Cutthroat Kitchen, Food Network Star, Master Chef and more

Cutthroat Kitchen is now in its second season, and it's going like gangbusters. For those who might not know

what this is, this is Food Network's own Alton Brown as an evil host who starts out with four chefs who are trying to best one another, through various nefarious means, and emerge victorious. Each contestant is given $25k at the beginning of the show, and this is what they use for the auctions in each round. First Alton announces what dish he expects them to cook, then he gives them 60 seconds to shop for ingredients from his pantry. If, at the end of that time, someone is caught in the pantry, there is a penalty to be exacted. I've only seen that happen once.

Then the fun begins, as the cheftestants bid on the sabotages that Alton introduces, in order to burden their fellow chefs with them. One of the most infamous sabotages is the tiny kitchen. Another is to have two chefs chained together. Or use strange items as tools. Or strange heat sources. When it comes time for judging, a guest judge arrives, having no knowledge of the sabotages used and not caring, and tastes the food. One chef is eliminated in each round. The regular judges are Simon Majundar (whom I refer to as Simon Majumjum lol), Jet Tila, and Antonia Lofaso. Once, Geoffrey Zakarian was a guest judge, and you can imagine how thrilled I was that night!

This is a really enjoyable show (and no, Alton isn't that mean, it's an act. Seriously?) One of my favorite memories involves a chef that was on Food Network Star and lost (and I didn't like her on that). She was a contestant on CK, and had a slight altercation with a blender. You can see it in the opening credits lol

Food Network Star is entering its last couple of weeks, and we are down to the last four - Lenny, Luca,

Nicole and Sarah. At the beginning of the season, I had two favorites - Luca and Lenny. But Luca was eliminated in the second week, for not looking at the camera, so I set my sights on Lenny. After winning in the last chance kitchen, Luca came back, but I'm still going with Lenny. Sarah was rooting for Loreal, the Butcher Babe, but she was eliminated, so now she's rooting for Luca. Should be interesting, although I think Lenny has pretty well outshown everyone else most of the time. When he's good, he's very good. He has charisma in spades, and I think he'll do well with his own show. I'd certainly watch it.

Master Chef is almost down to ten contestants now, and I honestly can't say I have a favorite. This is not really their best season yet. There is one person I'd love to see eliminated, and I'm sure she will be, after they take advantage of the bitch-factor she projects. Her name is Courtney, and she is just obnoxious. I like Leslie, the guy who's about my age from Malibu, but I'm not sure he has what it takes to win. I like Jamie, who is quiet and shy, but she needs to step forward and shine more. She has time, though. At this point last season, Luca hadn't begun to really shine,  but the last half of the season saw him do just that. I like Big Willie too. It's just not a very exciting season. Side note; Graham looks like he's lost a bit of weight, good for him!

Hell's Kitchen ended its season recently, but we didn't even bother to watch the finale, so disgusted with their choices of who was to compete - Scott and Jason. What a crock. Rochelle was better than either of them and should never have been eliminated. A disappointing season.

On the other hand, Hotel Hell is back, and Gordon Ramsey is visiting some very disgusting hotels that he has to work miracles with. Similar to what Robert Irvine does with restaurants. The difference is Gordon isn't hampered by a $10k budget, obviously. He has some very generous sponsors, which makes sprucing up his hotels much easier. $10k wouldn't go very far, but Robert does amazing things on a small budget. I look forward to an interesting season of Hotel Hell. Apparently, there will be no more Kitchen Nightmares. Can't blame the man, he has a lot going on.





Hell on Wheels starts again tonight, can't wait! We started watching Face Off this season. I'd been told by a

few people that I should watch it, I'd like it, and they were right! Make-up artists compete for a major cash prize, creating make-up and effects to specifications. We've seen two episodes and are impressed. One of the contestants is from St. Louis, so go Drew! Next episode has to do with aliens, should be fun!



Well, all for now, gotta get in some writing before it's Svengoolie and ice cream time! Tonight he's showing Son of Dracula! I'm sure it's a real stinker lol

Next time I hope to talk about Ray Donovan, Masters of Sex, Halt and Catch Fire, The Kitchen and more!

Later!

Why Dr. Smith is a better father to Will Robinson and other Sundries

There's a station called ME TV where you can watch lots of vintage shows. Some are classics, some are

gems, and some are not so good,  but there are a lot of memories there. On Saturday nights, they show Lost in Space, right before Star Trek TOS. I've seen Lost in Space, of course, grew up on it, loved it. My favorite character was Dr. Zachary Smith (maybe that says a lot about me, since he's supposed to be the villain of the story, or maybe it says something for the others that he's the most interesting person there lol). When the film was made, and that role went to Gary Oldman, I was ecstatic. Not so much when the film came out, which is not Gary's fault, and it didn't stop me from seeing it a few times at the theatre.

And actually, what I'm about to say holds true for the movie as well as the series, but it's the series I'm talking about right now, because it's fresher in my mind.

Dr. Smith, for all his faults, was a better father to Will than John Robinson.

He spent more time with Will, there's no denying that. John Robinson spent little time with his family, the quintessential working father so common at that time. And yet, he certainly wasn't working a 9-5 40 hour job. He could make his own hours. He chose to do what he did.



Dr. Smith was a mentor to Will, a role-model, if you will. Will obviously cared for him, and looked out for

him, stood up for him and pleaded leniency when maybe he didn't always deserve it. Obviously, he learned a lot from the Doctor, including compassion. Great job, Zachary! And fie on you, John Robinson, for failing as a parent. And no, Maureen wasn't much better, but she was a little more attentive.

I'm a little behind on what I've been watching, but here goes. Hell's Kitchen ended last night, and quite happily, with Ja'nel winning a spot as Gordon Ramsay's chef, beating out Mary. I knew Mary couldn't win, she didn't have it in her. I had made an early prediction that the last two standing would be Ja'nel and Jon. I came close. Jon was cut at the last moment. Great job, Ja'nel!










Master Chef is down to 7 chefs now. In a surprise move, the top 6 chefs didn't cook in tonight's episode.

Instead, each of the judges brought back a contestant they felt had gone too soon - Bime, Brie and Linn. They competed against one another to see who would come back to Master Chef. The challenge involved cooking as many perfect fried eggs as they could. In that challenge, Linn was eliminated, leaving Bime and Brie to duke it out. They had to cool a huge Alaskan salmon, with potatoes and asparagus, and the six contestants were to judge, along with Joe, in a blind taste test. In the end, the vote went to Brie, and she's back. My favorite is still Luca. He's emerging as a strong contender these days, so don't go counting him out!

For all intents and purposes, Food Network Star is done. The final three made their pilots, and America voted. Now we wait the result, in next Sunday's episode. I was sad when Chad was eliminated. I still think he has what it takes. But I'm rooting for Russell now, and I hope he and his culinary sins make it!







A new season of Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell just started. The show is okay, if somewhat predictable.

There's also a new season of Top Chef Masters. I've got two favorites there, Chef Neal Fraser and Chef Sang. There is a twist to this season. Each chef brought a sous chef, and the sous chefs compete first, and their actions often come back to haunt their chefs. Sometimes immunity, sometimes a penalty. Tonight's episode was very interesting,****Spoilers**** with the masters feeding the cast of Days of our Lives. They were divided into three teams to represent Sex, Murder, and Greed, and their food had to reflect those themes. Three chefs, thanks to their sous chefs, had penalties. One sat in jail for 30 minutes, one was in a coma for 30 minutes, and one was in a crime scene for 30 minutes, at various stages of their cooking. In the end, Chef Odette was sent packing.

Well, that's it for right now, but next time I want to talk about Crossing Lines, The Glades and The Bridge. And Hannibal too, even though the season is done.

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Highs and lows - separating the good from the bad

If I wanted to be evil, I'd tell you something like guess what? I just got signed with Random House for a six novel contract! And then follow it up with April fools!

But I won't, because that would be silly. Plus, when it happens, I want to be believed, not have everyone put it down to a trick or joke or something. So I'll just move on and talk about other stuff, because Random House hasn't signed me. Yet.  *grins*

There's a great new series on History Channel that I look forward to every week. It airs on Sunday nights

but I record it and watch it Monday mornings. It's called Vikings and stars that gorgeous blond Travis Fimmel. I always thought Travis was hot, but he's matured into a very good-looking man. He plays a Viking named Ragnar, married with two children, and he has a brother Rollo (standing to his right, in the picture). He lives in a village presided over by their chieftain, the Earl, played by Gabriel Byrne. The Earl is not a nice man. He tells them where to raid, and takes his share of their booty. But when Ragnar says they should go west, rather than east, the Earl says it can't be done and won't listen. So Ragnar has his friend Floki build him a boat, assembles a crew, and heads west, proving the Earl wrong by sailing to England. They raid a monastery, bring back the spoils, including some monks as slaves, but the Earl confiscates most of it. Ragnar ends up with one of the monks, Athelstan, as his slave. Athelstan speaks their language, having traveled some. I really really enjoy this show. It's doesn't sugarcoat the Vikings, it presents them as they were, and I definitely recommend it, even if some claim there are historical inaccuracies. Floki is played by Gustaf Skarsgard and yes, he's one of those Skarsgards, brother of Alexander and son of Stellan. Great pedigree, and Floki is a very interesting character.

Recently, A&E premiered Bates Motel, a series which looks at the life of the young Norman Bates, of Psycho fame. I was confused as to why they updated the time frame of the series, since Psycho was in the early 60's, and I assumed this would take place before that. But they moved it to modern terms, perhaps thinking the audience wouldn't connect if they didn't. I watched two episodes and decided I couldn't connect, not for that reason but because I didn't find it particularly interesting (if you watched Deadwood, Dan shows up in the first episode as a former owner of the motel). So I've already stopped watching it. Ditto with Cult. I watched that basically for Robert Knepper, but after two episodes even he can't keep me watching. The main character is played by the actor who played Alaric in Vampire Diaries, and this is also a CW offering. Note to self: Stop watching the CW, it never ends well.

Hannibal premieres Thursday night on NBC, and we'll be watching, and hoping. I have to say I'll be really critical if they don't do this right, since I am a huge fan of the books and the movies and won't tolerate anything second-rate or half-assed. The previews aren't enough to tell me what it's really like, so we'll just have to see. I'm still unhappy with them over what they did to Awake and Do No Harm.

Grimm is back on Friday and doing well. I love this series so much!  *SPOILERS AHEAD*** Nick found out about Juliet and the Captain, and Rosalie is helping everyone to get back to where they were. Juliet is having hallucinations as her memory returns, and Monroe accidetnally let it slip about the trailer, so she insisted on going there. Meanwhile, the Royal Family is trying to get the key and things are really heating up.



Once Upon a Time is leading up to the season finale. ***SPOILERS AHEAD*** Mary Margaret is torn

apart by her part in the death of Cora, Neal's fiance is in town and she is not what she appears to be - she knows about the magic in the town, even though she pretends not to. She knew August from before and she is involved with Owen, who is searching for his father. August was changed back to a real boy, but unfortunately he was unable to warn about her. I'd love to see Hatter come back, but I suspect Sebastian Stan is busy filming the new Captain America.  I wonder if Bucky will show up in the Avengers films at some point?

Not much going on with the cooking shows - still watching Chopped and Restaurant Impossible. Chopped All Stars starts soon. Watching Kitchen Nightmares and Hell's Kitchen. Oh yes, new season of Hell's Kitchen started. ***SPOILERS**** There was a very obnoxious woman named Gina who had a puppet she annoyed the others with. I was hoping she'd get sent off by Chef Ramsey, but she didn't. However, she did just up and quit one day, next best thing. Usual fights and stupidities and yelling from Gordon. So far entertaining.


That's about it for now, back to my writing. I'm finishing Trapped in Time for eXtasy, and I want to work on more Stan and Ollie.

Have a great day!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Playing catch up

I apologize for my laxness in keeping up with my blog. I got a temp job in June, full time, and it severely constricted my time to do other things, including editing, writing, and blogging. But I promise to do better in the future, as much as possible. I'm doing data entry, and while the work can be strenuous at times - we have to wrestle with heavy files and push often heavy (and stubborn) wooden carts around, I like my co-workers, and I'm grateful to have this job.

A little update on my writing. I am currently writing the fifth book in my gay YA series, Southern Comfort - well, co-authoring. The first three books have been released, but the fourth is still in edits, what I like to refer to as the edits from Hell. I requested the first editor be removed after his insensitive remarks about "guys that date trannies" and knowing people "of that species", not to mention he tried to tell us we were wrong for only putting one space after periods instead of two. The book should have been released August 4th, it's in the hands of some other editor, and I won't even go there because the situation is past ridiculous. Thank God the fifth book does not have to be subbed there.

Other than that, I wrote my first horror story, and Muse it Up accepted it, for which I am delighted to no end. I don't have a contract or release date yet, but I'll keep you posted. It's called Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, and it's something different for me in that it is not a m/m story. I think it's good to be diverse. I don't want people to think I'm a one trick pony.

WIPs - I'm working on a story for a winter/holiday anthology for a group I belong to, It's Raining Men. That will be done by September 1st. I also have two books that I'm working on. When Will I See You Again is a m/m paranormal that I am almost 48 into. The main characters are Raoul Marchand and Alexx Jameson, and it takes place in the seaside town of Crescent Bay. Raoul is a werewolf, part of the strongest families around. He's a cynical, pleasure-seeking man, who has been shaped by tragedy in his life. Alexx  works in the mailroom of the Crescent Bay Chronicle, and yearns to be a crime reporter. When he's given his chance to write a story, although it isn't quite what he wanted, he finds himself at Raoul's nightclub, Charisma, and that is where they meet.

I'm also writing my first PI novel, which will be the first in a series about the main character, Holden Heidegger. The first book is called Personal Business, and it's what happens when your past catches up with you unexpectedly.

I watched the season premiere of Grimm this morning. As you'll recall from the end of season one, Juliette is in a coma, thanks to Adalind, who was a bit pissed after Nick drained her of her powers and became vengeful. No one knows where she is now, including her mother, the hexen beast. Also, Nick came face to face with the woman who was stalking him and lo and behold discovered it was his thought-to-be-dead mother. Nimura, who tried to kill Nick for the coins, was taken into police custody. Monroe and Rosalee work to concoct a serum to combat what was given to Juliette, racing against time. Funny thing is, someone else is shopping for those same ingredients. James Frain appears as a guest star, and things are really getting interesting. I look forward to seeing more of this.

 

The Glades just ended its third season, and it was an excellent one, what with Jim and Callie's relationship being tested with her being in Atlanta to work and study for her boards, and him having his methods called into question by a state investigator, Jennifer, who showed too much interest in Jim for my liking. There were a lot of interesting cases, and this season was strong in all the right places, including plot, acting, character development.  *****SPOILER ALERT****  I have to say that I was on edge for the last episode, as the previews made it seem that Jim was going to leave Callie, unable to take the current situation, but I was thrilled to be wrong, and I admit I cried over what did happen. I can't wait to see season 4.

Hell's Kitchen and Master Chef are both drawing to a close. Frankly, this season of Hell's Kitchen isn't up to snuff in my opinion. I really don't care much for any of the chefs and can't imagine making any of them head chef in one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants. That being said, I think the two I do like the most are Christina and Barbie, and thank God Robyn finally got cut. In Master Chef, last new episode, David Martinez got cut. I was sad, even though I didn't expect him to make it to the end. But the sadness was ameliorated when Graham told David that when he went back to Chicago there would be a job waiting for him there in one of his restaurants. I think that was the best possible outcome for him, and one that he very much wanted. Of the remaining chefs, I am rooting for Monti and Christine, and I hope Frank gets eliminated soon. I think he's a major ass.

On Top Chef Masters, the two gay partners were reunited when the second one was eliminated. This season isn't my favorite, I have to say, but there are some interesting chefs on it. I like Takashi and Patricia the best, and hope they do well.

Hell on Wheels began its new season, but I haven't seen it yet. I'll get back to you on that. The new season of Flipping Out starts September 3rd and Once Upon a Time September 30th.  I think October for The Walking Dead. It remains to be seen how well I'll keep up with these shows, but I'm going to try. We're taping a BBC show tonight, Copper. I'll let you know about that too.

That's about it for now. Thanks for bearing with me! Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

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Hawaii 5-0, Sweet Genius and diverse sundries

The second season of Hawaii 5-0 began with a real bang! **********potential spoilers********* If you'll  recall from the end of the first season, the members were in quite a pickle. Steve McGarrett was framed and arrested for the governor's murder, which was actually carried out by arch enemy Wo Fat. Danno's ex-wife informed him she was pregnant, and moved back to New Jersey. Chin was reinstated on HPD, with a higher rank, cleared of the charges against him. And Kono is the subject of an IA investigation regarding her part in the little scheme which garnered them the money to buy Chin's life.

Season 2 begins there, with Steve in prison, and Danno learning the truth about Rachel and her plans, and with everyone determined to prove Steve innocent and get the group back together again. It seems a tall order, right? But not for these people! I won't tell you exactly what happens, as that is too much spoilage, but it's certainly exciting, and mostly plausible, and a great start to the new season.

One thing that I'm particularly happy about is seeing more of Masi Oka's character. He plays the coroner, and am I allowed to squeal even a little bit because his name is Max?  I think so, so I will!  Squeeeeeee! I always liked him as Hiro on Heroes. He acquits himself very well here as the slightly nerdish but big-hearted Max. He gets to play a pivotal role in the season opener. I hope to see a lot more of him this year. As for villain Wo Fat, it's hard not to think of Kitchen Stadium when I see him as he plays the Chairman's nephew on Iron Chef America. Whereas his "uncle" had a signature pepper eating move, the nephew is more into apples! Seeing him on Hawaii 5-0 reminds me that he is an actor, and that there is no real Chairman of Kitchen Stadium. I still don't like Iron Chef America near as much as Iron Chef Japan, but I've come to accept it more. Alton Brown certainly helps with that. He is personable and interesting to listen to. I got caught up in one of his shows the other day, which I hadn't intended to do, and learned a lot about cupcakes. It was really fasciating stuff.

Last night was the season finale of Hell's Kitchen, which I'll probably watch tomorrow morning and talk about Thursday. Tonight is the last of the regular Chopped Champions. This night's winner will join the other three and next should should be the end of that. It's only five shows long. Top Chef Texas should be starting soon, I believe, but I'm not sure. All I've seen is a brief promo featuring Padma, so she'll be returning.

We've watched all of the Sandwich King episodes so far, and I have to say I'm really enjoying them. Jeff Mauro, winner of Network Food Star, is personable and knowledgeable, and he makes damn good looking sandwiches. Last one we watched was a chicken Vesuvio, and a Polish sausage sandwich. I love how he goes to places in Chicago and visits with the restauranteurs and we get to see behind the scenes of the dishes he is recreating. If he has a few pauses while he searches for words, it's understandable - he's still new at this. I think he's off to a great start, though, and I hope to see him develop himself, and perhaps branch out beyond sandwiches.

A new show begins Thursday night and I am already intrigued by the promos and stoked to see it. In fact, I was mesmerized by the very first one - caught up in the eyes of the host. Lovely eyes they are, too. His name is Ron Ben-Israel and the show is Sweet Genius, a sweeter version of Chopped. Although this is the first I heard of him, apparently he is well known for his beautiful wedding cakes, which are highly sought after. Alas, as I learned after doing some investigating, he is also gay. Story of my life, right? But hey, guys, he's single and looking! He has a very lovely accent, very intriguing. I am so looking forward to this show!


Vampire Diaries began season 3 but I'll save my thoughts on that for later. Tomorrow is another Flash Fiction day, I hope to have two more tales for your delectation!

Comments? Questions? Anything at all? Don't hesitate to speak up, I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Hell's Kitchen is Trying to drive me insane!

So I just watched last night's two hour Hell's Kitchen, and damned if I didn't think my wish was gonna come true, to see Elise sent packing, never to hear her big mouth flap again!

Ah, sweet dreams, gone too soon!


********spoilers ahead***********


At the end of the first hour, Carrie was given the boot. It didn't pain me to see her go as much as it pained me not to see Elise go. I could have thought of others that should have gone before Carrie. But I kept the hope alive that Elise would follow her at the end of the next episode.

No such luck. We lost Natalie. Now the teams are even again. I think, though, that before Natalie went, Tommy should go. He brings dumb to a whole new level. Ah well, I don't believe that Elise will run the course. My prediction for the final two, at least as I see it, is Jennifer and Will. I think they're the two most serious contenders.

Great news for Jim Longworth and The Glades - Callie has finally filed for divorce! I hope this means my two favorite people on the show will be getting back together again! Although judging from previews of next week's season finale, Jim's gonna have competition. Should be interesting. I really love that show and I hope they pick it up for a third season. Right now that's all I watch on A&E. It's fallen a lot in my estimation over the past few years. It used to stand for quality programming. Not so much now.

Sarah and I watched the first episode of Sandwich King, with Jeff Mauro. As you'll recall, he was winner of Network Food Star. And judging by his first show, their judgment was not wrong. He made a home-made Italian sandiwch, and a hybrid foccacia/panini, and something else, I forget what it was. But everything looked delicious. He went on location to a sandwich shop in Elmwood Park, Illnois, and we saw how this guy made his sandwiches. Jeff's version looked quite delicious, and easy for the home cook to make. The recipes are all on Food Network's site. Nicely done, Jeff! I look forward to seeing more from you.

All for now, got a couple deadlines to make. Tomorrow is Silver Flash Wednesday, and I have something new to show off. Hope you like it.

Got any questions or comments? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Hell's Kitchen, Network Food Star and More

****Spoilers ahead*****
Things are heating up in Hell's Kitchen, and I'm not talking about the food! It's only a matter of time now 'til one  of the problems in the red kitchen - or both - has to go. Chef Ramsey teased us last night, giving us hope that he was ridding us of the two continually fighting foes, but no such luck. Instead of either Elise or Carrie (or both), Jamie was sent out the door, so we'll have to wait another week to see that particular dream come true. Last night's service, which was the first date night at Hell's Kitchen, saw a hair in the food, burnt fish, returned entrees... Tommy should be grateful his team won, because I think he's next to go on that side. He's worse than scatterbrained, I'm beginning to think he's just plain stupid. I don't see him surviving much longer. Or Elizabeth, if she doesn't step up to the plate and put herself out there, instead of hanging out in the background.

Sunday night saw the end of Network Food Star, after the reunion show, which had me in stitches. They  brought back everyone for that, some we haven't seen since the series started. To begin the finale, they had three finalists. By tradition, each was to make a demo of their show, but they changed it up with an elimination challenge, which Vic lost, sad to say. I was hoping it would be Vic vs Jeff. If it had been, I'd have been conflicted to pick a winner, because I like them both. I didn't think Suzy had what it takes, but Vic does. So it was a face off between Suzy and Jeff and I'm happy that Jeff won! His new show starts Saturday morning, we are so gonna tape it!

Master Chef has its two part finale this week, but I haven't seen last night's yet, so the only comment I'll make is that I want Christian to go down, in a big way.

Sarah and I are watching Heat Seekers, which comes on Friday nights, with Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking running to different places around the country to taste their hottest foods. Most of the time, neither guy is up to the challenge. It's an interesting show, but I'm glad it's only half an hour. I don't think it could hold my interest longer than that. I can't imagine it having more than one season, but who knows.

The Glades just keeps on getting better. This week's episode had to do with a survivalist, and a man being found in a boar's belly. Jim and Callie are finally beginning to talk about things, so I'm hopeful they'll be on the same page again soon. I'm glad Jim's ex is long gone and I hope she stays that way cause I couldn't stand her, and have no idea what he saw in her. I love the way everyone works together, and I love the dynamics between them. Again, I think making Callie a forensics nurse was a great move, gets her involved with cases. I hope we never see her jailbird husband again, except for the divorce.

I miss the Borgias, and Californication. Can't wait for new seasons to begin. Also to be able to watch the new True Blood, but I don't have HBO so I'll have to wait. I have two books I'm waiting to hear about acceptance on, so cross your fingers for me!

Flipping Out is better without Sarah. I haven't watched last week's episode yet, I'm behind, but I have to believe more work will get done. I know the deadline for Chaz is coming up. I trust Jeff will make it.

What are  your favorite shows, what do you like to watch? Any comments, or suggestions? I'd love to hear them!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie