Along with The Barefoot Contessa, Alton’s one of the few people still watchable on the Food Network. I loved his two “Feasting on Asphalt” specials. His goofiness can occasionally be a little annoying, but given how FN has eviscerated nearly all their real cooking shows, I suppose it’s the price he has to pay to keep “Good Eats” on the air.

At any rate, “The Next Iron Chef” has been added to the TiVo. I really hope it doesn’t suck.

Scott and I watched the Tuscany episode of “No Reservations” last night and got into a discussion of some possible options for homemade pasta this weekend. If we do haul the much-neglected pasta machine out of the closet today I may get a blog post out of it.

His first official guest-blogging post is not as accessible as his recent rant on the various Food TV celebrities; rather, he’s weighing in on a recent spat between a NY restaurant owner and the NY Times food critic. Nevertheless, it’s worth a read just for his choice of imagery:

Maybe I’m being cynical here but the Message seems to be: “Even a freakin’ strip club–where you get lap dances offered between courses is better than your soulless, overpriced meat-emporium. I’d rather spend time in a hot tub with Bob Guiccione than you!” Subtext? “Don’t Fuck With Me!”

Welcome to the blogosphere, Tony. Enjoy the ride.