Robert redux
I'd like to thank regular blog commenter Richard G. for this graphic.
I'm not sure how I feel about this, but the unfolding Robert Irvine story was picked up today by TMZ (scroll down past all the mean Britney bits, but why are they saying the St. Petersburg Times' story was "oddly thorough"? that's a diss, right?) in addition to many blogs and papers around the country. Strangely, many of the stories indicate that Irvine's St. Petersburg restaurants are on hold--this is not something that the Times has reported, nor does it jibe with what the 400 Beach Realtor indicated, nor what Irvine's partner J. Randall Williams has stated.
We'll see.
In the meantime, I've contacted HarperCollins, the publisher of Irvine's 2007 book, Mission: Cook!, to discuss some of the possibly erroneous biographical information in that book. They are aware of the situation and are currently consulting with Irvine about the particulars--they promise to give me some kind of statement later today.
I'm also waiting to talk to Food Network officials today for a more in-depth statement about what will become of Irvine's Chefography segment (a show that gives the "inside scoop" on the network's celebrity chefs). I wonder if Irvine's segment will air, or reruns of those Dinner: Impossible episodes that make reference to his relationship with Charles and Diana (his involvement with the making of the cake) and other facts that appear to be false.
"He who distinguishes the true savor of his food can never be a glutton; he who does not cannot be otherwise." 
when tmz sees something reported thoroughly, i suspect they think it is very odd.
Posted by: jim webster | February 19, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Truth be told, Laura, the SPT is beating this to death. We get it!! We really do. I think its embarassing that the Food Network, Harper Collins, and even the SPT weren't more circumspect. Just make a sentence using the words "phony", "wool," "eyes," and "pull."
Posted by: Jimbo | February 19, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Actually Jimbo, this story is getting bigger by the hour. I think the public is seriously tiring of cheats. Celebrities caught lying are now liabilities, not assets (e.g. even though Roger Clemens is technically innocent, I doubt many corporations are extending him endorsement deals). I wouldn't be surprised if the Food Network (and Harper Collins, for that matter) makes a VERY big example of Robert Irvine. It appears his career was based on endless fabrication, and that won't do for a celebrity chef on an increasingly popular national network. You can bet much navel-gazing over how he got away with this for this long will now occur. The national broadcast news media (Dateline, 20/20) will be all over this in short order. Kudos to the SPT for breaking this story. There must be some very proud editors there right now, and rightfully so.
Posted by: JM | February 19, 2008 at 10:39 PM
We get it. Enough. Gee, a conman in Florida. Call Ripley's.
Posted by: Jimbo | February 20, 2008 at 08:00 AM
JM, thanks for the kind words, and Jimbo, I hear what you're saying. At our regular Monday morning meeting we began discussions with the Irvine flap, but it quickly became a catalog of all the Music Man-style con men that have taken St. Petersburg for a ride over the years. It wasn't a short list. Wonder why we're so susceptible. Must be insecurity on our part. Someone impressive comes from elsewhere and says, "I'm going to put you guys on the map--the next Monaco," and we lap it up.
Posted by: The Mouth | February 20, 2008 at 08:07 AM
seems like this wasn't a con on florida, tho. we just became a specific target after the national fraud he was already getting away with. which i still can't for the life of me understand. but there it is.
Posted by: jim webster | February 20, 2008 at 03:13 PM
This Irvine guy is a goner. He's done in the entertainent business.
Posted by: | February 20, 2008 at 06:11 PM
At least the Music Man was endearing and there were a couple of memorable tunes.
:))
Posted by: Jimbo | February 20, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I was shocked to see that the St. Petersburg Times blew the lid on Mr. Irvine’s bombastic yet fictional resume. The shores of St. Petersburg have had its fair share of charlatans I'm sure. It is sad that he did not use sheer skill to open the door to fame. Like steroids in pro sports it is a pity that he took the low road.
Too bad.....
Kudos to those that follow Chris Sherman's legacy!
Posted by: Ralph Sitero | February 21, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Nobody can do that show better. He is probably not the first to embelish a resume.
Posted by: Darlene | March 09, 2008 at 12:16 AM