Chef Robert Irvine, from “Dinner: Impossible!”; Guilty About His History?

Posted on 20 February 2008 under Chefs, Food on TV

Over on Serious Eats the story is unfolding. Chef Robert Irvine of “Dinner: Impossible!” on the Food Network is apparently a fraud. A copy of his book I have here, an autobiography titled “Mission: Cook!”, is apparently full of lies and fabricated truths about his life, his training, and who knows what else.I’ve gotten involved on Serious Eats myself, pointing out that the About Us page on Irvine’s own web site is now blank. The page now reads, “This page is under construction. Please check back later for an updated version.”An admission of guilt? It sure looks that way from here.Still, I’m kinda torn as to what to think about the man himself.If he’s lied to Food Network, if the book is a sham, if his resume isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, those things certainly need to be dealt with. If the show is suddenly and immediately cancelled, such a thing would be perfectly understandable.But there’s something else that’s eating away at these thoughts.Chef Robert Irvine is one of the better cooks, in fact, one of the better “personalities” Food Network has backed as of late.In three seasons of “The Next Food Network Star” they’ve gotten one real star in Guy Fieri. The others, even the recent winner, are largely forgettable.Looking around at the network’s schedule, there are a few chefs and cooks left that are actually worth watching.”Dinner: Impossible!”’s basic concept, that of throwing Irvine into a situation where he had to cook for hundreds in a matter of 6 - 8 hours with zero notice of anything whatsoever, kinda punched things up a notch. I’ve found the show more than watchable, with the concept presenting a great level of intensity, tension and enthusiasm.Too many cooking shows don’t go there. They’re boring. “Dinner: Impossible!” isn’t boring whatsoever.Should Irvine come clean? Should he present a real portfolio and correct any wrongs? Should he take whatever consequences he’s given for any past transgressions?Absolutely.Would I still watch a show about his culinary skills in the future?At this point, I’ll have to say “Yes”.I’m not sure if there’s anything that would yet make me change my mind about that.We’ll just have to wait, and see how this turns out.

Read Comments

  1. 21 February 2008 @ 9:55 am Posted by Salena

    I love to watch him too. Last night kept us laughing as well. I will have to keep checking to see how this all unfolds. Such a shame now days you never know what to believe. But I think no matter what the outcome food network should still run his show.

  2. 21 February 2008 @ 10:05 am Posted by Dave

    Serious Eats is getting a lot of the info together on this, with their most-recent post being on how Irvine’s wares have been pulled from the Home Shopping Network. Frankly I’d have rather seen Martha Stewart dropped by the wayside when she went to jail but look at how her career’s gotten a boost.

  3. 21 February 2008 @ 3:18 pm Posted by DurianDurian

    I see him as a major blowhard and am not one bit surprised about the revelations.

    Still, I agree that his show is fairly entertaining, especially compared to the rest of FTV programming which is mostly drivel and getting worse.

  4. 27 February 2008 @ 4:08 pm Posted by Joslyn

    The guy had it coming to him! He disrespected and berated everyone he has dealt with in his career! He thought he was another Gordon Ramsey! And actually Ramsey said he never heard of him before! Ramsey is a great chef! Irvine is a very mediocore Chef with a toolbox full of lies! I would rather watch Rachel and believe me she is no chef either! Sorry Robert your time was short!

  5. 27 February 2008 @ 4:17 pm Posted by Dave

    Joslyn, even though I disagree with you (and prefer Irvine over Ramsay), your opinion is welcome here anyway. Feel free to disagree!

  6. 1 March 2008 @ 8:50 pm Posted by Audrey

    I absolutely enjoy Dinner Impossible and cannot envision anyone effectively taking over for Robert Irvine. I think he’s absolutely wonderful and thoroughly enjoy the show. So what if he padded his resume, he’s more than proved himself and didn’t warrant getting fired. Fix his profile in for future episodes and bring him back!

  7. 2 March 2008 @ 7:16 am Posted by Dave

    Audrey, last night I saw the mideival re-enactment episode, the first episode I’ve seen since finding this out. For the first time, I had issues with something he’d done, that of complaining about the 16th-century knives (which he was required to use) not being sharp. It was the level of chiding, as though he were in a professional kitchen and a knifesmith had screwed up. These were re-enactors, not professional cooks or chefs, and he should have treated them better about those knives. Otherwise, it was a fun episode. I hope thigs get dealt with and they move on, with him in some on-screen capacity.

  8. 2 March 2008 @ 12:17 pm Posted by Carl Wingender

    I understand Robert misled. There are more injust things in this world. He cooking skills are spectaculer and his shows are awesome. They will lose a lot of viewers on food network challege, including me. It would be one thing that he lied and didn’t show his skills. It’s proven of his cooking skills.

  9. 4 March 2008 @ 1:06 pm Posted by Lisa

    What you don’t understand is, he didn’t just “pad” his resume…which is LYING to get a job…BIG TIME. He sold books to a willing public based on those lies, so he made MONEY off of them…and if you see the article in the St. Petersburg Times, he owes people money, and other deceitful things are going on. Its just a show, so what if it is off the air, watch something else, go outside and enjoy the weather, etc…in the end, we all should pay and LEARN from our mistakes, he may not be the first to do it, but he did get caught rather “royally” so let that be a lesson to all of us…moving on, who’s next?

  10. 4 March 2008 @ 1:27 pm Posted by Dave

    Lisa, I do understand what you mean, particularly since I was one of those who purchased “Mission: Cook!” I rather like the guy for his skills, and the show for its entertainment value and for being better than other shows on Food Network. I’ll keep the book, simply because there are some good-looking recipes in there. But at the same time, you have some valid points and I feel they should be heard as well, so feel free to share them here.

  11. 4 March 2008 @ 3:27 pm Posted by Lisa

    Dave, thanks! That said, we should all remember a best-selling book by James Frey “A Million Little Pieces” remember that debacle with Oprah…lies about one’s life…he should have just called it fiction.

  12. 4 March 2008 @ 4:47 pm Posted by Trudi Burner

    You know, I have to agree with the writer. I love watching this guy. As well as Guy Fieri. I have yet to see that last Food Network chick on anything!

    Should he come clean and admit to his false truths about his past cooking skills? Probably. Does it hurt any of us that some of them are, pardon the pun, “half-baked”. Not really.

    The show provides entertainment. Look at how many others have misrepresented information in the entertainment industry. Ashley Simpson or her sister Jessica still can’t sing! Does it hurt them? No, they just change boyfriends and Daddy Joe still talks about their boobs!

    Whatever - I love the guy, I will continue watching him and will enjoy whatever I see him in.

  13. 4 March 2008 @ 10:10 pm Posted by Bee

    Put Robert back on the air!!!!

  14. 6 March 2008 @ 10:38 am Posted by Alter O'Brown

    I expressed my thoughts in video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k-6l3flWrM

  15. 6 March 2008 @ 7:28 pm Posted by Mary

    I really liked Robert. I think he is a outstanding chef, that show can’t be easy and he pulls it off, makes cool food and entertains you while doing it. I think this really sucks if he’s a fake.

  16. 6 March 2008 @ 7:35 pm Posted by Dave

    Mary, I don’t think he’s an overall fake (though some do disagree on that!) So far I’ve seen embellishments about achievements, not anything really related to his skills. Of course, I could end up wrong on that … I guess we’ll see.

  17. 7 March 2008 @ 5:49 am Posted by Robert

    Virtually nobody knew who Gordon Ramsey and Rocko Di Spirito were before their respective shows. I still dont believe either of those two chefs have better skills than Robert Irvine. His show is funny and informative. I personally wish it was an hour long show.
    Regardless of whether he lied about his past he has proven he can cook and entertain. It was the Food Network’s job to verify his history before they made him a star. I am still waiting to see if they were lies or just padding of the resume. I watch the show to be entertained and the show succeeds at that so who really cares if his past isn’t 100% accurate.

  18. 7 March 2008 @ 7:00 am Posted by Dan

    If the Foodnetwork does let him go because of some resume padding then who will replace him???? Let’s see Emeril, Paula, or Rachael do what he did. You will find who is really a chef and who is a “TV star”.

  19. 7 March 2008 @ 7:46 am Posted by Charles

    I am an avid fan of Food Network and agree that both Robert and Guy are very positive additions to the network and are very talented. Both of their shows are very entertaining.

    If his resume is false, what is Food Network’s best approach for handling the Robert Irvine situation? Which approach would be less damaging to the rest of the show and the rest of the staff?

    I agree with Robert’s comment, it was their job to verify his history.

  20. 7 March 2008 @ 8:17 am Posted by Robert

    Rachel Ray showed how she perfoms under pressure when she paired on Iron Chef. After an hour she was frazzled Imagine under a tight deadline like the episode of Robert in Mall of America. If I had to pick a current person on food network to replace Robert the only two choices are Flay and Cora. I would Rather they stay with Irvine

  21. 7 March 2008 @ 8:19 am Posted by Tommie

    I love this show! I was a line cook in college at a very busy restaurant. It gets very intense at times. I don’t watch Dinner: Impossible! for the chef’s resume. I watch it because it changes scenery, scenarios, and styles of cooking. But most of all, I watch for that intensity and never say die spirit which chef Irvine possesses. I think that he should come clean and that the show, up to this point, is resume enough.

  22. 7 March 2008 @ 9:14 am Posted by Chef Ox

    I being a Chef have padded my resume from time to time. I pesonally would never lie to Food Network only because I know they would catch me in that lie. Chef Irvine is a man I respect and admire, I would give my knives to have the chance to cook under him. If he lied on his resume, SO WHAT!! He is a great Chef. He is personable, funny and a good entertainer. If they ‘can’ him and cancel his show, I will be very disappointed. Maybe they should cancel a few of their commercials and play more shows like “Dinner Impossible” “Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives” and “Iron Chef”. How about a National “FOOD NETWORK BBQ Challange” I’m all in. Bring in Bobby Flaye and Guy Fieri, I’ll take them on.

    Food Network; If your going to give a Chef his own show, and that show is a BIG hit, check the persons resume, get the facts. If you wanted a ‘flash in the pan’ who has proven he can not cook, and you fire him, you should have had “Cooking Impossible” hosted by Roco Di Spirito that way when you cancel the show nobody cares.

  23. 7 March 2008 @ 9:33 am Posted by SUSAN SMITH

    I don’t care about his resume…..the show is entertaining to watch and he can cook!!!! I hope they leave it on….

  24. 7 March 2008 @ 9:48 am Posted by Amy

    If you feel the way I do that it is one of the better shows e-mail food network and tell them to have him apologize, fix the resume and to let him keep cooking. That is the only way the show will not disappear. We have to let them know. He is not endangering anyone and he is not running for president so make the rounds say he is sorry and keep filming. I e-mailed food network by going to their site and the dinner impossible show and do e-mail comment.

  25. 7 March 2008 @ 9:51 am Posted by Gunn-ar

    I was just saying the other day how much I love this show to a friend who still does not have this network. Quite honestly, let the people decide. In the end, ratings should determine the outcome. Should he step up and admit any padding or lies? Absolutely. Should the Network do what many other companies do in America with a thorough background or reference check…yes. Will I still watch? Yes.

  26. 7 March 2008 @ 9:54 am Posted by Amy

    Go let food network know by emailing from the dinner impossible page on their web site. I did.

  27. 7 March 2008 @ 10:14 am Posted by Mike

    I liked the show until I saw how he treated others. When he did a show at a major University the resident chef was there to help. Irvine came out after the dinner and took all the accolades without even mentioning the contribution of the resident chef. It was a no class move and after hearing of his fraudulent resume I can see why. The man should be replaced because if he stays the message to everyone would be it’s OK to lie as long as we’re entertained. I won’t or more accurately can’t watch the show anymore.

  28. 7 March 2008 @ 10:36 am Posted by matthewjon

    how many other foodtv people are not what theyre supposed to be?

  29. 7 March 2008 @ 10:57 am Posted by Denise

    Maybe I just don’t get it, but if I was going to hire someone for a TV show, and they said they cooked for the Royal Family, and a few Presidents, I think I might have asked “Which Presidents, and during what years were you employed by the Royal Family?” ALso, I think he might be English, so someone in England surely would have been able to verify that. I fault the FOOD NETWORK for its lack of checking this information. I actually love his show. I didn’t at first because I felt he was rude and bossy. Now, I love seeing him scramble to complete his MISSION> Make him pay for his error in some other fashion, but really, the FOOD NETWORK needs this show. It is not to say he is despicable for his actions, but I wonder how many of our CEO’s have padded their resume’s?

  30. 7 March 2008 @ 11:02 am Posted by RayPearl

    HEY I HOPE THE AUTHER GETS THIS!! HE IS ALL RIGHT!! WHOEVER CASTS THE FIRST STONE??LISTEN YOU GUYS NEED TO LEAVE ROBERT ALONE!! HE IS A GENTILEMANS GENTILEMAN..IN THE STRICK SENCE OF THE WORD! HE DOES THINGS NO PERSON COULD PERIOD!!! HE IS EXACTLY WHAT HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE.YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK!!!! LIKE YOUR SOO PERFECT.IV WORKED WITH CHEFS, YOU COMMENTIERS COULDNT DO WHAT WE DO!! KNOCK IT OFF!! LEAVE HIM ALONE. HE IS STILL #1 IN MY BOOK PERIOD.

  31. 7 March 2008 @ 11:03 am Posted by Tad

    O.K., I can’t stay silent any longer. I don’t often comment, so when I do it’s because I have something to say. I am a chef of 20 plus years. What makes me a chef? Good question! Is it the culinary dregree? No. Is it the certification by the American Culinary Federation? I don’t have one. Is it the fact that I own a restaurant? Not that either. What makes a chef is first and foremost the gift and ability to cook. That is a prerequisite. But there are many cooks out there that could in no way be a chef. A chef is someone who can command the kitchen in its daily tasks, coordinate daily events, orders food for daily operations and events, schedules the work force….well, you get the picture. I have watched the Food Network since its creation. It has gone from a very informative venue to that of marketing and sensationalism. On the rare occasion, you might even see someone cooking between the commercials and the hype. They have created a fantasy world just like the rest of T.V. today. This is the exact reason why competant people like Mario Batalli are no longer there. Sara Moulton is also gone, seeking another place for her veiwers on PBS. In fact, Mario was cancelled because they believed he was doing too much teaching, and not enough entertaining. Yes, you should make cooking demonstration fun, but the point is to learn, not entertain. It is a profession, a craft, an as such should be approached in this manner. You want entertainment, watch ‘Dancing with the Stars”. If you want to watch someone displaying their talents, then watch Chef Irvine. Is he a chef in the traditional sense? I don’t know. Does he display the execution and command of a chef? I believe he does just that. I can’t tell you how many times I have had conversations with customers who have very specific needs that I agree to fulfilling. After I hang up the phone I have to say to myself, “I have no clue how I’m going to pull this one off”? For me that is the challenge. Have I misrepresented myself. Not if I produce what they want. Once again, Chef Irvine has done just that. Does he have some ’splainin’ to do? Most definitely. Does the Food Network? As an agent of public information, yes. Should they have checked credentials. Ya think? Do you think they knew about all this? Well, in Food Network fantasy land, it’s possible. Well, I think I’ve said enough for now. If anyone doubts my knowledge or credability, ask Dave what he thinks! Thank you for reading!

    Your personal chef,
    Chef Tad

  32. 7 March 2008 @ 11:26 am Posted by Melissa

    His show is very entertaining - make some changes in the beginning of his show - take out the stuff he lied about but keep him on the air.

    I also agree about Guy Fieri I followed him from the beginning on The Next Food Network Star. Great personality. The others are pretty boring.

  33. 7 March 2008 @ 11:45 am Posted by Tom C

    I personally worked with Chef Irvine when he ran the kitchens at Caesar’s in Atlantic City. Yes Chef Robert is all that the show says he is and can do, Food Network couldn’t contain him.

    Thank you Chef Robert for the experience and knowledge.

  34. 7 March 2008 @ 11:49 am Posted by Chris

    It’s interesting that there is a theme running through most of these responses — most people aren’t impressed by WHO he is but by WHAT he does. I think Chef Tad says it best — it’s a TV show!!!! You better believe FoodTV wanted to sell some impressive credentials about Irvine. Do you think his show would have sold if they said he was a nobody from no where? His skills are what entertain us.

    Here’s how strongly I feel about it — I wrote to the FoodTV people and told them not to take him off the air. My guess that there are plenty of people working for that network who padded their credentials. As far as I’m concerned, they are truly a bunch of hypocrites if they “banish” him because he lied to them — they do it every day by creating fantasy. I would much prefer they take off “Barbie” er I mean Sandra Lee (GAG ME!) What do you think her credentials are????

  35. 7 March 2008 @ 12:14 pm Posted by Dond

    Yes, he lied, but what actor/entertainer doesn’t???? And don’t be misled, he didn’t get hired for his culinary skills, but for his presence in front of a camera, he is an entertainer first. And if were going to talk about the financial dealings of people on camera, don’t forget the Tuetel family.

  36. 7 March 2008 @ 12:39 pm Posted by Mark

    I have to say that of the shows I watch, I have always been impressed with the way Chef Irvine has dealt with the helpers that were assigned to him from show to show. Sometimes in the heat of battle he’s barking orders like a line officer…..and yet after the smoke had cleared, he called them all together and gave each individual words of encouragement, and a well deserved pat on the back. No prima donna here. I am sorry he got caught up in his write up of his resume, but I think he should be given the chance to clear things up with the Food Channel and his public, and move on. Mistakes are made, but this man has shown he has the mettle to do the jobs handed him, and he makes the folks around him look good. That’s a rare thing to see, especially on television.

  37. 7 March 2008 @ 12:42 pm Posted by Dan

    This is the second time I can remember that the Food Channel has had this type of problem. The first was a competitor for a shot at a cooking show and now this. I would think that the Food Channel would check references, all references, before they took someone on. If you claim to have cooked for the Queen and a President, that should be easy to check.

  38. 7 March 2008 @ 1:23 pm Posted by joe deluca

    Well here’s my two cents worth. I like the show,it is fast moving and entertaining. I also agree with some of the other comments. If you need to get rid of some more phonies, start with Sandra Lee. Why was she picked she looks like a forty some has been? I thought Food network was about cooking, not all about her table scapes.And by the way where did you find this new show, with Robert Groome, it looks like a knockoff of Food 911.Anyway the Brits were never known for their cooking skills.

  39. 7 March 2008 @ 2:08 pm Posted by Chef Chuck

    I have to agree with chef tad, I have been a chef for over 30 years, It is all about what you do, no degree or certification will give you that, just hard experience, hats off he has proven himself.

  40. 7 March 2008 @ 2:14 pm Posted by Sheryl

    Besides Bobby Flay’s throwdown, there isn’t anything else that will keep me interested. Mission Impossible is not only interesting, funny & keeps you glued to the tv to see what will go wrong & how will he fix it. Now if they can replace him with someone as entertaining, built :), then we can talk!

  41. 7 March 2008 @ 2:41 pm Posted by LJ

    I agree with those who say it was FNTV who needed to verify the resume. FNTV has many inept cooks on TV and their not being fired. They just continue in re-runs. Bobby Flay’s throwdown is a good example of regular cooks who can do better than an experienced chef. All the “blowhards” need to get over themselves and admit Robert Irvine is a superior “cook”. Remember Rocco and how he acted under pressure; he CHOKED–BIG TIME!!

  42. 7 March 2008 @ 2:51 pm Posted by Alex

    I think it comes down to responsibilities and consequences. Some people fee that “everyone pads”, “everyone lies” to get ahead. If you are one of these people, you might as well go on to the next comment. However, if not then here’s my opinion. You are responsilbe for what you do and say. Honest is not something that is of no value, to be ditched when inconvenient. From what viewers see, we think that he was head and shoulders above the others. How do we know that there were not other applicants, as entertaining, who lost out because of a lesser resume? Con men use this type of deceit to get us to accept their stories. Is this what we really want to reward? If we overlook the lies, simply and only because we “enjoy his show”, then how can we ever insist our children tell the truth again? We like them too, don’t we?

  43. 7 March 2008 @ 2:54 pm Posted by Lizbeth Lee

    I think “padding” ones resume’ is rather normal. One has to get one’s foot in the door. It is very competitive out in the real world. Once in, one has to do the job. If one can do the job, well, the resume’ becomes a moot point. If one cannot do the job, then one becomes a liar. So, the resume’ gets you in. The knowing how to work and hold a job and get along with those you work with keeps the job. I rather enjoy Robert. I’d like to hear from those he works with on the show and has cooked for/with on the “Dinner: Impossible”. Gee. Paula seems to like him. He can’t be all that bad!

  44. 7 March 2008 @ 2:57 pm Posted by GAIL

    THE MAN DOES A WONDERFUL JOB OF ENTERTAINING. YES HE WAS WRONG FOR LYING ON HIS RESUME,BUT HE HAS ADMITTED IT NOW. SO GET OVER IT AND LET THE MAN CONTINUE TO DO THE JOB HE DOES SO GREAT.

  45. 7 March 2008 @ 3:34 pm Posted by Dawn

    This is the ONLY show worth watching in a very long time. LET HIM STAY and entertain us with his talent!

  46. 7 March 2008 @ 3:45 pm Posted by Robert

    I just emailed my support of Irvine to the food network, have you shown support yet?

  47. 7 March 2008 @ 4:22 pm Posted by BJG

    I think Food Network should keep Robert Irvine and Dinner Impossible. He is way better than a lot of the current so called talent on that channel. Chef Irvine may have lied and padded his resume but he can still cook better than a alot of the current hosts of most of the shows on that channel.

  48. 7 March 2008 @ 4:38 pm Posted by joe Ottawa Illinois

    I could care less if he lied. Everybody lies. Even the president!!!!!!! Nobody fired him. Don’t ask so many questions and he won’t lie.I know he’s agood chef. Live and let live!!!!!!!! Joe Ottawa Illinois

  49. 7 March 2008 @ 6:13 pm Posted by Jim

    Chef Robert Irvine climbed the ladder the old fashioned English way, lie after lie after lie. On the show, he produces an appearance of expertise to the genuine couch potato. But in reality he is a badgering hot head who finds ways to blame others for his mess. “Where the salmon?” as if he has nothing to do with that preparation. He’ll pass on the blame to someone else before he considers himself to blame. And that is the expertise of Irvine, the gullible sucker themselves to this street chef who intimidates with his jar head appearance.

  50. 7 March 2008 @ 6:25 pm Posted by Eric

    hey, let’um do a public apology, and put the show back on. there are bigger fish to fry out there. if none of you ever lied in an opportuned peer pressuring moment, go ahead and throw the first stone. FTV, give’m a chance. either keep the show on and take a chance on faithful viewers to irvine, or chance another show that might suck in that slot. if he can play the part. let him play.

  51. 7 March 2008 @ 7:36 pm Posted by Robert

    With all said and done, the show is entertaining. Did Robert lie on his resume? From what I can tell yes he did. But you have a whole team of people who produce the show, who hired him, who have dozens of top named chefs working for them. Did anyone at the Food Network do their homework? Or was this just idea was too good to pass up.

    Of the newer Food TV shows is one of the best, where Ultimate Recipe Showdown is a snoozer ,as is 2 Dudes Catering (I would not eat anything from them). Alton Brown seems to be more of one of the Guiding Lights of the Food TV. And the shows he is one or connected with appear to work well.

    Not all of the shows on Food TV really represent the truth, the sets (maybe not Paula’s) are fake and some of the people (actors) are fake like maybe the Chairman of Iron Chef? This is just good entertainment people. Can Robert cook? Yes. Is he fun to watch? Yes.

    RC

  52. 7 March 2008 @ 8:25 pm Posted by Ernest

    My wife and I love his show, he can cook, he’s funny, witty, if he was plucked out of a line of chef’s and placed in these situations and managed to do what he does he has earned the right to be there.
    A chef like this can’t be born, he must be created…Whooops!!!
    Well…I still like him, I will watch him, and besides…we all know that Captain Kangaroo was not a real Captain. Or even a Kangaroo.

  53. 7 March 2008 @ 8:55 pm Posted by tj

    Your opinions are all valid and as expected. The things is, none of you are looking at this from a production standpoint. This show heavily depends on “vendors” and “locations” to make it a success. Do you all think you will all keep seeing the cool far out places that Robert has cooked for if the show stays on? Do you think the University of PA will want a liar cooking for their most pristigious staff? Do you think Pixar/ Disney would say yes to a show all over again knowing what they know now?? I don’t think so. This show will NEVER be the same whether they keep Robert Irvine or not. That is what this all comes down to. Can the Dinner Impossible staff actually continue to Produce these awesome episodes now that this has come to light? Guaranteed that most big companies wont want the negative press. It is a shame but this is what will decide the fate of Dinner Impossible, not a letter or email.

    Question for “Mike”: You said that in the University episode Robert didn’t give credit to the resident chef?? Well there was NO resident Chef in the Fraternity Episode where Robert cooked for Penn University. This is the only University that he has cooked for so you must be mistaken. I know this as fact.

  54. 7 March 2008 @ 9:53 pm Posted by Willie

    I have read alot of commentary from people on many different sights in the last few days about Robert Irvine and one thing is for certain….90% or more think he’s the best. I think having your resume done professionally you are asking for embellishment, after all that is what they are paid to do…make us sound better than the next guy. Robert Irvine IS better than the next guy (Guy Fieri for one who is rude and very obnoxios in person and will NEVER be a chef). Food Network, please don’t make another stupid mistake after the first of not checking his resume, and let him go. It’s like shutting the barn door after the cow got out.
    Robert Irvine and Cat Cora are the ONLY reasons the Food Network ever get turned on in this house !!!

  55. 7 March 2008 @ 10:28 pm Posted by Chef Marty Grams

    As a chef for far too many years to count, I have a lot of respect for Robert. I have seen first hand how he treats people in a kitchen and how he encourages them afterwards. The man is definately a chef, that is no doubt.
    Only a chef could take the control of a kitchen the way he does and produce under the terms and conditions given to him.
    Should he apologize to his public and fans? most definately but that is not the end.

    The food network shares responsibilities here as well, they never bothered to check into the resume? come on, do they think we were all born yesterday.

    Not only do they control every aspect of everything broadcast on their channel, but they are all knowing and all seeing, much like big brother.

    From a cooking viewpoint, Robert and Guy have the two most informative shows on the network, followed by Iron Chef. The only one there that could possibly replace Robert is Cat Cora, but let us all hope that the food network realizes what they will lose here and that they decide to keep Robert on the air.

    Robert, if you are reading this, ask for some air time and make a public apology to your fans and viewers, Leave the people in St. Pete keep their uptight lifestyle and hustle, and get back to doing what you do best. You have a lot of friends and supporters out here that are here when you need us.

    Oh & by the way, next time the beers are on you, bud.
    Anything you need, you know how to get ahold of me.
    Marty

  56. 7 March 2008 @ 10:35 pm Posted by Terri

    I love Robert. Dinner Impossible is a can’t miss at our house and if Food Network is smart enough to keep it, and Robert, it will continue to be. Padded resumes are the norm…why should he lose his job for what a lot of people do. I think the real “egg on the face” belongs to the person who did not check the resume in the first place. A lot of people pad resumes and it’s because no one checks. Come up with some penalty for perjury and get on with the show!

  57. 8 March 2008 @ 1:21 am Posted by Deborah

    It took the Food Network 4 years to find out he embellished his resume..and only because of an interview he did? If after 4 years the Food Network still hadn’t found out about it I think the his success on Dinner Impossible proves that he is a great chef regardless and one of the most entertaining. And shouldn’t it be up to the Food Network people to verify the honesty in a resume? The sad part is that now that this is out, Dinner Impossible will not be the same because no one will want him for those challenges now that this has come out.

    By the way, The last Food Network ’sensation’ has a show on Sunday mornings, or did have, and it was one of the most boring things I ever watched.

    PS: show me someone who says they never lied about their accomplishments and I will show you a liar. He’s not the first and he won’t be the last.

  58. 8 March 2008 @ 9:00 pm Posted by ModelC142

    I agree Deborah. Someone lied on their resume? Wow, that’s a first. Bullocks on Food Network. I hope someone with someone with real television business savvy flies with Irvine and makes it a hit.

    He was exciting and funny and anyone who’s ever worked in a kitchen worth its salt
    knows you have to be a bully sometimes if you want to get things done right. So if you get hollered at get over it and get on with it. He met the challenges and it made for good viewing.That’s what counts.

  59. 8 March 2008 @ 11:52 pm Posted by Melanie

    Gee….. Do I really care if Chef Robert “padded” his resume or just flat out lied? Let me think……..NOT. Yes, as I always tell my students, telling stories is not acceptable! However, Robert Ivine, Cat Cora, Rachel Ray, and Jamie Oliver are the only true and exciting “Food Network Stars”. Flay is a blowhard, and having met Guy before he “made it big”, I know him to be an unsufferable jerk.

    Give Chef Robert the adult equivalent of a time out and let him get back to what he has shown he does best…..COOK THE IMPOSSIBLE!

  60. 10 March 2008 @ 5:32 am Posted by steamy kitchen

    well, he’ll hire a good PR person, apologize in pubic and make a comeback. Martha Stewart lied in court, went to jail and now look at her!

  61. 11 March 2008 @ 10:59 am Posted by Kathie

    I have been watching FNTV fir a very long time. I have watched just about all your so called cooks and I must tell you there are only about 3 that I watch on a continuing bases. One being Robert Irvine. My husband is a chef and I have run so many resturants that we together have well over 75 yrs in the food industry. I love watching Chef Irvine do what he does. I think that only if you are in this business could you trully understand just how amazing he is. This man has pulled it out of no where and always proves just how good he is by always making the customers HAPPY. I have been amazed a lot of the time just how he does it. I think my husband is a great chef and we have done some things that have impressed the best of them, but to do what Irvine has done he would just dust my husband.
    My point is that this man is a genius in any kitchen. So what if he smudged his resume who hasn’t to get what they want! The man has captured the attention of you viewers. He has taught me so many tricks and wonderful recipes. That I feel you would be very foolish to not let him stay! Ther are so many others that you need to get rid of first. I most definatly agree with a lot of these people Chef Ramsey, Iron Kitchen and I loved Chef Mario these are the people that I watch because they are entertaining and yes the teach also. Get rid of all thes other people that have come out of woodwork of there kitchens and think they can cook PLEASE PEOPLE !!!! This man is a CHEF!!! there is a very large differents…
    Get him back!!!!

  62. 11 March 2008 @ 3:37 pm Posted by Griff

    Not telling ALL the truth is the same as telling SOME lies.

    Never applaud a bad act.

    peace,
    Griff

  63. 11 March 2008 @ 9:23 pm Posted by Carol

    I LOVE ROBERT IRVINE. I DON’T CARE WHAT ANYONE ELSE HAS TO SAY. SHAME ON YOU FOOD NETWORK. I WON’T BE WATCHING YOU ANYMORE.

  64. 20 April 2008 @ 9:14 am Posted by Cyndi

    I was noticing last week, while watching chefography, that Dinner Impossible is back on Food Network. Actually they have been heavily advertising it.
    Guess whatever problems there were are now resolved. I am glad. It was a very good show and interesting how he always improvised things to get the job done.

  65. 20 April 2008 @ 4:31 pm Posted by Dan

    A pox on all of you Food Network brass who have decided to cancel “Dinner Impossible”. I’ve seen all of youl as the judges on Next Food Network Star year after year, and you’re all a bunch of contemptable, stuck-up blankety-blanks. You’re very fortunate that any of your Food Network personalities bother to darken your studios to be on the air for you……

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