As y’all know, I spent this weekend on South Beach, Miami Beach, FL. It was the annual Food Network Wine and Food Festival. I saw some amazing chefs and ate & drank some amazing foods and wines. I will tell y’all all about that on another post. Right now I want to tell everyone about who was the highlight for so many at this years festival.
Without much advertising and more of a surprise for her fans, Paula Deen joined her sons Bobby and Jamie in doing a cooking demo today. For anyone who has doubted her return, she proved them wrong.
Yesterday she spent the morning doing a photo shoot for People Magazine. The pictures below are courtesy of her personal hair stylist Jamie Cribbs. (thanks for sharing them with us Jamie) As Jamie Cribbs stated to me “We had such a great shoot today. She was radiant in all the images the photographer took today.” I’m sure y’all will agree.
I met up with Paula immediately afterwards in the lobby of The Lowes Hotel and I have to agree as well. I have never seen her more beautiful. That amazing smile of hers lit up the whole lobby. As we stood and talked she had many people stop and ask to take a picture with her and she not once said no. She was exhausted but made sure each and everyone of them got to talk to her and get a picture. She just never says no. She even was stopped by Chef Ingred Hoffman who told her she couldn’t be happier to see her back where she belongs.
Today though was the big event. First she and her sons did a book signing. This was the first time many people found out that she was even there. The line grew and grew for people to get her autograph. It was amazing to see so many people converging on her. She even took a moment to stop and talk with me on her way up to the table to sign books.
Then it was Paula back on stage for her fans. One of the organizers of the festival came on stage because he said he always liked to introduce all the Chefs each year during the festival. But he had quit doing this because he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to do one and that chef may be upset thinking he didn’t want to do theirs. Well he made an exception this year. He said he had to introduce Paula. He said he could remember the first time he saw her on TV. Even remembering that she made cobbler and was wearing a pink blouse. He knew at that moment he wanted her to be a part of the festival and she has been since. He also said she would be for as long as he had control of organizing the event as well.
Then he did it. He welcomed Paula to the stage and she was met with an astounding standing ovation. She was so “Paula Deen”. She welcomed everyone and talked to a few individually who had questions. She was continuously interrupted by people walking by just outside the tent yelling “We Love You Paula”. Of course she yelled back “I love y’all too darlin”.
Here’s a bit of the show…….
Also joining her was her former shows producer (and I hope for future shows) Gordon Elliot.
She brought her husband Michael Groover up to the stage and her beautiful new daughter-in-law Claudia and had them sit there with her during the whole show. She also took a moment to say to the crowd that she was so happy to be here and thanked them all for the support in letters, prayers and thoughts this past year. She admitted this had been a very hard summer for her but all this love from her fans helped get her through it. She then said she wanted to apologize to anyone who hadn’t heard her previous apologies. Everyone was yelling no apologies necessary. Well someone who was standing just off the stage came up and joined Paula. This was Robert Irvine. He too is one of Paula’s biggest fans.
Robert told her that “It’s Over. You have apologized. You have eaten crow. Now Quit. You do NOT have to do it anymore. It’s over, in the past and time to move on.” Of course another round of applause with everyone on their feet. Then Paula and Robert joked a lot and told a few stories of past events and then he was off to let Paula continue with her fans.
Paula and her boys made chicken and dumplings, a broccoli salad and wonderful dessert. But it was not about the recipe today or to see her cook for her fans. It was that they had her back and they were with her. Paula as I said earlier was in total “Paula Deen” mode. She was taking control of the cooking, take over and interrupting Bobby and Jamie as she always does and her boys would never expect anything less. She never stopped coming back out from behind the counter to talk to everyone and joke with the audience. Jamie and Bobby were continuously having to bring her back to point and keep on track. It was an amazingly fun filled demonstration.
Yes folks, Paula is back as they say. I don’t believe she is back because I don’t think she was truly ever gone. What I mean is her millions of fans never stopped supporting her. They never stopped messaging her and they even made their family vacations to Savannah to go to her restaurant. I was lucky enough to join her in Savannah myself back in October. I got to be her guest at a cooking demo she did at the Lady and Sons. I witnessed her stop and take pictures and talk to every single fan that approached her. She was then engulfed with her fans and surrounded by their love, just as she was today.
So No, Paula is not back in my opinion. She was Never gone.
AMEN…so glad to see her back.
I agree. She was never gone.
I love Paula and miss seeing her on tv regularly. I was at the cooking school in Savannah in Octiber also. Thank you for posting this. She looks great.
I’m glad you liked it Janie.
I agree, Paula never was gone! Thanks for telling the whole truth,thanks for the sweet words about my sweet friend! She is good down to the bone! I love her to pieces and so do a whole bunch of other folks!
I love Paula so much and have supported her through everything. She was never gone, she just got some much needed rest! You go girl!! xoxoxo
Prayers have been answered. God bless you Paula.
Greg we saw you there yesterday with Paula. We tried to get up close enough but couldn’t. We recognized you from facebook and of course standing there with Paula Deen drew our attention to you both. Great write up. You are right she was wonderful. Had us laughing the whole show. Thank you for sharing the video so we can share with our friends. Keep on cooking.
Thank you Debbie. Wish we could have met.
Greg, great article on Miss Paula!! Sooooooooooo glad she is back!! Cudos to you!!
Stacey. I did nothing but share with you all the wonderful Paula experience I had. So glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome article Mr Greg. I so wish I could have been there. Any updates on your cook book? We are all waiting with baited breath.
Cynthia, I should have an announcement very soon about the publishing of Trina and I’s cookbook. Thank you so much for asking.
Our prayers are answered. We have our Paula back. Not get on TV so we all can see you. Not all of us can travel to see her unfortunately.
OMG. Thank you for sharing the video. I wanted to see her so bad but could not afford the tickets and flight. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GREG
You and all the others on here are so welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
Love me some Paula Deen. Thank you Greg
Glad to see she’s coming back. Any ideas of when she’ll be back on Television? Why not you be on with her? Love your cooking as well. Just a thought LOL
Derek, I have no idea. I know she has some things in the works from what I heard her telling some reporters. Thank you for the kind words about my food blog. Let me know if you would like to see anything in particular.
One word…. AMEN
We tried to get catch you yesterday at the Wine & Food Festival Greg. You were standing at the book signing booth with Paula. Would love to have gotten your autograph too. Tell Paula we are glad she is back.
Jamie, I am so glad you got to the event. Wasn’t it a great day for it? Sorry we didn’t get to talk.
Fabulous article Greg. We met you at the Oakland Park Farmers Market on “Dixie Highway”. Have you started your cooking Demo’s yet? Is so where can we find you?
Thank you Andrea. I am not sure yet where I’ll be doing the demo’s. I am talking with a couple different places. I will up date y’all right here when I have something lined up.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Freezing up here in Michigan. Jealous of all the sunshine you all got on South Beach. Are you part of Food Network now too? I saw your cupcakes on the Chew and you seem to know a lot of the Chefs? IF not dude, you should be.
Dan, No I am not part of the Food Network. Maybe you should send them a letter and tell them I should be. LOL. It was a beautiful weekend for the event. Keep warm up there and thank you for following my blog.
welcome back Paula. Now when will we see her on tV again?
I am sure we will see her back on TV in some sort real soon. I too can’t wait.
I love me some Paula dean!!!! You are awesome girl!!!! Some day I will get to meet you!!!!!
Happy! Happy !Happy! Love Paula
So good to see you are back. We’ve SURE missing you on food Network.
Great story. I hope she is on her way back to Television as well.
I love Paula Deen SOO much!! When is the People Magazine coming out?!
I really miss seeing Paula on TV and hearing her voice. Hopefully she will be back on soon! She always made me smile!!
A great big THANK YOU Greg for sharing your pictures. She did take a big blow to her career but those of us who love her she will always be our Cooking Nation Queen!!!! Nascar has their King we have our Queen long may she rein…Can’t keep a Good Person down. I appreciate your blog and all your recipes keep them coming. I to can not wait for your cookbook..
Greg. I have followed your blog and your Facebook page for many years. I had always enjoyed the recipes you shared and stories of your family. I have even tolerated the fact that you like Paula Deen. Today though when you shared yet another link about her I decided enough was enough. You should not align yourself with such a person. Don’t you know that your image is tarnished every time you mention her name or acknowledge one of her recipes or events? You seem to be no better than her if you truly feel she is a good and honest person. As a Christian I cannot emphasis enough how wicked she must be in her private life. She is 100% as fake as those wigs she wears. She is divorced, she has dated a married man, and she will pay for her sins. Have you not seen in print how she treats her current husband and the many times this past year alone they are fighting for divorce. I am sure she is paying him to stay with her to keep from further tarnishing her image. She acts like it’s all about family and her family is so great. Her son has even been axed by the Food Network so how is he so great. Now she is trying to beg her fans to pay to see her shows online when they could see them for free on TV if she hadn’t been dumped herself by FN. Do you really want your fans and followers to dump you because of this woman? Being the liar and racist she has been proven to be, anyone who aligns themselves with her is just as much one too. You my friend must be just as bad a character in your life as she is. Let me show you. You say you’re a 5th generation southern cook but you are from Ohio “lie number 1”, You state you are friends with Paula Deen but all we’ve see are a couple pictures of you in public with her that anyone could take alongside her. So that is probably “lie number 2”. You have stated you’re working on a cookbook with her aunt but there seems to be no cookbook in sight “lie number 3” or is it that her family is suing you for more money or not allowing you to publish it now that she is deceased? If they are anything like their relative Paula that’s probably it. Lies are sins. Read the Bible in Proverbs 6:16-19 if you even have one and note that this makes you evil. I am sure you will delete this so nobody can see the truth about you. You are just like her, an evil lying racist too. Hide behind your lies. I will no longer frequent your blog or Facebook page. Continue on this path and you will lose everyone.
Joanne,
First I want to say that my website is where I share recipes and things about myself for people who want to see it. This is not a place for hate and to put down others.
No, I will not delete your comment as you suggested I would. I will leave it here for all to see how wrong and evil some people really are. Especially those who claim to be a Christian. I will though respond to it.
At first I was very hurt at the things you said. Then I found it hypocritical, humorous and ridiculous at how judgemental and petty your comments were in quoting the Bible and then judging myself, Paula Deen and her family. But now I am at ANGER.
To begin with, I will not now or ever hide my admiration and friendship with someone because others might think badly of me as you suggested I should do. Paula reminds me of my own mother. She worked hard to raise her children on her own and provide for them. My mother did this as well. As for your illogical banter regarding Paula you might want to get your facts straight. Her and Michael aren’t getting a divorce (quit reading the “lie filled” tabloids). Her family is amazing. I have met most of them and even her closest friend. They are all amazing, very hospitable and some of the most loving people I have ever met in my life. When I am with them I feel like I am in my own mother or grandmothers home. Not a visitor in someones house. They would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. As for her fans having to pay to see her new shows on her own Internet Network. NEWSFLASH: They were paying when they watched her on Food Network? Food Network is a cable station. NOT FREE. You have to pay to have it part of your cable package. I for one am impressed that she is doing this. Look at all the other shows you pay for now on Netflix and other cable streaming networks. If you didn’t notice, many of the shows on those “internet streaming networks” are up for “Emmy’s”. Appears to be very popular. The world is changing and she is pioneering her own way in doing this. Kudos to her.
I really don’t believe my “fans” are going to dump me for liking Paula Deen. If they do then they weren’t fans in the first place. As you see, I do not now nor have I ever allowed advertising on my website. I do this for my own pleasure and for the pleasure of others. So I am not tied to keeping a large a growing fan base just to keep advertisers and make money.
Now as for my lies…. I do consider myself a 5th generation “Southern cook” you noted in your comment. I may not have been born in Kentucky as most of the generations before me where on my maternal side. But I grew up cooking beside them. Cooking with them and learning their southern recipes and making the memories with them that I now do with my grandchildren. True I was born in Ohio and now live in Florida, but my cooking style is now and always has been based on “Southern Cooking”.
As for lie #2 in your quote… I do know Paula. I consider her my friend. I do not share pictures of her in private because that is just what they are – private. Nor do I share the things that she and I may ever discuss because those things are private as well. I would never betray her confidence in sharing any of that because the fact of the matter is people like you would only twist the truth around to suit your own vindictive needs to continue to tarnish her image. I don’t care if you believe I know her or not. I am not trying to impress you or anyone else.
Now we are on lie #3 and this is the one that PISSED me off. You do not have the right to say anything about my cookbook with Trina. Nor do you have the right to say anything negative about her or her family on my website. She and her family are the most amazing people in the world. They would never (as you insinuated) stop me from publishing our cookbook. Nor would they sue me for money because of it. I would give the entire proceeds to her family if they wanted it. I was honored to have her in my life and I treasure every memory I have of our time putting it together. I talk with her family almost daily. They are good people. Very unlike how you are portraying yourself. As for why I have not published the cookbook yet is my own private personal matter and has nothing to do with her family stopping me. It will be out when I decide to do so.
As for me being a racist. Get over your hypocritical self. I don’t think my two beautiful grandsons who are half black would agree with you, nor any of the people who DO know me.
I thank you for no longer following my website or facebook page. I just pray you won’t keep spreading your venomous hate on other peoples websites as well.
WOW. What an evil person. Glad you put her in her place. Don’t worry, we are all still fans. You ROCK. She bites.
Amazing the things people will say. I think someone should pick her Bible up more and less of the tabloids. You are awesome Greg.
You were alot easier on her than I would have been. good riddens to garbage
That is NOT a Christian. She is a hateful person. I am sorry she said those things to you. You are a great guy.
Wow! As the daughter of Trina, Paula’s Aunt,you know the one who worked on the cookbook with Greg until she could no longer speak, I am floored by the comments left by Joanne. She calls herself a Christian? If this is an example of a Christian then count me out. She knows nothing. Greg, share the photos from my birthday weekend-the one WE shared with MY Family in Savannah. So Greg doesn’t know Paula? Ha! Woman you are delusional and apparently skipped your meds today. Never talk about my family and do not let my mother’s name pass your lips. I hope Greg bans you from his site. Keyword, his site. If my Moma was still alive she would set you (Joanne) straight. Hugs Greg!
To “Joanne T”: What a Christian you are. I hope before you meet the eternal afterlife that you change your narrow minded views and opinions of people WHOM YOU DO NOT KNOW. I have known Greg personally for at 15 years and he has flaws – but is one of the most open minded, caring, funny people you have obviously never had the pleasure to meet. As far as being a racist, yeah right. Again, you have obviously never seen his grandchildren whom he completely adores and would do or give anything for. He and Paula both do what they love and we should all be so lucky.
To Greg: I love ya darlin, and you keep doing what you do! I know you don’t care what others think anyway, but I want you to know you and Paula have my support in whatever you choose to do! By the way, I want to see your face the next time you’re up here. Love, “Tater Tot” lol
As someone whom has known Greg for about 16 years and lived with him for one of those, I could call him many things but a liar or rasist is not one! LOL
Good job Greg! Love as alway
Jonathon
It’s so weird how someone who claims to be a Christian can be so hateful. You did do a much bettter job than I would have in responding to her. Keep up the good work Greg. I love your recipes. How about you do some videos for your recipes. Would love to see you. I bet your funny as all get out.
Greg, hold your head high; you’ve said nor done anything wrong.
I happen to respect people who value friendships in spite of the risk in doing so..and you’re that kind of person. My daughter had the priviledge of working for Paula in Savannah. She told me it was like working for a favorite aunt. Paula was an embracing, kind, thoughtful and caring person without a mean bone in her body. This (Joanne T.) person is spiteful, mean and jealous and doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Keep on being the person you are, Greg; I happen to think you’re special!
Greg,
I’ve know you for several years now, your awesome. You take pride in your work. People’s privacy is of the utmost importanance, you live it daily! You are an incredible friend to those who trulely know you. The comments from Joann are far from true. It upsets me to think a so called Christian could ever make these remarks about you or anyone else. It sound like she didn’t read the bible carefully, It says, He will judge….sounds like she’s trying to judge without the facts.
You said it best.
Hugs,
Double MI
Greg…. I support you and personally know that you are far better person than Joanne . Joanne, I am also a Christian and I think you need to go back to the bible and remember what Jesus said to the prostitut when the people brought her to Jesus. Let him without sin throw the first stone. So Joanne I ask you, are you so righteous that you can throw a stone. Greg keep up the great work that you do and just remember you have friends and family that love you and supports you.
What a vindictive, spiteful person Joanne is. I Saw the pictures of Paula, you and your mom. Taken at Paula’s home. So ignore this woman. Maybe her life is full of woe and she is taking it out on others and could be she is just mean.
I think that women is evil! Iam a Christian, I would never write such discusting and hurtful things to another human. Greg you r an amazing wonderful person, don’t let anyone take that away because they are ignorant, Jesus loves all His children. If they claim to be Christain and are so full of hate and Blame, they are the ones that are liars and hate God! we love you Greg!! Carolyn,Leanne,Izaiah,and Mia.
This pisses me off Greg is my cousin and he is from Ohio and yes our family is from kentucky. I have known Greg many years he has always loved cooking and wanting to learn to do it. People need to keep their bull cap comments to their dang selves. Trying to ruin people because they r miserable isn’t right. Greg you keep doin what you are doin. Love ya cuz.
This just pisses the hell out of me that someone could be so darn rude. I met Greg at the Wilton Wine & Food Festival and have talked with him many more times since. He is the most professional and nicest guys you’ll ever want to meet. Oh, btw, I am a black lady and Greg sure doesn’t seem racist against me. I think this woman is full of shit and just needs someone to set her straight. Greg, we love you and can’t wait for you to open your restaurant here that you talked to us about. Keep up the good work.
Greg, thank you for supporting Paula Deen. Thank you for never abandoning a friend at their hour of need.
I will pray for Joanne. She obviously has problems deeper than Paula Deen, and choose Paula and you as her objects to abuse. She needs to look inward for peace.
Keep your great recipes and insights coming!!!
Thank you all for your kind words. I intend to continuing being just who I am and caring for the people I care about.
I don’t know you, Greg, so I won’t even comment on that part of this discussion. However, as far as Netflix and the other cable channels you spoke about, those channels all offer may different programs and personalities, not just one person and her kids. Netflix has an array of TV shows, movies, documentaries, as well as original programming. My $7.99 a month is well worth it for that amount of programming and variety. All those cable channels you referenced that have nominations for TV shows? Those channels again offer a wide variety of programming, not just one celebrity. If Paula is as popular and there is a great interest in her coming back, I am surprised she could not find any investors or sponsors to put her on television where her fans, many of them older, could watch her free to them, paid for by sponsors. Is she that broke that she sold her soul to this foreign investor or that she has to gouge her fans living on a fixed income?