Well Fed Network

TFNS Crowns Another New Show

Cate O'Malley — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:39:56 +0000

There was so much discontent surrounding the winner of The Next Food Network Star. He just didn’t seem like the best candidate to win. Between his self-proclaimed cotton mouth and his appauling performance in Vegas, it left many wondering if the competition had any roots in realty at all. After all, unlike Top Chef, we did see the entireity of the pilots and could see who did great and who … didn’t.

But, perhaps the Food Network did see the light after all.

Y’all ready for this?

Aaron McCargo Jr. wasn’t the only finalist on The Next Food Network Star to score a show. In fact, Adam Gertler is getting his own series. Will Work For Food will premiere on September 30 at 9:30 p.m.

According to a hot-off-the-presses release, the show will utilize Gertler’s comedic tendencies and adventurous nature. He’ll be exploring little-known food jobs and trying them all.

“On The Next Food Network Star Adam exhibited a unique combination of quick wit, passion for food and an engaging personality,” said Bob Tuschman, Senior Vice President, Programming and Production for Food Network. “He earned millions of fans across the country who have let us know that we have a second star in our midst. We feel this series is a perfect fit for his talents, letting him showcase his brand of humor while he works for food.”

Photo from Food Network.

Celebrate Earth Day with Well Fed

Cate O'Malley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:46:11 +0000

Today, as everyone celebrates Earth Day, if you take a spin through the sites in our network, you’ll notice that we’re all celebrating it here in different ways too. But we’re committed to one common goal … doing what we can for our environment.

It is surprisingly easy to make a huge impact. Something as small as cutting down on paper plate and plastic bag usage is actually quite large in terms of its effect. Some changes are, admittedly, more radical than we might be ready for, but all it takes is the first step.

We hope you’ll join in.

Looking for Wine Sediments?

Cate O'Malley — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:40 +0000

To provide a more complete and comprehensive resource to our loyal readers, we will no longer be adding new content to our Wine Sediments site. But fear not! You can still find the wonderful wine (and spirit) coverage you’ve come to know and love on our sister site, The Spirit World, updated daily. Be sure to check it out.

Pirate Dining Adventure for Kids in Savannah

Cate O'Malley — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:00:30 +0000

Posted by Kelby Carr on Kids Cuisine.

To kids, pirates are just cool. History, not so much. Classic literature, again, is not that hot. There is a cool place where you can feed your kids, teach them about history and literature, and they get an up-close and personal encounter with the pirate world: The Pirates’ House in Savannah, Ga.

The place is oozing with atmosphere. The building, separated into several dining rooms and corridors, includes a section that dates back to the 1700s. In fact, it’s said that a small building adjoining The Pirates’ House is the oldest house in Georgia.

There are also framed pages from a rare, antique copy of Treasure Island. Savannah is mentioned several times in the classic, and some of the scenes in the book take place right inside The Pirates’ House.

The decor in the waiting area gets kids in the mood from the beginning, with pirate souvenirs and toys for sale. There’s also a life-size pirate figurine, and kids enjoy pushing various buttons to hear the pirate talk. Walking through the restaurant, kids enjoy pointing out the pirate decor, including a large model of a pirate ship.

The nice thing about this restaurant is that it’s kid-friendly without being too obnoxious for adults to enjoy themselves. The lights are low, and the adult menu is diverse and compelling. I had the pork chop cooked in a rum marinade, and it was tasty. The only real complaint I would have is that the children’s menu is too predictable with choices like chicken fingers. It’s also a very popular place, so a reservation is probably a good idea.

It was a fun meal, with all three kids enjoying themselves and checking out the decor. Each was given a pirate hat to wear, as well as paper hoop earrings and pirate coins. The place mats included some of the history, and the kids got a lesson in pirate terminology.

The Pirate House
20 East Broad Street
Savannah, Ga. 31401

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

Cate O'Malley — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:32:21 +0000

Posted by Amy Casey on Just Baking.

Every grocery store, coffee shop, bakery, diner, and convenience mart in New Jersey and New York sell crumb cake. Ask any East Coaster about crumb cake and they will begin to swoon and drool. Being a native Midwestern transplanted on the East Coast, I created my version of the beloved baked good.

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake is was my adaptation of New York style crumb cake. From my research, I discovered the more crumb the better. About an inch of crumb and a little less of the cake is ideal.

I searched the internet and my cookbook collection to develop my take on the crumb cake. Added were a layer of apples sauteed in brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. I was delighted with the piece I had before bed last night and again this morning with my cup of coffee. No comparison to the store bought cake. I’ll be making this recipe from now on.

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake

For caramel apples:

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
4 Fugi apples, peeled and sliced thin

For crumb topping:
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 1/3 cups cake flour
2 sticks butter, melted

For cake:
2/3 cup half and half
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 sticks butter, cut in chunks
2 extra large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Heat a large saute pan to medium high. Add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to melt. Add the apples and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Apples should be slightly soft. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients and stir to combine. Set aside.

In a small bowl, add vinegar to half and half and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and baking soda. With mixer on low, add the butter chunks, one at a time. Mix for about 2 - 3 minutes until mixture resembles a coarse crumble. Add eggs, vanilla, and half and half mixture. Beat on medium high speed for about 1 - 2 minutes until smooth.

Spread cake batter into prepared baking dish. Top with sauteed apples. Break up the crumb topping with a spoon. The pieces should be about the size of marbles. Sprinkle on top of apples. Bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Dust with powdered sugar.

EAT! and EAT! some more.

Happy Holidays!

Cate O'Malley — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:53:06 +0000

From the entire Well Fed Network family, we wish you a wonderful holiday season with your friends and family. We are on vacation until January 2nd, but will return then with a bounty of food and drink coverage. Best wishes to you and yours.

2007 Food Blog Award Winners

Cate O'Malley — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:00:40 +0000

Winners! Winners! We’ve got winners! After a week of very busy voting, the polls closed late Friday night and winners emerged. Below, we present for your pleasure, the winners of the 2007 Food Blog Awards.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone involved … not only to those who took top prize, but also to those who were finalists, who were nominated and the thousands of other food and drink bloggers out there worldwide who share their kitchens with us day in and day out. Without all of you, the world of food blogging would … well, not exist. Hats off!

Food Blog of the Year - 101 Cookbooks

Best Food Blog (Chef) - Michael Ruhlman

Best Blog Covering Drinks - Married with Dinner

Best Food Blog (City) - Becks ‘n Posh

Best Food Blog (Family/Kids) - Lunch In a Box

Best Food Blog (Group) - Serious Eats

Best Food Blog (Humor) - French Laundry at Home

Best Food Blog (Industry) - Michael Ruhlman

Best Food Blog (New) - French Laundry at Home

Best Food Blog (Photography) - La Tartine Gourmande

Best Food Blog (Post) - Gluten-Free Girl

Best Food Blog (Rural) - Farmgirl Fare

Best Food Blog (Theme) - Fat-Free Vegan

Best Food Blog (Writing) - Bittersweet Blog

Voting Polls Open: 2007 Food Blog Awards

Cate O'Malley — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:01:21 +0000

Before we cut loose and reveal the Top 5 nominations for the 2007 Food Blog Awards, The Well Fed Network would like to take a minute to thank the judges for all their hard work. Through three different time zones, over several days, tons of e-mails and thoughtful conversation, this group kept their eyes on the task at hand to get it done on time, and I thank you. Also, a special thanks to Faith Kramer for her invaluable behind-the-scenes assistance.

And now, we present the Top 5 nominations in the 2007 Food Blog Awards. The polls are open and will accept votes up until Friday, December 14th, 11:59 pm EST. Only votes done on the polls in the below links count. You are, of course, welcome to leave comments in support of your favorite sites, just know that that has no bearing on the outcome, as it is all tabulated by the polls in the below links. Official winners will be announced on Monday, December 17th.

Good luck to all and happy voting!

Best Food Blog - Chef

Best Food Blog - City

Best Food Blog - Drinks

Best Food Blog - Family/Kids

Best Food Blog - Group

Best Food Blog - Humor

Best Food Blog - Industry

Best Food Blog - New

Best Food Blog - Photography

Best Food Blog - Post

Best Food Blog - Rural