Paula Deen Fires Back At Anthony Bourdain

by UInterviewAugust 23, 2011, 12:00 amNews >

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain may have thought his harsh comments about several Food Network personalities in the recent issue of TV Guide would slide by unnoticed. But famed southern chef Paula Deen, the main target of Bourdain's criticism, is not taking things lying down. Last Thursday, Deen spoke to the New York Post and said, "Anthony Bourdain needs to get a life. You don’t have to like my food … but it’s another thing to attack our character."

After attacking the cooking skills of Deen's friends and fellow Food Network chefs, Rachel Ray, Sandra Lee and Guy Fieri, Bourdain called Deen the most dangerous person in America saying her cooking is "f—ing bad for you." Bourdain also went after Deen's connections to certain companies. "She revels in unholy connections with evil corporations." Deen defended her friends to the Post, noting that all of them, along with herself, give time and money to charity. Regarding Bourdain, Deen said, "I have no idea what Anthony has done to contribute besides being irritable.” Deen also portrayed Bourdain as an elitist, noting that his restaurant serves $58 steaks and pricey bottles of wine while she cooks for "regular families who worry about feeding their kids and paying the bills."

On Friday, Deen continued her pushback against Boudain in an appearance on "Fox and Friends," where she told the hosts, "I don't know if it was a publicity thing or if someone had just peed in his bowl of cereal that morning and he was mad."

Bourdain, who rose to prominence as a chef after the publication of his book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, has long been known for his brusque style and candid opinions. Deen's southern charm made her a fan favorite on the Food Network in 2002 after the debut of her show "Paula's Home Cooking." In addition to their numerous television shows, books and media appearances, both chefs have large personalities, so this public feud may not be over yet.