It took me two minutes and fifteen seconds to run upstairs and put on my pj’s and brush my teeth when I was a kid. I had to hurry so I didn’t miss any of my favorite shows, which all came on after my bedtime. My Mom would let me stay up an extra half hour to watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. We lived on a dairy farm and the giant heated pools and sprawling estates featured in the show seemed like another world to me. My Mom would watch me as I watched Robin Leach give a tour of the finer life. I would cheers my apple juice to his fabulousness and go to bed dreaming of champagne and caviar. Fast forward twenty-some years as I rush out of my Vegas hotel room to go meet Robin himself in Bobby Flay’s kitchen. Anyone who knows me knows I am a food network addict, watching everything from Throwdown to Boy Meets Grill, both which Bobby hosts. Now don’t get me wrong, I have done some pretty cool things in my life, like danced with Prince on stage, (twice in two different states!), skateboarded with Arvil Levigne in Seattle, and swapped make-up tips back stage with Gwen Stafani, but I was actually a little nervous to hang out with the foodie fellas. Black dress…check, microphone…check, questions…check, I thought to myself on the walk to Mesa Grill where Bobby and Robin were mixing up margaritas and swapping stories. When I left Portland to go interview a list of celebrities in Sin City, all who only have first names, my friends were jealous but I was most excited about these two and they were easy to talk to, and very funny. I got my interview and I found out some things I didn’t know, like Robin started the Food Network and Bobby Flay’s employees adore him. Over the next few days I went to countless parties, ate like a queen at the Vegas Uncorked events, and eventually went dancing and played lots of poker with Bobby and his adoring staff. I think I represented Oregon well, since they kept saying, “Miss Nicolle Camarata, do all the women “back home” look like you?” Always one to help Portland’s tourism I said, “Of course they do” but kept secretly thinking I don’t even really look like me without the hair and make-up custom for TV. If you want a great cookbook for the summer, pick up Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries, and Shakes. He is a great chef and one hell of a guy. Here is the video of Bobby and Robin with me in Vegas…
Nicolle interviews Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay & Nicolle Camarata rooftop of Caesars Palace
