Now and again, whatever it is I do here has its perks. Mostly getting to know people, and the odd cookbook, but also press releases. Oh, the press releases. Without them, I would not have gotten the exclusive insider news that come Monday, 12 January, more tickets to sold out events at the 2009 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be available! A beady-eyed stickler might point out that said events are not, in fact sold out, but, it's like, South Beach, so who wants to split hairs? However, the events themselves may or may not have you hitting refresh on your browser -- a trip to the loosest slots in town with Paula Deen? I'll be at Versailles, enjoying a tiny cup of very strong coffee, thanks all the same. However, one event led me to reconsider a recent tumblr post, where I suggested that Tony Bourdain depends on the likes of Rachael Ray for his shtick, which consists of slamming Rach as the overlord of the shock troops of mediocrity. I continue to maintain that Rach and Tony are more same than different, but Ms. Ray's event is so remorselessly mediocre in its very being that it might be worth having Tony call her out on it:
Burgers and Amstel Light? Outrageous! Granted there are some serious chefs throwing their hats in the ring, but why? But you can be there, for only $200, and cast your vote for the people's choice award.
Cheaptickets.com has them for $19.95 with Popeil mini-burger maker included.
Posted by: Marco | Thursday, 08 January 2009 at 09:13 AM