Oh, by the way, is anyone watching America's Next Great Band or whatever it is? 'Cause it's great, where it isn't freaking hilarious. Don't think much of the Simon stand-in, but it's cheesy fun, with added stressful band dynamics!

I'm two episodes behind on the Next Iron Chef.

It really is the best of the "Competitive Cooking" genre. Kicks regular "Iron Chef America's" ass, and even edges out "Top Chef."

Although I fear Aaron Sanchez' comment that “The women are gone. Next they’ll be going after the brown people” may not be completely hyperbole.

I'm loving Next Iron Chef, and in particular, Alton's towering ego is amusing the crap out of me. He's clearly taking the position that "It goes from God, to the Chairman, to me, to the judges, to you."

He's clearly taking the position that "It goes from God, to the Chairman, to me, to the judges, to you."

It is indeed funny as shit. Also funny is the fact that they're playing up the Chairman's role like I haven't seen since the Japanese version -- in normal ICA eps, he pretty much waves his hand over the secret ingredient and yells "Allez cuisine!" and that's it; this brings back much more of the silly chairman drama, while being way, way more serious about the actual cooking. Love it.

I adore Alton, and I think he's having a blast with this one. Seriously, he looks like he's having so much fun, and on this show, he actually gets to have the food!

ETA: It occurred to me and my wife last night that the "Ruhlman/Alton/Mario/Bourdain bar-hopping fest" has probably happened at some point.

Ruhlman/Alton/Mario/Bourdain

A potential show combo that should make any Food Network exec quiver with anticipation.

It occurred to me and my wife last night that the "Ruhlman/Alton/Mario/Bourdain bar-hopping fest" has probably happened at some point.

But they film it so we could show it at Christmas? Did they???

I swear, it's like we don't even matter to them.

I wonder if Bourdain's allowed to appear in shows on the same network as Rachael Ray, or if she's afraid he'll hunt her down.

I wonder if Bourdain's allowed to appear in shows on the same network as Rachael Ray, or if she's afraid he'll hunt her down.

I don't think Bourdain's allowed anywhere near The Food Network anymore except in late-night reruns of "A Cook's Tour." The relationship is acrimonious, to say the least. Also, rumor mill has Mario headed out The Food Network door, too, so I'd say the "Bourdain & Pals Drunken Christmas Special" is probably a lost cause to the Food Network. That being said ... Hellooooo, Bravo!

Bourdain shows up on The Travel Channel, so he and Mario could do a profane tour of Europe. Add Alton on a motorcycle, and you've got cable gold.