January 12, 2007
DINNER: POSSIBLE
In a further test of my audioblogging skills, here's an interview I did this week with Robert Irvine, star of the new TV show "Dinner Impossible."
The new half-hour primetime series, which tests the skills of one the world’s most experienced and respected chefs with a new culinary feat each week, kicks-off with a two-episode, back-to-back premiere on January 24 at 10 p.m. The series will eventually settle into a permanent timeslot at 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
A little background about Irvine from his Wikipedia entry:
A native of England, Chef Robert Irvine began his adventures in cooking upon enlisting in the British Royal Navy at the age of fifteen, where his talent in the kitchen was soon discovered by his superiors.His culinary skills came to the attention of Prince Charles while he was stationed at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, where the Prince was undergoing certification training to fly the Wessex Mark III helicopter, and Robert soon found himself transferred to service as a Leading Cook aboard Her Majesty's Royal Yacht Britannia. He continued his service in the palaces of the Royal Family of England for the next ten years. He has cooked for presidents and prime ministers, for the royalty and celebrities of many nations, accompanied Her Majesty the Queen to locations around the world, and often traveled in the private entourage of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales.
Upon completion of his 10-year tour of duty, his travels led him to perform consultant work in Bali, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City, before embarking on his next challenge as Executive Chef aboard numerous cruise ships, culminating with the world renowned, five-star MS Crystal Harmony.
Chef Irvine has cooked for several U.S. Presidents, including for state and inaugural dinners, both in and out of the White House, where he has consulted and cooked on an ongoing basis.
Robert Irvine has been Executive Chef for Donald Trump’s Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort and for Caesars Atlantic City in Atlantic City. He was Head Chef of a team of superstar chefs, including Ming Tsai, Todd English and Roberto Donna, at the 2005 Academy Awards dinner for the Children Uniting Nations charity event, hosted by Paula Abdul and Wyclef Jean.
Interestingly, Irvine told me he's planning in August to open his first restaurant, Ooze and Schmooze, on Beach Drive in St. Petersburg across the street from the Renaissance Vinoy Resort.
Here's the phone interview I did.