There was nothing Yum-O about the cockroach that dropped in on Rachael Ray's lunch earlier this week.
The Food Network star was serving up some "sizzling soft tacos" to a group of sixth graders at New York City's Public School 89 when the uninvited guest crashed the party. A reporter for the New York Daily News noticed the six-legged bug scrambling across the table, and then watched as Charlie Dougiello, Ray's publicist, swatted the vermin away.
Ray, who was at the school to introduce her new healthy lunch menu, told the Daily News that she missed the whole thing. "I did not see that. It's unfortunate if there was [a bug]. I think that these schools strive to be the best across the board; I'm sure that includes cleanliness."
Okay. I'm all for rabid celebrity fanaticism, and I enjoy the occasional portrait tattoo. But seriously?
Yep, a Rachael Ray extremist showed up at Borders Books in Syosset, New York for Monday's signing of Ray's new Yum-O: The Family Cookbook and proudly showed the chef her moderately-to-completely terrifying ink.
I can't help but wonder at what point in Rachael Ray's career trajectory this chick decided to indelibly inscribe her devotion. 'Cause honestly, if this is from 2002's $40-A-Day Ray, I can kinda get behind it, 'cause we all need a gentle a reminder to eat on a budget (even internationally!).
There are several "Rachael Rayisms" (I think she coined the term herself), and we all have our favorite. Or should I say our least favorite of all the ones we don't like.
Mine used to be "EVOO," but that has become such a part of the everyday food lexicon that I consider it a real food term now and not just something that Ray says (in fact, I believe the Oxford Dictionary just added it?). I'm gonna go with "Delish," because it embodies everything that's silly about the worst cooking shows and just overall lameness. Plus she says it in that new Christmas Dunkin' Donuts commercial and it drives me nuts. Other phrases she uses: "You guys!," "Parmigiano Reggiano," "awesome," and the classic "Yum-O."
To get you in the mood, after the jump, 2 minutes and 46 seconds of Rachael Ray saying "mmmmmmm."
I know, I know, you sit there in your comfy chair watching Rachael Ray make "delish" meals every day, and you think to yourself, "gee, she'd really look better in a V-neck sweater."
Well, now you can dress her yourself! The folks at Cartoon Doll Emporium have created a virtual doll of the queen of the 30 minute meal. You can choose her top, her pants, her shoes, even what type of food she's carrying in her hand. There aren't that many food choices yet, but maybe they'll add some EVOO soon.
Some of you will probably like her the way she appears before you add any clothes.
During the crazy holiday season, everyone could use a holiday planner, with ideas for things to cook, cookie swap recipes, customized placecards, and more.
In a special surprise election held yesterday, TV food icon Rachael Ray was named President of the United States.
Her challenger, Martha Stewart from the state of New York, put up quite a fight, but in the end, Ray squeaked out a win in electoral votes. Many people cite Ray's ability to seemingly be in every single state in the country at the same time, giving speeches and cooking demonsrations for crowds of supporters. Others cite Stewart's time in prison as working against her.
This is really the most logical next step for Ray, who has 27 shows on Food Network, her own monthly magazine, a daily syndicated TV show, her face on various products in the supermarket, DVDs, a Christmas CD, cookware, a new endorsement deal with Dunkin' Donuts, and her own planet named after her. Ray has said that the first thing she plans to do as President is to add the word "awesome" to the Pledge of Allegience.
After the jump, the complete statement from President-Elect Ray.
How can someone who puts out such a fun food mag put on such an unbearable TV show?
I want to like Rachael Ray, the TV show. I really, really do. Honest. But it's just an annoying hour to me. Maybe it's because I'm a guy. One minute Rachael will be teaching us how to make some cool quick meal with pasta and vegetables, and then five minutes later she'll be talking about women in abusive relationships or how someone can organize the shoes in their closets. It just doesn't work for me. (And there's also the whole thing with her voice and bubbly personality, which I can take on 30 Minute Meals but when it's an hour every day...). But it's really popular, so maybe I'm not the right audience.
But Every Day With Rachael Ray? That's a great little magazine. It has a bunch of recipes that you feel you can actually cook (unlike some mags), quick guides to eating in various cities, tips on shopping, tips on buying wine, interviews. It's well-done. If there's one quibble I have is the whole "celebrity fridge" feature in the back of every issue. It's kinda funny to see what celebs have in there, but do we have to have some quiz about what they have? On the same page where we can see the answers?!? It seems to be a quiz made for people who find the TV Guide crossword difficult.
Did you know that you don't have to sit back and just read Rachael's mag or watch her TV shows, you can
actually be in the magazine or guest star on her show?
If you have seen Rachael Ray on TV - and we know that you have seen at least an
episode of one of her many shows - you have no doubt heard one of her many "Rachael-isms". A Rachael-ism is a
term that refers to one of Rachael's favorite expressions and is, in fact, a Rachael-ism itself. The use of these words
in everyday conversation has been termed Rachaelspeak by the editorial staff at Every Day with Rachael Ray. They have helpfully compiled a glossary of Rachael-isms that will help you to better understand
Rachael and her shows. The list includes the definitions of Yum-O!, Good to go and EVOO, as well
as pronunciation tips.
Their online store also stocks shirts emblazoned with Yum-O!
and Got
EVOO?, both of which would make great gifts for any Rachael fans in your life.
This is one of my favorite food mags now. Each issue is jam-packed with recipes and info.
On the cover: Rachael drinks another cup of coffee (tea?) She
seems to have one in her hand a lot. She needs the caffeine, considering the 35 TV shows she currently does.
A guide to romantic weekend getaways (yeah, Valentine's Day is coming up).
One feature I don't like: a behind the scenes look at Ray's wedding. Yeah, she ties in the food to the story,
but really...
I don't understand the No Recipe Zone column. This one is for Cheddar and Apple Turnovers, and it's supposed to be done without
directions. Then you turn to the column and there are directions. WTF?