2009 August Archive at Laptop Television Mom

Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless and LTV Mom

Even this long-time fan of Top Chef was dubious when I heard there would be a “celebrity Chef” version called Top Chef Masters. The Top Chef series makes for great laptop television, so I tuned in while I worked and blogged. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the show. Like all good reality TV, the competition started with 24 Top Chefs and whittled its way down to the final three Chefs. The winner will be named this week on Wednesday, August 20 on Bravo.

I am happy to say that two of my all-time favorite Chefs are in the finale. Here are the finalists and why I admire them (or at least want to eat their food):

1. Rick Bayless — Frontera Grill

I love Rick Bayless because he cooks the kind of food that I want to make for my family and friends. His fresh approach to Mexican food combines delicious whole foods in a simple, easy and delicious way.

As you can tell from the photo above, I recently met Rick Bayless at BlogHer 09 in Chicago. He was hosting cooking demonstration for the National Pork Board. He made a Chamoy-marinated pork tenderloin with mango salsa. (Visit “This Mama Cooks” for the recipe.) I was so excited to see him cook that I showed up 20 minutes before his presentation began to get a good spot. Well, I did get a good spot even though I felt awkwardly stalker-ish and tried to look busy while Rick prepared his cooking station.

Rick was so nice and humble… and even seemed shy. He kindly posed for photographs and signed autographs. Rick signed one of his recipe cards for my sister (who ADORES Rick), and she is framing the autograph to hang in her kitchen. Of course, if I had been more organized, I would have bought some of Rick’s cookbooks to have him sigh them. Oh well… I’ll have to settle for watching him in the Top Chef Masters finale!

If you are a fan of Top Chef Finale and Rick Bayless, check out Root 4 Rick! Rick is competing for the Frontera Farmers Foundation.

2. Hubert Keller – Fleur de Lys

I love Hubert Keller because he cooks the kind of food I *wish* I could make for special occasions with my husband. His food appears elegant, refined and sophisticated.

I always gravitate to Chef with restaurants in San Francisco because I like to support the food scene in my backyard. But I really fell in love with Hubert’s manner, tone and style. He just seems so refined. And let’s not forget that Hubert Keller also has an entire cookbook dedicated to hamburgers! (Be still, my beating heart!)

Hubert is competing on Top Chef Masters to win money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (And I have requested my husband makes reservations for dinner at Fleur de Lys for my birthday.)

3. Michael Chiarello — Bottega

Of course, there is one more Chef in the finale, and he is Michael Chiarello from Napa Valley’s Bottega Restaurant. I love the fact that Michael is competing for the Clinic Ole Foundation to help Napa Valley’s migrant workers (the backbone of California wine country). Michael has moxie, attitude and good food. But I just want to say to him: “What is my name? And who I am to you?” (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

At the end of the day, support the Chef or charity that appeals to you and watch Bravo on Wednesday night to see who wins!

– LTV Mom

Melissa d'Arabian and Food Network's "Ten Dollar Dinners"

This loyal watcher of “The Next Food Network Star” celebrated the crowning of this season’s winner on Sunday night. The show, where 10 chefs compete for their own cooking show on Food Network and subsequent celebrity status, concluded with two solid contestants: Jeffrey Saad and winner Melissa d’Arabian. I connect with Melissa’s “can-do-mom” attitude and was happy to attend a victory phone interview on Monday morning.

During our call, Melissa unveiled the concept for her new show on Food Network called “Ten Dollar Dinners.” I’m sure the concept — aimed squarely at busy moms on a budget — will be well-received by moms, dads and budget-watchers everywhere. Throughout the show, we got a glimpse of her “four-step chicken” type recipes, so I am hoping for quick and easy (as well as cost-effective) recipes.

Melissa explained the evolution of her show: “I believe that eating on a budget should be about feeling empowered and about feeling good,” she said. She assured us that the recipes on her show will include delicious and interesting ingredients (she promised no hot dogs!) because she wants to teach people how to feed a family a delicious and well-rounded meal with several components. She also promised her viewers “will be surprised by the ingredients and the recipes.”

What’s interesting about Melissa is her background in Corporate America. Rather than extensive culinary training, Melissa holds an MBA. She is self-taught, and in my opinion, self-inspired. She explained at the judge’s table during one of the episodes, “I was climbing up the corporate ladder, but my soul was malnourished.” After pregnancies, bed-rest and maternity leave, Melissa decided to follow her passion in the kitchen rather than return to the boardroom.

How does it feel to be the most under-trained contestant in the show AND to be named the winner? Melissa said, “It feels amazing to know I’ve been able to accomplish this and a tremendous lesson to not underestimate myself. Moms can do things too. My job will never be more important than my family. But my dreams do matter.”

Tune into Melissa’s new show “Ten Dollar Dinners” beginning Sunday, August 9 on Food Network.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Food Network