7/14 Hell's Kitchen's Monterray Keys, Jim Gaffigan, Billy Ray Cyrus, La Frite, Mercy Vineyards

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

We're Talking With Hell's Kitchen Contestant Monterray Keys!

Name: Monterray Keys

Age: 34

Occupation: Line Cook

Hometown: Darby, PA

Signature Dish: Pan-Seared Sea Bass

Get ready for the heat of HELL’S KITCHEN as superstar chef Gordon Ramsay ushers in the series’ red-hot ninth season with 18 new competitors Monday, July 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. These aspiring restaurateurs will brave Ramsay and his wrath as he once again puts the competitors through rigorous challenges to see who has the skill and passion to win a life-changing prize: a head chef position at BLT Steak in New York City.

Ramsay’s culinary challenges will range from the cute and cuddly as the chefs cook a “mommy and me” meal for a room full of moms and toddlers – to the sublime as the chefs are challenged to cook using different types of beer as the basis for their recipes. The winning teams will get to enjoy a private jet to Palm Springs, Indy-car racing, a $20,000-per-night suite in Las Vegas or a four-story yacht excursion, while the losing teams will be required to decorate for a high school reunion, take delivery of and butcher an entire side of beef, create ice sculptures and put together an entire children’s playground for family night.

In the season premiere, Ramsay launches the competition with the signature-dish challenge and is both impressed and disappointed right from the start. Before the dinner service can even begin, one contestant is rushed to the hospital and things go downhill quickly from there until one chef is eliminated from HELL’S KITCHEN.

As the teams are whittled down, the chefs get one step closer to earning the coveted black chef jacket. Eventually two finalists will compete head-to-head to try and impress Ramsay with their skills and only one lucky chef will walk away with the ultimate prize and fulfill their dreams as a head chef at one of the finest restaurants in America.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan Goes Jokeless to Support Feeding America

Comedian Jim Gaffigan is known for his clever humor and dry, quiet style. But not everything is a laughing matter. In the United States, 36.3 million people live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger. Gaffigan has partnered with Feeding America and the SNICKERS Bar Hunger campaign to put the issue of hunger on center stage.

As part of his efforts to Bar Hunger, Gaffigan will put his sense of humor on hold and go joke free for one week to raise awareness of this silent epidemic.

Through the ‘Bar Hunger’ campaign, SNICKERS will help provide the equivalent of as many as three and a half million meals to the nation’s leading hunger relief organization, as well as educate and empower Americans to join the effort.

Feeding America’s network of more than 200 food banks provides food to more than 37 million low-income people facing hunger in the United States. Those member food banks support approximately 61,000 local charitable agencies and 70,000 programs, which provide food directly to individuals and families in need.

For more information visit www.SNICKERS.com or www.Facebook.com/SNICKERS.

Jim Gaffigan is best known for his stand-up comedy routine, as well as roles on the hit television series My Boys and on Broadway in The Championship Season. As a stand-up comedian, Gaffigan has had an unprecedented number of appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman and Conan. Gaffigan currently lives in New York with his family.

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Billy Ray Cyrus Stops by to Tell Us About His New Album, "I'm American"

Multi-platinum recording artist Billy Ray Cyrus has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and charted thirty singles; including 15 top 40 chart hits while at the same time establishing himself in film and television.

"I'm American" is Cyrus' 12th album. It celebrates the 20th Anniversary of his hit song Some Gave All and lifelong commitment to support our troops with a newly recorded version featuring Jamey Johnson, Craig Morgan and Darryl Worley.

La Frite Cafe

Alex Ramillon and Andre Talk to Us About Bastille Day!

About La Frite - Sherman Oaks Location After opening its doors over 39 years ago La Frite Cafe Sherman Oaks has gone through an incredible renovation. Renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay and his team have come in and given La Frite a welcomed fresh start. Chef Jean Bellorde has re-joined their amazing crew and has guided them back to our French roots. Offering an array of true French cuisine that owner Andre Ramillon has been dreaming of for years.

About La Frite - Woodland Hills Location After opening its doors over 35 years ago La Frite Cafe has become a staple across Los Angeles. Offering a lively blend of France in the Valley with casual to elegant selections at a great price. Several varieties of French Crepes, jumbo crisp salads, omelettes, quiche, and excellent chicken, steak and fish entrees, not to mention decadent desserts. Daily specials include fresh halibut, rack of lamb, chopped steaks and savory pastas. The Crème Brulee is said to be the best in the Valley!

We're Talking With Mike Kohne, Owner of Mercy Vineyards!

Through the millennia, Man's quixotic attempt to produce the finest wines has borne an unyielding Truth: The Vine is always at the Mercy of Mother Nature.

Mercy Vineyards represents a pursuit to showcase the innate spirit of Monterey County's Arroyo Seco AVA as one of the preeminent locales for the cultivation of world-class Burgundian varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Established by vintners Mark Dirickson and Mike Kohne the wines are sourced from meticulous grape-growers and premium regional vineyards.

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