Rocco DiSpirito’s first foray into reality TV, NBC’s The Restaurant, didn’t go to well: the show reshot real events in order to capture them on camera, NBC pulled the show and then let it resurface on Bravo, never mind the fact that he was banned from entering the restaurant he opened on the show. But… continue reading
The Restaurant
are Queer Eye’s Jai and The Restaurant’s Rocco together?
Reality television has given us some strange bedfellows, but this alleged cross-series pairing is perhaps the most unlikely at all. Gawker first reported that Queer Eye culture guy Jai Rodriguez “was seen by several witnesses at a midtown gay bar recently sucking face with the fallen TV-kitchen hottie responsible for $20 plates of drama, New… continue reading
Rocco apologizes to Jeffrey Chodorow.
Rocco apologizes to Jeffrey Chodorow. Five months after it was announced that both of Rocco DiSpirito’s restaurants were to be closed, and more than a half a year after the second season of The Restaurant concluded, Rocco is apologizing to his former business partner, who he fought with on the show. “I would like to… continue reading
both of Rocco’s restaurants close.
both of Rocco’s restaurants close. The restaurant featured in The Restaurant closed forever last week, long after chef/owner/drama queen Rocco DiSpirito was escorted from the premises and told never to show his swollen face there again. Next week, he will no longer be the chef at his first restaurant, Union Pacific, which will close in… continue reading
Rocco will testify today; manager says Chodorow “treated Rocco horribly.”
Rocco will testify today; manager says Chodorow “treated Rocco horribly.” The battle for The Restaurant didn’t make engaging television, at least not according to the ratings, but it’s now in front of a judge in New York. Rocco is expected to testify today, but yesterday, a former Rocco’s manager testified that co-owner Jeffrey Chodorow “treated… continue reading
guest chefs at Rocco’s Restaurant making their own meatballs, angering Mama.
guest chefs at Rocco’s Restaurant making their own meatballs, angering Mama. Now Rocco’s meatballs are being manhandled by financer Jeffrey Chodorow. At the location of The Restaurant, Chodorow, who’s fighting Rocco for control of the place, has invited guest chefs who make their own meatballs. He says, “We want people to try both meatballs and… continue reading
The Restaurant’s Rocco: “I am an acclaimed chef and a local and national celebrity.”
Restaurant’s Rocco: “I am an acclaimed chef and a local and national celebrity.” Being sued has apparently caused Rocco DiSpirito to develop a god complex, or at least a complex that involves others worshipping him on his high, high pedestal. In an affidavit that’s part of the ongoing legal battle between Rocco and Jeffrey Chodorow,… continue reading
Rocco needed a court’s permission to enter Rocco’s; second season on Bravo.
Rocco needed a court’s permission to enter Rocco’s; second season on Bravo. Because of the lawsuit pending against him, Rocco DiSpirito is not allowed inside Rocco’s, the restaurant featured on The Restaurant. He tried to enter Tuesday for a cookbook photo shoot, “but was stopped. A China Grill lawyer immediately sought a court order to… continue reading
NBC chief says pulling The Restaurant was a mistake; series will reair on Bravo.
NBC chief says pulling The Restaurant was a mistake; series will reair on Bravo. NBC’s TV chief Jeff Zucker said during a conference call that pulling The Restaurant off of Monday nights was a big mistake. For one, Crossing Jordan and Law & Order repeats had fewer viewers than Rocco and company, Variety reports. For… continue reading
Restaurant will air next two Saturdays.
Restaurant will air next two Saturdays. Instead of holding off The Restaurant until June, NBC is going to air the remaining three episodes this Saturday and next Saturday. Two episodes will air this Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, and the series finale will air June 5 at 8 p.m. NBC’s press release on… continue reading
NBC pulls The Restaurant until June.
NBC pulls The Restaurant until June. Rocco and Jeffrey’s catfights haven’t been dramatic enough to pull viewers in to the second season of The Restaurant, so NBC has pulled it off the schedule until May sweeps are over. The show “will rejoin the network’s schedule on Wednesday, June 9 at 9:00” p.m. ET, the Futon… continue reading
Mama says she’s at The Restaurant “every day,” reveals her meatball recipe.
Mama says she’s at The Restaurant “every day,” reveals her meatball recipe. Knight-Ridder’s Sylvia Rector talks to The Restaurant‘s Mama Dispirito, who she says “keeps me watching this contrived drama.” Mama says that she does indeed cook and hang out at the restaurant: “I am there every day. I make the meatballs, all the sauces,… continue reading
intern Drew was hired at NBC’s request, says he’ll gladly “be a dick” for publicity.
intern Drew was hired at NBC’s request, says he’ll gladly “be a dick” for publicity. The much-heralded Drew the Intern made his (final?) appearance on The Restaurant last night, in an episode that featured more re-dubbed (re-written?) lines than scenes featuring him. First, he was an ass to the staff and served alcohol even though… continue reading
second Restaurant season debuts with low ratings; did Rocco have a facelift?
second Restaurant season debuts with low ratings; did Rocco have a facelift? Four The Restaurant-related questions for today: First, did anyone watch the second season debut of Rocco’s show on Monday? Answer: No. Well, only 6.7 million people watched, compared to CSI: Miami’s 20.8 million viewers. Two, is Rocco still with his model girlfriend? Maybe…. continue reading
The Restaurant returns tonight.
The Restaurant returns tonight. The Restaurant returns for a second season on NBC tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Six episodes will chronicle chef Rocco DiSpirito’s battle with his business partner Jeffrey Chodorow. The New York Times lets restaurateurs discuss the first two episodes, and shockingly, they say it’s not really reflective of restaurant life in… continue reading