Toy Review: Playmobil The Movie “Del’s Food Truck”

“Playmobil The Movie”

Del’s Food Truck

Playmobil

Our Score:  4 out of 5 stars

By chance siblings Marla and Charlie are drawn into the magical Playmobil universe and separated. To find Charlie again, Marla must embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Fortunately she meets Del, a crazed food truck driver, who helps her to find her way in this fantastic world with its wacky rules. Matching the cinema launch, Is the “Del’s Food Truck” play set consisting of film characters Marla in college jacket and Del, Del’s red food truck with equipment, sleeping serum, magic hay and many other extras that let you relive the adventure of the film and beyond all from your very own home.

Playmobil continues to make their mark on the always growing licensed toy market however this time it’s a license of their own creation. Based off the recently released “Playmobil The Movie” youngsters and fans of the film can relive all hysterical action from the film. We had a chance to check one of the key pieces in the set and from the movie “Del’s Food Truck”. Packed with tons of cool details and accessories this play set will have you up and going on adventures in no time. From a parent’s stand-point there is quite a bit of assembly and sticker-ing which needs to be done so be prepared for several “are you done yet?” questions from your young ones. Also I do want to point out that a lot of the parts in this set are quite small so you will defiantly want to make sure your loved one is passed the “putting stuff in the mouth” phase before handing this over However, once you have the truck assembled and all the food in-place you probably won’t see your loved one for a bit as they surely will be busy providing food and fun to other toys in their expansive collections. Our in-house toy tester Ian provided spicy burritos and magic hay to anyone he could. I think our dog Damon even took part in an adventure or two which was quite entertaining to say the least given his rather anti-social personality.

I can’t say it enough; this is probably one of the most detailed sets to date from the fine folks at Playmobil. From labeled food cans to Del’s removable rubber slides there was no expense spared. I would have like to have seen a few less stickers to put on (mainly the really smalls one) however once on everything looked great. Scale wise everything matches to previous Playmobil sets allowing for seamless play between other sets allowing you and/or your loves ones to create endless scenarios time and time again across all Playmobil licenses.

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Filed Under: Misc, Toys Tagged With: dels, food, movie, playmobil, review, toy, ...

The Americas Cake Fair to help raise awareness, stock supplies at  Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as demand rises

MEDIA ALERT

Two sweet story opportunities this week:
The Americas Cake Fair to help raise awareness, stock supplies at
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida as demand rises

WHAT:
With a huge influx of new residents from Puerto Rico expected in the coming months and the Thanksgiving / holidays approaching, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFBCF)’s need for food donations is rapidly increasing. The Americas Cake Fair is conducting two community outreach initiatives to help raise awareness for SHFBCF’s services and stock supplies of local emergency food pantries. Both events provide excellent visuals and interview opportunities.

WHEN/WHERE:
Wednesday, October 4, 10:30 AM – A Baker Inspires Others

The Founder & CEO of Satin Fine Foods, Inc. & The Americas Cake Fair is meeting with students enrolled in the Second Harvest Culinary Training Program, which provides qualified, at-risk and economically disadvantaged adults with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. Kevin O’Reilly will share his inspiring business story, from humble beginnings working in his family’s bakery in Ireland to creating a “better-tasting mousetrap” (Satin Ice) to establishing one of the largest fondant manufacturing companies in the world.

Where: SHFBCF Main Facility, 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32805

Saturday, October 7, 2:00-4:30 PM – Drive-Through Food Drive at the Ace

Central Floridians can support their community and donate non-perishable, unexpired food items in exchange for ticket vouchers to The Americas Cake Fair. A donation of 10 food items entitles each consumer to one ticket voucher, with a limit of four vouchers (40 food items donated) per household. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Cake Fair registration window at the Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, October 13-15, 2017. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Participants can simply drive into the large surface “car park” at Ace Cafe Orlando, stay in their cars, and volunteers will exchange ticket vouchers for donations, right through car windows; or they can park and enjoy a visit to the Ace.

Where: 100 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32801, corner Livingston & Garland

 

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Filed Under: Style Tagged With: americas, awareness, bank, cake, central, demand, ...

91X Presents: Ye Scallywag! Craft Beer, Food & Music Festival Featuring Pennywise and More.

91X Presents: YE SCALLYWAG!
Craft Beer, Food & Music Festival October 21, 2017
Featuring Music From Pennywise, Me First and the Gimme Gimme Gimmes, The Vandals, Lagwagon, Strung Out,
The Adolescents & Western Settings.

Limited Number of 91X Presale Tickets Available Wednesday, August 16. General Tickets On Sale Friday, August 18 at 10:00 A.M. PT

After a successful debut in 2016, and what OC Weekly called “a great day of beer and punk rock,” 91X Presents Ye Scallywag! returns to Waterfront Park in San Diego, CA for its second year. Produced by premier music festival production company Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), and Orange County, California’s most successful and respected craft beer festival producer, Brew Ha Ha Productions, the day-long craft beer, food and music festival will take place on Saturday, October 21 and feature over 100 craft beers, along with a full day of punk rock music with performances by Pennywise, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, The Vandals, Lagwagon, Strung Out, The Adolescents, and Western Settings.

“Ye Scallywag! was one of the most amazing events San Diego craft beer and punk rock music fans have ever seen,” says Ye Scallywag! co-producer Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions. “Let’s be honest… it was one of the coolest events that took place last year! We know we’ve set the bar pretty high but we’re confident we’re going to nail it this year and even plan to offer a few surprises for attendees!”

An extremely limited number of $45 presale tickets for general admission to Ye Scallywag! will be available to 91X listeners registered with 91X’s presale e-mail and texting lists. Visit 91X.com for information on their exclusive presale beginning on Wednesday, August 16. Regularly priced tickets go on sale Friday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. PT at www.ScallywagSD.com

During VIP and early entry tastings (from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.), and general admission tastings (from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.), Ye Scallywag! attendees will enjoy unlimited craft beer samples from top California breweries. Local artisan food trucks and pop-up restaurants will also be on site selling a variety of delicious and unique food options throughout the day and evening. Craft beer and other libations will be available for purchase at concession stands as well.

The initial list of breweries for Ye Scallywag! includes: AleSmith, Alpine Brewing, Beachwood Brewing, Booze Brothers, Bottle Logic, Chapman Crafted, Fall Brewing, Green Flash, Hangar 24, Mikkeller SD, and Modern Times, with more to be announced.

Starting Friday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. PT, General Admission and VIP tickets will be available for purchase for the following prices. Please note: The event is for those 21 and up and all tickets include beer tastings and access to live music.

General Admission: $50
Early Entry Admission: $65
One hour early entry for craft beer tastings, starting at 12:00 p.m.

VIP Lounge + Early Entry: $99
Includes 1 VIP admission ticket to Ye Scallywag!; VIP Entry Lane; and access to the Ye Scallywag! VIP Lounge which includes: early entry at 12:00 p.m. for beer tastings, exclusive tastings in VIP Lounge, VIP viewing from the Lounge, VIP cash bar, and private restrooms.

Side Of Stage Viewing + VIP Lounge With Early Entry: $199
Includes 1 VIP admission ticket to Ye Scallywag!; access to side of stage viewing platform on the Main Stage; VIP Entry Lane; and access to Ye Scallywag! VIP Lounge, which includes: early entry at 12:00 p.m. for beer tastings, exclusive tastings in VIP Lounge, VIP viewing from the Lounge, VIP cash bar, and private restrooms.

Waterfront Park is located at 1600 Pacific Highway in San Diego, near North San Diego Bay. Ye Scallywag! will have a convenient drop off area for ride sharing and taxis, and the Green Line to San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot train station is just three blocks from Waterfront Park.

The festival producers encourage attendees to drink responsibly.

For more information on 91X Presents Ye Scallywag!, please visit:
Website: http://www.scallywagsd.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/scallywagsd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/scallywag_sd
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/scallywagsd

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Filed Under: Giveaways, Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 91x, beer, craft, featuring, festival, food, ...

NASCAR Racing returning to NBC on Saturday, July 1st at 7 p.m. EST from Daytona International Speedway | NBC’s Sports Food Trucks in the Orlando-Daytona area THIS WEEK!

In celebration of NASCAR Racing’s returning to NBC on Saturday, July 1st at 7 p.m. EST from Daytona International Speedway, NBC’s Sports Food Trucks will be making several stops in the Orlando-Daytona area THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 29th– SATURDAY, JULY 1st !

We invite you to come out and enjoy the different food themes inspired by your favorite NASCAR drivers! NASCAR fans of all ages will enjoy the NBC Race Flag Chips Truck, NASCAR on NBC Go-Go Snow Cones Truck, and NASCAR on NBC Racecar-B-Q Truck. There will also be opportunities for attendees to participate in activities, games, and enter-to-win prizes. Below is the list of stops the food trucks will be located throughout Thursday, June 29 – Saturday, July 1st.

Thursday, June 29

6 – 7:30 p.m. ET – New Smyrna Speedway (3939 State Road 44 West New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168)

Friday, June 30

Noon – 4 p.m. ET – Oceanfront Park / Daytona Beach Bandshell (70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, FL 32118)

8-10 p.m. ET – Dirty Harry’s (705 Main St Daytona Beach, FL 32118)

Saturday, July 1

Noon – 2 p.m. ET – Daytona Flea Classic Car Show (1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32124)

5 – 7 p.m. ET – Daytona Beach Brewing Company’s 3 Year Anniversary Party (482 Fentress Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114)

 

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Filed Under: TV Headlines Tagged With: 1st, 7, area, daytona, est, food, ...

Lifehouse and LOVERBOY Headline Downtown Food & Wine Fest at Lake Eola February 21 and 22, 2015

The Ultimate Fest Experience Ticket Now Available

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 2, 2015) The Seventh Annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest is set for Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2015 for more than 30,000 foodies and wine lovers to experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe.

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 30 of Orlando¡¦s premier restaurants, 50 domestic and international wines and live, national entertainment by Lifehouse and LOVERBOY.

All appearances and entertainment are subject to change without notice. The complete performance schedule will be updated on www.DowntownFoodandWineFest.com.

Lifehouse
On the heels of the announcement of their much-anticipated new studio album, Out of the Wasteland, available this spring, the multi-platinum alt-rock band Lifehouse takes the Fest stage on Saturday evening, February 21. Out of the Wasteland is the work of a group that has some history. It was 2001 when Los Angeles-based Lifehouse broke through in a big way when Hanging by a Moment, from their debut album No Name Face, spent 20 weeks in the Top Ten and won a Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year. Since then, the band has released five more albums, sold over 15 million records worldwide and spun off such hit singles as You and Me, First Time and Whatever it Takes Lifehouse is one of the most played artists in the history of Hot AC with 1.5 million spins and over 1.4 Billion Pandora Plays to date.

LOVERBOY
For more than 30 years, LOVERBOY has been Working for the Weekend and on weekends, delighting audiences around the world since forming in Calgary, Alberta. The legendary band takes the Fest stage on Sunday evening, February 22.
With their trademark red leather pants, bandannas, big rock sound and high-energy live shows, LOVERBOY has sold more than 10 million albums, earning four multi-platinum plaques, including the four-million-selling Get Luck and a trio of double-platinum releases in their self-titled 1980 debut, 1983’s Keep It Up and 1985’s Lovin Every Minute of It. Still, Working for the Weekend, LOVERBOY’s catalog includes some of arena-rock’s most enduring anthems. LOVERBOY’s reputation as a live act has always been its calling card as the group continues to entertain fans of all ages.

Downtown Food & Wine Fest Tickets
Date / Time: Saturday, February 21, 2015 (noon to 9 p.m.)
Sunday, February 22, 2015 (noon to 7 p.m.)
Location: Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola along Robinson Street
Admission: Admission is $15 per person, per day with advance online purchase. Admission at the door is $20 per person, per day. Admission for children under age 12 is free.
Food and beverage tickets are available at the Fest for $2 each; food and beverage offerings range from one to four tickets.
For all-weekend Fest fans, a two-day ticket is available for $25 per person only with advance online purchase.

A limited number of Wine Tasters Club passes will be available for purchase for $15 per person in addition to general admission only with advance online purchase. Club members will enjoy up to five 2 oz. pours of their choice throughout the Fest and a souvenir lanyard.

Back by popular demand, The Ultimate Fest Experience ticket returns. The Ultimate Fest Experience ticket is $100 per person, per day and includes VIP parking, general admission, Wine Tasters Club, $20 in food and beverage tickets, access to the private stage side pavilion with premium wine selections, access to private restrooms and a commemorative gift. A limited number of VIP tickets are available with advance online purchase.

The Fest is presented and produced by CBS RADIO Orlando, led by Orlando favorites MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 101.9 AMP Radio in partnership with the Central Florida Chapter of the FRLA. A portion of the proceeds benefit the FRLA Educational Foundation.

The Downtown Food & Wine Fest is one of our Downtown’s signature cultural events, showcasing the best of Orlando¡¦s culinary scene. Events like this continue to expand Downtown’s offerings and bring more and more people to our urban core to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and vibrancy of our community, said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Dave Robbins, senior vice president and market manager, CBS RADIO Orlando commented, Through the power of radio and the strength of our FRLA restaurants, foodies and fans come together to celebrate an event that truly brings our community together to indulge in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Orlando. Now in its seventh year, the Fest is the perfect combination of divine food, unique wines, and entertainment, said Leigh Doyle, president-elect, Central Florida Chapter of the FRLA.

Orlando has emerged onto the national culinary stage with award-winning restaurants and memorable events to showcase the spirit of the City Beautiful.

Stay Connected
For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:
Visit www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com
Like Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Facebook
Follow @DTFoodWineFest on Twitter Use #DTFoodWineFest
Call the events hotline at 407-919-1048 or eMail [email protected]

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: 2015, 21, 22, downtown, eola, february, ...

Win Daily Admission Passes to this year’s Downtown Food & Wine Fest at Lake Eola [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!


Don’t miss out on one of the year’s hottest events with plenty of food and live music at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest at Lake Eola, Media Mikes is happy to giveaway Two Daily Admission passes.   If you would like to win this great prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and tell us what are you looking forward to most at this event. This giveaway will be open until February 8th.  One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

The tradition continues as more than 20,000 foodies and wine lovers experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest, Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, 2013. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola along Robinson Street. The Fifth Annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest (previously known as The Orlando Food and Wine Fest) has established itself as a signature event for Orlando.
Tickets: Admission is $10 per person, per day with advance online purchase beginning January 15, 2013 at www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com.  Advance tickets are also available at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.
 
Admission at the door is $15 per person, per day. Admission for children under age 12 is free.  Food tickets are available at the event for $2 each; food and wine offerings range from one to four tickets.  New for 2013, VIP ticket packages include parking, a private pavilion, and additional Fest perks and privileges.   A limited number of VIP tickets are available only at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.
The Fest is presented and produced by CBS RADIO, led by Orlando favorites MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 102 JAMZ in partnership with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.  Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, domestic and international wines, and live entertainment.  A portion of the proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the FRLA Educational Foundation.
 
 “The Fest is the perfect combination of divine food, unique wines, and headliner entertainment right in the heart of downtown,” said Nicole Dipietro, participating restaurateur and president, Central Florida Chapter, FRLA.  “Orlando has emerged onto the national culinary stage with award-winning restaurants and memorable events to showcase the spirit of the City Beautiful.” Forty top restaurants are scheduled to present culinary tastings including the return of the 2012 Foodie Award winners as honored by a panel of Orlando elected officials, food writers and reporters, and celebrity chefs.
For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:
  • Like Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Facebook
  • Follow @DTFoodWineFest on Twitter

 

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: admission, daily, downtown, eola, fest, food, ...

Atlanta Rhythm Section and The All-American Rejects Headline Downtown Food & Wine Fest


Downtown Food & Wine Fest Pairs Culinary Treats

With Live Entertainment February 23 and 24, 2013
 Produced by MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 102 JAMZ in partnership with the
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
 
ORLANDO, Fla. (January 14, 2013) – The tradition continues as more than 20,000 foodies and wine lovers experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest, Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, 2013.
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, domestic and international wines, and live entertainment.
Live Entertainment*
* Appearances and entertainment subject to change without notice. 
Performance times to be posted on www.DowntownFoodandWineFest.com.
Saturday, February 23 (noon to 9 p.m.)
Atlanta Rhythm Section 
Kaleigh Baker & NEM
John Smith and Tropical Steel
Road Soda
Sunday, February 24 (noon to 7 p.m.)
The All-American Rejects
Andy Grammar
Matt Hires
Vicci Martinez
CeCe TeNeal
Tickets
Admission is $10 per person, per day with advance online purchase beginning January 15, 2013 atwww.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com.  Advance tickets are also available at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.
Admission at the door is $15 per person, per day. Admission for children under age 12 is free.  Food tickets are available at the event for $2 each; food and wine offerings range from one to four tickets.  New for 2013, VIP ticket packages include parking, a private pavilion, and additional Fest perks and privileges.   A limited number of VIP tickets are available only at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.
             
Forty top restaurants are scheduled to present culinary tastings including the return of the 2012 Foodie Award winners as honored by a panel of Orlando elected officials, food writers and reporters, and celebrity chefs.
Liquid Lounge
New for 2013, the Liquid Lounge will be the place to remix, relax, and refresh during the Fest on Broadway Street.  Featuring beer, wine, and specialty drinks for purchase, guests will meet and mingle with 102 JAMZ Freaken Weekend On-air Mixers in a sleek and swanky atmosphere to enjoy remixes of today’s hottest hit music while relaxing in a South Beach-style setting.
The Fest is presented and produced by CBS RADIO, led by Orlando favorites MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 102 JAMZ in partnership with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.  Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, domestic and international wines, and live entertainment.  A portion of the proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the FRLA Educational Foundation.
Stay Connected
For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:
 
About CBS RADIO
CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market operators in the United States with stations covering news, sports, talk, rock, oldies, country, adult contemporary and urban formats, among others, offers audiences an enhanced and customized listening experience through the combination of on-air, online and new media platforms. CBS RADIO operates 127 radio stations throughout the nation’s top 50 markets and broadcasts play-by-play coverage of more than two dozen of the country’s leading professional sports franchises. CBS RADIO also has embraced interactive programming through the use of streaming, HD Radio, podcasts and mobile messaging. CBS RADIO is a division of CBS Corporation. For more information on CBS RADIO, please visitwww.cbsradio.com.
About Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
FRLA’s mission is to Protect, Educate and Promote Florida’s hospitality industry – which represents a $62.4 billion industry, 20 percent of Florida’s economy, $3.4 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than 900,000 employees, making it Florida’s largest employer. It is Florida’s premier non-profit, hospitality industry trade association. FRLA safeguards the needs of the hospitality industry, improves the business climate, promotes the highest levels of quality and safety for our patrons, provides legislative advocacy, and eases navigation of government regulation. The Association represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, including theme parks and the largest casual theme restaurant company in the world. Carol Dover serves as President/CEO. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: allamerican, atlanta, downtown, fest, food, headline, ...

Jillycakes’ Jillian Hopke talks about winning Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”

Jillian Hopke is the owner of the Orlando, FL based Jillycakes. She also was the winner of Season 6, Episode 12 of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Jillian about her road to victory and how she got started in the business.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us how Jillycakes came about?
Jillian Hopke: About 5 years ago I started baking for several of my coworkers, various birthdays and celebrations and each time people were blown away by the cakes and cupcakes. AT that point I was fortunate enough to have a captive audience and I started experimenting with flavors and bringing them to work. While everyone was just happy to have free cake I was able to get them hooked on my product and solicit some free market research in the meantime. When we first started baking for hire many of our clients were, and still are, friends of ours. Up until the moment we were on the show our advertising had been 100% word of mouth. It speaks volumes for your product when you can become so successful just by friends telling friends.

MG: Have you always want to work in this field?
JH: Baking has always been a hobby and a passion for me I never expected or planned to have things get to this magnitude. Growing up we were taught if you do something you should strive to be the best at it. I’m completely self-taught and have been blessed with a natural artistic skill. I can’t express how fortunate I feel that something I love doing has become such a prominent part of my life!

MG: How did you get chosen to compete on “Cupcake Wars”?
JH: I was sent the link to the online casting call by a very good friend of mine Blake. At first I didn’t take him very seriously but, knowing of our years of experience performing for local theme parks, he said “c’mon….we already know you make the best cupcakes PLUS you would make great television”. So I took his advice and wrote from the heart… .I never dreamed they would actually choose us! The very first part of the process was just an essay to submit our application and plead our case. The video audition tape that was requested by our casting agent didn’t come till many months later. All in all it was a casting process spanning nearly two years.

MG: How has winning “Cupcake Wars” affected your company?
JH: Our business has tripled over night. It seems like everywhere we go someone has heard of us so we are now finally becoming a household name. Some clients ordered a cake and brought it out to a local restaurant and their server went nuts when they saw our logo on the box. We also have had to pad our delivery times with a few extra min to accommodate the interviews and photo shoots that happen when we show up to people’s houses…..it’s amazing how many people don’t expect us to show up in person.

MG: How does it feel to be given a chance to come back as an all-star for “Cupcake Wars”?
JH: The response from our fans has been overwhelming. We have fans contacting us from across almost all 50 states as well as 20 countries worldwide. Because Orlando is the tourist capitol of the world we have been able to reach a much broader spectrum of people. We can’t wait to get back on and make our fans proud. Besides….there can’t possibly be a harder secret ingredient than seafood right??!!

MG: How can people get a taste of your work?
JH: Orders can be placed online through our website or by emailing us at [email protected]. All orders include free delivery and come conveniently to you whether you live here or are just visiting one of our many resorts and hotels. Due to our current volume of orders a 5 day minimum lead time is advised to be sure we can accommodate the request.

MG: Do you only deliver in Orlando FL?
JH: Right now everything is local delivery but we have been experimenting successfully with some shipping options for our products so you may see Jillycakes available all across America sometime soon. We also can travel to other central Florida locations upon special request.

MG: What does Jillycakes have planned next?
JH: We would like to start by increasing our community outreach and are working on concepts and plans for a retail location to open next year. We also have plans to offer a new type of in home party for all ages with cupcake baking demos and decorating tips. The main goal right now is just continuing to change the way people think about cake to make memorable experiences for them rather than ho hum forgettable celebrations.

 

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: cupcake, food, hopke, jillian, jillycakes, networks, ...

Florian Bellanger talks about judging on the Food Network Series “Cupcake Wars”

Florian Bellanger is one of the judges on the Food Network Series “Cupcake Wars”. He is also the owner of Mad Mac Macaroons. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Florian about his work on the show and get some cool behind-the-scenes stories.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you became involved with Food Network Series “Cupcake Wars”?
Florian Bellanger: It is a funny thing. One day I received a message from one of the producers on my Facebook page that they were working on a new show and needed a judge. They sent me a pilot, which they actually still air occasionally. It is the only episode that I am not on board. After they got a decent response from the pilot, Food Network decided to go into production. They wanted someone that was a pastry expert and not from the cupcake world. So I did a few auditions for it and eventually I got the job. The two process took about two months. At the beginning we weren’t sure how the show was going to do, so we only shot eight episodes for season one. We didn’t know that it would be such a success.

MG: Tell us about how you choose your judging style?
FB: When they first hired me they asked “Have your ever watched ‘American Idol’?” I said, sure. They said basically we have a Paula and we are looking for a Simon [laughs]. They asked if I could do a Simon. I told them I could but it would be under some conditions. I don’t want to insult the baker personally. I wasn’t going to tell them that “You are a loser and shouldn’t be here”. Now can I be a tough cookie…yes I can be a tough cookie. Can I insult their food. Of course I can tell them that their food tastes like shit [laughs]. But I won’tattack them personally. The other thing was that I didn’t want the judgings to be staged. I didn’t want an ear piece or anyone telling me what to say or do. I wanted to judge the way I wanted to and speak my mind and be honest. They said that they weren’t looking for that either and were very upfront and honest. We got along very well. 75 episodes to date and I have no regrets at all.

MG: Any fun behind the scenes stories from the show?
FB: Some of my comments don’t make it into the show sometimes, since they were too strong [laughs]. Like “Your cupcake is so small, it looks like a midget cupcake”, they said that they didn’t want to air it so not to upset anyone. I don’t mean anything bad, I just speak my mind and I am French. So sometimes I speak too strong. One day we had a mother and daughter contestant team and they were fighting so bad that the mother walked away right in the middle of the competition. We had a few cooks cut themselves by accident. The cupcakes were covered with blood and that food couldn’t be judged (or eaten), obviously. What you see on TV is really what you get. They really work against the clock. We never stop the clock ever. If they are not done, then they get eliminated…that is it. It is really high pressure environment. We start shooting around 7am in the morning. They have to work and also find time to talk with the cameras as well. It is not only competing, they need to make it into good TV. So there is a nice blend of the TV aspect and the competition aspect. It is a long day for them. For Candace (Nelson) and myself, it is easy. We sit, eat and comment, but we are in the room the whole time.

MG: After each show, the winners always get to go to these parties; why aren’t the judges invited?
FB: Of course since it is TV, they make you think the party is that night. It would be impossible to have the show shoot the same days as the events. On TV, we make it look like they go straight to the parties. They show up at a later date and it makes it more difficult. The winning display is saved but they have to re-bake all of the thousand cupcakes. The day of shooting those cupcakes go to charity. Sometimes the contestants are coming from the East Coast and the party is in Los Angeles. So it is a big of trip sometimes for these contestants.

MG: Tell us about what we can expect from the future of the show?
FB: We just started shooting season seven now, which is pretty cool. Before that we have done seventy-five episodes already. It is amazing. We are shooting another thirteen for season seven. Then probably another thirteen this October. It is doing really well. We are in the top five for the Food Network’s shows, in terms of ratings. Right now Food Network is running thirty-nine episodes a year. I heard but I am not 100% but I hear they want to bring it to fifty-two episodes a year. Which would be one new episodes each week. So that would be very amazing for the show.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: bellanger, cupcake, florian, food, judging, network, ...

Justin Willman talks magic and working on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”

Justin Willman is the host of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”.  His first passion is magic and currently has a web-series on The Nerdist Channel called “Magic Meltdown” and also has an on-going “Tricked Out Tour”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Justin about working on “Cupcake Wars” and get some cool behind-the-scenes stories.

Mike Gencarelli: What do you enjoy most about hosting “Cupcake Wars”?
Justin Willman: I love being a part of the show since it has such a wide fan base. Of course there are the adults that love watching “Cupcake Wars”. It is one of those few shows that has a broad family appeal that parents can watch with their kids since it has a little something for everybody. I really like broad appeal and being able to expand my own fanbase to a really wide one.

MG: How did this opportunity come up for you work on this show?
JW: I was a correspondent on “The Rachel Ray Show” for a couple of years, which was my first regular hosting gig. Through that I was exposed the culinary world. I would cover different food events for her. I never had any connection between the food world before and between you and me…I can’t cook [laughs]. Through that I was able to get into the world and when this audition came along, I was in the right place at the right time.

MG: You seem to have a lot of fun on the show; any cool behind-the-scenes stories?
JW: Let me think here. The show is very dramatic but you can see at times we are having a lot of fun and we really do. I get to hang out with Florian and Candace all day. They are sitting all day, actually they sit and I am standing while they bake. We got to become really close friends and have a lot of fun. I think the one behind-the-scenes nugget that I can give you is that Florian is not intimidating in person as he is on the show. He takes cupcakes very seriously but he is just a big teddy bear.

MG: Did you wear the kilt the whole episode during the Disney/Pixar “Brave” episode?
JW: The whole time! It was one of the most comfortable outfits. I was able to move around very freely. The kilt had a little built in pocket in the front, which was perfect for my phone. When we weren’t rolling I was able to catch up on emails and Angry Birds.

MG: You get to eat any of the cupcakes?
JW: One of my most commonly asked questions is “Do I get to eat the cupcakes”. I don’t on camera. But Candace will rarely finish her own cupcake. usually I get to eat whatever she doesn’t eat. If it is a great cupcake, I have to try it but if it is horrible sometimes I have to try that also just to see.

MG: When can we expect some new episodes of “Cupcake Wars”?
JW: We should be airing news episodes currently every Sunday. Then are shooting now for our seventh season with 13 more episodes coming this Fall!

MG: Tell us about your new series “Magic Meltdown”?
JW: Obviously I have been doing magic since I was 12. It is my first passion and it is what I love doing most. The Nerdist channel, which hosts “Magic Meltdown”, gave me this chance to do this street magic series with a comedic edge to it. It was a chance to finally put out my own brand of comedy magic. It has been great. We have done 6 episodes so far out of 15. New episodes air every Friday.

MG: Tell us about your on-going “Tricked Out Tour”?
JW: Honestly, there is nothing that makes me happier than performing on stage for a live audience. This Fall, I have a couple of tour stops. Next year, I am putting together a whole theater tour, hopefully all over the country. Coming to a theater near you! I hope all the “Cupcake Wars” fans come out and get a chance to meet me in person.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: cupcake, food, justin, magic, networks, talks, ...

Blu-ray Review “The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)”

Directed by: Roger Corman
Starring: Dick Miller, Jack Nicholson, Jonathan Haze, Mel Welles
Distributed by: Legend Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 70 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Legend Films is known for colorizing classic films and they did a very notable job with 1960’s “The Little Shop of Horrors”. The color is very subtle and feels like it was beautiful hand panted on each scene. I have seen this film many times and I am big fan of Roger Corman and this film still works well for me. This is the first time that this film has been released on Blu-ray and Legend films really did a great job restoring it in both color and black-and-white.

Everyone knows the classic story of “The Little Shop of Horrors”. This 1960 film was also one of Jack Nicholson’s first roles. Seymour grows an exotic plant that has an insatiable appetite for blood and people. As the plant grows larger and larger and hungrier and hungrier, things start to get out of the control for the local flower shop and their bloodthirsty plant.

The video resolutions looks really sharp in its 1080p transfer. The only main concern is that the aspect ratio on the Blu-ray is 1.33:1 compared to the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Nothing major missed though. The audio is nothing special but includes a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track.

The special features only included a commentary track by MST3K’s Mike Nelson, which definitely delivers some great laughs. Lastly if you prefer the classic black and white version of the film, as with all Legend releases they included the original black and white version as well, so everyone is happy.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: carnivorous, convinces, create, feeds, flesh, flower, ...
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