Reality-Show Celebrities Serve Up Chef Curtis Stone's 'Hundred-Dollar Burger'

by Sarah LeTrent, Posted Oct 20th 2009 @ 1:00PM

Photos: Mailboat; Paul Beaty, AP.

In retrospect, it all sounds like something out of one of those strange dreams where everyone you watched on TV during the day converge into one subliminal place -- and Bret Michaels was there, and so was Rod Blagojevich! And Sinbad was taking Al Roker's drink order while Joan Rivers recommended the $100 burger. Oh Auntie Em, there's no place like home!

In reality, it was just another day in the life of a "Celebrity Apprentice."

When Slashfood received word through the grapevine that our very own "Star Chef" Curtis Stone was serving up gourmet cheeseburgers for charity at Burger Heaven on Monday, we had to go and root for the home team.

Before entering the Midtown Manhattan eatery, diners were asked to sign a photo release, as the lunch service was being filmed for an episode of an upcoming celebrity-based reality show. The name of the show was never specifically indicated but all signs (and the New York Post) point to the third season of Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" on NBC.

Once inside, patrons found themselves surrounded by a motley crew -- rocker-turned-reality star Bret Michaels, ousted Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, wrestler Bill Goldberg, comedian Sinbad, baseball legend Darryl Strawberry, Olympic track star Michael Johnson (sans gold shoes) and the aforementioned charming Aussie chef.

Michaels -- of 1980s hairband fame and, more recently, of VH1's "Rock of Love" -- seated me and offered a no-frills "Celebrity Diner, NYC" menu. Blagojevich and his signature coiffure took drink and food orders. RB (as Blagojevich put on the top of the check) later forgot about my beverage, but Michaels -- who was surprisingly restaurant-savvy -- soon noticed and brought me two.

Bill Goldberg (and his gun show) helped Curtis out in the kitchen. On the midday nosh menu: a $250 wild mushroom risotto, the "Hundred Dollar Burger," a chicken cutlet, grilled turkey sandwich or grilled shrimp salad. No dish was less than $100 but hey, it was for charity. The burger's key, as Curtis revealed, was the shaved black truffles on top.

All the while, Strawberry and Sinbad entertained those seated for counter service. Last season's "Celebrity Apprentice" winner, Joan Rivers, and America's favorite weatherman, Al Roker, also lunched to help the American Diabetes Association.

While Johnson cashed the high-paying patrons out, he said he had been peeling potatoes for French fries the day before in preparation for the diner dash.

All males were present here but it was rumored the female counterparts -- including pop star Cyndi Lauper and rocker-wife Sharon Osbourne -- were at the Burger Heaven on 63rd Street. Apparently their burgers were only $25.

As for who raised the most money during Monday's event, we won't find out until the season premiere in March.

Will you watch the new season of "Celebrity Apprentice?"
Yes!	50 (52.6%)
No!	45 (47.4%)

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'Celebrity Apprentice' Fundraising Lunch

Charitable Eating
Male 'Celebrity Apprentice' competitors raise money for the American Diabetes Association with high-priced entrees.

Sarah LeTrent

Getty Images North America