Food Network celeb cooks up prime time game show
If you've enjoyed watching the Food Network's Guy Fieri enthusiastically devour mongo burritos on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" or throw together a big batch of fiery chili on "Guy's Big Bite," then you'll probably want to see what he can do out of the kitchen when given the chance.
Fieri was plucked to emcee NBC's new prime time, family-friendly game show "Minute to Win it." The show premiers at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 14.
The show has nothing to do with cooking, though there are a couple of food-themed challenges, like one involving getting an Oreo from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands. I promise I'm not making this up.
The show reminds me a bit of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," only instead of answering trivia questions, contestants are put through a series of 10 party game-like challenges as they work toward a cool million.
Fieri fits well into his new role; he's gregarious and supportive without the comedic baggage of Howie Mandel or the talk-show kitsch of Regis Philbin.
I'll reserve judgment on the rest of the show (I only watched about half of the screening preview) and invite you to judge for yourself. If interested, you can learn challenges and apply for a spot on the show at nbc.com/minute-to-win-it.
Scholarship gala: Support the culinary arts and taste dishes created by tomorrow's chefs at the Technology Center of DuPage's 21st Annual Culinary Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, March 18.
The 140 high school students in the center's culinary, pastry arts and hospitality management programs will prep and serve appetizers and pass hors d'oeuvres, an entree and a dessert buffet. Items on the menu include Chorizo Strudel, Risotto Cakes with Chive and Cheese, Braised Pork Shoulder and Cinnamon Waffles with Warm Apple Compote and Brown Sugar Whipped Cream.
The evening, which includes a silent auction, raffle and live music, begins at 5:30 p.m. at the tech center, 301 S. Swift Road, Addison. Guests will be able to get a backstage view of the young chefs working in the kitchen via a live video feed produced by the center's multimedia students.
Tickets cost $50 and are available through today, March 10, by calling (630) 691-7519. All proceeds support scholarships for the postsecondary education of the center's culinary and hospitality students.
Wine on the Rhine: Educate your palate and support public broadcasting with a summer cruise through France, Germany and Holland with Burt Wolf and Alpana Singh.
Wolf, a PBS travel guru, and Singh, host of WTTW's "Check Please!" and a certified sommelier, will lead the trip July 31 though Aug. 8. The cruise costs $3,100 to $4,300 (not including airfare), but includes all meals and seminars on the finer points of wines, chocolate, beer and architecture, not to mention a week on the picturesque European river. Hey, win a spot on "Minute to Win it" and you can take the whole family.
Learn more at burtwolf.com/alpanacruise.pdf
Bacon bonanza: Tickets are on sale now for BaconFest, a unique tasting event for the serious and silly fans of sizzling pork.
Set for April 10 at the Stan Mansion in Chicago's Logan Square, the fest features 24 of Chicago's top chefs and bacon fanatics presenting their caramelized creations in two three-hour feeding sessions. Dan Smith of Hearty Boys, Randy Zweiban of Provence and Heater Terhune of Sable Kitchen and Bar are among the chefs taking the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift, while Jimmy Bannos Jr. of the Purple Pig, his pop Jimmy Sr. of Heaven on Seven and Nathan Sears of Vie will be cooking during the 3 to 6 p.m. shift.
Tickets cost $45 per shift and organizers advise against going whole hog and attempting an all-day bacon frenzy.
Get tickets at baconfestchicago.com.
- Deborah Pankey
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at food@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends during Restaurant Radio Chicago, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560 AM.