CBS Sunday Morning recently did a great piece by Guy Fieri. I met Guy years ago. It was right after he won The Next Food Network Star competition. It was in Bobby Flay’s Cafe Americano restaurant, with one of his buddies. They happened to be close to my table, so I just went up and introduced myself and congratulated him on his win.
He could not have been nicer. He was very gracious, appreciative that somebody had taken the time to speak with him. Introduced me to his buddy. We chatted briefly, and I let him get on and enjoy his night.
I think he even offered to buy me a drink, and I did the same thing. So, I’ve followed his career with interest, saw his growing legion of fans and body of work, and I was certainly a big fan of his Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Certainly. It seemed like a natural fit for him. Although I have to point out the obvious contradiction in which he put himself by taking on the role as an Applesbee’s spokesperson by appearing in a series of their commercials. And the Pete Wells review of his restaurant foray into the New York dining scene with his Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar, which I did not try, was an interesting affair (if not perhaps a little over blown).
Guy did give me his business card. He had about a couple restaurants at the time. I’ve not been to California since our meeting. So I have yet, assuming that they are still open, to try them. The CBS piece leaves one with a vibe from Guy, and I was certainly very impressed with the charity work he has done behind the scenes, which did not get publicity until specifically profiled last Sunday. So, I remain a big Guy Fieri fan. And as far as that Time’s Square issue goes, I got to say that if you’re going to serve something called Donkey Sauce, that negativity just might be on you.