Laptop Television Mom

Project Runway: Diane von Furstenberg

If you read my blog, you know I love Project Runway and the gorgeous Heidi Klum.  Well, I have to say, last night's episode was the ultimate because it featured one of my favorite designers, Diane von Furstenberg.  She is one classy lady and one of the few designers where I love everything in her collections.  She invented the wrap-dress, and her clothes are consistently flattering and stunning to even a curvy woman.

Ms. Diane was the star of last night's Project Runway as she greeted the contestants and welcomed them into her studio.  The challenge was to make an outfit to fit in her 2008 Fall collection called "Foreign Affair" and the best part is she allowed the designers to use her fabrics.

I have to say, it was the best Project Runway fashion show this season.  I thought the designers did a great job capturing the DvF spirit and class.  (Well, most of them tried to capture her class.)

Now, here is the best part... the winning dress, created by Leanne, is available for American Express cardholders.  If you have an extra $650 in your wallet, you can order the dress HERE.  Of course, if you want to try a DvF dress at a slightly better price, check out the DvF section on Bluefly.com.

(Thanks to Blogging Project Runway for the photo.)

The Next Food Network Star: Aaron McCargo Jr.

I was lucky enough to preview The Next Food Network Star before it aired on television.  I had never seen the show before I saw the sneak-peek episode, but I was instantly hooked. (Read my first review HERE.)

I am happy to say that my early favorite, Aaron McCargo, Jr., was named the winner last night.  Better yet, I had the chance to talk to him today!

During last night's final episode, Food Network execs Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson (along with celebrity chef Bobby Flay) crowned Aaron the winner.  Now, we all look froward to his show -- premiering next week -- called Big Daddy's House.  In the show, Aaron will bring herbs and spices to everyday cooking.  Think home-style food with a kick!

I really enjoyed speaking to Aaron today, he seems like a nice guy who worked hard to get to this point in his life.  Here are highlights from the call:

• Aaron credits his cooking style to his parents.  He learned big portions from his dad, and well-seasoned food from his mom.
• Aaron's wife forced him to audition.  She believed he had the "skills and talent" to win.
• One blogger asked if he is open to many styles of cooking in his show.  He answered that he wants to bring many cooking styles and traditions to this show, including Latin, Italian, French. Of course, he will focus on cooking all of these styles for kids and families.
• He hopes to have the other show finalists as co-hosts on his show.
• Aaron has always talked about "soul food."  During today's call, he pointed out that "soul food doesn't mean 'black food.'"  It's food that comes from your soul whether you are Irish, Italian or any other nationality."  (I love that!)
• Finally, Aaron hopes to travel the world to learn about soul food from around the world.  His dream itinerary includes Japan, Brazil, Peru and Alaska.  He then will bring back a global culinary Point of View to Big Daddy's House.

Congratulations, Aaron!  I will tune into your show next week.

In the meantime, if you have the chops to apply for next season's show, email your name, address and why you should be considered as a contestant to  [email protected].  Good luck!

Bluefly: Hot Tranny Mess

I just got an email telling me that Project Runway Season 4 winner Christian Siriano has a collection on Bluefly.  Click HERE to explore, shop and review. 

I was so excited, as I am a frequent Bluefly shopper AND a loyal watcher of Project Runway. So, I went to the online store... excited to find some uber-cool fashion that might make me look stylish and possibly hip. 

I found a T-shirt I sort of liked, a dress that would look terrible on me, jeans that would never fit my butt and thighs, and a jacket that I actually liked.  Maybe I will order the jacket?  Um, the jacket is on sale at $480, and comes in sizes 0, 2 and 4.  I'm going to pass.

If you happen to have an extra $500 laying around and can wear size 2 clothes, shop now and save 20 percent! 

And if you still can't get enough of Bluefly, check out their YouTube channel HERE.

Stephanie wins Top Chef

Yes!  I finally picked a Top Chef winner!  And let's not forget that this seasons marks our first female winner, who has been dubbed the First Lady of Top Chef.  (Read the AP story HERE.)

Congratulations to Chicago-based chef Stephanie Izard who bested fellow front-runner Richard and resident sour-puss Lisa to win the Top Chef Grand Prize. Here's my take on the show:

-- Loved the final challenge.  Great simple concept. Make a four-course meal in the natural progression:  work with fish, poultry and meat... and end with a dessert. Loved the side-by-side tasting menu approach.

-- Love to see A-list chefs acting as sous-chefs to the finalists... even if it was a tease.

-- Why is there always a Pork Belly in the finale? Casey prepared Pork Belly in last year's finale.

-- Was I the only one who freaked out when Richard cooked with liquid nitrogen? It was like Marcel from Season Two doing his molecular gastronomy thing.  All I want is good food.  Forget the weird chemicals.

-- Seriously, Richard?  Another "banana scallop" dish?

-- Padma is stunning.  (Yes, I love Tom, Gail and Ted too!)

-- Cool to "meet" Mr. Zagat!

-- I can't wait to dine in one of Stephanie's restaurants.

One final note, I ate at Tom Colicchio's restaurant 'Wich Craft in San Francisco in honor of today's show.  I have to say, the show was better than the sandwich.  Regardless, I can't wait until Top Chef Season Five!

The Next Food Network Star

As Bravo's Top Chef winds down, "The Next Food Network Star" heats up!  The season begins tonight at 10 p.m. EST/PST on (duh) The Food Network.  I have to admit, I've never seen this show, so I was excited to receive a preview copy of tonight's episode.  Here are my thoughts.

Great concept: Chefs of all ages and backgrounds are vying for their own cooking show on the Food Network. They compete in a series of challenges to test their cooking skills, as well as their ability to show their personality and "unique culinary point of view." Judges are looking for chops in the kitchen, as well as the star-quality necessary to host a television show.  Each contestant has already proven they can cook, so it's interesting to watch the "behind the scenes" of selecting who gets their own show... and who doesn't.

Solid cast of characters: Some of the chefs are cool, some are crazy, some are uber-cheesy, and some are Divas (with a Capital D).  It's impressive to see how the network pulled in its Big-Guns including the Neeleys, Bobby Flay, scary master-chefs from Iron Chef America and Giada De Laurentiis into the selection process.  (There also is a hint that we will see Martha Stewart herself in a future episode.) Of course, the ultimate differentiator is incorporating the network executives into the selection process.  I loved hearing them explain how they spot star-quality and what is their recipe for success on television.

Bottom-line: Great show that makes for excellent Laptop Television (and Cooking Television).  Set your TiVos!

Tribute to Funnyman Harvey Korman

LTV Mom feels the need to pay tribute to Harvey Korman, one of the first "funnymen" I remember.  I loved him on The Carol Burnett Show, especially when he would try to hold back laughter during the skits with Tim Conway. I couldn't find the skit I remember most -- one where Harvey and Tim were at a fast-food stand making French fries -- but I am happy to share this clip instead:

Of course, the best Mom-blog tribute I have seen so far is at The Family Room.  Check out the photo of Harvey and my friend Susan in 1972!

Rest in Peace, Mr. Korman.  Thanks for the laughter.

Cash Cab: "Cooking Television" Worth Watching

The other day, I was making dinner for the family while trying to entertain The Kid. I turned on the news, and instead found the BEST "cooking television" show to date.  (Translation: television that is entertaining  enough to keep my attention, but not so intelligent that I burn the dinner.)  I had heard about The Discovery Channel's Cash Cab, but watching the show is pure entertainment.  The show's tagline is "Take a Ride and Win"; LTV Mom says it's "Non-MENSA Jeopardy in a tricked-out cab."

The show works like this:  "Unassuming people enter the 'Cash Cab' as simple passengers taking a normal taxi ride, only to be shocked when they discover that they’re instant contestants on Discovery Channel's innovative game show!" There is an adorable host/cab driver (Ben Bailey), chances to win money, three-strikes you're out, Cash Cab's version of "lifelines," and lots of New Yorkers and tourists.

Check your local listings, or (better yet ) set your TiVo, and enjoy!  In the meantime, here is a YouTube clip:

GH Celebrates 45 Years on the Air

Wow, one of my all-time favorite shows is celebrating its 45th anniversary this week.  My mom was a SAHM, so we watched General Hospital every day at 2 p.m. (Right after All My Children and One Life to Live).   I knew the stars (Luke and Laura, Dr. Noah Drake and, my personal fave, Blackie Parrish).  My best friend Kristin and I would pop popcorn and tune-in each afternoon during the summer... and somehow the the show got more interesting once we finally understood the power of sex on television.

Many congratulations to my friends of Port Charles!

Project Runway's Christian on SNL

I blogged about it here, and now I can share the clip:

Christian wins Project Runway Season 4

Congratulations, Christian, on the Big Win!  Your collection was beautiful, oops I mean FIERCE. 

If you are reading this blog and missed the season finale, my favorite recap can be found at The Watcher.  If you are a fan of the show, you MUST watch Saturday Night Live spoof, which can be found here.  (YouTube is not allowed to include the embedding links.)

I have to admit, I wanted Rami to win this one. (I even picked him on my Facebook page weeks ago!) Quite simply, his dresses are spectacular.  If he would have chosen colors other than hot pink and teal (dude, I wore those colors in the early 90s and they were horrible back then), he would have won.  What a "hot tranny mess!"

Now Christian can take his "breaky-break" and his "vaca," but I am on to Top Chef Chicago, which starts next Wednesday, March 12!