The new season of The Martha Stewart Show has begun and she has devoted an entire episode to burgers (go Martha). Along with Daniel Boulud, Pat LaFrieda, Adam Kuban, and others I was there for the taping today (airs this Friday, 11am, ch. 4). I have a small segment after the first commercial break where I obviously push the book. I'm asked two questions before the cameras go to Boulud who of course is there to construct, for the cameras and Martha, the famous DB Bistro Burger. They do cut to shots of the Bobcat Bite's Green Chile Cheeseburger and Solly's Butter Burger and during the entire interview Martha is holding my book for the camera (Adam Kuban photo above).Bill O'Donnell, one of my hamburger heroes and the owner of the Corner Bistro, was also there and produced 180 mini Bistro Burgers for the audience (that's Boulud, me, and Bill backstage in the green room).
Adam Kuban was sitting right next to me live blogging (Martha covered all the bases) and the entire audience had to wear these goofy tees that said, "I Love Burgers." I refused to put mine over my shirt so the producers settled for mine under. I felt much better about that one. And Boulud, LaFrieda, and others didn't have to wear one (the format was a little strange where the real celebs got to be on stage with Martha but Adam and I were in the first row with these tee shirts on...).
It was fun and painless and the entire audience received a copy of Hamburger America on the way out. The producers tried to sneak me out a side door but one audience member saw me and after 15 minutes I had signed about 40 books. It was my pleasure.
After the taping I made tracks for the screening of Hamburger America at the Tom's River Library in New Jersey. Outside of a host of tech problems the screening went well and the audience of about 100 really had a great time. The local Five Guys was there and supplied the crowd with free burgers.
Strangely, for a day of programming surrounding the burger I somehow managed to only eat that Bistro mini burger at the taping and half of a Five Guys small burger at the screening...
If you can, tune into the Martha Show this Friday the 18th at 11am EST, Channel 4. Click here to check the listing in your area.
