Watching Rachael Ray

We start off in the kitchen today, with Rachael working on a Fast Faster and Fastest meal - Surf n Turf style. Up first, the Fast - Mini Meatloaves with Tomato-Balsamic Gravy with Mac and Seafood Au Gratin.

Then, Brooke Shields joins Rachael at the kitchen table, looking fabulous as always. They talk a bit about Lipstick Jungle, which is based on the book, written by the same author of Sex and the City. It follows three strong women, and their daily life and struggles. There’s a lot of trying to be perfect. Brooke says she’s doing much better in the kitchen with her set of Rachael knives and pots - she won’t even let her hubby use them. “My pots. My knives. My Rachael!”

They dish a bit on the rehab epidemic of young starlets, and Brooke says it was different back in the day. The money and access to such things wasn’t the same. She counts herself lucky to have parents that kept her on the straight and narrow, which probably kept her more naïve then most.

She jokes about going from the 9 to 10 o’clock time slot, which of course means “more underwear!” They laugh about buying underwear that you get in an envelope instead of a bag, and suddenly they wanted to tan and work out an waxing things…

The audience members have a couple questions - the first is if there are anything new on Broadway coming up? She says she’s waiting for something she can originate, instead of coming into a cast already there. She’s ready - but not yet. Another asked if her character is based on anyone she knows? She’s not based on one in particular, but represents all of the strong women she has known in her life.

Next up, it’s Kevin from Project Runway - though he worked as stage director for Rachael’s show. He’s always had a love for clothing and fashion, but his Girlfriend talked him into auditioning. Tim Gunn says he’s fabulous, talented and he adores him. Heidi Klum says much the same.

Rachael says she wanted to wring Heidi’s little neck when he didn’t win, and Kevin laughs and says it wasn’t about winning - it’s what you make of it while you’re there. His secret weapon at the audition? He followed his mother’s advice and took them a plate of canolies. It made them laugh, and made Kevin stand out from the get go. So Rachael gave Kevin a challenge of her own - make a dress for her for Valentine’s Day that works if they go out, or if she stays home and cooks too.

He finds the challenge tricky, but he’s up to it! He went for a 40s movie star, cinched at the waist look that works with Rachael’s figure. And yes, he has a fashion ‘garbage bowl’ and she debuts the dress for the audience - and it’s very cute, and comfortable, with a little motorcycle jacket “because she’s kinda badass!” And as a bonus, she’d told him about wearing nighties on her honeymoon - and John laughed and said “who are you kidding - put your nighty on!” So he gave her some cute little bootie shorts and a t-shirt instead. He designed TWO dresses - and hit the give away button for the chance at one!

And today’s favorite - Armand de Brignac in a gold bottle! Nice!

Then we’re on to the rest of our Fast Faster and Fastest meal - Italian Surf & Turf, and Tex-Mex Surf & Turf!