I Love Paula Deen.....but...........
Lounge By tricia Updated 9 Sep 2007 , 3:25am by TheDomesticDiva
I love Paulas Home Cookin, I dont always watch her "Party "show because I dont care too much for Reality TV. I think thats what her show is supposed to be. You know... the shock value. On just about every show there is something that may not be the most sanitary, or is a bit risque. Remember the show when the audience helped with the record breaking Longest Hot Dog. NO one washed their hands and she kept on saying "Grab your weiner!" or something like that. Im sure no one ate that. I didnt see the chocolate show but I can just imagine how gross. In the beginning the Party show was being advertised as this Wild Party. So I guess in this day of how far is too far Paula wants to test the boundaries of just what is Wild.
I notice that from day one its so nasty and I don't see how people just take the sample from her . I think I would've been the first person to say "hell no woman" lol. But it maybe a southerner thing. What really disgusts me is the way she flirts, its to the point where you see the men get uncomfortable. Or when she kisses people on the mouth , like r u serious thats so nasty especially in this world the way diseases are being spread. If I were her husband we would've gotten a divorce by now b/c she wouldn't get a single kiss from me and she seems like she needs tons of luvin.
Love Paula Deen, love her bubbly personality,love "Paula's home cookin'" watched "Paula's Party" for the first time today - I have to say I was a little disgusted at the excessive kissing/flirting (with strangers, lol) and chocolate fountain licking/spoon licking, etc.
Duff and his people are on this site?! How cool! I think Bronwyn is on here too, I was reading an old post a few days ago about Austin cake contest...anyway, you never know.
I'm sorry I think some of you people are just being too rude and taking this too much to heart. It's a tv show, with people that are total strangers to you. You don't know if maybe she knows these people that she's "lovin" on. She may have formed very close friendships with them, you don't know.
And none of you can sit there and say that someone can't come watch you for a few hours and not find at least one fault or nasty habit that you have. And to you it may not be a nasty habit it may be something totally natural to you but to the rest of us it may be totally disgusting.
I think you should all take a look in the mirror here and see what the issues are you have with yourself because normally when someone complains this bad about someone else and what they do... it's because you are unhappy with yourself for some reason. Take a step back and put yourself in her shoes... would you want people talking crap behind your back about you where you weren't even aware of it, or able to defend yourself? No you wouldn't, so why do it to her when she isn't here to defend herself?!
Wow, I didn't know we needed to get reprimanded by another member. We do have freedom of speech in America. I think most of us said that we enjoyed Paula Deen and Ace of Cakes. I'm not going to stop watching either show, because I learn from both. That does not mean that I have to agree with everything that they do. In everything that we do, we are setting examples for those who follow us. As a culinary student and decorator, we would have received an "F" for this behavior. Would I be embarrassed by any comments that I made if they read them? Absolutely not, I did not tell any lies. I'd love to meet Paula Deen, but I'd graciously decline a lick from her chocolate fountain. Why is anyone getting so worked up about this?
OHMYGOODIES, I see where you are coming from, but I think that you have to also take a step back and see some of the other points of view. I don't think that anyone is trying to offend anyone else.
I am very sure that she took all her classes and certifications so that she can open her restaurants, and in one of those was health and food safety. At least here in Massachusetts you have to take those, and personally after taking one of those classes it makes you think and cook and conduct yourself in a whole other way in the kitchen. At least I learned alot and I really changed the way I do things in my kitchen, even everyday cooking. You really learn so much.
Where I am coming from is; I have a 9 and a 12 year old and they watch the FN with me sometimes and when you have a 9 year old mentioning something about sharing the same spoon and licking chocolate right from the fountain, I think that we can mention something about it. I try to teach my kids that -that isn't correct for anyone and that they can't do that, and they know that you have to got to school to be a chef, so when they see chefs do it on tv then they start to think that it is ok. Not to say that all that they see on tv is ok for them to do, but when you have people that have gone to school, it just makes them wonder.
Now, as for the whole Sandra Lee thing and that she shows her breast, or that Paula flirts, I could care less, I am watching what they are cooking and their techniques, not what they wear. I think that it is all for tv and unfortunately sex sells no matter what Chanel you are watching and if showing some chest is going to get ratings then we all know that is what they are going to do.
I don't think that anyone is trying to offend anyone else with their comments (at least I speck for myself) like I mentioned before I think very highly of these people, I just think that if you are trying to teach the world out there wouldn't you want to show professionalism to the max. Just my opinion.
Vicky
You mean it's not ok to lick the icing spatula that you are using for a custormers cake? LOL JUST JOKING people>
Don't we know they, TV, want the thrill factor? Didn't we have this discussion about the challange shows? Let's agree to disagree and get along 
.
I love Paula, I KNOW her restaurants are clean and so is she...it's the thrill people, in whatever form
I happen to know Paula and her sons. I grew up in Savannah and have known them for as long as I can remember. The way you see her act on her show is the way she acts in her home around her friends and family. That is what makes it great tv.
Often the people you see in the front row of Paula's Party are her friends or family. My mom and I have both been on the show as have many of our friends. If I had been at the chocolate fountain show I would have gladly stuck my tongue right in there because being with Paula is so much fun I would not have thought twice about it.
In Paula's restaurant though? No ma'am. My first job was as a waitress at the lady and sons and you've never been in a cleaner kitchen. She is a business woman who cares about her product and her reputation.
As for people who don't like the way she acts or talks, don't watch. Paula is a fantastic person who is authentic to who she is. Savannah is a lot like New Orleans, loud and over the top. Paula is the true embodiement of that.
Oh come on ya'll! Ain't ya'll ever bobbed for apples???? There was always a kid that got a runny nose before everyone else and danged if he didn't get it before carnival time! We all survived "snot-rag", I reckon I'll survive tasting someones fat-laden recipe off the same spoon or spatula. Just don't be offering me anything if you got a runny nose....I got wise since youth!
you know, there are gross things that happen all the time in restaurant kitchens and you are none the wiser. When people who are making not much more than minimum wage are dealing with food on a production level, you get alot of people who just don't care whether or not their behavior is sanitary or not. It hasn't killed me yet...I've probably got a better immune system for it.
Here's an example: My husband worked in this restaurant for a while as a prep cook. There was this woman who was also a prep cook and she was always taking samples (against the rules, of course). Well, one time my husband was completely grossed out when she was making banana cream pie. She actually licked the spatula and then continued using it on pies that were going to be sold! If you think Paula Dean sharing spoons with someone, how about eating banana cream pie after some person you don't even know has slobbered in it?? Yuck! 
That said, I do have a commercial kitchen and we have gloves for putting finished product in bags or wrap. I try to use them as much as possible for decorating but there are times when I just can't deal with the gloves. Making fondant is one. I know it's to code but it's pretty hard to deal with sticky fondant and gloves. Instead, I make sure I clean my hands VERY well, including under and around nails, etc...then I go a step further and use sanitizer on them. I also remove my wedding ring before washing and hang it up on a hook I have by my work station just for my ring. I'm always washing my hands when working in the kitchen though. For a while there, I was washing them so much that they were getting chapped in places. I also use sanitizer to wipe down all work stations before using and we also have to sanitize our dishes after they come out of the dishwasher...all to code.
Anyway, I like Paula Dean. I don't watch her show all that much but then, I don't watch most shows that much. I'm not a big TV person and I always forget to watch what I really want to watch anyway. I just realized that I didn't watch Desperate Housewives AGAIN. I haven't seen that show in months cause I always forget 
also always forget Monk on Fridays and Ace of Cakes on Thursday. I need TIVO!
I don't know what this has to do with cakes either 
.
But I just want to say that I'm one of Paula's biggest fans. She's worked hard to get where she is and she's a great inspiration to many. I've met her in person & she is just how she is on TV. She's a great southern lady who knows what she wants & says what she means. I TiVo her show on Sat. but don't really care for "Paula's Party". I usually don't watch it b/c there's not as much cooking, but I don't think her ratings will suffer. As far as her licking her spoons on her daytime show...who cares? I'm sure if anyone's eating what she cooks on the show, it's her family. If you're offended or even grossed out, well by all means, turn the channel. I think the night show is meant for adult audiences since it's on at night. If people where grossed out by her licking the choc. fountain, then I guess they wouldn't have got in line to get their share.
This is Cake Central, right? Can we just talk about Cake?
I was always having a retro 'Gag me with a spoon' moment when I watched her show and she would taste stuff...not because she was tasting it but because she was sloppy about it....kept her mouth opened and it got in the corners of her mouth and just looked blech!!
As I'm typing this, I feel like a super-picky snob but it just grossed me out. I will say, as I was watching The Next Food Network Star, they were EMPHATIC that the contestants be sure to allot time to taste their food on camera so I guess this is something that is encouraged by Food network.... I do love her zest for life though. She is an inspiration - her Chefography is very interesting too....
I apparently missed the chocoloate fountain thing - wonder if it's on youtube? 
i saw a promo for one of Paula's shows and she stuck her tongue in the flow of a chocolate fountain. THAT is disgusting! I like her recipes and all ( cause i could eat butter by itself but that is another thread all together) but I would prefer to make them myself and skip the extra germs
Ever eat from a salad bar? They did a study on that and it shows that its one of the dirtiest places. You have people sneezing and handling the food and its wide open to any bug that comes in. Now I dont see many people complaining about that.
Paula is a good ol' girl that is just a fun person. I dont think she does things to gross people out but she does it for a kick. And you have to admit she is a trip! Besides, how many people do you see eating out of the fountain after she did that? Probably all for tv.
Now, lets all get back to cake decorating and stop picking on each other.
Just finished reading all the post - laughing my a$$ off about the Sandra Lee thing.....we always used to call her the "lush" because she always made a matching cocktail with her food. And I always tripped out over how her KITCHEN & knick-knacks matched her outfits!
The reason I don't watch her show has nothing to do with booze or breasts - she uses alot of pre-packaged stuff that is out of my price-range and I cook for kids and family rather then true 'entertaining'.
I heard the Party show was sorta risque but have never watched it... sounds kinda fun. I love Ace of Cakes and I do often wonder about the bare hands, etc. but I also would rather die then work with friggin' gloves on so what are we supposed to do? I suppose washing after you touch anything or go back to fondant work, etc.
I guess I don't watch these shows with my 'digital white glove' on.... it's tv. Stuff happens, personalities vary, everyone's idea of 'clean' is different - even the cleanliness laws across the states are different so it's all a matter of opinion and I, as always, am entertained by reading everyones opinions. No reason to get upset - if someone says something you don't like, ignore it or the proverbial 'pi$$ing match' will ensue. Or speak your mind - whatever. I just wish we could agree to disagree without everyone getting so (as my 13-year old would say) 'butt-hurt' about it.
I did see the show with the candy snake, and was a little grossed out it was touching her hair. But I like Paula Deen..I wouldn't eat a hair covered candy snake...but I like her. And have bought one of her cookbooks and it was excellent.
On another note. This was posted in the Lounge (which sometimes have nothing to do with cake decorating). Let's try not to get upset about comments about a person we do not know.
We should all be able to have a debate without bashing someone else's comments.
Don't worry...Be Happy.
I did see the show with the candy snake, and was a little grossed out it was touching her hair. But I like Paula Deen..I wouldn't eat a hair covered candy snake...but I like her. And have bought one of her cookbooks and it was excellent.
On another note. This was posted in the Lounge (which sometimes have nothing to do with cake decorating). Let's try not to get upset about comments about a person we do not know.
We should all be able to have a debate without bashing someone else's comments.
Don't worry...Be Happy.
Amen, Brownsugar. I think that this was the reson for this comment in the first place. I said it before and I'll say it again. I lke Paula and Duff and even Sandra, I just think that they set examples on what happens in the kitchen, that's all. I think that we all look up to these people and these are the people that even the kids see and I don't think that these are habits that we want our kids to pick up, or even us being OK with. I am very sure that they are wonderful people, I for one have not said anything about them being bad, it is just the way that they act in the kitchen, that is what was bought up, not their person nor personality. I don't see why people are getting so upset over a conversation about what wwe feel and think about someone. I think that people have that right. It is just tv and just our opinions and just a conversation.
Vicky
I love Paula and her boys!! They are very nice and down to earth people. She has come a long way in the past few years. And I for one am very proud of her, as a mother and woman. For those that dont know her story you need to read her bio. From being broke and selling sandwiches out of her house (called the BagLady) to one of the BEST resturants in Savannah. You will need to make reservations, you will no just "walk in", have lines outside waiting for 2 hours. She always has time for a "chat" and never meets a stranger. Yes she has that "good ole southern charm". And being from Ga. myself I am proud of what she is. I have everyone one her cookbooks. Ya'll come to Savannah and go by the Lady and Sons for yourself, I know you will enjoy your meal!!!
Her at home cooking show is out of her home, and the Party show is done in Uncle Bubba's resturant. That is her brother, and he has GReat Oysters!!
As far as Ace of Cakes love them also. And yes I have wonder about the hair thing, no nets, ponytails or anything. But the thing I want to mention is that it is a 30 min. show, and it has been EDITED FOR TIME, going to wash your hands (every employee) doesn't make for good tv!! The camera's are just steady rolling for 30 mins. They film for days then crop for a 30 min show. So we dont see the "boring" stuff.
Oh come on ya'll! Ain't ya'll ever bobbed for apples???? There was always a kid that got a runny nose before everyone else and danged if he didn't get it before carnival time! We all survived "snot-rag", I reckon I'll survive tasting someones fat-laden recipe off the same spoon or spatula. Just don't be offering me anything if you got a runny nose....I got wise since youth!
nope never bobbed for apples that just as nasty as drinking the wine at a catholic church during communion.
Oh come on ya'll! Ain't ya'll ever bobbed for apples???? There was always a kid that got a runny nose before everyone else and danged if he didn't get it before carnival time! We all survived "snot-rag", I reckon I'll survive tasting someones fat-laden recipe off the same spoon or spatula. Just don't be offering me anything if you got a runny nose....I got wise since youth!
nope never bobbed for apples that just as nasty as drinking the wine at a catholic church during communion.
Oh let's not go there...I'm a good Catholic and I dont think it's NASTY at all!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just leave that out of it!!!!!
Oh let's not go there...I'm a good Catholic and I dont think it's NASTY at all!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just leave that out of it!!!!!
This Catholic has never been bothered by it either!!!! Actually when I went to Catholic school we studied a Study (sounds funny) where they tested the communal cup for bacteria etc and found it to be very safe (much of that has to do with the wiping of the cup after each person and the fact that we use real wine). It was pretty interesting.
And none of you can sit there and say that someone can't come watch you for a few hours and not find at least one fault or nasty habit that you have. And to you it may not be a nasty habit it may be something totally natural to you but to the rest of us it may be totally disgusting.
So....uh.....if y'all come to visit me, I should refrain from scratching my butt??? 
Dang! There goes my productivity!
I don't watch much Food Network just because I can't afford the time to get hooked on too many of the shows, but I LUV Miss Paula!!!!
To the poster who said she was a good friend, please tell her that I'm in the group of "Biggest Fans" and she and I share the same birthday!!!! (I think that's a sign!!) All my friends kept trying to talk me into getting a "Paula" haircut because they think we're so much alike ..... similar accents and a very unique laugh! .....A high compliment!!!
If I found a genie in a bottle, I'd use my one wish to spend 5 minutes in Paula's kitchen!!
so if thats not nasty then why do we take such care when making cakes for others by keeping fingers and stuff out of the batter ????????????
Isn't that the same thing? Or if its ok then we can just simply wipe the spatula after the neighbor took a lick and continue making the cake and icing right???? I just never could drink the wine in church and doubt if i ever will.
(sorry just I just always seem to make controversy so no one take offense pls) 
Oh come on ya'll! Ain't ya'll ever bobbed for apples???? There was always a kid that got a runny nose before everyone else and danged if he didn't get it before carnival time! We all survived "snot-rag", I reckon I'll survive tasting someones fat-laden recipe off the same spoon or spatula. Just don't be offering me anything if you got a runny nose....I got wise since youth!
nope never bobbed for apples that just as nasty as drinking the wine at a catholic church during communion.
I am a catholic and I was thinking the same thing, never bobbed for apples and the whole lets all drink from the same cup thing doesn't fly with me. It has nothing to do with the religion it is just the thought of lets all share our spit thing that I can't get past. My family calls me picky, that is me and I can't change. Paula is just Paula and I think that is why WE all love her so much, regardless of how she acts in the kitchen.
Vicky
I love Paula, and I dont' really think it's an issue what you see on tv, is what you see on tv. Maybe instead of cutting out the scene where she stuck her tongue in it, they replaced it with a totally different chocolate fountain later... you don't know what "behind" the scense kind of magic people do on a tv show. Just think about how many cooking shows put something in the oven that isn't cooked at all, and then turn around and pull out the "same" dish but totally cooked at the exact same time... hello it's just tv. Just cuz that is what they show doesn't mean it is exactly what happens, and even if it is.. who cares? It wasn't you sticking your tongue in it and it shouldn't bother you so much to worry about that persons well being. Everyone makes their own decisions and everyone has their own hang ups. However, I do agree with some of the people on here. This group of people on here can be some of the most supportive caring people in the WORLD... or they can be the first group of people to come together and rip someone to shreds, with out the person actually being available to defend themselves or their actions. I can't believe how many people will jump up and say EWWW gross... and point fingers or jump in line to down someone's actions when they've never been there in person, seen it with their own eyes... or dealt with that person personally. Do you believe everything you see on tv, everything you read in the newspapers and magazines? I'm just saying honestly there are some things that are so not worth getting all riled about. Paula seems like a great lady, her sons good guys. A loving family. and notice i said SEEM... who knows for sure except the people who know them and I for one am not in that group, so I refrain from passing judgement, I figure there was one perfect person in the world, and look what the Public did to him, hung him on a cross... I guess that is just the good ole mob mentality at work again.
I won't go into the blood/wine bread/body thing because it is religion and I personally do not want to bring that here where it might offend people....but maybe Erika you could of worded it differently then taking the wine was NASTY.... Just my opinion also ok?
(just voicing my how I feel also <---- no bad tones here)
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