I’ve discovered I like (at least) two things about Rachael Ray. One: the knife set my mother-in-law purchased for me this Christmas (sharptastic!). Two: That she can drop the classic “I’m way too busy for this jibber-jabber” retort on the blogger types who aren’t thrilled with her SXSW day party appearance on March 15. Hey, Brooklyn Vegan! Rachael Ray just gave you the gas face.
It seems the holier-than-thou music community didn’t take too kindly to her invading their most sacred of sacred cows (or maybe they just weren’t fans of EVOO), and they let her know about it through a series of snarky posts and general unpleasantness, the point of which seemed rather lost on the celebrity chef herself.
“I’m not aware about what blogs were saying about me,” Ray told MTV News on Tuesday (March 4). “To be honest, I have five jobs, so I’m aware of what I have to do for them when we get up in the morning. But I don’t see why we’d be out of place down there, when we’re just fans of music who decided to put on a show. I guess if they don’t like good music, and they don’t like good food, they don’t have to go.”…
“My husband and I listened to a bunch of discs and picked our favorites,” Ray explained. “We also have Sirius, so we’re always listening to the Left of Center program, which is how we heard the Raveonettes. With a band like [Holy F---], I have to say that it was the name that got us listening. But we’re glad we did. They’re pretty good.
Ouch! Looks like she took your blog and wiped her feet with it, Stereogum. She’s got five dogs jobs, a Sirius radio, and a media empire. What do you have? I know this particular corner of the Web (well, probably just me, actually) can be filled with bile, but I’ve turned over a new leaf. General unpleasantness, begone! Thanks, Rachael. (One suggestion, though… is it too late to get rid of the kid from Napoleon Dynamite as the DJ?)
Either way, the idea that a music conference of any sort doesn’t have deep embedded links to corporations is sort of absurd and ridiculous, and it’s hard to zing Rachael Ray’s show when there are Miller Lite/Dell/Toyota/Citibank sponsorships lining Austin’s streets next week. But, hey, if you enjoy low-blow pseudo-journalistic cheap shots, have at Ray and her free snacks and sort of indieish taste. Just don’t be surprised if you see her next to the stage at the Beauty Bar, wiping aside a tear.
[UPDATE: The original MTV piece has been updated to note that Ray has five jobs, and not five dogs.]
Rachael Ray Defends Her Indie-Rock SXSW Party, Featuring Raveonettes, Holy F— And Mac ‘N Cheese [MTV]
Rachel Ray is on my “famous people I have permission to boff if the opportunity presents itself” list.
My wife doesn’t understand. But she likes Anthony Bourdain, and he’s an asshole, so make of it what you will.
I’m so trying to interview her while I’m there.
@janine: I would so go to that, especially if it included a brief chord lesson on every rock-related instrument.
My sister makes “Mexican Lasagna” from RR’s book, and I would kick a puppy to eat another half bite of the deliciousness. Case closed.
I realize that her wild gesticulating and perkiness puts some people off, but I don’t really get some people’s deep seated hatred for her.
@rich36: it’s because she’s a woman.
@rich36: Yeah, I don’t get it either. She is WAY too perky on her show, but damn if her recipes aren’t easy and delicious.
Now, Sandra Lee? That bitch can go to hell and take her half-assed food with her.
I always thought Rachel Ray was kinda cute. So there’s that, too…
stereogum and brooklynvegan commenters are the scum of the earth…
and mostly 15.
Esquire used to have a column called “The indefensible position”. One month, the position was “Rachael Ray doesn’t suck” and it was written by RR herself. It made me like her a lot. as best i can recall, her points were: i never claim to be a great chef, somebody clearly likes my TV shows, and i’m rich, so go screw.
I already said this to Maura this morning, but my mind is still boggling at the “I have five dogs” defense.
she may be a bit all over the place sometimes, and she isn’t exactly
a talent like Ferran Adria. she is from upstate NY however, she is
tough stock. you don’t wanna fuck with that shit, and she certainly
doesn’t give a shit if you aren’t feeling her. i admire her for that,
completely.
as a cook, i have to respect the alternatives that she offers to
people who hate cooking. i also respect her honesty about herself. i am
just realistic about what purpose she serves, it makes her much easier
to understand and accept.
@Al Shipley: Dogs can be very time-intensive, man.
Actually, that was a transcription error with the original piece, it seems. The article was changed, and I tried to change this post, but the correction is lost somewhere in space and time.
Is this what they mean by double irony? I think people complained mostly cause they find her annoying, which is obviously dumb if that is the only reason stated to NOT go to this show. Its always about the bands and never the promoter.
That said, many people genuinely find her really annoying.
Five jobs, not dogs.
OK, mystery solved. I’m kind of sad now, though, I was really entertained by the idea of that being her reaction to any criticism: “hey, fuck you, I have FIVE DOGS! I keep a plastic baggie on at least one hand 24/7, that’s how much shit I’m picking up, you think I have time to read blogs?”
I just hope there will be enough iced coffee to go around.
@pat_c_rendezvous: and boston kremes!
Whatever. All the cool kids will be at Mark Bittman’s CMJ show this Fall.
She is exactly like my sister-in-law, so on that alone, more power to her.
I’m only mad at her ‘coz $40 a day for food is so easily doable. Try $5 a day and I might be intrigued.
Rachel Ray’s stuff is delicious, and she looks great. I don’t get the hate, either. Envy?
My wife’s lining up early for her food and music showcase tomorrow. I’ll probably still be asleep.