Truemors
A beefed-up resume, lawsuits simmering, and some nasty spoiled bits in his business dealings have cooked up a too-spicy roux for celebrity chef Robert Irvine.
After the St. Petersburg Times (Fl) revealed Irvine's resume concoctions and his current business spillage, Food Network President Brooke Johnson decided to wash the network's hands of the stains.
"We will continue airing both
old shows and the new season of programs currently in production. We
have not renewed Robert’s contract for future seasons but will fulfill
our contractual obligations." Johnson said in a media statement.
Celebrity chef Robert Irvine blew into town two years ago with the panache of royalty, the ego of a TV star and a plan to turn St. Petersburg into "the next Monaco."He was about to launch a show on the Food Network, Dinner: Impossible, and was writing a cookbook. Soon the muscle-bound Brit was downing oysters, clinking glasses and telling incredible tales.
He was a knight. He owned a castle in Scotland. He had cooked for presidents and royalty and was pals with Prince Charles.
Robert Irvine's magnum opus - side-by-side restaurants called Ooze and Schmooze - was supposed to redefine upscale dining.
The restaurants would open with 7,000 square feet at the base of a sparkling condominium tower at 400 Beach Drive, a crepe toss from sailboats lolling on Vinoy Basin. He promised chef's tasting menus, polished personal service and 100 wines.
Everyone bought it.
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