"giada de laurentiis" news and stories

We couldn't launch the Hottest Men in the Food Industry without taking a look at the ladies. Whether they've made their mark in restaurants, on blogs or TV, or as cookbook authors, these women not only sizzle in the kitchen, they're leaders in their field.

With more than 50% of the vote, there was no competing with your number-one pick this year...

We love Ellen, there's no denying it -- she's caring, funny and, well, blunt. Giada De Laurentiis was recently on Ellen's show to share some of her holiday recipes and to promote her line of cookware and kitchen equipment now available at Target. While they were making Giada's Orzo with Smokey Tomato Vinaigrette recipe, the food processor turned on automatically, prompting Giada to say, "Wow, it started by itself, who knew?" We couldn't help but laugh when Ellen jokingly responded, "Well, it's yours, you should know how it works."

That the gorgeous Italian export Giada De Laurentiis knows her way around a plate of pasta is not exactly news. But what the star of Giada At Home told an adoring crowd at last weekend's New York Wine & Food Festival may surprise you. Is she ready to have more children? Visit our friends at YumSugar to find out, in 5 Things You May Not Know About Giada De Laurentis.

Donatella Arpaia's win at the Meatball Madness event last week (part of the New York City Wine & Food Festival) featured a couple of "minis." The first, a mini version of the meatball sandwich she serves streetside at her restaurant Mia Dona (which were here accompanied by a coconut cupcake). The second mini was a little more form-fitting -- a red mini dress with a matching chef's coat that vied with Arpaia's meatball sandwich for attention.

The attractive brunette -- who bested the competition that included Felidia, Locanda Verde, Pulino's and Tarallucci e Vino -- worked the crowd, cheerfully posing for photos, personally handing out hundreds of little plates, and soliciting votes like an eager sixth grader running for class president.

The biggest star of the evening, though, was Meatball Madness host Giada De Laurentis, who, next to Arpaia and her red mini, looked downright conservative. Giada, who also had her own station, circuited the cavernous space sampling the competition, trailed by a crowd of picture-snapping fans and a hulking bodyguard.

In case you were wondering, our personal fave was Locanda Verde's lamb meatball slider with caprino (goat's-milk cheese) and pickled cucumber. Nothing mini about that one.

As The Next Food Network Star winds down its sixth season, we here at Slashfood are taking the time to chat with the final contestants about their experience on the show.

Click through for our interview.