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Robert Irvine's Back in a New Season of Dinner: Impossible

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0700

In 2008, Food Network chef and host Robert Irvine sure had a roller coaster of a year. And his ride's not over quite yet: He's back and ready to return to the set of Dinner: Impossible.

According to the network, in the newest season of D:I, which premieres April 8, Irvine faces some of his most unique predicaments thus far. Now, more so than ever, he'll be forced to think creatively under great pressures and time limits. In the first challenge, Irvine must act under severe outdoor conditions to put together an extreme menu for athletes at the Winter X Games. In another challenge, the chef visits Yahoo's headquarters and faces a curve ball to cook with top-searched ingredients.

I think Food Network made the right decision in bringing back Irvine, and I'm pumped to see the ex-military chef bust his chops again in a new season of the show. Will you be tuning in?

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Biggest Headline of 2008: The Fall and Return of Robert Irvine

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0800

For Food Network star Robert Irvine, 2008 was dicier and more stressful than completing any challenge on Dinner: Impossible.

In February, news surfaced that the show's host had embellished his résumé. Many of Irvine's claims - that he was a KCVO Knight, awarded a castle by the Queen of England, attended the University of Leeds, and helped make the wedding cake for Prince Charles and Princess Diana - turned out to be made up.

The news, once it broke, seemed to be career suicide for Robert Irvine.

Food Network immediately distanced itself from Irvine, failing to renew his contract and replacing him as the host of the show with Next Iron Chef winner Michael Symon.

Last month, Food Network announced the near-impossible: It would be bringing the fallen Irvine back to host the show again. Many of you were excited about the turn of events, as you love Chef Symon but thought he was better suited for Iron Chefdom, anyway. New episodes with Irvine will debut in March 2009. Will you tune in to watch him again?

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Robert Irvine to Return to Dinner: Impossible

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:00:50 -0800

Last February, everyone was shocked to find out that Robert Irvine, the star of the Food Network show Dinner: Impossible, lied on his résumé. Although most of you said the incident didn't change your feelings about him, Irvine still got the boot from the Food Network and was subsequently replaced by Iron Chef Michael Symon.

Today I'm excited to have heard news of what I thought to be near-impossible: Irvine will be returning to host the show again. In a written statement, the Food Network announced it would shoot six new episodes with Irvine this month.

Our audience has continued to demonstrate its interest in and support for Robert . . . He has taken responsibility and made a conscious effort to clear the air, rebuild the relationship with Food Network and apologize for the earlier inaccuracies.

New episodes of the show, which challenges Irvine to prepare meals under strained situations, will debut in March 2009. I'm personally excited to hear this news, because we are big fans of Robert Irvine at my house. Do you feel the same way? Do you think that Irvine was a more compelling host than his replacement, Michael Symon?

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Michael Symon Takes on the Impossible

YumSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:03:18 -0700

Remember when Robert Irvine was fired from his job at Food Network, and how many of you lamented the fact because you really enjoy Dinner: Impossible. Well quit your crying the show's not going anywhere. Food Network has said that they've been hoping to replace Irvine, and it appears they finally have.

Last year's Next Iron Chef winner, Michael Symon, will take over the Impossible reigns. The show's format won't be changing, Symon won't know where he's headed and he won't know his mission until he gets there. However, fans of the show will now be thrilled - or disappointed, depending on which camp you're in - to hear that the show will now be 60 minutes instead of 30. I personally think this is a great call, 30 minutes always seemed too heavily edited.

In addition to starring in this show - which officially begins in September, with one episode airing in July - Symon will also appear on Iron Chef America. And, if that wasn't enough, he's still got his restaurants Lola and Lolita in Cleveland, as well as a new restaurant opening in Detroit.

So tell me, are you planning on checking out the all-new Dinner: Impossible?

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Robert Irvine Hopes to Have Another TV Show

YumSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:31:51 -0700

Remember when Robert Irvine got canned from Food Network, and how it was a bit shocking? Especially because it was hard to believe someone could embellish his resumé so much and get away with it for so long? Well, in the current issue of US Weekly, Robert Irvine has finally decided to say something. When asked about it, Irvine said:

I'm human and I do make mistakes. It's liberating having this behind me.

And like the tough guy he comes across as, Irvine is going to pick up where he left off and try new things. He's grateful for his fans and hopes to have another TV show in the future. He may also do more charity work for the military.

So what do you folks think? Would you watch another Robert Irvine TV show? Or is he over in your book?

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Without a Job, Dinner Is Really Going to Be Impossible

YumSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:25:51 -0800

This just in! The folks at TMZ are reporting that Robert Irvine's contract with Food Network has not been renewed and that they will be looking for a new host for Dinner Impossible.

Most of you thought he shouldn't have embellished his résumé, and it seems that the powers that be at Food Network agree. Irvine has apologized by saying:

I was wrong to exaggerate in statements related to my experiences regarding the Royal Family.

However, it seems to be too little, too late.

So what do you think, do you think his résumé embellishment is enough reason for him to get canned from his job?

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Sam Sifton Is New York Times's Next Food Critic

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:22 -0700

When Frank Bruni announced he'd be stepping down as the New York Times's restaurant critic, readers were left with a pressing question: Who will step up to the dinner plate? The food world waited collectively with bated breath until the answer was announced today: Sam Sifton, the paper's current Culture editor, will begin reviewing in October.

The blogosphere wasted no time compiling critical stats on Sifton, and Gawker has already come up with a slew of potential dining guises for him. One thing's for sure: The role of restaurant critic is evolving. Even execs at the Times admit critics don't wield the power that they used to, and with photos of him already abundant on the web, dining incognito will be virtually impossible.

Sifton may be new to the position, but he's no novice - in fact, he was rumored to have turned down the job once before. In addition to being the culture editor at the Times, he's contributed to the $25 and Under column, reviewed restaurants before Bruni's arrival, and even served as Dining editor. In last month's New York Times Magazine, he detailed making meatloaf for Nora Ephron. What do you think of the news? At a time when media is evolving so rapidly, does the role of restaurant critic still have a place in the food world?

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What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:30:53 -0800

This cranberry sauce with cherries is worth taking the time to make.
Thanksgiving dessert that's as easy as pecan pie.
Don't miss a moment of Top Chef 5 with our coverage of the show.
So you think you know your stuff - but do you know your stuffing?
Our exclusive interview with Dale DeGroff, the King of Cocktails.
Inspired by a trip to Phoenix, I devour Navajo Tacos.
Robert Irvine is returning to Food Network's Dinner Impossible!

Should Nipa Have Been Kicked off the Next Food Network Star?

partysugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:00:13 -0700

Last night's interesting episode of the the Next Food Network Star had the contestants running around New York on an ingredient scavenger hunt and cooking Dinner Impossible style on a train. The show started with an appearance by fallen star Robert Irvine and ended with a contestant wanting to quit.

Did you watch? Were you surprised by Lisa's success? Should Kevin or Nipa have been sent home? I was personally annoyed by Nipa's righteous behavior - didn't it take her forever to get ready? - and hoped the judges would eliminate her. How about you?
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Come Party With Me: Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner - The Look

partysugar — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 06:59:43 -0800

Valentine's Day is less than a week away and the only thing stopping you from having an incredibly lovey-dovey dinner with your lover is yourself. It's not impossible, you can plan a private little passionate evening for you and your honey bun that's sure to be 101 pounds of fun. Many couples feel pressured to spend a lot of money on an expensive meal at a fancy restaurant in order to properly celebrate their love for one another. I propose that instead of making reservations, you make plans to host your own special dinner to express your heartfelt, genuine feelings for your guy. You will be in control of everything including a hand written invitation, a budget-able meal, and an enticing bottle of champagne. To learn how to change the look of your house to reflect that of a romantic seductress, read more

Start with a clean and clutter free house (this includes the bedroom where the party will most likely move to at some point during the night!). A mess will only make the situation feel tense and stressful.
Cast alluring shadows by lighting all of the candles in your house. Especially if you have a few that will fill the rooms with fragrant floral aromas like lavender, jasmine, or tuberose.

Instead of having dinner on your regular everyday table/special dining room table, set up a super small folding table or tv dinner tray near your fireplace, balcony, or large window with a view.
Cover the table with a red, pink, or lacy white tablecloth (or piece of fabric).
Set two place settings using your best china and put a clear vase with a single beautiful rose in vibrant red, blushing pink, or snowy white in the center.
Arrange two chairs so you sit very close, side by side while you enjoy the dinner.

The morning of Valentine's Day make a quick stop at your local florist and ask if they have any older pink or red roses for sale. You'll use the petals as mood enhancing decor so the flowers don't need to be the freshest.
Sprinkle the petals up the walkway to your front door (if you live in an apartment building scatter some in the hallway and on your welcome mat) and on your bed.
The lighting in the bedroom should be soft and glowing and the petals sensual and inviting.

Have an amazingly alluring decor idea for a romantic dinner? Please tell me about it below! Tomorrow the last piece of the puzzle will fall into place: the music that will set the mood of the evening.