Reader: Celebrity Chef Tour has jumped the shark -- where's Henry Winkler?

By Patricia Calhoun Wed., Jun. 13 2012 at 7:29 AM

Celebrity chefs are winging into Colorado for this weekend's Aspen Food & Wine festival, and one lands in Denver today: Amanda Cohen, chef-owner of Dirt Candy, a renowned vegetarian restaurant in New York, will be at Linger tonight as part of the Celebrity Chef Tour, a moveable feast that crosses America to honor the late James Beard.

Cohen will be cooking with local chefs Frank Bonanno (Mizuna, Luca D'Italia and many more), Eric Skokan (Black Cat Bistro and Bramble and Hare), and Daniel Asher, Samm Sherman and Justin Cucci, all from both Linger and Root Down; Renegade Lunch Lady Ann Cooper will also be on hand.

Don't expect Celebrity Curmudgeon Tim to be in the audience.

He writes:

Fun Fact about the Celebrity Chef Tour I want to know: When does Henry Winkler and the "Hollywood: Part 3-Celebrity Chef Tour" hit Denver? I want to enjoy a re-invented Arnold's Drive-In menu as a fawning and completely oblivious crowd officially witnesses the jumping of the Celebrity Chef shark. Celebrity Food Editor Lori can emcee and Celebrity Reviewer Extraordinaire Dave Barnes can recap the evening.

Could Tim just be a sore loser because he didn't win our contest for a seat at the Celebrity Chef Tour table? Or has this whole celebrity business gone too far? Post your thoughts below...and see you at Arnold's.

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Location Info

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Linger

2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, CO

Category: Restaurant

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Amanda Cohen, Celebrity Chef Tour, Linger

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Huh

Oh, I think "celebrity" is just a natural follow-up to the use of "craft" when describing food preparation. Sorry, got to go now and practice my craft on a tuna sandwich.

Ebethcheese

I think you guys are missing the point here. The name of the organization is "Celebrity Chef Tour" - not much they can do about that. When they come into town, they allow the local host to determine who they would like to cook with them. As is often, the case, local chefs choose to work along side other local chefs who are of the same mindset. More power to Denver that we have such an array of talent to pick from. I, personally, have never had Justin Cucci, Daniel Asher, Frank Bonanno and Erik Skokan cook a meal for me and I am looking forward to the deliciousness they will offer up. As is so often the case, people prefer to be snarky and critical rather than enjoy an opportunity that may not come around again. I plan to be there...kinda glad none of you will be!

denveromnivore

Celebrity nonsense has definitely gone too far. More concerning, Denver restaurants need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of local press from an event featuring area chefs and a (not-so-celebrity) visiting chef, versus shutting down for a night -- thereby preventing bona fide VIPs passing through town for said weekend in Aspen from trying their restaurant. Denver industry folks often whine about not being on the national radar...hard to be considered if you are closed.

Adamde2121

Maybe my favorite post ever.

Tim

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the talent, hard work and dedication that these chefs bring to their craft. I’ve dined in their establishments, left happy on many occasions and will make plans to return. What I’m left pondering is when did being good at ones chosen path equate to celebrity? What’s next? Will being personable while pouring a proper pint or mixing a tasty cocktail make one a “Star-tender”……oh wait......carry on…..forget I said anything.

Cap Hill Cowboy

I think when you toss a bunch of local chefs together with ONE, count it, ONE out of state, quasi-celeb pastry chef and call it a "Celebrity Chef Tour," you're bound to ruffle some feathers.