A sad day in the culinary world..........

Well I know this is going to create a wave but I must say it anyway. I just found out that Jeff Smith "The Frugal Gourmet" just passed away. I do know all the things that were said about him and i find it hard to believe. I grew up watching his show and it is one of the major factors that got me in this business. He had such a passion for food, who cooked it, where it came from. He just made cooking fun. It is truely a sad day in the culinary world that he is now not with us. It was an even sadder day when he got blackballed out of the spotlight It was the likes of Julia Childs and Jeff Smith that paved the way for the likes of Bobby Flay and Emeril. To Jeff Smith, I bid you peace.

By Chefrev (Chefrev) on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 07:05 pm: Edit

I hadn't heard of Jeff Smith's passing, but thanks for letting us know. I have many of his books and liked his show immensely. He loved to cook and that love inspired me too.

I often wondered whether or not he was guilty. The point is moot now, anyway, so I say too:

I bid you peace.

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 09:39 pm: Edit

I liked the guy!
I don't know of his guilt or innocence either but with those charges it really doesn't matter one way or another.....the stigma sticks!!!!

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 11:08 am: Edit

I would like to express my condolences to the Smith family. I am saddened to hear of Mr. Jeff Smith's death. I have several of his cookbooks. I had enjoyed watching his cooking shows until PBS ceased airing his series. He will be greatly missed. I bid you peace.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 11:35 am: Edit

I never knew why he was taken off the air, nor do I know what "charges" you all are talking about. I do know that I loved his show and watched it all the time. Just his attitude was great, and I hope that one day we can all have it.

RIP chef Smith!

btw, how did he die?

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Friday, July 23, 2004 - 06:58 am: Edit

Child molestation

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Friday, July 23, 2004 - 09:29 am: Edit

no way... really? That's a tough one. I hate to think that...

By Mbw (Mbw) on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 08:23 pm: Edit

You can't die from that.

Can you? *shutters*

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 04:10 pm: Edit

Snuffaluff:
For more about the late Mr. Smith, go to:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/181592_frugal10.html
Apparently, he had heart disease and he probably suffered a myocardial infarction, or a "heart attack" in layman's terms.
http://medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/MYOCARD/MYOCARD.html
I had previously trained in Emergency Medical Services(EMS) courses before becoming a cook by trade.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 12:43 am: Edit

who?

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 01:37 pm: Edit

Scroll up Spike!

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 04:02 pm: Edit

Welcome back Spike!!!!!!missed you!!!!

By Cheftim (Cheftim) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 04:31 pm: Edit

Hey Spike. When did you get out?

By Chefrev (Chefrev) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 06:03 pm: Edit

SPIKE!!!

How are you, man? Geez, where you been? We did miss ya! It's been too quiet around here lately.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Friday, August 06, 2004 - 11:37 pm: Edit

been working.
acting classes.
women.
walking the dog, Elwood.
burying some friends.
look for me in a Target commercial.
women, theres just so many.
playing hockey.
collecting more damn cook books.
staying out of trouble...HaHaHaHa !
stuff like that.
nice to see your all still here.
i see there are some new people.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Saturday, August 07, 2004 - 09:11 am: Edit

oh great, just when I get used to the peace and quiet.... ;)

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Saturday, August 07, 2004 - 11:26 am: Edit

How offended am I?? I put in an ode to one of the TV greats when it comes to cooking on his passing and it gets turned into a "welcome back Spike thread"! Where if the compassion the love the..........oh....wait if it is true what Snuff says about the peace and quiet here I guess my header still fits with the return of Spike. A truely sad day.
Hey Spike a formal "hello" from Me. And while you are here please pay your respects. I bid you peace.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 01:05 pm: Edit

"And while you are here please pay your respects"

i was not a fan.
i don't think i even saw his program.
i did however read about him in mag's.
it is sad when someone who has put that much time into the Culinary Arts, dies, so young.

'he been called home, to the peace and embrace
of his creator, and to answer for his ways'


hows that buddy?

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 01:28 pm: Edit

ok Hip Hop Sing, whats up buddy?
you write some good stuff.
how long you been cook'in brother?
where are you?, no wait, in the valley, that right? tho.
i'm in hollywood. just above melrose.
and i see you been in oxnard, i use a beach house up there. on santa rosa ave.
right next to the navy base.
elwood loves that little beach there

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 01:30 pm: Edit

"How's that buddy?"

Do I sence sarchasim in that??

huh......"bu-ddy"

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 04:39 pm: Edit

Sarcasm from Spike, you have to be kidding?????
Hey Chefbigz0, J. Smith could not fill Spike's pastry bag!!!...no disrespect intended just the facts!!!

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 12:09 am: Edit

"Do I sence sarchasim in that??"

No Sir. Not at all.
You asked for respects to be paid.
I paid them.

""Sarcasm from Spike, you have to be kidding?????
Hey Chefbigz0, J. Smith could not fill Spike's pastry bag!!!...no disrespect intended just the facts!!!"".................

A little over the top.........and funny!!!!!

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 08:54 am: Edit

Manny....Spike must have an awfuly large pastry bag cuz the Frugal One has a lot to put in it. And is that the new culinary way of saying......."it is gunna take alot to fil his shoes"??
And what do we fill them with?
And what do we do with them after we fill them??
Signed,
ChefGibz0

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 07:29 pm: Edit

Yes, he does!!!!!....have a large pastry bag!!!!
No, that's the new way to say....."he's not fit to shine my tongs"!!!!!

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 07:36 pm: Edit

my shoes?
with my feet, size 13,...need i say more?
WE don't do anything with them, I DO.
and I don't know if i am a better pastry chef than whats his name, the dead guy, he did have a show and he did have books and what ever else.
and i been out of it for awhile, so that makes me rusty. and i'm older now so that makes me forgetful.
i'd still like to think i could hold my own.
to what degree is anybody's guess.HaHaHaHa.

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 06:31 pm: Edit

"shine my tongs".......ha ha ha ....way to funny......i never had a shiny pair of tongs.....just those gnarled old ones the company says can get a year or two more out of 'em.
Spike....size 13??....you must not be from Vienna.....eh??
wink wink..nudge nudge...say no more...

By Ladycake (Ladycake) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 06:37 pm: Edit

I'm glad that some of you were aided by Smith's books, programs etc. but I was never that impressed with him. As far as his legal status, I guess he is better dead than in prison (they say even the prisoners don't care for baby rapers).!?

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 07:05 pm: Edit

He was not a rapist...he was into child porn!
There is a big, big difference!
I enjoyed his show, he was well read, knew his stuff and was a consumate professional on screen!
I feel bad for his family who has to bear the burden of his sorted past, he has grown kids of his own!

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 08:00 pm: Edit

You know Ladycake, you must be someone of such HIGH moral character that you can say such things like "baby raper". And you call yourself a "lady".
Judge not lest ye be judged thy self. I am not saying that he did or did not do it .....and I do not care. Manny hit it on the head when he said "well read, knew his stuff and was a comsumate professional on screen". Unless "we" were there to see it, hear it or bear witness to it no one can cast judgement.
And tell me one more thing Ladycake......in the presidential election of 1996...who did you vote for?

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 08:24 pm: Edit

Chefbigz0, Ladycake....Cherie is a good person, well meaning...we all have our opinions wether they are right, wrong, selfish, or whatever!
Let's agree to disagree!!!!...it's the democratic thing!

By Chefrev (Chefrev) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 09:00 pm: Edit

Yes, please, no need to get personal.

The man's dead. He's accountable to God for his actions either way.

Every life has something to teach us, for good or bad. I choose to learn from Smith's culinary expertise, and the price of celebrity. What may or may not have happened with him off-camera is something I can't comment on. If he did what he was accused of I would condemn his actions. But even if it WERE true, nobody is beyond redemption. Not preaching, just my .02.

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 09:19 pm: Edit

Sorry for the impersonal quality of the net....I meant no ill will. most of what was said was "tongue in cheek". And yes i may have gone "off the deep end" a bit and I do apologize......I just hold alot of feeling in said subject. I just think "baby raper" was a bit harsh.

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 01:36 pm: Edit

The Frugal Gourmet.
http://www.chefschoolreview.com/blog/2004/07/tvs_frugal_gourmet_chef_dies.html
http://www.jumptheshark.com/f/frugalgourmet.htm

By Jonesg (Jonesg) on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 05:31 am: Edit

A pedophile IS a baby raper, read the bible on what Jesus said about them if you think the term is too "judgemental".
Don't apologize for breathing a bit of God's air.

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 08:09 am: Edit

Jonesg.....were you there? Did you see the transgression take place?? I think you need to take a look at your bible again. There is a lil saying that comes from the bible "judge not lest ye be judged thy self." When I posted this thread I did not mean for it to be a debate about the supposed wrongs of the individual but the contribution said person made to this fine industry of food and food professionals. His research into ethnic cuisine, the reverance he had about the heritage of american cooking and the melting pot that created it were done before people thought it was "trendy". He himself was a man of the cloth, not that means much in the days of catholic abuses, but myself growing up watching his shows and reading his books he had a true love for food, cooking, the people that worked in the field and people themselves, That my friend is what I was tring to pay tribute to, not hearsay and congecture.
I bid you peace.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 12:23 pm: Edit

Jones, you also have to remember that not everyone believes that the bible it trueth, more like a story to them.

By Favorablekarma (Favorablekarma) on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 04:18 pm: Edit

Jonesq, why don't you look before you leap. Those of us who knew Jeff Smith, a.k.a. the Frugal Gourmet, and his wife can tell you that he was no pedophile. If he was actually guilty of the things of which he had been accused then there would have been CRIMINAL CHARGES and there were not. Instead a few former employees, seeing an opportunity to cash in on Jeff's newly found fame, conspired to destroy him in order to make a buck. When their lawyers found out that Jeff wasn't actually rich they took the insurance company's offer and ran. (In fact, the lead accuser's case was through out when it was shown he didn't even work for Jeff during the time he alledged he was molested.) Go ahead and spread the lies. Jeff is dead, you can't hurt him any more. The rest of you just remember that if your place is succesful enough -- someone may come after you some day.

By George (George) on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 06:09 pm: Edit

So let me get this straight.

You actually new Jeff Smith and that the charges were false?

To be honest I think that is one of the best things I have heard in a while. I loved his show and its underlying message.

Do you have any links to articles about him being cleared? I'd be happy to get the word out of this miscarrage of justice.

G

By Jonesg (Jonesg) on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 05:02 am: Edit

Lets not throw the baby out with the bath water, if Charles Manson knocks on your door
and says "Hi,I'm the baby sitter for tonite" are you going to think "I better not judge" or are you going to slam the door shut.?

Michael Jackson bought people off too.

The innocent don't buy their way out, they don't need to. But when they do, they buy freedom and lose their innocence, not to mention reputation.
They always have their defenders/enablers.

I suggest you allow people to make their own decisions and judge for themselves, I've made mine and I can sleep with it. If you need to worship something (most people do or they'll worship self), it makes sense to find something which will not let you down.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 09:32 pm: Edit

lets see,....was he CHARGED with HAVING child porn?
was it on his computer?
at work?
Where was it and in what form?
That is a very serious charge.
That could/can distroye a man for life.
I would be intrested in seeing those stories too, the ones that cleared him.
I feel sorry for his wife and family, having to live not only with his death but also having to fight to clear his name.
Theres also the money lost from product line that won't be there for his family.
Very serious.
If its true that he is/was cleared of those charges, you guys above should retract what you have said, and George-like he said he would-will put those stories up here for all to read.
just my 2 cents.

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 09:43 pm: Edit

and something else while I'm at it.
I don't want to come here and read about child this and that.
That stuff makes me throw up.
I don't come here to be sickened, no matter who is involved.
I believe there are some things better left un-said.
Thats one of them. At least here.
Lets not turn this into a blog. (I think Tim brought this up in another thread)
Please, I'm not passing judgement on anyone here, but come on.
I come here to be taught, and learn and have a good time with all of you, because we all have been or are at the same place(work)and thats what makes this place special.
Please, no more about this, and no more about that freak Jackson.
Out of all the things we could talk or laugh or learn about please lets leave that one out of it.
Thanks.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 10:22 am: Edit

I put salt in my cake instead of sugar. Does that make you sick Spike? ;)

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 11:35 pm: Edit

what does that mean ?
How does that relate to what was being talked about above, snuff.
Make a point.

By Jonesg (Jonesg) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 05:49 am: Edit

Spike, he wasn't cleared, he paid them off.
It didn't make it to court.
PBS dumped him over it.
If he was innocent, he would have had recourse for damages. He was openly accused and responded with money.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 10:39 am: Edit

Oh, forgot to make apoint... sorry there m8. Spam anyone?

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 02:24 pm: Edit

Dude....this is sad......I have but one thing to say....from this, with much sorrow and regret..........I walk away......Peace to all.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 03:27 pm: Edit

it is sad that when one passes people only take the bad things from their life to talk about instead of all the contributions said person had made.

By George (George) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 08:28 pm: Edit

Jonesg just as I asked Favorablekarma- What is your source for your information? Any links to supporting stories?

Chefgibz0 "walking away" over what ????

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 01:15 am: Edit

Does anyone know where these stories were written?
or where the charges were made?
what state, city?
should not be too hard to track down, through a news paper.
then we should know what happened.
and that will be the end of it.
anyone???

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 01:24 am: Edit

"But even if it WERE true, nobody is beyond redemption. Not preaching, just my .02."

Chefrev,...you really think no one is beyond redemption???
Stalin?
Hitler?
Sadam H.?
Kennedy?...all of them.
Kerry?
Clinton?...both of them.
Sen. R. "KKK" Byrd?
LOL !!!!
(sorry couldn't help it, you know how I am.)

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 09:12 am: Edit

I wonder what we'll say about Spike when he kicks the bucket????.....or the sheetpan????

By Ladycake (Ladycake) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 07:25 pm: Edit

Okay, just one more, I guess. When I said "baby raper" I was referring to the kiddie porn comment. I do not know about this man, but I do get tired of people in the public arena using their fame to gain access to the innocent. The term came from my old career with the court system and the colloquial term for any person involved in the sexual abuse of children

I apologize for getting involved in this and for insulting those of you who have revered this man. I have sadness for his family (for their loss as well as the offenses). They are obviously suffering more than he is (if all went well with his creator.) We don't know, about him, or about Jackson, or any person who is alleged to involve himself in illegal or immoral activities. We can only hope it wasn't true and get on with our cooking.

Please accept my apologies; let's try to take the good he gave and let the bad die with him.

By Ladycake (Ladycake) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 07:28 pm: Edit

Oh, yes, Mr. Gibbs,

It would never be Clinton....and you can take that to the bank!

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 09:55 pm: Edit

Ladycake, I don't think you need to apologize for anything.
like the libs say....feelings can't be wrong.

By Jonesg (Jonesg) on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 06:37 am: Edit

http://www.current.org/people/peop813s.html

http://www.jumptheshark.com/f/frugalgourmet.htm

By George (George) on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 11:49 am: Edit

Some pretty damning articles.

Favorablekarma do you have any backup for your position?

G

By Chefspike (Chefspike) on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 10:19 pm: Edit

I gotta say, there seems to be something there.
and glad to find out it was not little children, 14 and 15 is bad enough.
its a shame no one caught this sooner.
sick.

By Ladycake (Ladycake) on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 07:53 pm: Edit

Thanks Spike.

I don't think there is ever an end to this kind of controversy, but in my 11 years with the court system I found very few children lied about this kind of abuse.

Of course, that was 25 years ago, and things have changed. Also, his accusers were adults, claiming abuse as children. So who really knows. The guy is dead, we need to just let the ugliness die with him.

(Another .02)