Sir Robert

I've been staying away on purpose. Could barely contain myself the past few days with all that I was hearing from Floridian writer Ben Montgomery's cubicle. He thinks I'm stalking him, I'm sure. The result of all his efforts was the incredible piece about chef Robert Irvine in the paper today.

Ben's thoughtful, balanced story enumerated so many ways in which Irvine twisted facts or wholesale invented a past for himself. In a phone interview with me last March, he emphatically stated that he'd put $9 million of his own money into Ooze and Schmooze. Doesn't seem like that was the case.

I could dish about his shenanigans all day long--it's galling to be lied to. Delicious though it might be, there are bigger issues to focus on. As a celebrity chef on the Food Network, Irvine would have brought national attention to St. Petersburg with the launch of his two restaurants. Bon Appetit, Gourmet et al would have turned their sights on our town, albeit briefly. But that's how cities get on the culinary map. Having a notable and flashy restaurant unveiled and celebrated often has the effect of drawing the attention of other chefs and investors. Good (or at least buzz-worthy) restaurants beget other good restaurants.

If Ooze and Schmooze don't open it will be a loss for St. Petersburg, not to mention the condos at 400 Beach Drive.

Comments

[JM]

I'm convinced there's more to this story than what was reported. Here's why: Last February I had an opportunity to meet and work with Chef Irvine for a day. He was accompanied by Wendy LaTorre. Although she was not there in any official capacity, she acted like she should be treated as a member of royalty. Chef Irvine couldn't have been more gracious -- he took time to give advice, sign autographs, take pictures, and even stayed behind to talk to a bunch of young people even though he was running very behind schedule. LaTorre, on the other hand, made demands, acted rude and smug toward others, and most appallingly, she kept interuptng Chef while he was talking to members of the public. It was if she couldn't live with merely being a celebrity groupie, she had to be part of the action herself. So I think there is more going on here, including a massive amount of sour grapes on her part (did she initiate this story, for example?). Thanks.

[joanelle]

I began watching Dinner Impossible and just loved Irvine's personality. Also, he was an advisor type on Next Top Chef, and he was so kind and helpful - it's hard to believe we're talking about the same guy! I am so disappointed to read of his fabrications.

I even signed up to receive his newsletter. Ironically, I got one the same day this article appeared. He does not mention Ooze and Schmooze, however he does mention a new book, his show being renewed for a third season, and extended to one hour, giving him time to talk about his "food philosphies".

Hmmmm....even more ironic, from the newsletter:

"Chefography- We're just about done with production of Chefography, the biographical program on Food Network about chefs like Emeril, Paula, to Bobby, Giada and now, yours truly. Look for the show to hit the airwaves, I believe, some time in March."

Should be interesting to see when and if this expose catched up with Irvine!

[Jon]

I remember reading about the $9m and couldn't help but think where he got all the cash. He'd had a TV show for a few weeks. No restaurants like the other chefs on FN--he works in a casino's kitchen. I guess I was right, he never had close to that kind of coin.

[John]

The owners of 400 Beach Drive should go with Ruth Chris offer if it's still avail. to replace Ooze and Schmooze

[Annette]

I agree with JM's comments about Wendy! If you'd ever met her; you'd say the same! She invented, created, assumed in a possible business idea that didn't get off the ground! I am sure that she initiated the story.

[JM]

Since the "Mouth" columnist made a comment about not understanding all the attacks on Wendy, I'll say this: my comment was simply to point out that in my experience with both Irvine and LaTorre, Chef was the gracious, polite one and Wendy the total nightmare. I'm not defending his resume pumping, I'm just noting that I think what I observed about both (and I spent a whole day working with them) was telling in the context of this story. Thanks.