Olivia Wilder Times™

Daron  Ker carries a film school degree and a great respect for Kubrick, Scorsese, Coppola. But he is anything but ordinary.  First, the subject matter of his two films, as different on the surface as can be. "Rice Field of Dreams," documents the attemps of a Cambodian refugee with an Alabama accent, named Joe Cook, who returns to his country to establish a competitve baseball program.  Another film, "I Ride," introduces audiences to the Fryed Brothers Band, a rock group that plays almost exclusively for motorcycle clubs and rallies, living a nomadic life on the road. Both films, scheduled for December release, continue to fascinate audiences and critics alike. Ker, a Cambodian-American, as a child was interned with his family during Pol Pot's reign of terror in the 1970's (which was the basis for the Oscar-winning, "The Killing Fields"). There he was exposed to great filmmaking, seeing Kubrick's "Spartacus" projected onto a white sheet to entertain the imprisoned refugees. Although he didn't speak the language, the film's powerful visuals made a deep impression. Eventually his family emigrated to Southern California in the US. While many young Cambodian men wound up in gangs or behind bars, Daron followed a different path, moving to San Francisco to attend film school.  With limited resources, his first film,  "Rice Field of Dreams," lead him back to his homeland for the first time in three decades, where his heart was broken, seeing all the kids. He decided that it was up to him to step in and show American audiences what Cambodians have gone through, and who they are. Learn more about this talented filmmaker at http://www.waterbuffalopics.com   Call 347-215-7536 to speak with Daron.

Originally from San Francisco, Chris March has always kept his eye on a career in fashion. His work on the giant trademark hats and wigs of America's longest running show, "Beach Blanket Babylon," earned him great acclaim. His love of costuming, fashion, and acting, led him to pursue his fashion design dreams in New York, where his achievements include a Drama Desk Award nomination for outstanding costume design. Chris has created looks and styles for many designers that have appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, Tyra, Today, E! and MTV. Classic designers like Dior and Chanel, as well as trailblazers like Thierry Mugler, Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano inspire Chris. However, he says he's always had an unmistakably unique vision and talent that includes sculptural lines, lush fabrics, humor and an unpredictable use of materials. Chris says he designs for the woman who wants to stand out in a crowd. After moving to New York in 2001, Chris's reputation and career took off, landing him a spot as a designer finalist on "Project Runway," season 4.

He has designed for many notable clients including: Madonna, Prince, Cirque du Soleil, Beyonce Knowles, and Meryl Streep, whose Academy Awards 2010 dress resulted in rave reviews, and earned her a spot on many "Best-Dressed" lists.

Chris can currently be seen on his own show, "Mad Fashion," on BRAVO. His first book, "I Heart Chris March," (and who doesn't?) is available now at http://www.chrismarchdesign.com

Chris loves to donate his time and designs to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.

For nearly 10 years as correspondent for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Ross has interviewed some of the biggest stars, while make us laugh.  Whether he was covering movie premieres, the Winter Olympic Games, the Academy Awards, jumping out of a plane or shopping in London with pal Gwyneth Paltrow, Ross' unique approach is always fresh, outrageous and fun.  E! Entertainment Television named Ross one of the 30 Most Outrageous Celebrities, solidifying his spot as one of the most exciting personalities on television today.

In addition to guest starring on NBC's "1 Vs 100," Ross also appeared as a guest co-host of ABC's "The View," as a contestant on the fifth season of VH1’s highly popular "Celebrity Fit Club," as a celebrity correspondent the entertainment news programs "Extra" and CBS's "The Insider," as the recurring character "Chris" on Days of Our Lives and as the co-host of GSN's "Big Saturday Night," E!'s" Live From the Red Carpet:" The Screen Actors Guild Awards and VH1's Live Red Carpet: The Critic's Choice Awards.

Recently, Ross was featured on OWN's "Ask Oprah's All-Stars," and will be guest-staring in the upcoming "After Lately" on E! It was also announced that Ross will co-star and produce a pilot for E! wirh fellow Chelsea Lately regular, Heather McDonald.

He is currently at work on his 4th book "Man Up."

Chef MacMillan's distinctive style of American flavors with Asian accents has propelled him to international acclaim. A native of Plymouth, MA, he began his culinary career at 16. After graduating from the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, he spent a year working with world renowned Chef Francois de Melogue. Sous chef positions at some of America's best restaurants followed, including La Veille Maison in Boca Raton, Florida; Hotel Bel Air, Los Angeles, CA; Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, CA.

In 1998, Chef MacMillan was invited to develop the cuisine at The Ranch on Camelback, now Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, in Scottsdale, AZ and to open the resort's elements restaurant in 2001. As executive chef, his innovative approach to ingredients, preparation and execution has garnered national acclaim. It is listed as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S." by Gourmet magazine.

Chef MacMillan has cooked at the James Beard House, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, and has been featured in and cooked for Bon Appetit magazine. He has created memorable meals for President Bush, Jacques Pepin, and Michele Roux, Sr. He is also personal chef to Wayne Gretzky. In 2006, Chef MacMillan competed on Food Network's Iron Chef America where he won "Battle American Kobe Beef" against Bobby Flay. He also regularly appears on NBC's Today Show. Chef MacMillan returns to Food Network in 2010 for Worst Cooks in America, a new primetime competition series.

JEFF SIEGEL, our Wine Curmudgeon, & award-winning wine writer, and TODD KLIMAN, restaurant critic/author/food writer will join us as well. CALL 347-215-7536 with questions/comments for any of the guests.

Chef Jaime Laurita comes from a now-famous family that includes sister Caroline Manzo, of  "Real Housewives of New Jersey" and HGTV's "Dina's Party" star, sister Dina Manzo.

Jaime exudes positive energy. He is high-style and passionate about the value and integrity of organic foods. His reputation for blending healthy living with high-style culinary experiences has given him the opportunity to connect and collaborate with many of the world's top entertainers.

With an emphasis on fresh, healthy cuisine that feeds the soul as well as the stomach, he is driven by the challenge of keeping artists physically and emotionally "up, energized, and feeling great," by meeting their unique nutritional needs while on the road.

Jaime's clients include: 2007 - The POLICE!; Aerosmith; The Red Hot Chili Peppers; Stone Temple Pilots; Barry Manilow; Sarah MacLachlan and  Josh Groban.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Jaime has trained with some of the best chef's in Italy and France. He co-authored the book, "Plenty: A Collection of Sarah MacLachlan's Favorite Recipes."

website: http://www.jaimelaurita.com/

Twitter: @chefjmelaurita

(This interview was rescheduled from July.)

Chef Rick Moonen not only strives to educate his guests about the importance of seafood sustainability and conservation, but demonstrates his commitment by serving only sustainable, seasonal varieties of ingredients found throughout his menu at rm seafood at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

He is a founding member of the Seafood Choices Alliances, which named him “Seafood Champion” in 2006, as well as an active member of Seaweb and Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, which named him “Chef of the Year” in 2011. In 2009 he made a memorable appearance as a contestant on Bravo’s hit series, "Top Chef Masters," followed by a stint as a judge on "Top Chef Las Vegas," where his restaurant served as the location for the show’s popular “Restaurant Wars” episode. This led to his participation in the second season of "Top Chef Masters," where Moonen finished as runner-up, raising thousands of dollars for his charity of choice, "Three Square."

Additionally, Wine Curmudgeon, JEFF SIEGEL, will be on the show, as will TODD KLIMAN, food/wine writer and restaurant critic.

Jeff's website: http://www.winecurmudgeon.com

Todd's website: http://www.toddkliman.com

Will the third time be the charm?

"Coach" Benjamin Wade was first seen on "Survivor: Tocantins," in 2009,  where he was the chief antagonist, known as the "Dragon Slayer." His colorful personality caused him to be one of the most controversial characters to ever play the game, and he made it to 5th place. He returned for the 20th anniversary season of "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains," as a kinder, softer, and more sympathetic character, although he was, of course, on the "Villains" side.  Unfortunately, he was the 9th tribal member to be voted off when outsiders to his majority alliance convinced them that Coach was not trustworthy.

Is the third time the charm? We'll find out when "Survivor: South Pacific" premieres on Wednesday, September 14th, on CBS. "Coach" Wade still owns his eclectic persona that viewers love from previous seasons, but the symphony conductor, men’s soccer coach and pastor promises that, “Coach 3.0 is going to be different than any time you’ve seen him.”

Sheila Conlin owns and operates a full service casting, production and development facility. She specializes in casting and development for reality television, and provides host and expert casting for commercials, as well as motion pictures.  Starting out as Phyllis Diller's tour manager, Conlin moved on to become a talent agent with Agency For the Performing Arts, or APA, representing music and comedy talent, segueing into producing and casting  clip and reality shows. She helped define and shape the criteria and systems needed to bring real people to the TV screen, many of whom you can still see today either hosting or starring in their own TV shows. 

Conlin's most recent producing credits include: "Kitchen Nightmares," on FOX. Previously she acted as Producer and Co-Producer on "Chef Academy," (BRAVO), "Nanny 911," and "When Animals Attack," on FOX, among many others. She is responsible for casting some of the most successful reality series for primetime networks, ABC, FOX, and NBC: "Hell's Kitchen," "Kitchen Nightmares," "Paradise Hotel," "The Swan," "Love or Money," and "Mr. Personality," among others.  Other casting credits (MTV, A & E, VH1) include "Wake Up Call with Greg Behrendt," "Ozzfest," and others. Currently, the Conlin Company is casting "Kitchen Nightmares,"and  "Worst Cooks in America." "Wine Curmudgeon," Jeff Siegel, and Todd Kliman will also join us.

Jacob Young is best known for his portrayal of 'JR Chandler,' on "All My Children," the past eight years, from 2003 until September 23, 2011, when the multi-Emmy Award-winning series airs its last show, following a nearly 41 year run on ABC. Jacob was nominated for two of the Emmys, in 2005, and again in 2009. Prior to his longterm role on "All My Children," he portrayed 'Lucky Spencer' on "General Hospital" from 2000 until February of 2003. In 2001, he was named "Sexiest Soap Star" by People magazine, and won a Daytime Emmy Award for Oustanding Younger Actor the following year. In October, he will be joined by fellow "All My Children" alumni, Walt Willey ("Jackson"), Michael E. Knight, ("Tad"), Vincent Irizarry, ("David"), Cameron Mathison, ("Ryan"), and Julia Barr, ("Brooke") in "A Tribute To Pine Valley," live, on stage, at various venues in New York and New Jersey.

Website: http://www.atributetopinevalley.com  Jacob portrayed 'Rick Forrester' on the CBS daytime drama, "The Bold and the Beautiful," from 1997 until September 15, 1999, earning a Daytime Emmy Award nomination as "Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series" in 1999.  Following the end of "All My Children" next month, Young will reprise his role as 'Rick Forrester' on "The Bold and the Beautiful," with his first airdate being September 26th.

Before opening Rogue 24, Cooper served as Chef de Cuisine at Vidalia, an award-winning southern fine dining restaurant in Washington, DC from 2004 to 2010. During his tenure at Vidalia, Cooper went “rogue” and created a 24-course tasting menu, which served as the original inspiration for his restaurant.

In 2006, Cooper received the Rising Star Chef award from Star Chefs, and in 2007 he won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic.

After graduating from the Culinary School at Kendall College in Illinois, Cooper moved to Atlanta, where he spent time honing his craft working with several esteemed chefs.

Cooper then moved on to work with Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin, the Michelin 3-Star award-winning restaurant in New York City, fine tuning his traditional French technique. During a three-year stint in Anchorage, Alaska, Cooper continued his culinary development by taking the helm at Crow’s Nest Restaurant in The Captain Cook Hotel. With the intent to bring the restaurant back to its former four star-four diamond quality, Cooper headed up the kitchen and revamped the menu, boosting staff morale and impressing locals.

In the late 1990′s, Cooper moved to Washington D.C. to build his local resume at The Oval Room and New Heights, before joining Vidalia as Chef de Cuisine in 2004.

WINE CURMUDGEON, JEFF SIEGEL,  and Author, Restaurant Reviewer, Washingtonian Magazine, will also be on the show.

URLS:

http://www.rogue24.com

http://www.winecurmudgeon.com

http://www.toddkliman.com