Time with Paula Dean...

I have seen and heard many opinions over the past week about the Paula Dean Show so I thought I would share my perspective, good and bad.

Not Worth It: For the people who had a negative experience; This was only her third show in this format so I am sure she is still learning how to perform in this style. When it comes to an performance style show; buyer beware. If you love an artist and want to pay $60 to see them, go for it and if you do not like an artist, why would you pay? I am a big Seinfeld fan and paid $85 for a ticket and he was on stage for 1 hour. I got 2 tickets to see Frank Sinatra back in 1993 (for my parents, $150 total) and 4 songs into his set, he passed out and hit the floor. Paid $100 for my wife to see Cher and a week later, the show was on prime time network television. Buyer beware!

Not Cooking: Many people have been complaining that Paula Dean did not cook. It is extremely hard to cook live in front of an audience, while you are trying to entertain as well! Paula Dean does not want to cook while on stage; she wants to tell stories, interact with the audience, connect with everyone there. You can not do this while cooking! If you want to see her cook, check her out on television!

Leaving Quickly: Many people were upset that she left right after the show. She filled her obligation as far as I can tell. She and Michael left the stage and went right to the limo and head to the airport. I wish she had stuck around but it is her life and she had a schedule to keep. I do not blame anyone for that.

Cussing and Innuendo: I did not really hear much. It was there but there was nothing which would be rated more than PG. If you have ever heard the term, "Cussing like a sailor", Michael is a sailor!! Not a big deal from anything I can tell.

Me on stage: Since I was back stage and on stage, I really did not get to see the show. The total time I spent with her was about 1 minute; everything on stage was really improve. It was fun but a little confusing at times. Since there was no plan or discussion before the show, I did not know what to expect. Someone said I was RUDE, not funny, and a yahoo. I do not know if I was rude or not, but I do not think I was. Some made it out that I did not know where I was. I stated that I have been living in Roanoke for 12 years, and that is true, I live in Roanoke, not Salem. Were were in Salem, but that is not where I reside. Saying you live in Roanoke encompasses the whole area, including Salem, Vinton, Hollins, Grandin, Crystal Springs, etc. Me a yahoo? Arn't we all? I do not know what context that woman ment in the Fridge Magnet blog? Perhaps this person could of done a better job than me? Me not funny? I am not a funny man, nor did I try to be; I am a cook! I was asked to help with the show for my cooking skills, and was told to play it straight on stage. I did my best to accommodate what I was asked. People were there to see Paula Dean, not Chef Jeff!

I think Paula Dean put on a good and entertaining show. She is a remarkable person if you listen to her story; she has been through and and recovered for many hardships! I left that night a bigger fan than when I walked in. I hope she will do more shows and they will just get better and better in time!

I got to cook with Paula Dean...

Yes, it is true! The past Saturday night, Paula Dean was here in Salem, Virginia and I was her assistant on stage. I must say that it was pretty darn cool. Was a long day and a bit surreal but cool non the less! I got to cook pork tenderloin with cherry sauce and chocolate pecan cobbler. Both were great but I must tell that the cobbler was better than excellent!

Paula Dean is a really great lady! I hope I did a good job for her.

And the winner is...

Me, Chef Jeff. I took home the win tonight at the Al Pollard's Memorial Chefs Challenge! Really great chefs competed against and they are all just excellent!

Much going on...

There is so much going on right now, it is almost overwhelming. So lets get right to it...

- Just finished our companies fall food show. That is a difficult event to pull off but it went excellent! Might be the best one I have been a part of since I have been with USF!! Very busy time for us over the past few months.

- Friday Night, September 24: Participating in a chefs cooking competition for a local scholarship fund.

- October 12: March of Dimes Signature Chefs Challenge, another cooking competition.

- There is something so BIG, I do not even want to talk about this yet, but it is going to be very soon and it is really REALLY BIG!! Check back soon!

Observations...

Here are a few random thoughts I have had in my shell of an empty brain the past few days...

- American Kobe or more commonly know as Wagyu is AWESOME!
- It stinks that 3D movies are so much more expensive than a regular 2D film. I boycott 3D whenever possible!
- Spiders scare the crap out of me! For real!!
- I have no confidence in the Washington Redskins this season! Will this be Joe Gibbs revisited?
- I am still trying to embrace my inner Facebook, but it is hard to believe I have anything interesting to say at all.
- Our Pug, Sushi the dog is very silly! He is so funny at times!
- I find cutting the grass strangely relaxing!
- I want to go deep sea fishing!
- I really need to start exercising and eating right again! Have been saying this for a while now.
- I am a closet astronomy junkie! Love looking up at the sky at night!
- Very dissapointed in the new Miller Lite "Vortex" bottle! Just another gimmick.

I guess that is all for now. Cheers!

Feeling Better...

Finally!

I got a new bed! The weird part is I purchased on-line with out trying out. Very scary but I think I like it. Really needed a new sleeping gig, the old bed was so done! Tonight is the first new night.

Had a great work day today! A busy few weeks and probably months coming up! Bring it!

Under the weather...

It seems lately that all I am doing on here is bitching and complaining. Have been sick for most of the week which equals no posts. The flu really stinks; it is an energy zapper! Feeling a little better today. Hope it will be a good weekend of rest, I need to be 100% for next week!