Lauren Jost
Comm 303—002
11/20/08

Food Network Celebrities Whip Up a Crowd
at Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Food Network celebrity chefs Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis , and Bobby Flay appeared at the D.C. Metropolitan Cooking & Entertainment Show on November 8 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The MCES featured many interactive exhibits including a tasting and entertainment workshop, a Nation’s Capital Chef’s Association cooking competition, and a food and wine tasting experience.

“This whole experience is amazing,” says George Mason University junior Julia Compton, “I can’t believe I’m seeing my favorite Food Network chefs in person!” In the Land O’Lakes Celebrity Theater, MCES ticket holders could watch the featured chefs create their signature dishes.

“The Celebrity Theater is like TV only better,” says Compton, “I’m seeing Giada [De Laurentiis] in person, she’s talking to me, and I can smell the food! Who knows, maybe I’ll even get to eat it.” Chefs Paula Deen and Giada De Laurentiis involved the audience, inviting three fans per dish up to join in the cooking.

Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Paula Deen is known for her “down home” southern cooking, and a whole lot of butter. Deen’s demo segment was filled with her “sassy Grandma” personality and anecdotes. Sampling from her southern repertoire, Deen prepared Enchiladas de Pollo, Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage, Stuffed Pork Chops, and Savannah Red Rice.

Born in Rome, Italy, Giada De Laurentiis is known for her Italian-inspired dishes. De Laurentiis’ bubbly personality drew fans of all ages, the chef invited up children to cook Rigatoni with Squash and Prawns, Asparagus and Artichoke sauté.

Southwestern grill master Bobby Flay brought a seasoned flair to the MCES, giving audience members tips for cooking everything from avocado to pork loin on the outdoor grill. Flay prepared Gulf Shrimp Grits from his restaurant, Bar Americain. 

Aside from the celebrity chef demos, the MCES boasted a variety of workshops. Frank Linn, chef of Frankly Food, taught knife skills early Saturday morning.

Fit for the upcoming holiday season, Lauren DeSantis of Capital Cooking hosted an hour seminar on Thanksgiving appetizers. Following the holiday theme, Chef Nate Auchter of Chefsline Restaurant delivered “Holiday Cooking with Game and Charcuterie.”

Accompanied with the celebrity chefs and workshops, the MCES had many exhibitors as well. Nearly 300 exhibitors were present at the show to peddle their cookware and seasoning. Big names in the culinary work like Viking Ranges were present, as well as small start-up businesses like Georgetown Cupcakes.