chessiegal February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 Anyone watch Justin Warner on the Cooking Channel special on chocolate? I saw it was rerunning last night, but don't even care to see his smug face in promos, so skipped it. Maybe he's finally learned turning down his 6 show prize was a mistake and is taking anything they throw his way. Or maybe this is what he wanted all along. Who knows. Link to comment
cooksdelight February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 I didn't watch it but he was promoting it on Facebook like his life depended on it. Link to comment
JTMacc99 February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 (edited) I think maybe the worst part about Lenny is that the other two decent ones from that season are also nowhere to be seen in any of the Scripps Networks shows. At least I haven't seen anything about Luca. And I've been reading Nicole's blog occasionally to see what she's cooking and haven't seen so much as peep out of her about any TV opportunities. She did just fire up a new website and I guess link to a youtube channel. It is possible that the youtube stuff has been there all along. Anyway, there's a cute video of her talking about her new website and her new kitchen if you're interested. Watching it, I kept thinking that she might have the Lenny stink on her when it comes to getting a chance, and that made me sad. Edited February 11, 2015 by JTMacc99 1 Link to comment
cooksdelight February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 I believe Nicole did have some YouTube videos up when she went on the show. Luca, I have no idea what he is up to besides working. He used to post on Facebook fairly regularly when the show was on, then he sort of disappeared. Link to comment
JTMacc99 February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 I think it's the Lenny stink. Luca's got it on him and no amount of charming accent, big smiles and grandma stories are going to get it off of him when it comes to getting an opportunity with Scripps somewhere. I think having Luca pop up as a commentator on Unique Eats would possibly make people say, "Hey, what happened to Lenny?" And I think nobody over there wants anybody thinking, "Hey, what happened to Lenny?" Link to comment
howmanywords February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 Anyone watch Justin Warner on the Cooking Channel special on chocolate? I saw it was rerunning last night, but don't even care to see his smug face in promos, so skipped it. Maybe he's finally learned turning down his 6 show prize was a mistake and is taking anything they throw his way. Or maybe this is what he wanted all along. Who knows. This is likely correct. Considering Justin had to use Kickstarter to beg for money to add a cold weather enclosure to his restaurant maybe he saw being choosy and thinking his vision is more important than the networks can no longer pay the bills. 1 Link to comment
Earl Is Dead February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 I am by no means complaining about Lenny's disappearance, but it really makes me wonder how this show works. Wouldn't that be the equivalent of not giving the winner of Survivor the million dollars? Bob Barker not actually delivering on the BRAND! NEW! CAR! ? I don't get it.* *Again: Not complaining! Link to comment
Uncle Benzene February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 I am by no means complaining about Lenny's disappearance, but it really makes me wonder how this show works. Wouldn't that be the equivalent of not giving the winner of Survivor the million dollars? Bob Barker not actually delivering on the BRAND! NEW! CAR! ? I don't get it.* *Again: Not complaining! Lenny: But, aw shucks, y'all promised... Tuschman: Read the contract you signed, asshole! Fogelson: ONE MORE WORD AND I WILL BURY YOU!!! Lenny: *slinks away slowly and quietly* 5 Link to comment
cooksdelight February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 Lenny probably violated something in the contract with all of his YouTube antics. Food Network will always want to be known as a wholesome place, where everything smells and tastes good. Lenny doesn't fit that mold. I think when they picked him, they envisioned a cowboy out on the range, folksy stories, easy to follow recipes.... they should just hire Kent Rollins for that role and be done with it. The concept of this show needs a shakeup. I don't know what, but they can't have another Lenny situation for it to survive. 7 Link to comment
GaT February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 Lenny probably violated something in the contract with all of his YouTube antics. It makes me wonder if FN doesn't check people out for just this reason. If they know something bad about someone ahead of time, they can't say the contract has been violated, but if they don't then they have an easy out if they end up with someone unacceptable to them. Link to comment
howmanywords February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 Was Jeff Mauro the last winner that was chosen by the producers? I mean, at the time I rolled my eyes by how obvious it was Susie had the hots for him but when it all came down to it they nailed it when not only did they think he had the right personality but they were right about how he had a great concept their viewers could relate to. Maybe they should just pick the winner again? It cant be any worse than getting another Lenny mess. Then again on the Chef Lenny FB page someone named "Jennifer McNab" said the show is on its way. Maybe he will get something and they'll stick it on a Saturday night like they did with Justins special. 1 Link to comment
chessiegal February 11, 2015 Share February 11, 2015 Years ago, I read the very long contract these contestants sign just to get on the show. The bottom line was FN and Scripps owe you nothing if you win, that included for any reason they want (very vague wording that could have included the way you trim your fingernails). I doubt any of these contestants or winners have pockets deep enough to contest not getting a show, especially since the chance of them winning the lawsuit is nada. Maybe Scripps should let their lawyers pick the winners since they seem to at least have some sense in crafting the contracts. 4 Link to comment
cooksdelight February 18, 2015 Share February 18, 2015 I think this picture of Jeff Mauro at his child's school to be so cute. https://www.facebook.com/TheRealJeffMauro/photos/a.150631271674927.38368.138463916224996/815154785222569/?type=1&theater 3 Link to comment
Snarklepuss February 22, 2015 Share February 22, 2015 I went over to the Chef Lenny fan page on Facebook and even that has been stripped of posts and now only shows highlights of what was posted there. It's even harder to find out stuff on what happened with him than with Justin. And at least Justin has popped up here and there in the past few years. Lenny seems to have walked off into the sunset without much of a trace, except for a an appearance at the Savannah Food and Wine Festival and a James Beard dinner. He's on the calendar for one in Vail in April. Link to comment
Janimo February 22, 2015 Share February 22, 2015 (edited) I don't believe Lenny made it to the the James Beard New Year's Eve Dinner. I think I read that on facebook. Whatever is going on with him, he's certainly maintaining a low profile. I hope he keeps it that way, 'cause if I never, ever see him on television again.......I'll be glad not to see his creepy mug again.Sorry if I'm rambling, but it's 3:30am where I am, and I should be in bed asleep. lol AHA! Here are a couple of quotes from January on the Chef Lenny fan page:Someone queried "How was Lenny's New York trip?" Lenny's brother Rob replied "Unfortunately Lenny had to cancel at the last minute. We were disappointed not to be able to see him, but understand stuff happens and there will always be another day." Edited February 22, 2015 by Janimo 1 Link to comment
Aquarius February 23, 2015 Share February 23, 2015 I just keep wondering - are they going to have another season of FNS? And if they do, how are they going to handle the Lenny Question? I think it's clear now that Food Network is not working with him in any way . . . probably hope he'll just disappear . . . and he does seem to be forgotten overall. But a new season will bring up the question of what happened to last year's winner. I wonder if they'll just give up the show altogether, given the lackluster performance of their winners overall from the last six seasons or so. 1 Link to comment
cooksdelight February 23, 2015 Share February 23, 2015 The show is currently filming in Los Angeles and if you are in the area you might be able to score some tickets to attend a taping event. https://onsetproductions.com/calendar/details.aspx?showID=360 Link to comment
Snarklepuss February 23, 2015 Share February 23, 2015 Aquarius, I've been asking myself the same question. I would think they would not want to call more attention to Lenny but on the other hand they are very ratings driven and that show is popular. Link to comment
cooksdelight February 23, 2015 Share February 23, 2015 No idea why Alton isn't listed as a host for this upcoming season. Link to comment
Uncle Benzene February 23, 2015 Share February 23, 2015 (edited) Pretty sure they'll just pretend [edit: Lenny] (and, by extension, last season) never existed. There will be plenty of references to past winners Guy, Mauro, Damaris and maybe a sprinkling of D'Arabian. Hell, they'll probably go to great pains to make it seem like Damaris was the most recent winner (just by heavy implication, if nothing else) and just roll with it on the assumption that people don't think too much about it. And I suspect they'll end up being right... people won't think too much about it. Edited February 23, 2015 by Uncle Benzene 5 Link to comment
chessiegal February 23, 2015 Share February 23, 2015 Food Network Gossip says Alton is currently touring the country with his in person show, and opines that he was not available for the FNS taping that is happening now. Link to comment
cooksdelight February 23, 2015 Share February 23, 2015 Uh huh..... I think he wants to rid himself of ever being associated with this show again. 4 Link to comment
GaT February 24, 2015 Share February 24, 2015 I just keep wondering - are they going to have another season of FNS? And if they do, how are they going to handle the Lenny Question? I think it's clear now that Food Network is not working with him in any way . . . probably hope he'll just disappear . . . and he does seem to be forgotten overall. But a new season will bring up the question of what happened to last year's winner. I wonder if they'll just give up the show altogether, given the lackluster performance of their winners overall from the last six seasons or so. Aquarius, I've been asking myself the same question. I would think they would not want to call more attention to Lenny but on the other hand they are very ratings driven and that show is popular. They didn't have a problem with continuing the show after the Justin Warner fiasco, I'm sure they won't have a problem after Lenny. Link to comment
Snarklepuss February 24, 2015 Share February 24, 2015 They didn't have a problem with continuing the show after the Justin Warner fiasco, I'm sure they won't have a problem after Lenny. One wonders when and if the disappearance of yet another winner will affect ratings. My guess is not yet and people will tune in for side show factor if nothing else. Kind of like on "Worst Cooks in America". 1 Link to comment
chessiegal February 24, 2015 Share February 24, 2015 I've read people who say they would never watch the show of any winner - they don't watch how to cook shows. They only like competition shows, which is what FN figured out years ago when they dropped the instructional shows for the competition shows that now dominate the network. 3 Link to comment
Bella February 24, 2015 Share February 24, 2015 Meanwhile, for the three of you who suffered through the Kids Baking Championship finale last night, you might have seen the Food Network commercial stating that Valerie Bertinelli will have her own show starting in the summer. She was a judge on KBC, has popped up on Cut Throat Kitchen, and will probably appear elsewhere as part of the ongoing cross-promotion that FN likes to do. I expect her to make an appearance on the next season of FNS as a judge or special guest or something. This says a couple of things to me. First, FN hasn't completely given up on cooking instruction shows. And second, the way to be the real "next Food Network star" is to already be famous for something. They also seem to be promoting this Duff person pretty heavily - he has a show, was Bertinelli's co-judge on KBC, etc. - so I expect to see him on FNS's next season as a guest, judge, or something. 1 Link to comment
Aquarius February 24, 2015 Share February 24, 2015 (edited) They didn't have a problem with continuing the show after the Justin Warner fiasco, I'm sure they won't have a problem after Lenny. Yes, but the big difference is that Justin's show was always "in the works." Coming in October, no, January, no, March - but stay tuned. And indeed a show was produced. Absolutely nothing has been said about Lenny's. Edited February 24, 2015 by Aquarius 1 Link to comment
cooksdelight February 24, 2015 Share February 24, 2015 Both Lenny and FN have no one to blame but themselves. Lenny for having all those ridiculous videos out there. FN for clearly not doing the proper background checks (they say they do) and not doing a simple online search for anything related to Lenny. If we could find them, anyone could. 4 Link to comment
howmanywords February 24, 2015 Share February 24, 2015 The ironic thing about them making sure competition shows dominate the network is that three of their highest rated shows Pioneer Woman, Farmhouse Rules and The Kitchen are cooking shows. Barefoot Contessa also does very well in the ratings so you would think that would give them a clue that there are still out there very much viewers who want to see cooking, its just that they keep giving these competition shows the prime spots. Even the ones that end up bombing like Kitchen Casino they try and push by giving them good time slots. Just because Cutthroat Kitchen and Chopped took off in a huge way it doesnt mean we have to be subjected to crap like this kids baking competition and Duff Till Dawn. Yes, but the big difference is that Justin's show was always "in the works." Coming in October, no, January, no, March - but stay tuned. And indeed a show was produced. Absolutely nothing has been said about Lenny's. Not a single thing. None. And you cant tell me his James Beard appearance getting canceled didnt have anything to do with some mess going down with FN. I mean, its REALLY bizarre. Even Justin at this point they were throwing an appearance or two in promos or something to give viewers a reminder, things like commercials for No Kid Hungry or the Food and Wine Fest. Lenny is completely MIA at the network. 3 Link to comment
LazyToaster February 25, 2015 Share February 25, 2015 I bet that FN can't force Lenny on their other people, thus the radio silence. All their stars probably said no way will I work with him. They may just plan to never mention him again and if anyone asks they can just say something like unfortunately, Lenny's schedule, etc. etc. Link to comment
cooksdelight February 25, 2015 Share February 25, 2015 I had no idea Guy could officiate marriages. Maybe he's got a second career if he ever falls off the food thing. :) http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/02/24/guy-fieri-gay-weddings-miami/23959839/ Link to comment
chessiegal February 28, 2015 Share February 28, 2015 Damaris Phillips' Southern at Heart starts its 4th season March 29 at noon. She hinted on FB recently she'd be back for another season - I figured she wouldn't even hint if it wasn't a done deal. Good for her. 3 Link to comment
cooksdelight March 6, 2015 Share March 6, 2015 Adam Gertler (season 4) is now a sausage master for a hot dog restaurant in the Los Angeles area. "Though the Dog Haus menu reads like a drunken cookbook of street dogs and Denny’s breakfasts, the plump, flavorful hot dogs show more tact and restraint than their sloppy inspirations, thanks in part to the sweet, soft Hawaiian bread buns. Among the long list of dependably delectable dogs, burgers and brats, the Sooo Cali ($6) is the hot dog of choice, with its thick slices of avocado, crispy onions and spicy basil aioli. Out front, the picnic bench patio offers a charming alternative to the sports bar-like interior; in either case the delightfully cheesy '80s touches are inescapable, from the loud soundtrack—think Toto—to the menu—The Abe Froman, Scott Baioli." Link to comment
LazyToaster March 11, 2015 Share March 11, 2015 I just saw a commercial featuring Damaris, the product is Spice Islands. She is really doing well! Link to comment
JTMacc99 March 11, 2015 Share March 11, 2015 I just saw a commercial featuring Damaris, the product is Spice Islands. She is really doing well! She is very likable. It goes a long way. And as I think I mentioned earlier, it bothers me that the two other finalists from Lenny's season were both likable even if they weren't as good at playing the game as Lenny, and neither of them are going to be able to shake off the Lenny stink that surrounds them. 4 Link to comment
StaceyNotStacie March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 She is very likable. It goes a long way. And as I think I mentioned earlier, it bothers me that the two other finalists from Lenny's season were both likable even if they weren't as good at playing the game as Lenny, and neither of them are going to be able to shake off the Lenny stink that surrounds them. There have been so many other finalists that were so much better than the person who won. Even though they did that former contestant online competition last year, I wish they would do some sort of All-Stars or Redemption season where all of the contestants are from previous seasons. Link to comment
chessiegal March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 (edited) I vaguely remember this former contestant that has gone missing, since she had a "healthy food" slant that I would be interested in. Hope they find her and family safe and sound. http://www.foodnetworkgossip.com/2015/03/food-network-star-contestant-Cristie-Schoen-Missing.html#.VQeO3ZU5DIU Edited March 17, 2015 by chessiegal Link to comment
cooksdelight March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I've been hearing about this on the local news, it's scary as heck. No sign of them, no clue where they are...both scheduled to start new jobs in opposite ends of the country on the same day. Link to comment
NikSac March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 I've been hearing about this on the local news, it's scary as heck. No sign of them, no clue where they are...both scheduled to start new jobs in opposite ends of the country on the same day. Yikes. And now their house is blocked off by police tape and someone's been arrested. How scary. Link to comment
cooksdelight March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Here's the latest from the local news: http://www.wlos.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/breaking-neighbor-missing-couple-charged-murder-20132.shtml#.VQgCXIb3arU Link to comment
hitchcock3011 March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Sorry for the unhappy news:http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2015/03/food-network-star-christie-murdered/ Link to comment
cooksdelight March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 She was on Alton's team with Martie, Justin, Linkie, etc. They are all pretty torn up about it. Link to comment
howmanywords March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Oh my God. How horrible and its heartbreaking to look at those beautiful pictures on her Facebook page. The only positive in this is that they caught the scumbag who did it. That news article says hes being charged with 2 counts of murder, but technically since Cristie was pregnant I pray they could get him on 3 counts. Piece of garbage. Link to comment
cooksdelight March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 The link I posted from WLOS, the local TV station, said he is being charged with felony murder for the death of the unborn child. Link to comment
GaT March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 They haven't said that they found their bodies, it seems strange that they've charged someone with murder & there aren't any bodies. Link to comment
cooksdelight March 17, 2015 Share March 17, 2015 Police are searching the man's property. And this is not the first time he's been a suspect in a missing person's case. http://www.wlos.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/asheville-police-discuss-murder-suspects-criminal-past-20141.shtml#.VQi2dIb3arU 1 Link to comment
Mountainair March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 Police are searching the man's property. And this is not the first time he's been a suspect in a missing person's case. http://www.wlos.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/asheville-police-discuss-murder-suspects-criminal-past-20141.shtml#.VQi2dIb3arU This happened five miles from my house! Press conference tomorrow at 2. Link to comment
cooksdelight March 19, 2015 Share March 19, 2015 Hello from your neighbor to the west. :) I hope they give this guy the death penalty, and actually use it this time. 2 Link to comment
NikSac March 21, 2015 Share March 21, 2015 Wow: http://forums.previously.tv/topic/5688-food-network-star-alums/page-5#entry943715 Hope this guy never sees the light of day again. Ever. Link to comment
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