To Go Or Not To Go
Chef Fieri
Food Network star Guy Fieri (no relation) is descending on the Northwest this weekend with his “Kulinary Krew” roadshow and rock concert. Fieri garnered good vibes not long ago for giving national attention — on his “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” TV show — to Portland eateries like Pine State Biscuits and Bunk Sandwiches and Boise’s Gernika Basque Pub and the West Side Drive-In.
Alas, not all foodies love Guy Fieri. Writing in the Oregonian, Grant Butler gives these five reasons why some of the food-loving among us may want to steer clear of this tour:
5. “Triple D,” as he’s nicknamed his show, causes headaches. There’s not a single video edit that’s longer than 3 seconds. Ritalin, STAT!
4. He actually does have a couple of restaurants called Tex-Wasabi’s, serving barbecue with California-style sushi. Seriously. We’re all for fusion cooking, but some things should not be fused.
3. He’s been a spokesperson for T.G.I. Friday’s, which in the food world is like Placido Domingo singing the praises of Adam Lambert.
2. A flair bartender as an opening act? How Tom Cruise, circa 1988!
1. What’s with the backward sunglasses, bleached hair and incessant use of phrases like “off da hook”? Dude, you’re 41.
If not dissuaded, Guy Fieri’s roadshow will hit the stage in Seattle Dec. 11th at the Moore Theatre, Portland on the 12th at the Newmark Theatre and Boise on the 14th at Morrison Center for the Performing Arts.
Oh, and this just in, a recent interview with Fieri in the Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/allyoucaneat/2010452006_the_guy_fieri_roadshow_plus_qa.html
On No. 4 – I strongly disagree. Soul food and sushi are like bread and butter. There is a place in Truckee, Calif. that I used to stop at all the time for ribs and rolls.
I’m with you on this one. Sushi and corn dogs sound good to me (though I should make it clear I certainly don’t condone corn dog sushi).