OK, I never quite expected to find myself rushing to the defense of Paula Deen.
I'm really somewhat skeptical of culinary television personalities. I have my favorites, especially the cooking shows hosts that either take you to other countries and expose the viewers and cuisines or shows where they try to rescue a struggling restaurant.
I can tell you I've never really watched any of Paula Deen's shows, however I'm aware of the whole Southern, down-home, "butter makes it better" concept.
So it comes out this past week Paula Deen has type-2 diabetes and she is now a spokesperson for a new pharmaceutical company. How unfair of Paula to have duped us. Is there anyone that has made her recipes and thought that it might be healthy? Oh the tragedy! This reminds me of the people that sued McDonald's because they were fat due to consuming their products.
Paula did not owe the public full disclosure of her health status. It's not her responsibility for what goes in our mouths. The whole issue is amusing. Perhaps, if her show was a weight-loss infomercial guaranteed to promote well-being, I could understand how people might be angry. Her show is known for championing fried fatty foods. What outcome could be expected? It's entertainment, not a way of life. Maybe the silver lining is perhaps she'll show how to prepare her style of food in a healthier fashion.
Regardless, as individuals we are responsible for what we consume. I guess it is easier just to blame television, fast food chains or Paula...
Chef Jason Gorman has been eating for almost 41 years, cooking for 26 years, and has had the privilege of working with some of the country's top chefs and restaurants.
He's been fortunate enough to have worked in many different aspects of the hospitality world, from fast casual service, "ma and pa" restaurants, catering, 1,000-room plus hotels, independent stand-alone restaurants, some corporate chains, a casino, 4- and 5-diamond restaurants, even a steakhouse and the state's No. 1 boutique hotel, The Iron Horse Hotel.
