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Rachael Ray Is the World's Richest Chef

partysugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:15:38 -0700

Last week Forbes released a list of the 10 top-earning celebrity chefs. The richest celebrity "chef" is Rachael Ray who, thanks to her four Food Network shows, daytime television show, magazine, and Dunkin' Donuts deal, makes $18 million a year. She's followed by Oscar caterer Wolfgang Puck ($16 million) and Gordon Ramsay ($7.5 million).

While owning a restaurant doesn't necessarily factor into a chef's riches (Ray owns no restaurants), it's clear that more exposure and countless endeavors amount to more money.

Puck owns 15 restaurants and has a soup line in grocery stores and a collection of knives sold on the Home Shopping Network. Ramsay has numerous restaurants and hit television shows in both the US and UK.

Although television played a huge role in the success of Ray, Puck, and Ramsay, it's interesting to note that the fourth and fifth richest chefs, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and Alain Ducasse, have little to no television presence, but each own more than 15 restaurants worldwide. To check out the complete list of the world's richest chefs,

Wolfgang Is Nothing But Refined Simplicity

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:28:31 -0800

If you haven't been following along with all of our Governors Ball coverage then you may have missed the fact that it's going to be "simple but refined." Everything is an elegant sea of red and gold, and the food is nothing but refined simplicity.

While at the press preview, I had the opportunity to watch Wolfgang at work. For two hours he entertained members of the press, grilled steaks, stirred up mac and cheese, and answered similar questions over and over and over again. Ever the great spokesperson, Wolfgang smiled and hammed it up; each member of the press got the same story, but it was always done with vivacity and it always seemed genuine. I managed to get some video of him in action, and our video editor really captured the feel. To check out Wolfgang giving his shpiel over and over and over again,

You've Seen the Pics, Now See the Menu

YumSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:16:31 -0800

The Oscars are just around the corner — fill in your ballot for a chance to win fab prizes! — and last week I tempted you guys with photos from the Governors Ball preview However, I didn't give a full rundown on what was going to be served. If you were wondering what was pictured in the sea of tastiness, get prepared. I've got the full list — it's huge, over 350 people are on the culinary staff! — and let me tell you, it reads as tasty as the photos. To check out the complete menu,

Wolfgang Does It Again! — Photos From the Governors Ball Menu

YumSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:45:18 -0800

Yesterday morning, amidst a sea of reporters and video cameras, Wolfgang Puck unveiled the menu for this year's Governors Ball. While it is still an organic and natural affair, this time it's all about simplicity. It's the 80th Oscar celebration and so the theme — for both the food and decor — is about making the simple things fabulous. From miniature kobe burgers, to parmesan mac n' cheese, this year Puck promises everything will be, "simple but refined."

There is going to be plenty of food including: passed hors d'oeuvres, a ceviche station, a noodle station, a shellfish station, a pizza station, a sushi station, antipasti and a Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef entree.

I was lucky enough to be there, and while I was able to see Wolfgang prep and cook several dishes — they smelled unbelievable! — I sadly didn't get to taste them. I did, however, manage to get some pics of all the fare. This is just the food that his crew will be producing, you can see the look, and I'll follow up with drinks and desserts soon!

Check out the full gallery — that's just a teaser above —

Puck to Cater the Oscars After Party

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:58:31 -0800

For the fourteenth year in a row, Wolfgang Puck has been selected to create and cater the menu for the Governors Ball, the celebratory party that follows the Academy Awards. Puck will head a team of hand-picked chefs to cook, plate, and serve the 1,500 ball guests. Keeping up with the current trends in the culinary world, Puck states that the menu will highlight local ingredients. He said:

The Governors Ball is a singular event, and the food must be of equal caliber. Our menu will feature locally-grown, sustainable, and organic ingredients, providing guests with a culinary experience that will please even the most discerning of palates.

Among other delicious delicacies, Oscar-winners and A-List celebrities can look forward to Puck's minikobe burgers on brioche with sweet pickles and tuna tartare with wasabi aioli on togarashi toast.

Source

Tiramisu Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:28:31 -0700

Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts. I love the smooth, creamy filling and the light, melt in your mouth cake. I order tiramisu when eating at restaurants, but have only attempted to make it at home twice. Both times, I failed miserably and was unhappy with the end result. But practice makes perfect and I've finally built up the courage to experiment with tiramisu.

I've found two recipes — one for cooks new to the kitchen and another for more experienced chefs — so you should be able to make the tiramisu that suits your style. All you have to do is

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Menu (Part II)

partysugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:13:33 -0700

I'm cheering on my alma mater by hosting a huge pre-game party. I host this tailgate every other year when the game takes place at Stanford. While the menu for the majority of the dishes changes — this year it consists of a variety of tasty football foods complete with chips, dips, and chicken wings — the desserts are always the same two classics. Since we will be enjoying the desserts next to the field, it's important to make something that is transportable and easy to eat.

Chocolate truffle brownies and zesty lemon bars are two crowd pleasing treats that score big points year after year. For these delicious dessert recipes,

What Do Chefs Feed Their Children?

YumSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:59:31 -0700

Ever wonder if the children of famous chefs eat better than yours (or you for that matter)? This past weekend Parade magazine ran an article where five well-known chefs discuss what they put in their children's lunches.

Surprisingly, while wonderfully delicious and healthy, their tips are actually effortless and easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Wolfgang Puck opts for cold pre-pressed paninis, while Emeril Lagasse — whose children seemed the most adventurous — suggests shrimp spring rolls with fresh veggies.

However my favorite quote comes from Tyler Florence who sends his son Miles to school with wraps filled with grilled veggies and goat cheese.

"If he happens to trade what I made for him when he gets to school, it’s a great way to break the ice with the girls."

How adorable is that?!

To eat like Tyler and his son do, check out the recipe for Tyler's BLT with a Twist,

Wolfgang Says No To Foie Gras

YumSugar — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:12:35 -0700

Celebrity chef to the celebs, Wolfgang Puck has just announced several new animal welfare policies that he and his restaurants will be putting into place. In a joint press release with the Humane Society, Puck has released a nine-point program aimed at raising the bar on farm animal treatment.

"I have regularly spent weekends at my local farmers markets and farms, getting to know my vendors, their animals and their animal treatment programs. As my companies have grown much bigger, we must now develop formal policies to maintain our exacting standards."

The polices in his nine-point program are:

The elimination of foie gras (fattened duck & geese livers) from his restaurants.
No longer allow the use of eggs from hens confined in battery cages.
No pork from producers that confine breeding sows in gestation crates.
No veal from producers that confine calves in individual veal crates.

To see the rest of the policies,

On Wolfgang Puck and Hepatitis A - Get Your Shots!

YumSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:00:36 -0800

Rarely is there "breaking news" in the food industry, new products launch, cookbooks come out, shows get cancelled, restaurants open and then close, but I just saw something that is rather breaking news and in the food industry as well. Turns out that an employee of Wolfgang Puck Catering was just diagnosed with acute hepatitis A.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed that an employee of Wolfgang Puck Catering was recently diagnosed with the disease, and has strongly urged anyone who attended the SI party, or any of the 13 other events catered by Puck between Feb. 1 - 20, to get an immune globulin shot by tomorrow to prevent illness.

Luckily the Governor's Ball was not part of this "recall," however many other high profile events were, including the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue party (February 14). So you hear that Beyoncé? You better get thee to a hospital, now!

At the time of writing, Puck's PR firm stated that the list of events would not be released to the public. This seems odd, being that many people might not have realized his company catered these events... What do you guys think about that?

Source: TMZ

Image Source

The Look of the Governors Ball, Part 2

partysugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:11:18 -0800

Last week I showed you images of the planned decor for the Governors Ball, the Academy Awards official after party. But what did the event space really look like moments before the stars rushed through the doors? How did the tranquil and chic decor transform with the addition of people? What did Wolfgang Puck look like as he ran down the red carpet with Oscar shaped edible hor d'oeuvres? For picture answers to the above questions,

Oscars Menu Recap: Recipes Galore

partysugar — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 02:26:42 -0800

Last Sunday I revealed Wolfgang Puck's all-star menu for the official Oscars after party, the Governors Ball, and all week I've featured recipes from the menu that Hollywood A-listers will be munching on tomorrow night. The decorations for the event are ready and awaiting the arrival of the celebrities. Everything, presumably, is prepared for tinsel town's biggest party. For the award winning menu, complete with recipes and pictures of Wolfgang Puck & Food and Wine's pre-Oscars party,

Golden Sides: Potatoes Times Two

partysugar — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:08:11 -0800

Meat and potatoes are a classic combination, similar to chocolate and vanilla, salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly. They just go well together. Instead of serving up the standard French fries or the typical baked potato, why not get a little creative? For the Governor's Ball, Wolfgang Puck will be serving up two spectacular spud sides: wasabi mashed potatoes and mini gold-wrapped baked potatoes with French farm-raised Osetra caviar and crème fraiche. Talk about jazzing up your regular old mashed and baked taters: wow Wolfgang! To use these dishes the next time you want a lively and golden side (when you serve it you can stun your guests by saying the dish was also offered at the Oscars after-party),

Awesome, Award-Worthy Appetizer

partysugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:43:18 -0800

I know I've completely bombarded you with fabulous recipes that Wolfgang Puck will be making at the Governors Ball and I apologize for tempting you with so much deliciousness. At least I'm not waving the food around in front of you and then quickly pulling it away before you can get any. I am posting the recipes for each of these edible masterpieces so you can make them in the comfort of your own home, while you gossip about what Reese and Cameron are wearing. You can add this one to the must-make-list: a tasty tapa recipe that will be passed on trays while the stars are arriving at the after party. The recipe is a little complicated, but worth the effort and time. To make spicy tuna tartare in a sesame miso cone as an appetizer at your next star-worthy event,

The Look Of The Governors Ball

partysugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:43:17 -0800

While we have to wait until Sunday to see what all of the stars will be wearing at the Oscars, I've been giving you a sneak peek of the recipes that will be served at the Academy Awards official after party, the Governors Ball all week long. As if knowing what the celebs will be eating wasn't enough, I've found some awesome pictures of the decorations at the event space. The Governors Ball is held in the Grand Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center and is put on by Sequoia Productions (an event planning firm based out of Los Angeles). The decor is set in beautiful shades of white, cream, gold, butter, and burgundy with low lighting, wood details, thousands of candles, and fresh flowers everywhere. To take a peek at a gallery of photos of the actual decor plus lots of images of the food as well as Puck and his crew practicing the menu,

Today's Special: Stir-Fried Vegetables

partysugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 08:58:28 -0800

Today's Special is a super healthy, FitSugar friendly vegetable saute. I know it may seem crazy to have only sautéed vegetables for a quick dinner, but you should really think of this like a big warm salad. Just as filling as a salad, this sauté lacks a creamy heavy dressing and is a nice alternative for the winter months when warmth in food is necessary. Wolfgang Puck will be offering this at his Governor's Ball spread for all of the vegetarians among the A-list stars. He will be using organic vegetables from Chino Farms for his stir-fry, so when you make this at home tonight use the best and freshest vegetables you can afford/find. To take a look at the recipe,

Wolfgang's Apfelstrudel

partysugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:13:12 -0800

No that is not a typo, apfelstrudel is the Austrian term for a classic apple strudel. Wolfgang Puck will be whipping up his version with fuji apples, plump raisins, and plenty of cinnamon this weekend for the stars at the Governors Ball. I'm a big fan of apple strudel and can't wait to try this recipe. Although I wish I was making it for Leonardo DiCaprio (like Wolfgang), but I'll have to settle for making it for my dad. Instead of slaving over the KitchenAid, I'll use Wolfgang's advice and simplify the recipe by substituting egg roll skins for homemade pastry dough. To make this delectable apple dessert for the star in your life,

All American/Oscar Worthy Salad

partysugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:59:32 -0800

Whenever I am in Spain, my Spanish friends ask me about typical American dishes. I hate to mention hamburgers (because I'm more of a hot dog type of girl) and instead answer Caesar salad. Caesar salad is on practically every menu from those at McDonald's, to high end haute cuisine restaurants. It has single handedly increased the sales and production of romaine lettuce. If ordinary everyday people are eating it up, then big time Hollywood players must like it as well. This year Wolfgang Puck is making a chic version of the salad as part of his tapas menu for the Oscars after party blowout bash, The Governor's Ball. For a salad recipe worthy of five stars (Leonardo, Mark, Jake, Djimon, and Brad),

Come Party With Me: Oscars Viewing - Menu (Dessert)

partysugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:13:57 -0800

All day today, I've been tempting you with Oscar worthy dishes that will be served at the Governor's Ball after the show on Sunday and during the show in your very own home. That's right you read me correctly, at your very own home! I'm helping you host an Oscars Viewing dinner party and here's what you can check off of your to-do-list for the party. Invitations? Done. Menu? Done. Ok well almost done. I've told you what to make for appetizers and the main dish and I've kept you waiting on the edge of your seat for the dessert (just like they do at the awards shows for the most important awards!). To see what I suggest you make for dessert, including Wolfgang Puck's recipe for Oscar's Chocolate Box with Oscar's Chocolate Mousse (one of the treats that will be a part of his Oscar's Sweet Extravaganza,

Come Party With Me: Oscars Viewing - Menu (Main)

partysugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:56:48 -0800

In case you haven't noticed, this week's obsession revolves around the Oscars. I'm planning a big viewing party where we will discuss the stars, the movies, and most importantly the dresses(!). Yesterday I made golden, elegant invitations and today I'm figuring out what I will be serving. Since Wolfgang Puck caters the Oscars after party every year I am making a meal that consists of real dishes that the stars will be eating (think about it: Leo and I could both be popping garlic aioli bruschetta in our mouths at the exact same moment!). This is the second installment of this menu, for the delectable dessert that you certainly do not want to miss come back later this afternoon. To see what I'm cooking up as the main dish (yes it does involve caviar!) for the dinner,

Come Party With Me: Oscars Viewing - Menu (Appetizers)

partysugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:52:31 -0800

Over the past few years Oscars viewing parties have become as commonplace as the Super Bowl and St. Patrick's day celebrations. You may not be an award winning celebrity but that doesn't mean you can't host your own fabulous Oscars party this Sunday. The Oscars are the biggest awards ceremony because in the past they were the only televised awards show. This is the 79th year that the Academy will present its little golden statues to the year's stellar performances. The Oscars start at 5 and no meal is served during the show. The official after party, the Governor's Ball, is where the stars are invited to eat a meal created by Wolfgang Puck. I've done a little investigating and I've put together a light dinner menu for you to serve at your Oscars viewing with dishes that will actually be served at the Governor's Ball! This is the first installment of an extravagant three part menu. You've already seen the invitations now take a peek at the appetizers and

Oscars Menu: What The Stars Will Be Eating

partysugar — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 01:52:19 -0800

Unlike the Golden Globes, no food is served during the Oscars. Instead, all of the big time A-list celebrities hurriedly head over to the Governors Ball (the official Oscars after party) for a delicious and delectable dinner. For the 13th year in a row the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited Wolfgang Puck to create the menu for the Governors Ball. Last year over 1600 celebrities attended the dinner which was a multi course mega meal with dishes like Puck's famous bite-size caviar pizzas and miniature chocolate coated gold leaf edible Oscars. Be sure to check back later this week for recipes that will be served at this year's premire post-Oscars bash. Until then, you can learn more on the Governors Ball, the actual complete menu, items from Puck's grocery list, and details involving the decor,