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A Possible New Show For Robert Irvine, “Dinner: Canceled”
Posted Feb 29, 2008 by Jeff Houck
Updated Mar 02, 2008 at 08:58 AM

Two weeks ago, St. Petersburg Times writer (and former Tampa Tribune reporter) Ben Montgomery broke the story that Robert Irvine, star of the Food Network show “Dinner: Impossible” had padded his resume and, generally, acted like an ##### in the Tampa Bay area while portraying himself as being on the verge of opening two restaurants in downtown St. Pete. The spaces for those restaurants, named Ooze and Schmooze, remain vacant on Beach Drive, despite more than a year of pronouncements of impending openings. (He did so with me as recently as September during my Table Conversations podcast interview with him.)

Soon after the Times story, Food Network yanked Irvine’s bio from FoodNetwork.com and redacted a few pronouncements from the intro of the show. Irvine also was scheduled to appear at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival last weekend in Miami Beach, but became chef non grata at the event and canceled at the last minute.

Even Anthony Bourdain, a former Food Network personality who has since become one of the network’s fiercest critics while vaulting to success as host of the Travel Channel series “No Reservations,” joked about Irvine on his blog.

Bourdain posted from the SoBe festival about his bestowing of the dubious Golden Clog food awards with writer Michael Ruhlman. In that post, he mentions that the Food Network actively campaigned for their stars not to attend the makeshift ceremony. (Only Rocco DiSpirito and Aaron Sanchez did.)

Bourdain wrote:

“My other concern, of course, is that Robert (Dinner Inconvenient) Irvine, deranged by his suddenly disappearing [online] biographies and his rudely canceled event, will somehow focus some hormone-fueled rage on ... me - and wrap his tiny little hands around my neck while flexing those oversized guns. My brains would squeeze out of the top of my head like toothpaste coming out of the tube …”

Irvine is still making appearances, including taping an episode of the show Wednesday night in Washington D.C. at the Pink Tie fundraiser for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Washington Post reports that the press was kept very far away from Irvine as he prepared dinner for 250 guests.

At a about 12:15 p.m. today, Food Network spokeswoman Lisa DelColle e-mailed me a statement by network president Brooke Johnson saying that Irvine will finish the rest of the production schedule but will be replaced as host at the end of the season:

“We looked into the situation and found that, as Robert as already admitted, there were some embellishments and inaccuracies in his resume. The few and minor incidents of the inclusion of these embellishments into “Dinner Impossible” have been removed. The show is, and has always been, completely accurate in the depiction of the cooking challenges faced by Robert. We will continue airing both old shows and the new season of programs currently in production. We have not renewed Robert’s contract for future seasons but will fulfill our contractual obligations. We rely on the trust that our viewers have in the accuracy of the information we present, and Robert challenged that trust. We appreciate Robert’s remorse about his actions, and we can revisit this decision at the end of the production cycle, but for now we will be looking for a replacement host.”

The network also released a statement from Irvine that read:

“I was wrong to exaggerate in statements related to my experiences regarding the Royal Family. I am proud of my work while serving in the Royal Navy and on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, also as part of the Guest Chef program in the White House with the United States Navy, in addition to my culinary accomplishments. I should have stood on those accomplishments alone, without embellishment. I remain committed and enthusiastic about my work with Food Network and other future endeavors. I am truly sorry for the errors in my judgment. To all my family, friends and loyal fans, I will work tirelessly to regain your trust and continue to use my show and life to benefit the less fortunate.”

For those who have never seen the show, check out this trailer:

UPDATE: I just saw that Serious Eats reported this news as well earlier this afternoon. So did TMZ.com

UPDATE NO. 2: Readers of The Stew say: Cut Irvine a break.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by Jeanette, Nashville TN on 03/03 at 06:38 PM

Where are Roberts friends at FN.Guy, Paula where are you? Leave the man alone keep his show.Wake up FN you are making money off this guy and that is your bottom line. DI will be cancelled in 3 months without Robert.

Posted by Tom Lewis, Springfield, IL on 03/03 at 05:44 PM

Lots of people embleish their resume, FN should have caught that before they hired him. I love his show and think that FN should keep Dinner Impossible, Let the one who has not sinned cast the first stone.

Posted by Abbey Jardine, San Jose CA on 03/03 at 04:19 PM

NBC’s David Schuster got a 2-wk suspension for slamming Hillary Clinton for “pimpimg her daughter out.“NBC was furious to have Hillary as a pimp & the Chelsea as a whore. Schuster’s smear was ugly. He apologized only when he was told he’d be fired. Robert Irvine, didn’t insult anyone, didn’t embezzle, and didn’t fail in his job. In fact, he has been a pleasure to watch & we adore his positive attitude, the “Can Do” . When weighed against the vitriol of Schuster’s nasty commentary, Irvine’s lapse is negligible. We do not want Robert replaced with a feeble imposter. He is uniquely himself & we love him just as he is. Robert.Please keep him w/the FN family!

Posted by Cin Cary, Washington State on 03/03 at 03:29 PM

We are talking TV here. Entertainment!
I am truly entertained by Robert. I could care less about his resume! Pure fun is what I call it and if you don’t like it turn it off that is your choice. We take everything to serious these days. Lighten up and you’ll find his hard nose humor quite entertaining too! Keep your chin up Robert! Cheers!

Posted by pam raeburn, ohio on 03/03 at 03:25 PM

Why didn’t the idiots at food network fire the people who are suppose to be checking resumes and backrounds BEFORE they hire someone and give them thier own show? We all know that they didn’t check “Jags” backround either. I think Roberts ego got the best of him! I won’t be watching food network anymore…..bring him back…

Posted by tracy vu, boston, MA on 03/03 at 03:08 PM

too bad, I love his show and it is one of a very few reasons keep me watching the FoodNetwork. I will not watch that show without him.

Posted by Julius, Redding, Ca on 03/03 at 02:55 PM

I GUESS MANAGEMENT AT FOOD NETWORK HAVE NEVER LIED ABOUT ANYTHING. WE HAVE ALL LIED ABOUT SOMETHING ONE TIME OR ANOTHER, JUST GET OVER IT, YOU DON’T FIRE SOMEONE THAT HAS MADE EVERY EFFORT TO MAKE IT RIGHT… HIS SHOW IS SUCCESSFUL, AND HE’S MAKING MONEY FOR FN,IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO LET HIM GO. I SUPPORT ROBERT 100% KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU’RE DOING NOW… WHO CARE ABOUT THE PAST.

Posted by stacey, ma on 03/03 at 02:39 PM

Dinner Impossible is great, who cares if he cooked the the queen, I don’t think that has anything to do with his success. Big Loss food network, even his Iron Chef appearance was great. I guarantee there are more people on your network that have claimed they have done more than they have.

Sad to see him go.

Posted by Marc Kelly, Richmond, VA on 03/03 at 02:32 PM

I think if the Food Network cancels Chef Robert then they should just cancel the show. I dont think it will survive without him. I think Chef Robert has proven himself time and again. It really angers me that the Food Network did not stand by him through this. They should have dealt with the issue at home and released that they were confident in Chef Robert’s ability. It’s time the Food Network grow some onions! If they can Chef Robert, I’ll be watching the Travel Channel from now on.

Posted by Giovanna Brown, Michigan on 03/03 at 02:23 PM

To me this is ridiculous. People exaggerate in conversations on a daily basis including on resumes difference is they were not caught. Who cares if he didn’t bake a stupid cake or wasn’t a cook in the White House he didn’t murder anyone. So what if he made money on his books etc he is still a top chef and gave the consumer what they were asking for. Robert Irvine made Dinner Impossible the show it is. He has proven to be a top chef. I will boycott Food Network and I hope that all of Robert’s Fans will do the same until they bring him back on. Everyone deserves a second chance. He admitted he made a mistake and was sorry. There are others who have done worse and walked away scott free. Get a grip Food Network. BRING ROBERT BACK!!!!

Posted by Diane M Greenwood, Geneseo Illinois on 03/03 at 02:10 PM

Give Chef Irvine a break, please! He admitted wrongdoing, apologized and deserves another chance. Can’t imagine anyone but he as host of Dinner Impossible. Food Network administration erred in not thoroughly checking his background. So be it; Chef Irvine’s show is instructional, interesting, and entertaining. I am no advocate of falsifying one’s resume, but the punishment should fit the crime. He is not holding public office, for pity’s sake!

Posted by Basil Burwell, Southport, NC on 03/03 at 02:08 PM

Egads what have we got here? A great and creative chef that had a little more puffery than his pastry is all. He is entertaining and from the beginning he wants the viewer to realize that anything is possible, an that with a little thought we at home can tackle more in the pantry and have fun doing so. Sounds like the real “Throwdown” is at hand and I think the network will be Flaying around like a wounded animal before long. My vote goes for Irvine in 2008.

Posted by Kay Warziniack, Doyline Louisiana on 03/03 at 01:34 PM

I watch Dinner Impossible with Robert Irvine weekly. He has proven himself over and over with his task. So he hasn’t done everything that he said he did. I can’t imagine this show without him. I vote to renew his contract.

Posted by Linda Jenkins, Washington DC on 03/03 at 01:34 PM

While I do not think that it is totally acceptable to “embellish” one’s resume I do not think that the Food Network is perfect either. They seem to have taken a stand against having minorities as actual chefs UNLESS they are cooking southern style. Blacks have been assigned too often as “culinary tour guides”! This is a dishonest representation of food. The statement made is that Blacks need to stay in their place which is pretty much fried chicken, ribs, etc. The Food Network should give Mr. Irvine a chance because they have not looked too clean either with their racist portayal of the world of food.

Posted by Sandy Kirschbaum, Macon, GA on 03/03 at 01:23 PM

I am very sorry to hear this has happened. I feel most of the issue is with Food Network, they should have checked his record more thoroughly.

Food Network should give Robert a fair chance and keep him on. This show will no do as well without him.

I personally do not intend to watch it going forward if he is not there.

Posted by CS, Texas on 03/03 at 01:15 PM

If Robert Irvine’s only entry on his resume’ was “Host of Dinner Impossible,” that would be enough. His personality and quirky cooking are what make the show. If they find a different host they will be doomed from the start just because it would not be the same.

I hope young people take a lesson from his travails and resist the temptation to fluff up their resume’, but come on, you have to be willing to suspend some belief just to enjoy the show!

Posted by C. K. Roy, Alaska on 03/03 at 12:54 PM

I agree with the majority of the commenters. Yes he lied, yes he has apologized. Move on. He does a great job on his show and I don’t think anyone else could do as well as he has with the challenges. Reprimand him and keep him on the show!!

Posted by John, Charlotte on 03/03 at 11:30 AM

I have to agree the punishment does not fit the crime… we are talking a TV SHOW HOST, for God’s sake. Come one people, the no talent farktard we all know as Ryan Seacrest is under far less scrutiny for being untalented and is allowed to host SEVERAL shows on TV. This guy does a fantastic job completing these “Impossible” tasks (although I think there is some creative editing done). He’s a great personality and is a pretty darn good chef… whether or not he iced the cake for Diana and Charles’ wedding.

Posted by eric culpepper, montgomery al on 03/03 at 11:26 AM

I love the show and can’t imagine it without robert. One of the few shows I can watch reruns. I have the DVR record all episodes that come on the channel. Let him stay!!! NO ONE IS PERFECT!!!!

Posted by Chef Paul, Arizona on 03/03 at 11:24 AM

Irvine is by far the BEST chef on television. I would work for him in a heartbeat! Nobody, and I mean NOBODY could do what he does and how he does it. Are they going to hire Bobby Flay to replace him? Food Network has lost a faithful viewer if they don’t reconsider his termination for such a trivial thing…

Posted by Karl Reichardt, Tempe AZ on 03/03 at 11:24 AM

My wife and I watch Robert regularly and he is Dinner Impossible. I am an HR professional and do not condone lying on one’s resume but, Food Network as an employer should conduct background checks on all employees and if they do not do this then it is wrong to single him out and fire him if other Food Network employees have inaccuracies as well. The proper procedure would be to place him on probation with a final warning and publicize the new background check policy outlining future such cases as “terminable offenses”.

Dinner Impossible will fail without Robert as his personality and style make the show successful as well as his good heart.

Posted by Nicole Smith, New York on 03/03 at 11:19 AM

WOW-It is amazing that people think he is the only one who ever has/ever will stretch the truth on a resume. I think maybe everyone who has ever applied for a job has done that is some way. I LOVE THE SHOW and it would be shame to cancel it and remove him because he was actually caught doing it (most are not caught). He is a little ornery, but, that is part of why I love watching. It is a shame that all the world has to know he did it, but let it go.

Posted by Tamia Fleming, Arizona on 03/03 at 11:13 AM

I don’t think it is right to pad your resume, but I also don’t believe firing him is going to do the food network any good at all.

His show is a great show. It’s interesting to watch and it keeps viewers wanting to tune in for the next one.

Isn’t that what television really is all about? Getting viewers and keeping them.

If he is doing that then he is doing his job despite his resume.

Posted by SHARON E. DENNISS, ROCKY HILL, CT on 03/03 at 10:14 AM

IT WOULD BE FAR MORE DECENT TO GIVE THE MAN A BREAK & GET OFF A HIGH HORSE THAT FEW IF ANY OF US DESERVE TO BE ON. I CAN’T & DON’T WISH TO IMAGINE A “DINNER:IMPOSSIBLE”, WITHOUT ROBERT IRVINE. I THINK THE WORLD OF MR. IRVINE & CAN UNDERSTAND HOW THE NEED TO ESTABLISH ONE’S SELF IN WHAT CAN BE AN ELITEIST ENVIRONMENT CAN OVERCOME THE NEED FOR HONESTY. PLEASE KEEP ROBERT WHERE HE IS & LET GO OF THIS JUDGEMENTAL COMPULSION TO BEAT HIM OVER THE HEAD ABOUT IT. YES, HE WAS WRONG. YES, SHAME ON HIM. MY GUESS IS HE FEELS ABOUT AS LOW AS POSSIBLE. HOW MANY OF US GET TO BE EXPOSED AS BALD FACED LIARS IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE WORLD?? GIVE THE GUY A BREAK, KEEP HIM ON THE FOODNETWORK & LET GO OF THE ENTIRE ISSUE.

Posted by L.A. Fugate, Minnesota on 03/03 at 10:02 AM

Mr. Clark (Wyoming)..
No not saying lying on the resume is OK. But the punishment does not fit the crime that he admitted to before Food Network was notified. He apologised and is regretful. Food Network should also be held accountable; how many employers don’t complete a background check? If Food Network would have completed a background check FIRST, this would not have happened and the bio on their website would be correct from the beginning not 2 seasons into the show.

P.S. have you ever stretched the story a little bit to showcase yourself in a better light? (told a potential new person in a relationship that you were 10 pounds lighter than you are or got a certain GPA in school?)

Food Network is entertainment. Leave Robert be.