Okay, so how much do I really tell you guys about the best experience in my food world to date? Do I save some for private email questions, or do I wait ’til the show airs sometime this summer?!
Hmmm…
REMOTE SHOOT @ MOM’S HOUSE
Was like this: up at 5. Do hair (oh, still pissed off about the color), makeup, pick one of 5 outfits, skip on my 4 shots of espresso, check makeup again and answer door when the production team arrived.
Oh my goodness! This was really going to happen. I had been prepping for a month, just in my head, how all this was going to pan out. I was excited, but knew it really wouldn’t hit me ’til THE day came.
So they interviewed me, and then me with my parents and then I got to cook! Remember that rabo encendido (oxtail) I’ve been telling you guys about? I finally did! Now, one thing though: I made two batches, enough to feed a crew of 5, my family and 4 friends, and yet no one, not one person thought to take a picture of the damn rabo! WTH? Are you serious? I could not believe it!
That just means I’ll have to cook it again once I get back to ATL so I can picture it and finally, por fin, share it here with you. I hate to break promises, so hold me to it. Email me if you must! 
So after 10 hours of jokes, serving everyone what I made and my fam/friends begging me to do a certain thing (you’ll understand once the show airs), I bid the crew farewell with a hearty piece of flan.
And then…
ON LOCATION SHOOT @ WHOLE FOODS MARKET, FAIRFAX, VA
I’ll indulge you a little. Meeting Emeril and everything else Tuesday entailed was incredible! First of all, “Chef” as everyone calls him, is the most down to earth, super cool, funny guy! Maybe you’d expect someone on his level to be pretentious and arrogant, right? After all he knows his stuff. But, if he’s not too BIG to feed a lower echelon gal like me, then you know he’s all about the real deal!
Yup, Emeril fed me ya’ll!! It was soo sexy! In our first scene, he fed me some chips and salsa but the director yelled “cut” and had a sidebar conversation with him. That was hysterical! Was he telling him not to tease me? Or was he telling him to trust that I could feed myself? Who knows. Whatever he told him, I had to feed myself for the 2nd take… It just didn’t taste the same. (sigh)
My comfort was ensured at all times and I was fed like a fool. Not the food he and I cooked, which I won’t say what it was here, but fresh sushi, chocolate chips, tea–the works, basically. You know how good Whole Foods food is, so you can only imagine. Even the cake for Josh’s, a light crew-members’ b-day, was delish. (my mom can be so so ghetto ya’ll–she cut a colossal piece, wrapped it up and took it to her car during lunch. GHETTTOO!)
Then more taping. No rehearsing, no retakes, just good ol’ improv and going for it! Smooth acting here guys. Once thing I did notice–Emeril is so on top his game. He observes everything and does not let anything slip by him! Whoa… Be careful directors and producers. It could momentarily appear as if he’s not paying attention and has been distracted by our chit-chat about my mom’s ring, but he’s got one ear on me and one on his associate producer, who’s kindly fending off on-lookers begging for autographs and photo-op.
So finally, after doing our thing, cooking a special dish and eating it (and he fed me again!), we were done. I’d love to tell you more, but it’ll spoil the episode and the cool TV magic trick we did! I promise you’ll love it. I actually did learn something about cooking, even my own Cuban food, and it was great learning from Emeril. However, I have to put a disclaimer out there; in two (maybe three) of the scenes, I totally had to dumb it down and “act” as if I didn’t know what he was talking about. Nods, perplexed looks, questions and so forth, followed! SO, just know this is TV and sometimes you gotta play the part, for real!
For those of you that haven’t had the privilege of working with him, I swear you’d love it. Everyone from the entire production team to kitchen staff prepping everything, was wonderful. The exec producer has a hell of job on her hands and seemingly she’s doing something right after 10 years of doing Emeril Live. Ultimately, nothing about the day was “hollywood”, in the sense of divo’s or diva’s, which I loved even more. Hec, even the security guard was kind of cute.
I can get used to this: Cameras and damn good food. I even got to sing a bit at the remote!
I was glad when the day was over only because my feet hurt. And NO I didn’t get to wear those bad ass L.A.M.B. shoes!! Hec nah! We did way too much moving around to actually wear them. But I did wear another pair of 4.5″ snakeskin wedges–thanks Elina (associate producer, pictured below)!!
EMERIL GREEN premiers in June on the Discovery Channel. My episode date is unknown at this time, but I’ll post when I find out. Check your local listing and support Emeril in his new project. It’s going to be great.
Something about this experience tells me this is the first of many more GREAT opportunities.
PS: I ate the colossal piece of cake on Wed. morning. Damn, it was good. Thanks mom!! ha ha.
PSS: thanks to Adam W. of the production office in NY for being so terribly awesome and friendly even beyond his casting responsibilities… oh and the director, Alan, for thinking I was 20!!!!! And the entire remote crew–Rick is probably still sniffing his coat!!
Mi nombre es Brenda. My friends call me B. And Bren is my stage and pen-name. I'm a single gal living alone in Atlanta for the time being. I'm a soulful chick. I have a passion for all things food. I'm a singer/musician really, but an incredible cook, I have to say! I was raised in a very traditional Latin home, which meant everything happened(s) in the kitchen, literally! story-telling, crying, partying, fighting...oh yeah and cooking!
May 10th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
How exciting! I will try to tune in when it airs.
May 11th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Wow! That is so cool! What an amazing experience?! I can’t wait to view the episode. Congrats on meeting and working with Mr Food Network himself
May 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Oh my gosh, how exciting!!! I wish I could watch the episode…will you upload to youtube for us foreigners?
Super super cool. 
May 11th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Hi Bren,
Just a short note to let you know that I awarded you with Arte Y Pico award
http://www.coffeeandvanilla.com/?p=2271
Have a nice day, Margot
p.s. Lovely pictures
May 11th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Hi Brenda-
What a awesome site you have. I feel so at home here!
Beautiful pics too. I will be here often and thank you so much for stopping by my house as well!
Lucky you to cook with Emeril, I’ve only been to his restaurants.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:44 am
gorgeous site you have!
and congratulations on your big day out! i’m sure it’s gonna be a fantastic episode!
i wonder if the disovery here in singapore/malaysia will show this programme. well, there’s always youtube too..
May 12th, 2008 at 7:21 am
you deserve this! very cool. I’m sure now that he’s off the stupid food network there wasn’t a BAM! in sight! i can’t wait to watch you on the show and claim to ‘know’ you to everyone!
you better gives us a major head’s up!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am
So very very cool! I am green… can you tell? Can’t wait to here your air date and check it all out. You should be very proud.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I am SO excited for you chica! You know I’m dvr’n that show.
Did you get the airdate??
Lots to tell you - not enough time in the day - we so have to catch up!
May 12th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Very very cool!
Can’t wait to see the show.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Simply awesome! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see it, but what’s this magic you speak of?!? Bring on the spoilers!
May 13th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
oh BABY! I’m so *#(%@(*%!*$ proud of you!!!!!!
go, girl go!!
May 14th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Thanks everyone!!! I’m so excited too and I’ll make sure to let you know when it airs in the states. Let’s hope for bigger and better things!
Noble Pig: thanks! I’ll be stopping by too!
Nic: I’ll youtube it and put it up; I’ll let you know where you can see it!
May 15th, 2008 at 2:04 am
What? No L.A.M.B. shoes?!!! Can I borrow em?;)
You look so FABULOUS Bren! Really, you are super duper photogenic and made for TV! Thanks for sharing this awesome experience.
There are going to be producers lined up at your door! Just don’t forget us little people when you hit it big, Ok? XOXOXOXO!!!
May 15th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I swear, mi mama is the same way. She would stick six packs of soda in her purse and bring them to the movie theater as well, jeje.
Now about that oxtail…just playing, chica. Congrats! I’ll Tivo the episode.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Thanks for your visit to my blog. It is fantastic to find yours! Looks like I may really enjoy reading more about Cuban food here!
May 18th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I am so darn happy for you!!!!! You go girlfriend!
May 20th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
White on Rice Couple: Girl, I returned those shoes, an and I'm now I'm super pressed to find them again! What a dumb move, on my part.Luis: Ha ha ha on our mother’s, right. But they’re just so damn cool and know everything!
GretchenNoelle: Thanks and me too!
Cynthia: do it, do it, do it! thanks chica.
May 20th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
It sounds like you had a great time! I sounds like a lot of fun!
May 21st, 2008 at 12:16 am
Ultra cool. What a wonderful accomplishment, and I so enjoyed reading the part about being fed. lol
Thanks for stopping by, great blog, enjoy your style of writing.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:20 am
Sounds great, Bren, can’t wait to see it on the tube! I’m wondering if they’ll show Emeril feeding you or if they’ll use the second take instead. How ridiculous! Anyway, next time you cook with him (which I can’t imagine not happening), you’ll have to feed him instead! That is, unless you’re waiting for a turn with Bobby Flay …
May 21st, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Wow! WOw! WOw! You were made for TV - yeah for you!
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 am
Kevin: Woo hoo! It was great Kevin! I’m in love with him
Pixie: Thanks. I enjoyed reading yours too. You know I’ll be back.
LPC: Hmm… Bobby Flay.. Not too sure about feeding him or vice versa. Something about Emeril was way way way fun…Bobby just doesn’t strike me like that… a bit uhm??? I don’t know–when I meet him I’ll tell you! Ha.
Simply Gluten Free: Thanks!!
June 1st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I just found your blog and I love it! How great that you got to work with Emeril. I am going to have to spend some time exploring your site… it just looks too fun!
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:16 am
this is awesome! lucky gal.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Bren,
way cool, I hope that I haven’t missed the spot. Your pictures are great.
We need to catch up I’ve been cooking on the road for a while then the fam’ and me went to the “Big Easy” and cajun country. That’s good eats.
Got to find a job soon or get more clintel.
talk to you soon,
Ave
July 12th, 2008 at 11:18 am
congratulations!!! that is awesome.
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