PASSIONATE RATIONS

So, I was flipping channels this a.m. and stumbled across Rachel Ray’s show (she’s come so far from when I used to watch her gourmet-on-$40-a-day show on the Food Network).

She has an on-going “So You Think You Can Cook” competition and has invited celebrity chefs to join in the judging.  Apparently, celebrity chefs like to stick together.

Today’s guest chef:  Bobby Flay.   Honestly, I hadn’t heard of Bobby Flay until I saw him best the Iron Chefs several years back.  He struck me then as somewhat egotistical and my impression hasn’t changed.   He comes across as aloof, the very antithesis of Rachel’s down to earth, accessible (but often scarily bubbly) manner.   I’m sure he’s good at what he does, but I’d rather try the wares of someone more personable. Of course, I haven’t met him in person, so I will withhold final judgment for the moment.

Really, I’ve only met two star-style chefs face-to-face:  Dean Fearing of Dallas’ Mansion on Turtle Creek and Minh Bui of a no-longer-extant establishment in New Orleans.  Both were very gracious and approachable.

And we all know those characteristics make fabulous condiments for any entree.