This week we watched as two chefs got the axe on Top Chef. Yesterday I had the chance to speak with both Melissa and Eugene. It was interesting to hear the contestants' perspectives of the new judge, Toby Young.

First up: Melissa. She's truly believes her food is imaginative and creative and is excited for the upcoming opening of her new restaurant Happy Noodle House in Boulder, CO.

To see what she had to say about the competition, read more

It's been all over the news that Starbucks took a financial hit in 2008. So why is the coffee giant starting off its year on an even riskier note?

Flight records indicate that Starbucks purchased a $45 million corporate jet — around the same time last month it announced it was reevaluating its employee 401(k) matching policy. The Gulfstream 550 jet can transport up to 19 passengers, and includes such features as DVD players and floor to ceiling closets.

According to Starbucks rep Deb Trevino, the order for the jet was placed three years ago, and canceling the transaction would be too expensive. They ordered the jet to save costs; one of its two corporate jets is no longer under warranty and would require more repairs than a new model.

Corporate watchdogs have called this purchase "an unacceptable answer in 2009." It does seem to be representative of excessive corporate spending, especially after a year in which the chain closed 616 stores and slashed thousands of jobs.

Whose side are you on? Do you think this purchase will help the company's leaders work more efficiently, or is Starbucks losing sight of its priorities?

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A couple of week's ago I was at one of San Francisco's most well-regarded and popular restaurants. While I enjoyed the overall experience — the food was divine, the waitstaff friendly, the location hip — I couldn't get over one thing. As illustrated by the picture above, the food arrived at our table before the drinks! This is one of my restaurant pet peeves: I can't stand it when food comes before drinks. You order the drinks before the food, so it's not logical for the food to appear first.

Now that I've confessed mine, I want to hear about your restaurant pet peeves. Whether it's an overbearing waiter or uncleared plates, do tell: what drives you absolutely nuts when dining out?

Celebrity chefdom sure is far-reaching. Rachael Ray does daytime TV, Paula Deen dips candles, and now Bobby Flay is hosting a radio show.

Bobby Flay Radio debuts today on Sirius Satellite Radio. On the talk show, the chef will offer advice to men on dating and dressing, talk sports, and discuss current affairs. Oh, and talk about food. Explained the show's host:

Food transcends so much now. It's become so much part of lifestyle. How you eat, plate it, how you dress, and how you live all have a lot to do with one another.

Flay's wife, actress Stephanie March, will also make occasional cameos on the show.

Are you looking forward to another extension of Bobby Flay's brand, or do you think the chef, restaurateur, TV host, and food personality has a little too much on his plate?

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