On this episode of “Hot off the Press,” Chef Pete brings you lively real time coverage from the 8th Annual Hangout Oyster Cook-Off in Gulf Shores, Ala. This year’s oyster cook-off—which brought out over 5,000 attendees— featured more than 70 chefs from around the world, including Food Network star and celebrity chef Anne Burrell who headlined the event. Pete sat down with Anne to talk about the journey from her days as Mario Batali’s sous chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef,” to now hosting her own cooking shows and landing on the New York Times bestseller list with her debut cookbook “Cook Like a Rock Star.” Follow Anne on Facebook and Twitter @chefanneburrell.
Pete caught up with restauranteur and TV food personality Marc Murphy to get the behind the scenes scoop on Food Network’s top-rated “Chopped,” where Marc has a recurring role as judge for the hit show. Marc is the owner of multiple Manhattan restaurants, as well as Grey Salt set to open in Tampa this year. Marc’s involvement in the food industry reaches beyond the restaurant business to include advocacy work with Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign and the State Department’s Diplomatic Culinary Partnership. Connect with Marc on Facebook and Twitter @chefmarcmurphy.
Pete talks “Southern” with Season 8 “The Next Food Network Star” finalists, chef Michele Ragussis and restauranteur Ippy Aiona, about the universal language of food and the privilege of being able to use their platforms in the food industry to be a voice to help others. Connect with Michele and Ippy on Facebook here and here and on Twitter @MRagussis and @chefippyaiona.
Jason Roberts dropped by to dish with Pete about his transition to a gluten-free way of life, promoting a “farm to fork” approach to eating and encouraging people to “count colors, not calories.” This celebrity chef from Down Under is part of the cast on the ABC daytime talk show “The Chew” and is co-host of “Junk Food Flip” on Cooking Channel. Follow Jason on Facebook and Twitter @chefjasroberts.
Two-time James Beard Award nominee and Mobile, Ala., native Welsey True was excited to come home to the Gulf Coast for this year’s Oyster Cook-Off. He chatted with Pete about his appearance on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” his latest endeavors in the food world, and becoming a new dad. Find Wesley on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @chefwesleytrue.
And Pete couldn’t sign off without giving a “shout out” to the man behind the Oyster Cook-Off, Hangout owner Shaul Zislin.
