Mario Batali's Plans For Bigger Things

[Food Network Fan]

And fuse with his skin! Yikes~

[radiodugger]

Hello all!

My only complaint with Mario, is, I cannot buy the DVD's of Molto Mario. FN's curt reply to me, was, "At the present time, we do not have DVD's of Molto Mario for sale."

So...I recorded every episode I could, for over a year. You should see the library of VHS tapes! And, there are 12-16 episodes per tape!

I'm going to have those dubbed to DVD,soon, so THERE Food Network! And NO...they are not for sale! LOL!

Doug "The Radio Guy"

[Callisto in NC]

This statement bugs me:
While trying to maintain its association with one of the country's most recognizable chefs, Food Network is making a concerted effort to replace older personalities with fresher faces and more reality-style programming, industry insiders told ABCNEWS.com

I'm okay with a few fresh faces, but the fixtures are why I come back, Bobby, Mario, Emril, they make the FN, not these punk kids they keep adding. Two Dudes and Duff are just too out there for me. Yes, Guy looks a little punk-ish, but he's also the father of two and married. That adds grounding for me and the friends he brings on seem mature, unlike the crew at Duff's place.

[BerryBaby]

More reality programming? I'm so sick of reality programming! I think the time has come to say enough is enough and get back to TV that we enjoy. Everyday is reality...it's nothing new.

[Food Network Fan]

I don't mind Duff, I do see his talent. And Guy is entertaining with his looks part of that persona. But I don't like the "Dudes" at all.

With Duff's show you can get some ideas if you are making a kids cake or some novelty for someone. But with this dudes show, they don't show you how they are making what they make for most things, and unlike a cake of art, most people with basic cooking skills can throw some pigs in a blanket together, or roll any number of things into balls for a party. But watching a couple of sweaty long haired men with holes in their clothing do that just isn't entertaining to me. Maybe they have an audience for it though I can't imagine who that is.

[Callisto in NC]

Duff is entertaining but there's just something about the crew of his. Can't put my finger on it, and I don't bake.

The problem right now is "scripted" television and "scripted reality" which is what the Duds are (yes, the dropped E was intentional), is "scripted reality" is about all we'll be seeing anywhere in a month. That's network and cable. Sans reruns of Law and Order and ER. The writers are going on strike in a week and the only ones working will be the "scripted reality" writers. You know, the people that write Survivor and Amazing Race and all those other nonsense reality shows. We're heading for a bleak time in television. Glad I have Guy on DVD.

[Food Network Fan]

I agree the Food Network should return to what made them popular. Chefs showing us how to make great food. I enjoy the competition shows to appear on the network I think that kind of "reality" is exciting. But I don't care for the cake competitions where they have the room full of competitors and they have to move the giant cakes to a table without everything tumbling over. I have watched a couple of those and usually will just come back for the last few minutes of the show because that's the only exciting part.

[Clove]

Hello all!

My only complaint with Mario, is, I cannot buy the DVD's of Molto Mario. FN's curt reply to me, was, "At the present time, we do not have DVD's of Molto Mario for sale."

So...I recorded every episode I could, for over a year. You should see the library of VHS tapes! And, there are 12-16 episodes per tape!

I'm going to have those dubbed to DVD,soon, so THERE Food Network! And NO...they are not for sale! LOL!

Doug "The Radio Guy"

FTV used to sell DVD's of Molto Mario.
Not the whole series, but regional topics and the DVD's included him in the kitchen showing things without his 3 guests.
Those DVD's were more instructional and also included the broadcast episodes related to the regions on the disk.

I guess they don't sell them any more.

[radiodugger]

That's OK, Clove...the ones I have recorded are CLASSIC Molto!

There is one or two episodes that have a guest that is a REAL laugh! He's a "flamer", and it's really entertaining, as Mario is obviously uncomfortable with his comments.

In another, this same guys shows up IN DRAG!!! I about fell on the FLOOR!!! That was the hardest I've laughed at Food Network to this day. Priceless!

Nothing wrong with being gay, mind you, it's just that some gays are FUNNY AS HELL! He's obviously a friend of Mario's and I'm glad the FN censors didn't cut the episodes.

This world needs ALL types of people. Thank God for a sense of humor!

There is another guy who does magic tricks. Mario graciously lets him vanish a water glass, and a silk handkerchief appears in a dinner roll! What a riot!

I'll miss Molto Mario. But at least I've recorded most of the episodes.

Radio Doug

[BerryBaby]

I liked him because he would tell you what he was doing and about the origin of the dish.

Not like a lot of the current ones that just chatter about nothing and throw stuff together.

Maybe some of them should watch the Julia Child tapes and to see a real TV chef/personality/pro. They may learn a trick or two.