My New Year's Eve Choice

I know there are a lot of New Year’s Eve choices for you this year, but for me there’s only one…

“New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” returns for another year. Anderson and Kathy are great together and you never know what Kathy is going to say.

Major kudos to CNN for giving Kathy another try after the controversy she created last year…

“New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” airs tonight beginning at 11 p.m. on CNN…

Pick of the Week: I'll Be Waitin' All Week for Sunday Night

So for the last hour or so I’ve been struggling to come up with a Pick and then one just suddenly presented itself…

My original plan was to go with “Desperate Housewives” because I was sure it would be the final episode for one of my favorite actors. But after watching it, I couldn’t possibly justify recommending it to anyone (more on that later)…

Then NBC announced the match-up for next week’s Sunday Night Football game. And I don’t usually go with sports, but this time I have no choice…

My Pick of the Week is “Sunday Night Football” featuring the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the New York Jets.

You guys know what a HUGE Bengals fan I am and what a HUGE fan I am of Cris Collinsworth doing games. So putting the two together is always something worth watching. And “Football Night in America,” NBC’s pre-game show, is better than ever. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it mentioned later this week when I put together my list of the best shows of the year…

“Sunday Night Football” airs Sunday, January 3rd following “Football Night in America” at 7 p.m. on NBC…

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Last Minute Help for the Holidays: Turn Your Child Into an "Ace of Cakes"

When I was a little girl I had an Easy Bake oven. You’d mix up the ingredients and put them in the oven and wait for what seemed like forever to get a pretty tasty cake. But it was small and you didn’t have a lot of decorating options.

That was then and this is now. Girls don’t have to settle for just a plain little cake anymore…

The Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery featuring Duff from “Ace of Cakes” allows girls (and boys) to make super fancy looking cakes very easily. You make the cake in the microwave. The bakery helps you make it look like something Duff would do himself.

And that’s because the bakery gives you all of the tools. After you make your cake layers and cover them with the fondant you create, you load the layers on the cake decorating wheel and decorate them with the gel decorator—just like the pros. You can make strips, shapes all kinds of fun stuff. When you’re done you can throw on some sprinkles, and wa-lah! You have a professional looking miniature cake, which is something that adults can enjoy as much as kids.

The bakery also includes recipe cards and decorating tips from Duff himself.

If your child wants to take baking one step further, this is definitely the toy for them. Just make sure there’s an adult with them that can resist the urge to just eat the layers when they come out of the microwave…

The Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery (SRP $34.99, Ages 8+) is available in stores and online now…

Photo Credit: Jakks Pacific

Pick of the Week: The Search for John Hughes

I normally stick to broadcast channels and basic cable for my picks, but this week I need to make an exception…

My Pick of the Week is the documentary “Don’t You Forget About Me.”

As the title suggests the documentary is a tribute to the late John Hughes, the director of such 80s classics as “Weird Science,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club,” which features “Don’t You Forgot About Me” on its soundtrack.

The documentary, which was shot a year before Hughes’ death, features interviews with directors that were inspired by Hughes including Kevin Smith and Jason Reitman; movie critics Richard Roeper and Roger Ebert; and Hughes movie cast members including Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Alan Ruck and Mia Sara. There’s even an interview with Jim Kerr, the lead singer of Simple Minds who recorded “Forget.”

Framing all of these great interviews is the search by a group of young filmmakers (the documentary’s creators) for John Hughes himself.

The documentary is engaging, interesting, informative and incredibly bittersweet—especially when some of the interviewees talk directly to Hughes and hope that he’s doing okay.

I won’t give away whether the filmmakers find Hughes or not, but I can tell you that you’ll enjoy the journey…

“Forget” premieres as part of Encore’s “Big 80s Weekend” hosted by Cyndi Lauper. The channel will show “The Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” “Weird Science” and many more 80s classics including “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Vision Quest,” “Weekend at Bernie’s” and “Purple Rain.” You can get the whole schedule here.

“Don’t You Forget About Me” premieres Friday, December 25th at 6:40 p.m. and repeats Saturday, December 26th at 3 p.m. on Encore…

And the Golden Globe Noms Go To...

The Golden Globe nominations were announced today and in the TV categories there is some good news and some bad news…

Here are the TV nominees:

Best Drama: "Big Love" (HBO); "Dexter" (SHO); "House" (Fox); "Mad Men" (AMC); "True Blood" (HBO)

Best Comedy/Musical: "Entourage" (HBO); "Glee" (Fox); "Modern Family" (ABC); "30 Rock" (NBC); "The Office" (NBC)

Best Lead Actor - Drama: Simon Baker, "The Mentalist"; Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"; Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"; Hugh Laurie, "House"; Bill Paxton, "Big Love"

Best Lead Actress - Drama: Glenn Close, "Damages"; January Jones, "Mad Men"; Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"; Anna Paquin, "True Blood"; Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"

Best Lead Actor - Comedy/Musical: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"; Steve Carell, "The Office"; David Duchovny, "Californication"; Thomas Jane, "Hung"; Matthew Morrison, "Glee"

Best Lead Actress - Comedy/Musical: Toni Collette, "United States of Tara"; Courteney Cox, "Cougar Town"; Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"; Tina Fey, "30 Rock"; Lea Michele, "Glee"

Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Michael Emerson, "Lost"; Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"; William Hurt, "Damages"; John Lithgow, "Dexter"; Jeremy Piven, "Entourage"

Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Jane Adams, "Hung"; Rose Byrne, "Damages"; Jane Lynch, "Glee"; Janet McTeer, "Into the Storm"; Chloe Sevigny, "Big Love"

I am thrilled for “Modern Family,” Julianna Marguiles, all the nominees from “Glee,” NPH and Courteney Cox. But I am seriously disappointed that the Hollywood Foreign Press—which is normally a fan—ignored “24” and Kiefer Sutherland. Not even Emmy winner Cherry Jones received a nod…

And January Jones? Please. That disastrous “Saturday Night Live” should take her out of the running for all awards…

What do you think? Who are you happy to see nominated and who do you think got snubbed?

The Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Ricky Gervais, air January 17, 2010 at 8 p.m. on NBC…

Photo Credit: Matthias Clamer/FOX

Pick of the Week: "A Very Gilly Christmas"

I had a little trouble with this week’s Pick…

My first instinct—as always—is to go with Bravo. And the “Top Chef” reunion would have been a good choice. But I know you guys get tired of that so I wanted to go with something else…

So my second instinct was to choose “CSI: Miami” which featured Adam Rodriguez returning as Delko. But if you watched that last night, you know I made a good call not picking that one (I’ll be discussing the problems with that show later.).

So finally in the spirit of the holidays, I chose to go with a holiday related pick...

My Pick of the Week is “Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas.”

This special, which will be hosted by Kristen Wiig’s character, Gilly, shows some of the funniest holiday sketches from “SNL” both past and present.

Of course the problem with a special like this is that with only two hours something is bound to be left out and I’m sure that something will be my favorite holiday sketch featuring Jan Hooks and Nora Dunn doing a hilarious holiday music medley. But we can still enjoy the classic Gumby sketch and many more from a time when “SNL” was actually funny…

“Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas” airs Thursday, December 17th at 8 p.m. on NBC…

Fred Willard Brings Even More Funny to TBS

The end of the year is now upon us, believe it or not, which means it’s time for TBS to give us their annual look at the World’s Funniest Commercials…

But this year, they’ve added some extra funny with the man I consider to be one of the funniest people to ever grace a TV screen—Fred Willard.

Recently, I had the chance to talk to Willard about the show, his amazing career, and whether he plans to slow down any time soon…

But before we could talk about any of that, Willard wanted to know where I was calling from since he had just been in Charleston for the WV Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. He had been there to honor his friend Frank DeVol, who wrote the music for Willard’s legendary sitcom, “Fernwood 2 Nite.” And he had nothing but nice things to say about the ceremony, Charleston and West Virginia…

But then I’m not sure Willard could say anything bad about anything. He’s that nice of a guy. And I discovered that we share the same birthday, which he thought was really nice…

The host of “World’s Funniest Commercials” is Kevin Nealon and although Willard was only brought on to do one sketch, he ended up sort of becoming the co-host. “I’m a big fan of the show. It was a lot of fun. I love Kevin Nealon. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see the commercials. I can’t wait to watch it on TV myself.”

If Willard were choosing the funniest commercials he would choose “nothing too slapstick. Sometimes they’re just so funny that you forget what they’re about…Some of them are very real. They’re like little movies.”

Willard cited the classic Mean Joe Greene Coke commercial as an example of a good one. “The first time through you remember football. The second time through you remember the product.”

Willard has made us laugh in countless movies, sitcoms and variety shows. But what makes him laugh? “I have a diverse sense of humor. My favorite stuff is subtle but I do like slapstick. Some of my favorite stuff is ‘Fawlty Towers.’ I like a lot of stuff from England. ‘That Mitchell and Webb Report.’ I love sketch type of humor. I never like serious stuff.”

He also tries to sample what’s new in the world of comedy when he can. “I don’t get out and see comedy as much as I should. If I can I’ll tune into Comedy Central.” Willard said that’s a good way to sample new comics, because you’re “not stuck in the club.”

Since Willard has done so many sitcoms, I asked him if he thought the sitcom was making a comeback after many thought it was dead. “It definitely is. The tide has turned and three camera comedies with an audience [are making a comeback]. Of course, I don’t notice if the audience is laughing or not.” Getting back to what brought us to speak to begin with, Willard added, “They should put laugh tracks on commercials, shouldn’t they?”

The last sitcom Willard was a regular on was the Kelsey Grammer-Patricia Heaton vehicle, “Back to You.” Willard calls that a “sad deal” and adds that it was “a little too soon for Kelsey” to return to TV as another character. “He’s a great guy.” Willard agreed with me that “You” would probably be more successful on TV now.

Asking Willard to go through all of his characters and choose a favorite is probably like asking a mother to choose her favorite child, but Willard chose Mike LaFontaine in “A Mighty Wind.” “He was a character I really loved. He was a very colorful character. My hair was dyed blonde.”

Willard also mentioned a role that was “completely opposite,” the role that earned him three Emmy nominations—Hank McDoogal on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which I admit is one of my favorites.

I couldn’t resist mentioning to Willard that he was the “zoo dollars” guy on “Friends” for me since I am such a big “Friends” fan. I didn’t know if he would remember what I was talking about since he has done so many roles but he immediately remembered he did the episode after the Super Bowl with Brooke Shields. “That show was huge.”

So with everyone Willard has worked with, is there anyone who he hasn’t worked with that he would like to? Willard immediately listed Larry David, Albert Brooks, and the one he would really like to work with Woody Allen.

Willard mentioned that he played the bartender in the series “DC Follies,” which featured puppets, one of which was a Woody Allen puppet. “I heard that Woody didn’t like it. I thought at least he’s a little familiar with the show.”

So will Willard be slowing down anytime soon? No way. “You slow down inadvertently, and you think why aren’t I doing anything? And then when you do something, you need a vacation. But I’m having a good time.”

And as long as he keeps popping up on our TV screens, so are we…

“World’s Funniest Commercials of 2009” airs Tuesday, December 15th at 10 p.m. on TBS…

Photo Credit: Erik Liebowitz/TBS

"Top Chef" Winner Michael: "I’ve pretty much been a screwup my whole life.”

So I wouldn’t comment on Bryan’s assertion that his brother Michael, this year’s “Top Chef” winner, was my favorite cheftestant. But when I had the chance to talk to Michael I couldn’t resist…

I told him that I might have lost my voice a little screaming for him (which wasn’t completely true). When he responded, “I really appreciate that.” I told him that for the first time in “Top Chef” history, my favorite chef had won so I was pretty excited. To which he responded, “Aw. I really appreciate that. Thanks.”

Look out, Blais. You’ve got competition, buddy…

My question for Michael is whether or not he knew that Padma was going to say his name as the winner. His response was very interesting…

“I was really confused. Padma messed up our names a lot during the season. I really thought Bryan won. I would’ve bet my money from the M Resort. I was overwhelmed and honestly shocked…Padma looked at me and said my name at the same time.”

Here’s a sample of what else Michael had to say. It looks like if “Chef” didn’t accomplish anything else this season, it brought two brothers back together…

On whose idea it was for the brothers to compete together this year: “It was more my idea.” Season two’s Marcel was Michael’s sous chef and season three winner Hung was also a cook with him. “The three of us were hanging out and they were like, ‘why don’t you go do it?’”

On his future: “I need to have a job. I’m not independently wealthy yet. Bryan and I are working on some things together. Maybe a book together.”

On his comment that Kevin’s food is what he cooked on his day off: “We only can judge each other by the way it looks so naturally I think I work more than he does [because of the complexity of his dishes]. But Kevin’s food is some of the tastiest I’ve ever had.”

On the experience: “When I showed up I thought it was just going to be easy. You can point out from the very beginning who’s going to win.” Michael said he realized very quickly that it was going to be different this season. “I realized I’m gonna have to do something to sort of stand out from the pack.”

On his mother being there for the first course: “I think I was more worried about her at that point. I was hoping that she didn’t jump across the table at someone that said something she didn’t like.”

On his tattoos: “I have a knife and fork on my hand to remind myself that people are about to eat this. Naturally I had to get a spoon too [on his arm].”

On whether he’ll get a “Top Chef” tattoo: “I’m not really that guy.” He added, “I’m probably going to get a tattoo of a poker chip.”

On whether the $125,000 is enough to turn “culinary dreams into reality”: “It’s not enough but it’s enough to give you some time.” Michael said it takes about a million to open a restaurant. Bryan spent $1.25 million opening his restaurant, VOLT.

On where he’ll go next: “For now I’m content where I’m at. I could see Bryan and I collaborating on a project together. LA would be where I’d want to do it.”

On his relationship with his brother: “It’s brought us closer. We’re on the phone with each other every day now. We spent 24 hours a day together for a month. We were either going to kill each other or get to know each other better.”

On his mother being there for the end: “It was awesome to let her be proud of us for something…I was bad as a kid. It was really really cool to see her be proud of us. I’ve pretty much been a screwup my whole life.”

You can see more of Michael’s comments on the “Top Chef: Las Vegas Reunion” Wednesday December 16th at 9 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Bravo

"Top Chef: Las Vegas": Bryan and Kevin Speak

When I participated in the conference call last week with “Top Chef: Las Vegas” runners-up Kevin Gillespie and Bryan Voltaggio I sounded terrible. I was exhibiting the effects of a pretty nasty head cold…

But when I apologized to Bryan for my voice, his response was, “Did you lose it screaming too much for Michael?” I started to say something, but then I just laughed and said, “I’m not going to answer that.” You guys know that Michael was my favorite, but Bryan and Kevin didn’t need to know that (Although I would tell Michael later)…

The most interesting thing the guys shared was Kevin’s reaction to being eliminated—something the show has never done with the third place finisher as far as I know…

“It was a little strange. It was upsetting. It hurt my pride quite a bit. I questioned why they chose to do it that way.” Later during the call, Bryan went back to that to agree with Kevin. “I too believe that he should have stayed. We all worked very hard to get to that point. I think Michael feels the same. I wish he was there for that moment.” Kevin added, “I wanted us to all share in that moment together.”

My turn actually came right after that and I mentioned that they knew that was done because it’s a TV show, but honestly I don’t think they did. Of course, it’s easy for me to say watching from my couch at home…

Spinning off of that conversation, I asked Bryan about whether he thought the show concentrated too much on him and his brother and he got a little defensive…

“We earned our spots at the top. There was a chance [it wouldn’t happen]. He was up for elimination. It was about the food but it did give it an added dynamic.”

For the record, I wasn’t insinuating that they didn’t earn their spot. I was just wondering if Bryan thought it was a little bit of overkill…

I then asked both of them about the final Judges’ Table and just how long it actually was to which Kevin responded, “How long was it actually or how long did it feel like?”

Kevin said they were approaching 10-12 hours, which he called “a long time to sit through.” Bryan added that it was 6:45 in the morning when they were done…

Here’s a taste of what else the guys had to say…

Kevin on his popularity: “I’m happy to be the People’s Champion in a lot of regards.”

Kevin on whether he knew the Voltaggio brothers would be his biggest competition: “From the very first day, I assumed that would be the case.”

Bryan on his reaction to having to use eliminated cheftestants as sous chefs: “I wasn’t worried. Everybody who was there was very talented. I was actually pretty excited.”

Bryan on competing with his brother: “We were definitely striving for it. We were gonna do whatever it takes to get to the end. It was a fun ride.”

Kevin on his final challenge: “I don’t think I showed up 100 percent in the game. Unfortunately I had a lot of things going on in my life at the time. But I was pretty happy with the meal. Was it my best? No. By no means.”

Kevin on whether the competition should be cumulative: “I wish the competition was cumulative. [Looking back] it should be obvious that we would make it to the finals.” (The trio combined to win 12 of 13 challenges.) Short of creating a point system, that’s not an option. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Bryan on what challenge he would like to do over again: Bryan said he was unhappy with his chilled gnash in the Angels and Devils Quickfire. “But I got a little redemption in Restaurant Wars.” On his failure to win Quickfires, Bryan said, “It takes a little longer for me to express a dish.”

Kevin on what challenge he would like to do over again: “I would love to have the opportunity to approach the mystery bucket dish again…I knew I messed up the mushroom.”

Kevin on his final pork belly dish: “I still stand by it. Did I think it was undercooked? No not at all. It accomplished what I wanted it to.”

Bryan on his cooking style: “Michael will take a little more risks. I want people to understand what my food is about. I transform things that people recognize.”

Bryan on his future plans: Right now he’s staying at his restaurant, VOLT. But he said that he and Michael will be doing some things together, including a new website they just launched—VoltaggioBrothers.com. “We realized we could work together in the kitchen.”

Bryan and Kevin on their favorite Quickfires: Kevin said the escargot was his favorite and the Pigs & Pinot was his favorite Elimination Challenge. Bryan laughed and said he had no favorite Quickfire.

Bryan on the experience: “My expectations changed after the first challenge. Every challenge was new and different. There were definitely some new people involved. Some incredible chefs. Vegas has a lot to play with.”

Kevin on the experience: “It’s a lot harder than I expected. And it’s a lot more rewarding than I expected.” It exceeded everything. It’s still kind of a whirlwind to tell you the truth.”

Bryan on Kevin: “I think he strategically grew the beard a little longer [for the finale]. I knew how talented he was going to be. I could tell he was going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

Kevin on his beard: “I wanted to intentionally show up looking like a hillbilly. I did it for TV. I thought it would be funny.”

You can hear more of what Bryan and Kevin have to say on the “Top Chef: Las Vegas Reunion” Wednesday, December 16th at 9 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Bravo

"Top Chef" Finale: Playing Favorites?

One thing I can’t stand is being off my game. And there’s no doubt that a one-two punch of a head cold and some other yucky stuff has thrown me off my game big time this week…

Why else would it take me this long to comment on the “Top Chef: Las Vegas” finale?

Since my guy won, I should be jumping for joy—or at least as much jumping as my head will allow me. But I just can’t shake the feeling that the finale just didn’t quite measure up. That maybe the producers got so busy looking for a big dramatic ending that they forgot what makes the show so good to start with…

So in honor of the final four course meal here are my four problems with the “Top Chef” finale…

1) Not enough personal choice for the chefs
The first season of “Top Chef” I watched was season three. During that season, the finale featured the final three cooking “the best meal of their lives.” There was the added twist of an additional course, but it was still the chef’s decision what to make. They lived and died by their own choices. I know the show was trying to make it extra difficult so the choice for the judges would be easier, but I would have preferred to watch the most talented final three in show history just straight up cook rather than have to play games.

2) There was just too much stuff
The finale is supposed to be when the chefs stop all the challenges and just cook as best as they can. Not let’s give them a mystery box of ingredients. Then we’ll bring their moms in and add another course that will totally destroy any continuity to their menu. And we’ll make them do dessert. Plus we’ll draw knives for their sous chefs instead of letting them pick. There was just too much stuff and the food kind of got lost in all of it. Which leads me to…

3) Not enough time
If ever the show needed a supersized edition it was for the finale. But of course Bravo had to keep everything running on time to help out its new fashion competition—the far inferior “Launch My Line.” So not only did we not get to hear the judges discuss each course, we also didn’t get to hear their final discussion as to who the winner should be. Listening to Gail go over who won what course is one of my favorite parts. And I definitely could’ve listened to more of her putting Toby in his place.

4) It felt too much like a TV show.
I know that this is a television show and that everything that’s done is for the sake of the cameras. But it honestly never felt like that until this finale. Last week I asked Jennifer if she felt like she was getting steamrolled by the Voltaggio train. But it was Kevin who actually ended up getting run over by a group of producers who were obviously enthralled with the opportunity to showcase two brothers facing off. Why else bring in the chefs’ mothers? And for the first time in “Chef” history—that I know of—the third place chef was dismissed (a move that deeply hurt Kevin, by the way). Now I admit I teared up at seeing Bryan and Michael alone at Judges Table but it all seemed so set up. Like it was the producers’ plan from the beginning. I’m not saying Bryan and Michael didn’t deserve to be there, I just feel like too much of the finale revolved around them. And that wasn’t really fair. I’m almost surprised they didn’t dismiss two chefs in part one and make the final hour all about them. But I guess that would’ve been too obvious.

All that having been said, I still thought this season was a strong one. And I am happy that for the first time since I’ve been watching my favorite chef actually won. I just hate it when these shows play favorites…

Even if their favorite is mine too…

I’ll have much more on the “Top Chef” finale later when I share the final three’s comments including Bryan’s theory on what was wrong with my voice and why Michael told me he was confused when Padma said his name in the end…

Stay Tuned…

Photos Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Bravo

"Top Chef"s Jennifer: "That was our job to make it tough for the judges"

The only good thing about being home from work sick is that it’s Wednesday, so I’ve gotten to relive the entire season of “Top Chef: Las Vegas” (minus a few hours I slept through)…

Still don’t know how Robin hung on as long as she did. And I still don’t understand how the Mission team failed at Restaurant Wars so badly. But now tonight we have the finale and possibly the best final three in “Top Chef” history—Bryan, Michael and Kevin.

As much as I love the brothers, I have to believe that Kevin has the edge with his simple yet flavorful food. I worry that Michael will go out on a limb and end up falling off…

But before we see whether I’m right, let’s take a second and go back to last week’s episode when Jennifer was eliminated.

Last week I had the chance to participate in a media conference call with her and of course the only thing I wanted to know about was Mike Isabella.

You might remember when Mike was eliminated, Jennifer gave him such a kiss that Gail did a double take. The next episode she said her guy was gone. So when I asked her about him, I said that was one of the biggest moments of the season. She agreed, only she thought I was referring to the sexist comment he made in episode two. But her answer still gave me the insight I was looking for…

“It was a huge moment of the season. I love Mike Isabella. He says what he wants to say. We’re good friends. We’ve been talking on the phone a lot. I met his wife after the show.” Jennifer said after his sexist comment toward her aired, he “started getting hate mail” and Jennifer offered to do a press conference to defend him. He told me that “some of [his] best chefs that [he’s] ever worked under were women…He’s a wise a** but he has a really good heart. He got the short end of the stick.”

I also asked Jennifer about whether she felt like she was getting run over by the Voltaggio train since the way the show was edited the finale seemed like their destiny…

“It definitely felt like there was a competition within the competition the entire time. They wanted to beat all of us, but they wanted to beat each other more. But they were also each other’s biggest fans. The two of them are awesome chefs and they deserve to be there.”

Here are some other thoughts that Jennifer had…

On the final judges table: “We were at Judges’ Table for a very long time. I feel I defended my dishes and was proud of them. It was my turn to go…I wish I hadn’t put that last dash of salt on the goat cheese.” Jennifer explained that the salt was fleur de sel, which is a big rock sea salt that takes longer to melt. When it got to the judges it hadn’t quite melted yet so it was a little too much.

On cooking for large parties: “Cooking for large parties is definitely crazy. You usually have at least two other people helping you. It’s definitely stressful. Definitely challenging.”

On her string of challenges where she ended up in the bottom: “I was definitely tired. I was just definitely beating myself up over mistakes I made. You had to start fresh every day. I’m still very proud of myself. I always tried to help everybody when they needed it.”

On the hardest challenge: “I thought the desert was bad. Cooking in the middle of the afternoon. The Bocuse D’Or was one of the most stressful.”

On the competition: “I didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was or emotional as it was. I really wanted to make it to the end. I think I did very well.”

On whether she would do it again: “Yes definitely. I would absolutely do it. I made a lot of great friends. It’s just been great…I didn’t think it was going to get this much reaction and support. It’s felt really good.”

On having to change the way she planned to cook her duck in her final challenge: “I think my duck dish was really good. Close to perfection. It might have actually been better [than what she originally planned]. I was actually a little upset that Tom said I looked scattered. Tom was the only who knew [about the change].”

On her future: “Right now I’m happy at Eric Ripert’s 10 Arts. I want to stay and make it more successful. I’d love to have my own place in Philadelphia.”

On the funniest moment: “It was probably off screen. We reverted back to being children. There were little statues all over the property and we’d wake up to find new ones at the door or in the pool. There was a huge water fight. We filled trash bags with water.”

On how serious she came off on the show: “I am definitely focused on my work. I’m an extreme perfectionist. I think they caught me being really hard on myself. It’s not what I do all they time.”

On Robin: “Not everybody got along with Robin. She’s extremely intense and high energy. It’s hard for people to be around that all the time. It was never malicious. She wanted to take care of everybody. We’re all adults and we didn’t need mothering.”

On the judges nitpicking at her final Judges Table: “I think it got down to where the judges had to nitpick. We were at Judges Table six hours. They changed tape two or three times. It was hard. None of us knew who was going home. We all deserved to be there at the end if it was that hard for the judges. That was our job to make it hard for the judges.”

You can see Jennifer in her final challenge tonight (Wednesday) at 9 before the finale which airs at 10 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo Credit: Trae Patton/Bravo

"Men of a Certain Age" Review: Sorry I Didn't Tell You Sooner

I try really hard to do right by you, my loyal readers. But I’m afraid I do occasionally do you a disservice…

And today is one of those times as I got busy and completely forgot to watch the screener of tonight’s premiere of “Men of a Certain Age.” And that’s a big shame because with a show like this you deserve much more notice than an hour…

I only hope you all will accept my apology…

“Age” stars Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher as three men in their late 40s. Romano is Joe, the recently separated owner of a party supply store. Bakula is Terry, a single actor and ladies man and Braugher is Owen, the stressed out father of three who has to put up with his critical father in order to support his family.

In the opener, Joe tries to deal with being separated while trying to shake his gambling problem that probably ruined his marriage to begin with. Terry toughs it out in a temp job in order to avoid “cattle call” auditions. And Owen struggles to please his father so he’ll eventually be able to take over his car dealership.

Although the show was co-created by Romano it is not a comedy. But it does serve up plenty of humor along with the drama of Joe fighting his gambling problem or Owen fighting his health issues. Though you might think Braugher and Romano are out of their elements, they both are very strong in their roles. And Terry is a part Bakula was born to play.

I will warn you that there is some cursing in the pilot. But it’s not meant to shock. It honestly just adds to the realism of middle-aged guys talking to each other.

And that is probably this show’s strongest quality. It’s real and that’s refreshing…

“Men of a Certain Age” premieres tonight (Monday) at 10 on TNT…

Photo Credit: Danny Feld/TNT

Pick of the Week: A Fave Wraps Up Another Season

Do I even have to tell you what this week’s Pick is?

One of my very favorite shows of all time is wrapping up its latest season. Do I really have another choice?

My Pick of the Week is the season finale of “Top Chef: Las Vegas.”

It all comes down to Kevin and the Voltaggio brothers, Bryan and Michael. Plus, as has become “Top Chef” finale tradition, former cheftestants return to lend a hand to the final three. I know who they are, but I’m not going to give it away…

I will give away who I am rooting for—Michael, although I really think Kevin has the edge right now…

Before Wednesday’s finale, I’ll be posting Jennifer’s comments from last week’s conference call with reporters, so Stay Tuned…

The season finale of “Top Chef: Las Vegas” airs Wednesday, December 9th at 10 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Bravo

Is Tonight My Last Visit to Wisteria Lane?

You may recall that at the beginning of the season I said I thought I had outgrown “Desperate Housewives.”

Which might explain why it is I keep forgetting to turn off the football game and watch. Most weeks I have to ask someone in my office what happened.

And my first question is always: What happened with Bree and Karl? Because honestly that is the only thing I care about on the show.

So I have a bad feeling that tonight may be the last time I tune in…

Once again “DH” is rolling out one of its patented disasters. This time, a plane will crash into the Wisteria Lane Christmas party. And I just know in my gut that Karl won’t survive. I have no proof mind you, but after Bree told him she loved him last week couldn’t you just smell the dead meat?

Now I know what you’re thinking. How could you get so upset over the death of a character like Karl? Well for me it isn’t about Karl, it’s about the actor who plays him—the fabulous Richard Burgi. It’s a total credit to him that Karl is still watchable considering he has not always been the most well-written character on the show…

Remember how he turned over a new leaf and he and Susan almost got back together one season and then the next season he was all rude and snotty to her again? For no reason?

Granted it would be kind of silly to set up this whole Bree-Karl thing and then just kill him, but isn’t it silly that Katherine would do all of the crazy things she’s done and then stab herself or that Carlos and Gaby would be so mean to Lynette or that Lynette is even pregnant again to begin with?

On second thought, maybe “DH” would be doing Burgi a favor by killing Karl…

“Desperate Housewives” airs Sunday, December 6th at 9 p.m. on ABC…

Photo Credit: Danny Feld/ABC

"Launch My Line" Review: The Next "Runway"?

You guys know how hurt I was when The Weinstein Company took “Project Runway” away from my beloved Bravo.

And even though Bravo has ended up the victor in that little skirmish, I would still love for them to find a good replacement.

“The Fashion Show” was definitely not it. And unfortunately, I’m not sure “Launch My Line” is either…

The fashion competition is turned on its ear a little bit as instead of 10 designers, “Launch” gives us 10 people from other professions who dream of being designers—an architect, a music mogul, a CEO, a DJ, a fashion critic, an event designer, a choreographer, a fashion writer, a stylist, and a jewelry designer. They all have ideas but no real experience, so they are teamed with a design expert to help them complete their ideas.

The concept is a sound one since it is an instant drama creator. The experts are forced to create a garment designed by someone with no experience and no knowledge of design. Some combos clash automatically—especially the CEO and her expert—but most get along okay…

Which makes the first episode a little boring. Fortunately the wise people at Bravo provided two episodes to preview and the second one is much better with much more drama.

The show is hosted by the DSQUARED2 design team of Dean and Dan Caten. They’re twins who usually finish each other’s sentences. Their back and forth banter is clever at first, but as the first episode continues, it starts to get a little annoying. Their banter is worked out much better for the second episode as they actually come off pretty charming…

The judges are fashion experts Stefani Greenfield and Lisa Kline. They’re sufficient but they could use a little more clever snark…

As I said, the concept is sound and the second episode was better than the first. So it’s quite possible that the show can build on that momentum and become a really good one.

For Bravo’s sake, I certainly hope so…

“Launch My Line” premieres Wednesday, December 2nd at 11 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo Credit: Pete Tangen/Bravo

CBS Pulls "Three Rivers"

It looks like Alex O’Loughlin has struck out at CBS again…

CBS has pulled “Three Rivers” from its schedule according to “The Hollywood Reporter.” “Cold Case” will move to 9 p.m. while the 10 p.m. hour will be filled with crime drama reruns.

The show will complete its 13-episode order. No word on when or if those episodes will air…

Photo Credit: George Holz/CBS

A Super Cool "Lost" Promo

You’ve probably noticed that none of the “Lost” promos currently airing on ABC show any footage from the upcoming season…

That’s because Team Darlton (Executive Producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof) has decided they would prefer not to give anything away. And though I respect them for that, you have to admit it’s pretty frustrating.

So leave it to the Spanish network Cuatro to solve the promo dilemma with this awesome promo that Cuse called the best “Lost” promo he had ever seen…

You can see it here. If this doesn’t make you excited for the upcoming final season nothing will…

TNT Lowers the Ax on "Bar"

This one hurts…

TNT has cancelled “Raising the Bar,” according to “The Hollywood Reporter.”

In a statement, TNT said they were proud of the show but that ratings for the second season “did not reach the levels required for TNT to renew the series.” The three remaining episodes are expected to air in 2010.

So even though I am sad about the cancellation, let me take this opportunity to officially start the campaign to get Mark-Paul Gosselaar on “24.” Who’s with me?

I know that the show has already filmed a nice chunk of its season already and I know that Freddie Prinze Jr. is in the cast this year. But MPG would be SO good they could find something for him to do. I know it…

By the way, EW.com is leading the campaign to get MPG on "Glee" but I think my idea is better. Feel free to cast your vote by posting a comment...

Photo Credit: Art Streiber/TNT

When A TV Death Is A Good Thing

When an original character dies on a show you’re supposed to feel sad. But in the case of last night’s death on “Heroes” I’m actually pretty happy for the actor involved…

Warning: If you have not seen last night’s episode of “Heroes” stop reading now…

Now I haven’t seen “Heroes” in quite some time and from everything I’ve been reading I’m not missing anything. But I couldn’t help but go online to read about how Nathan finally died—for real…

The show wisely returned Nathan and Peter to the rooftop where we saw them in season one for Nathan’s final goodbye. And Sylar’s latest victory…

If only the show itself could return to that season one rooftop as well. Then it might actually be worth watching again.

It’s still completely unbelievable to me just how far and how fast this show fell from glory. I’ve seen sophomore slumps before (“The O.C.,” “Desperate Housewives”) but never something so dramatic that there was no recovery.

Adrian Pasdar (Nathan) deserved so much better than this. And boy do I hope he gets it.

Now if they would actually kill Sylar and Noah for real so Zachary Quinto and Jack Coleman can get away…

But in all honesty, I think the whole cast will be available soon. That is, if NBC can actually muster up something to replace it…

If you missed Nathan’s death, you can see it here…

Holiday Specials Make Way for the President

If you haven't heard yet, President Obama will be addressing the nation tonight at 8 on all of the major networks.

This means that the classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" has been postponed until next Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ABC and if not for the finale of "Top Chef: Las Vegas" would be guaranteed to be my Pick of the Week next week...

The heavily hyped Disney special, "Prep & Landing" will also be postponed until next Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on ABC. "So You Think You Can Dance" on FOX will begin at 8:30 p.m. and go 90 minutes and NBC will preempt "The Jay Leno Show" to make room for a two-hour "The Biggest Loser" at 9 p.m. CBS will move "NCIS" to 8:30 p.m. with a repeat episode of "Two and a Half Men" at 9:30 p.m. so "The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" can begin on time at 10 p.m.

Phew!

"Family Guy" Takes on the "Dark Side"

Just in time for the holidays, FOX is releasing the second “Family Guy” spoof of “Star Wars”: exclusively on DVD…

“Family Guy: Something Something Something Dark Side” focuses on material from my favorite “Star Wars” movie, “The Empire Strikes Back.” All of your favorite “Family Guy” characters take part with Peter as Han Solo, Lois as Princess Leia, Chris as Luke, Brian as Chewbacca, and of course, Stewie as Darth Vader.

If you saw the first spoof, “Blue Harvest,” you know this is going to be funny. And it helps that Seth MacFarlane and company have the blessing of the man himself, George Lucas…

The DVD will contain great bonus features including commentary, making-of featurettes and a pop-up video feature. It will hit stores on DVD and Blu-Ray December 22nd.

You can see the hysterical trailer for the DVD here. LOVE the shout out to Zoila from “Flipping Out”…