The Daily Star - Stay Tuned
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The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, June 10, 2011 10 A/ Olsego Manor B/Warm Solutions 2 x 2.5 Rocco DiSpirito hosts “Rocco’s Dinner Party” Bravo for Rocco Celebrity chef hosts new dinner-party competition TV Media D uring the last decade, food and reality TV have proven to be a winning formula for network executives. These types of shows are well represented in today’s prime-time landscape, re- gardless of which network you’re on. Audiences continue to tune in to such hits as Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Mas- terchef,” Bravo stalwart “Top Chef” (in all its incarnations), as well as Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Iron Chef” series. On Wednesday, June 15, Bravo is adding another one to the mix with the series pre- miere of “Rocco’s Dinner Par- ty.” At first glance, the con- cept seems to be part “Top Chef,” part “Chopped” (with a little HGTV mixed in): each episode features three chefs who will compete to create the perfect New York City din- ner party for celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and his celeb- rity guests, who will include Liza Minnelli and Padma Lak- shmi, among others. The competition unfolds in two distinct rounds: the three chefs must first impress DiSpir- ito with a signature dish, and the two strongest competitors move on to the next round. That stage features dueling dinner parties, where each chef will be judged not only on the food, but also on the par- ty’s concept, decor and overall atmosphere. As with all great dinner parties, it all comes down to making sure the guests’ experience is enjoy- able -- nay, memorable -- from start to finish. The series features a blend of elements that have already worked for Bravo, but it also capitalizes on DiSpirito’s ce- lebrity and puts him back into the limelight. Hailing from Queens, N.Y., the celebrity chef was heralded as a kind of prodigy back when he opened the Manhattan restaurant Union Pacific in 1997. Both his Italian-American-fusion cui- sine and his charm brought him ample accolades and me- dia attention, which led to his own NBC reality show in 2003 titled “The Restaurant.” The Mark Burnett-pro- duced series initially followed the construction and opening of Rocco’s 22nd Street eatery. However, in its second season it quickly became a caution- ary tale of what can go wrong when real life plays out in the realm of reality TV (not to mention the restaurant busi- ness in general). The focus shifted squarely onto the power conflict emerging be- tween DiSpirito and his inves- tor, Jeffrey Chodorow, who eventually barred DiSpirito from entering the eatery that bore his name. In short, the drama that played out before the cameras overshadowed DiSpirito’s previous success as a restaurateur. While some in gastronomic circles still view the experience as an unfortunate career turn for the acclaimed chef, in truth DiSpirito has never strayed far from the media spotlight. Along with a successful line of cookware sold on QVC and several cookbooks, the chef has kept busy with his A&E se- ries “Rocco Gets Real” plus appearances on other reality shows such as “Top Chef,” “The Biggest Loser” and “Dancing With the Stars.” Touch of class 3 x 2 Cooking this week SATURDAY 12:00 p.m. (12) Ciao Italia 12:30 p.m. (48) Dessert First Anne is taking retro desserts and giving them a make over with a modern twist. 1:00 p.m. (12) America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated Inexpensive charcoal grill roasted beef is served with roasted smashed potatoes. 1:30 p.m. (12) P. Allen Smith’s Garden to Table Allen steps into the garden and shows off some of his favorites. (48) Giada at Home A casual Father’s Day meal with a menu that is perfect for any dad’s appetite. 10:00 p.m. (20) The Next Food Network Star The lucky finalists compete to see who will be the next Food Network TV star. SUNDAY 1:00 p.m. (8) Sweet Life Tapas, wonton pizzas topped with crab and scallops with Romesco sauce are served. 8:00 p.m. (48) Challenge Cake decorators must construct the cover of their very own original romance novel. 9:00 p.m. (48) Food Network Star The remaining finalists must create a pizza that reflects their culinary point of view. MONDAY 12:00 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen See entertaining highlights from Martha Stewart’s kitchen to learn her secrets. 12:30 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen 4:00 p.m. (74) Steak Paradise The best of the best in the beef world. 9:00 p.m. (48) Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Guy Fieri goes from coast to coast in classic cars to sample classic American road food. (58) Cake Boss 10:00 p.m. (48) Meat and Potatoes Rahm Fama begins his journey at Vinny’s, an old-school Italian grocery turned eatery. A/PDQ Service and Supply 2 x 2 10:30 p.m. (48) The Best Thing I Ever Ate Food Network celebrities discuss the best food to be had in Sin City. TUESDAY 12:00 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen (74) Hamburger Paradise Taking a look at hamburgers and how food is just as important as museums to travelers. 12:30 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen 4:00 p.m. (74) Ribs Paradise Spotlights some of the sauciest and most delectable rib creations across the country. 8:00 p.m. (48) Cupcake Wars Cupcake bakers vie for the chance to have their displays featured at the Kentucky Derby. 10:00 p.m. (48) Chopped The chefs have a challenge when they are presented with tongues in the first basket. WEDNESDAY 12:00 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen (74) Steak Paradise 12:30 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen 8:00 p.m. (74) Man v. Food Adam’s quest takes him to Philly for a mouth- watering Italian roast pork sandwich. 8:30 p.m. (74) Man v. Food Adam visits Honolulu to have traditional eats and tackle a pancake challenge. 10:00 p.m. (29) Top Chef Masters The chefs must rely on memory, inspiration and self-reflection to make a 4-course meal. THURSDAY 12:00 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen (74) Ribs Paradise 12:30 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen 7:30 p.m. (74) Man v. Food Some of the best pan-fried chicken and the six-pound Ultimate Destroyer sandwich. 9:00 p.m. (74) Man v. Food Adam takes on the Frittata Challenge at Mother’s Cupboard: a 6-lb breakfast scramble. 9:30 p.m. (12) Vine Talk Celebrity guests and audience members vote for their favorite wine. 10:00 p.m. (48) 24 Hour Restaurant Battle Firefighters work to open restaurants with the people closest to them. FRIDAY 12:00 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen 12:30 p.m. (34) From Martha’s Kitchen 4:00 p.m. (74) Hamburger Paradise 9:00 p.m. (48) Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:00 p.m. (48) Outrageous Food Tom Pizzica finds a seven pound bowl of soup at Pho 87 in Las Vegas. Oneonta Daily Star, NY: Food Jun 11, 2011 to Jun 17, 2011