Carlos Fernandez: Top Chef?

November 03, 2006

Mr. Fernanadez is the cool gay guy on "Top Chef 2." He's a Floridian with swarthy good looks and a calm center. In three episodes he has yet to lose his cool. Well, he sweat a little under pressure. But he's such a charming gentlemen, never yelling, never giving off any negative vibes. After sushi, comfort food and an ice cream challenge, Carlos has risen to the upper tier several times: no wins, but no losses. Best wishes to Our Man from Miami on his way to the top of "Top Chef 2."

Current job: Chef/ Co-owner of Hi-Life Cafe.

Cooking experience: 10 Year Restaurant Owner.

Restaurants you have worked at: In New York, Isabella's, Le Bar Bat, Chez Josephine, Caramba's.

Restaurants you would like to work at: French Laundry.

Chef(s) you admire: Julia Childs, Graham Kerr.

What cooking shows do you watch? "Top Chef," "Ret, Set, Cook."

Your top three favorite cookbooks are: Food and wine, Top Recipes, Vincent Price Treasures.

Your must-have kitchen accessory is: Cuisinart.

What is your go-to ingredient? Steak Blend Spices.

How many courses should a meal have? 3-5.

What famous person, living or dead, would you like to make a meal for? Eva Peron, Bill Clinton

READ MORE > >

All My Friends Are Gay: Caroline Rhea

October 31, 2006

Man is Caroline Rhea funny and talented! And she also is starring in a standup special on Bravo tonight called "Rhea's Anatomy!" I love that girl and I love the title of the special and she called me yesterday morning at 8 am to chat about it all....

HELLO!
Hi, am I waking you up?

NO, YOU AREN'T. ALMOST THOUGH. WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW?
I am just driving around the city. I just did the morning news to promote the show. There's a lot of pressure -- I have to have every gay man that I like to watch my special tomorrow because Kathy loves the gays so much. But there's enough for all of us, Kathy -- we can share!

EVERYONE HAS A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE -- LIKE WHEN YOU GO TO MARIAH CAREY CONCERTS YOU HAVE THE PLEASURE OF GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH HER PEOPLE. WHO ARE YOUR PEOPLE?
Gay men and women. That's all my best friends -- gay men and straight women. I wanted to do a show called "Willfull and Graceless." I just think with female comediennes, and for me since I've been in high school my best friend was a gay guy -- there's something about the sensibility that's a natural bonding. Oh, and women get senses of humor and straight men don't!

To read the full interview: Visit Andy's Blog HERE.