd’s eating is directly proportionate to his workouts. A typical breakfast includes eggs, home fries, grits, various breakfast meats including…
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Infomercial Salesman Chef Tony "Memba Him?!
Anthony “Chef Tony” Notaro gained famed for his cutting-edge sales skills on his informercials for Miracle Blade and other awesome items like TastiWave, SmartLidz, Wonder Cooker and Funnel Cake Kit. Guess what he looks like now!
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Diddy"s Ex-Personal Chef Sues Him for Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination
Diddy made his personal chef whip up meals right after he had sex, and wasn’t shy about showing off his manhood when she entered the room … according to a new lawsuit. In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Cindy Rueda says she was “regularly summoned” to…
Monday, May 8, 2017
Ayesha Curry Opening BBQ Restaurant with Super Famous Chef
Chef Curry with the pot!!! Ayesha Curry — wife of NBA superstar Steph Curry — is opening her own own BBQ restaurant in San Francisco with the help of one of the most famous chef/restaurateurs in the world! Make no mistake about it,…
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Chef "Salt Bae" Chops That Meat for Rickie Fowler (PHOTO + VIDEO)
The famous meat chef/Internet sensation known as Salt Bae just charmed his way into the mouth of Rickie Fowler … servin’ up some grub for the golf stud at one of his restaurants in Dubai. Fowler was hanging with Dustin Johnson and some other…
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Broncos" Linebacker Shane Ray -- HIBACHI, PLEASE ... I"m a Benihana Chef Now! (VIDEO)
Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray has a fallback plan if the whole NFL thing doesn’t work out — he’s a master Benihana chef … and he’s got the certificate to prove it! The 23-year-old donned the trademark Benihana chef hat and apron –…
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