3/10 How to Eat Smarter, D'Ambino Wines, Lizanne Falsetto thinkThin, David Person CEO of Opus Wines, America's Next Great Restaurant, The Cheese Shop

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Nutrition Awareness is "In" and Overindulgence is "Out" - But Are We Really Practicing What We Preach? Trisha Calvo, Shape’s Magazine’s Executive Editor, Tells Us How to Eat Smarter!

Despite years of healthy education campaigns, not to mention some nagging from mom — many Americans still aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables to fulfill the daily requirement. And, while restaurants have made great strides in offering healthy options and consumers have been getting better at making healthier choices, there is still a large gap in nutritional awareness among many Americans. There’s no better time than National Nutrition Month to educate consumers on how to eat better and live smarter.

National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits. Shape’s Magazine’s Executive Editor Trisha Calvo will provide the latest nutritional facts and key tips to help us eat smarter.

We're Off To Paso Robles To Visit with Michael Rubino of D'Ambino Vineyards & Cellars!

John D'Andrea and Carmine Rubino grew up in a small Italian neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. The two were raised as brothers, although Carmine's mother was actually John's grandmother.

In their Italian neighborhood, home wine making was an important event. They remember, around harvest time, all the neighborhood grandpas would go down to the local train yards to pick up their order of grapes coming in from California. What followed was aweek-long celebration of the crush and barreling of the juice. The basement was transformed into a wine tasting room which permeated with fermenting fragrance. Up and down the street there sat in the middle of every basement one prized barrel of liquid art, which every grandpa assiduously attended to and possessively guarded under the lock and key of his watchful eye.

Music was another longstanding family tradition and passion which the boys inherited. Both John and Carmine would go on to successful music careers in the recording, film and television industries. John’s accomplishments during his career as a singer, musical director, arranger and producer include 25 gold and platinum records, 70 chart records and a Grammy. Carmine became a recording engineer. His talents have earned him13 gold and platinum albums and an Emmy.

Memorabilia from their careers in music, including gold and platinum records, autographed artist photos, and emmy statuettes, can be seen at the D’Anbino tasting room where they are now displayed.

Although busy with their careers, family was always a priority for John and Carmine, and large family gatherings were common. At these gatherings they and their children would get out their musical instruments and play as a family band. Through the years these gatherings, where music and wine were always shared, helped to keep the family together and strong.

In 1996, John and Carmine became business partners with the founding of D’Anbino Vineyards and Cellars. The name “D’Anbino” is a combination of their two last names, “D’Andrea” and “Rubino.” Entirely family owned and operated, D’Anbino Vineyards and Cellars is a work of love for a family which has always been held together by a passion for good music, good wine and good company. We’re sure that this love has been a big factor in the success of D’Anbino wine, which, like John and Carmine’s music, has become award winning.

For more info, go to http://www.danbino.com/!

Lizanne Falsetto, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of thinkproducts Tells Us About Her Company and Her Passion for Gluten Free Products!

Few young women are offered the choice between a career in basketball or fashion. Lizanne chose fashion and embarked on a successful business chapter that took her to live and work in Japan, Paris, Milan, New York, Australia and Madrid. From both sports and fashion, she gained a deep knowledge and understanding of nutrition and its role in health. From her Italian grandparents, however, she developed a great respect and love for real food - freshly picked from the garden and brought to the table for nourishing conversation and warm family laughter.

Balancing a career and motherhood led to the thinkThin formula: simple, nutritious and delicious food that is high in protein with low to no sugar and gluten free ingredients that support an active lifestyle.

Besides being a businesswoman and mother of two, Lizanne is a passionate philanthropist dedicated to fighting and creating awareness for diseases like obesity and diabetes. She has also raised considerable funds for research and education related to cancer and other epidemics. In 2010, Lizanne was awarded the prestigious Leadership Award from The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-LA) for outstanding leadership in 2009. She is also a member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) and a board member of the Arizona Cancer Center.

For more info, go to http://www.thinkproducts.com/2011/about/story or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtCwbnHIY3w&feature=player_embedded

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

CEO David Pearson Tells Us the Latest Offerings from Opus One Wines!

Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, France, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders' singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley.

Opus One, like any great work, arose of out passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One's sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.

Named in February 2004 the first sole CEO of Opus One, David Pearson was hired to maintain and enhance the shared vision of Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, two great men of wine. Responsible for all production, marketing, sales and administrative activities at the winery, Mr. Pearson has taken stewardship over a wine and a joint venture poised to endure for generations.

For more info, go to http://www.opusonewinery.com/!

Executive Chef & Restaurateur Lorena Garcia, Investor of NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurant," Tells Us About the Show!

In this delectable new alternative series, people from every walk of life will vie for the opportunity of a lifetime to see their original restaurant concept spring to life - starting with the opening of a restaurant chain in three locations - Hollywood, Minneapolis and New York City.

Funding the restaurant concepts are four accredited investors: Bobby Flay, distinguished restaurateur ("Iron Chef America: The Series," "Throwdown! with Bobby Flay"); Curtis Stone, internationally renowned chef (NBC's "The Biggest Loser," "Take Home Chef"); Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle; and Lorena Garcia, executive chef and restaurateur.

Flay, Stone, Ells and Garcia not only serve as investors who put their money into the winning restaurant idea, but they also serve as mentors. They will be working side by side with the competitors to further develop their concepts and put each competitor's restaurant concept through rigorous business and cooking challenges to determine which idea has what it takes to become America's next great restaurant.

After a nationwide search, the top 21 competitors will present their restaurant concepts to the investors and 11 will be quickly eliminated - leaving the top 10 competitors to battle it out over the course of the season. The investors will determine which competitor's concept has the greatest potential for success, and those who do not rise to the challenge will be sent home.

In the final episode, someone will fully savor his or her great American dream of launching his or her own restaurant chain, and viewers will have the opportunity to experience it for themselves.

For more info, go to www.nbc.com/americas-next-great-restaurant/

We're Visiting with Kent Torrey from The Cheese Shop in Gorgeous Carmel, CA Where We Learn All About This Popular Tourist Spot!

In 1973, a young couple, John & Nancy McCormick, tired of the corporate life, decided to start a business that was fun & enjoyable. Something that would fill all their senses, and something they could share with everyone. They even got two of Nancy's brothers, Michael & Neil, to join in the fun...and thus was the start of The Cheese Shop, a gourmand's Mecca for world class cheeses, gourmet foods and wines!!

Their first store opened in 1973 at the old Valley Fair Shopping Center in San Jose, California. They opened their present location, in the Carmel Plaza, downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Memorial weekend in 1975, selling their San Jose location in 1979 to concentrate their efforts in Carmel. They added enough room to create a warm, cozy family enviroment that locals as well as tourists from around the world can revel in and enjoy!

Kent was lucky to join The Cheese Shop family in 1986, upon his return from travels in Europe, and prior to his scheduled return home to Honolulu, Hawai'i. Thirteen years later, he incorporated the business on their same Memorial anniversary, and today they can proudly say that they have clients in all 50 states, and 20 countries.

For more info, go to http://www.thecheeseshopinc.com!

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3/9 Caring For Older Pets, A Trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro with Our Movie Guy, Stephen Ross Winery

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Thanks to Better Nutrition and Modern Medicine, Our Pets Are Living Longer Than Ever. Veterinary Surgeon, Dr. Scott Anderson, Shares His Tips On Caring For Our Older Pets!

A graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, he completed his internship and surgical residency with our surgical department. He successfully completed the ACVS exam to become a Diplomate (Board Certified Surgeon) of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in 1992.

He followed that by successfully becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 1994 and becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care in 1996.

He is currently the only veterinarian in the United States credentialed in all 3 of these specialties. He has published numerous articles in journals, as well as lectured at local, national, and international conferences. Currently, he is serving his fourth term as president of the Westside chapter of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interests include orthopedic, neurologic, and oncologic surgery.

Dr. Anderson is a surgeon at ASEC - the Animal Surgical & Emergency Center. It's one of the largest referral and specialty hospitals in the country, offers board-certified specialists in critical care, surgery, oncology, radiology, cardiology, and internal medicine. In business for over 30 years, they provide advanced equipment and technology, cutting-edge 24-hour emergency care, and a level of expertise that is unparalleled. Their team approach and their commitment to providing the highest level of care in partnership with a patient’s primary care veterinarian, make ASEC the premier choice for surgical, medical and emergency care in Los Angeles.

For more information on ASEC, go to www.asecvets.com

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

What's It Like to Climb the Tallest Mountain in Africa? Our Very Own Steve Evans, "Steve, The Movie Guy" on the What's Cookin Show, Did Just That and He's Telling Us All About It!

Steve Evens recently traveled to tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kilimanjaro! Here are some excerpts from his blog that we've been following:

Training - I started training months before the actual trip by hiking for hours with a 40 lb pack in the Santa Monica Mountains and listening to audiobooks on my i-Pod. Regardless of how hard you train, there is always a nagging thought in the back of your mind that you're not training hard enough. I guess I did it right. I made it.

Guides - It's very important to hire the right guide. I went with RMI, Rainier Mountaineering Inc, a legendary guide service out of the Northwest. Our actual guide was Mark Tucker, the first guy from SoCal to climb Mt. Everest and a real pro at this sort of thing. He also had some great stories to tell.

The Route - We took the Machame route which means we were on the mountain for 7 days. It's known as the Whiskey Route "because the views are so intoxicating" according to the brochure. It was beautiful.

The Summit - We reached the summit at 6:15 AM just as the sun was rising over Africa. It was cold, windy, oxygen deprived and absolutely incredible.

The Safari - After the climb we spent 4 days on Safari visiting some of the greatest game preserves in Africa. We saw herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, baboons and more. We were up close and personal with the wildest of the wild.

Check out Steve's Blog at http://steveskiliblog.blogspot.com/

We're Off To San Luis Obispo to Visit With Steve Dooley & Take a Tour of His Winery, Stephen Ross Winery!

In the summer of 1994, Steve Dooley established a small wine production company based in San Luis Obispo, California. After completing seven vintages (1987 through 1993) as President and Winemaker for the highly esteemed Edna Valley Vineyard in California's Central Coast, Dooley made the transition from President/Winemaker to Owner/Winemaker and now produces wines under his label "Stephen Ross".

A U.C. Davis graduate with winemaking ex- perience at Louis Martini Winery in the Napa Valley, and the Edna Valley Vineyard, Steve Dooley also served winemaking stints in both South Africa and Australia.

For Dooley, winemaking has turned out to be a passport to adventure. From his boyhood home in the Minnesota River Valley - also known as the "Valley of the Jolly Green Giant" (where he packed corn in cans as a teenager) - to California, Dooley's career path has taken him to far-flung locations in the Australian outback and the South African Cape. Experiences and insights reaped along the way have played a significant part in shaping his personal winemaking style.

For more info, go to stephenrosswine.com.

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3/8 Bobbi Mannino with MardiGrasNewOrleans.com, Foods That Offer Nutritional Punch, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Villagio Inn & Spas,

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

We're Heading Over to New Orleans For Fat Tuesday with Bobbi Mannino from MardiGrasNewOrleans.Com!

Bobbi tells us about the REAL Mardi Gras from her over 30 years experience in the Mardi Gras tourism industry as Marketing Director for Steamboat Natchez and Director of Sales for Harrah’s Casino New Orleans. Bobbi is Past President of the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association and is well known for her enthusiasm and love for New Orleans and stellar reputation in the hospitality community of Louisiana!

For more info, go to www.mardigrasneworleans.com!

Straight From the Shelf: Bonnie Taub-Dix Tells Us About Foods that Offer an Unexpected Nutritional Punch!

Nutrition Expert Bonnie Taub-Dix Shops the Supermarket To Help People Meet Key Dietary Recommendations!

March is National Nutrition Month and the new 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines are now in circulation. But, according to recent consumer research, nearly half of consumers surveyed said they were skeptical of the Dietary Guidelines because the idea of ‘healthy’ keeps changing,* and one-third of these respondents call them “complicated.”*

This National Nutrition Month, nutrition expert and author of “Read It Before You Eat It,” Bonnie Taub-Dix, MS, RD, CDN, will help decode the latest Dietary Guidelines and make them actionable for Americans. She’ll show us how healthy eating can start with the foods people already know and love. She’ll offer helpful hints on how to navigate the supermarket aisles and shop for great-tasting products that can easily and affordably help us meet key recommendations.

Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RD, CDN, is a nutrition consultant and author of recently released “Read It Before You Eat It” (Plume 2010) which helps make sense of food labels and provides grocery store tips. She writes a weekly blog for USA Today, is a regular contributor for MSNBC.com, and is frequently called upon to provide practical advice on healthy living to The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and WebMD and shows including CNN, CBS “Early Show,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” FOX 5 News. Her articles and quotes have also appeared in top publications including Health, Shape, Fitness, Reader’s Digest, Prevention, Women’s Day, and Men’s Health.

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Dave Williams General Manager Takes Us On A Tour to Disneyland's Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen!

Pass under the striped awning of Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and you'll think you've been transported to the French Quarter. The authentic New Orleans cuisine and nightly live jazz make this a great spot to dine and relax.

Feast on traditional Big Easy favorites like muffellattas, gumbo ya-ya, jambalaya and catfish, or traditional fare like juicy steaks or fresh salads. For the perfect ending to your meal, be sure to order bananas Foster or fresh hot beignets.

Listen to the sounds of jazz live every night. From toe-tapping Dixieland to the smoother side of jazz, the changing music menu offers something to please every jazz lover.

The Jazz Kitchen's courtyard is lined with ornate iron railings and lush plants with a bubbling fountain in the center. Inside you'll find authentic French Quarter touches, like the colorful Mardi Gras umbrellas hanging from the ceiling.

About Dave: Born and raised in Seattle, Dave has been involved in restaurants, catering and event planning his entire career. Earning his first General Manager position at age 21 for the Creative Concept Division of Red Robin International, Dave was on the fast track. He created a solid track record as a General Manager, Regional Manager (Multi Unit), and Director of Catering for Seattle’s most successful and well known establishments. Motivated by new challenges, Dave has overseen concept creations, concept repositioning, restaurant and catering company openings and operations, and has successfully spearheaded many high profile events.

Relocating to Los Angeles in 1998 as Director of Catering, West Coast Operations for Restaurant Associates, Dave represented Restaurant Associates as the exclusive Food and Beverage operator at Los Angeles Music Center and San Francisco Performing Arts Center while overseeing all on and off premise catering operations in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Some career highlights include: creation and opening of Chandler’s Crabhouse and Daniel’s Broiler in Seattle, executing all opening events of Nordstrom Flagship store, conducting all opening events and Galas as exclusive food and beverage operator for the Benaroya Symphony Hall (new home of the Seattle Symphony), catering a PGA tournament, exclusive caterer for the 1999 Academy Awards including the world media event; The Governors Ball, exclusive caterer for the Los Angeles Opera, LA Philharmonic, San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Symphony. Dave’s tenure in Southern California has involved overseeing successful Pasadena restaurants; Parkway Grill and Arroyo Chophouse, joining forces in 2004 with the owners of Yamashiro restaurant and the Magic Castle in Hollywood as Chief Operations Officer, and most recently joining the Ralph Brennan’s Restaurant Group in 2009 as General Manager and Director of Operations for Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at the Disneyland Resort.

Dave has three young adult sons and loves music, swimming, basketball, cooking, reading, camping, travel and researching restaurants. A lifetime student of personal development, Dave is passionate about mentoring and motivating others who pursue a successful life mission.

We're Visiting Napa Valley with Sally James at the Lovely Villagio Inn & Spa!

As family owned and operated independent boutique properties since opening in October 1998 for Villagio Inn & Spa and June 1985 for Vintage Inn, this AAA Four Diamond Award-winning hotels present affordable luxury at its finest in the heart of the walking town of Yountville, Napa Valley’s culinary mecca.

The ownership family and management teams are deeply passionate about guest service, and it is this passion that drives their standards for distinguished hospitality. They strive to create for their guests an experience rich in unique personality, wine country elegance, and exceptional value, with the singular goal of delivering a most memorable stay that exceeds expectations. So whether it’s the warm greeting with a welcome cocktail upon arrival, their signature champagne breakfast buffet and afternoon tea offered with compliments each day, or the smile that every staff member that makes a visit to the Villagio Inn & Spas decidedly different.

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3/7 Kenny Rogers, Aml Ameen, the Cheese Impresario, Laura Innes, The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.!

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

The Legend, Kenny Rogers Tells Us About His Latest Album, "The Love of God."

By now, Kenny Rogers, has become such a living legend that it’s easy to forget how he got there. Having recorded more than 65 albums which have sold over 120 million records worldwide during his 52 years in show business, Rogers is an American Icon who is in the same league as The Beatles, Elton John and Elvis Presley. Rogers has received hundreds of awards for his music and charity work, including three Grammys, 11 People’s Choice Awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music awards and five Country Music Association awards. Remaining a popular entertainer around the world, Rogers, voted the “Favorite Singer of All-Time” in a 1986 joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People, still loves touring and recording new music.

His long list of smash country and pop hits includes an impressive 24 #1’s. He is the voice of such timeless classics as “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” “Coward Of The County,” “Lady,” “Through The Years,” “She Believes in Me,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “We’ve Got Tonight.” Very few artists have enjoyed successful careers in such a variety of genres as Rogers – jazz, folk, rock, country and pop. His songs have universal appeal and his sweetly raspy vocals are instantly identifiable. He sounds like nobody else. More importantly, he inhabits each song, making it vivid and tangible. For five decades, Rogers has delivered memorable songs, drawing fans from many different backgrounds. “I really, really love what I’m doing,” Rogers says. “People survive longer if they love what they’re doing. Because you just don’t quit.”

And now, Kenny Rogers will become the first artist to release a second album through the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program when “The Love of God” becomes available on March 7, 2011. The CD is an inspirational collection of classic songs that Rogers remembers from his childhood along with new recordings of contemporary songs. This touching CD, certain to spark old memories and create new ones, will be available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations and online.

For more info on this album, go to http://shop.crackerbarrel.com

Aml ("Ah-mel") Ameen Talks About His Role Opposite Kathy Bates in “Harry’s Law” as Malcolm!

Ameen began his career at the age of 7 when he attended the Barbara Speake Stage School in West London where he showed a passion and talent for dancing, singing and acting. He landed his first TV role in the British children’s series, “123 Hullabuloo.” At age 11, Ameen starred in his first stage role, playing young Sammy Davis Jr. in the West End production of “Jolson.” He went on to a leading role in the West End musical, “Oliver” and continued with many stage performances including touring with his own choreographed tap dance and performing with Michael Jackson at the 1996 Brit Awards with Jarvis Cocker.

Upon graduation, Ameen landed the coveted role of Trife in the cult classic British indie film “Kidulthood.” His highly acclaimed performance and the film’s rave reviews earned Ameen a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2006 Screen Nation Awards, as well as a spot in The London Times’ list of best new actors of the year. Ameen also won the 2007 Screen Nation Award for Best Actor on the BAFTA Award-winning hit series “The Bill.”

Before venturing to Hollywood earlier this year, Ameen returned to the London stage to star in three plays simultaneously off the West End. His portrayals of three very different characters once again earned him critical reviews. In the play “Detaining Justice,” Ameen played the title character “Justice,” a Zimbabwean asylum seeker fleeing persecution for his political views. In “Category B,” he portrayed a convicted rapist who finds his faith in prison, and in “Seize the Day,” he played an intellectual street kid, likened to Tupac Shakur.

Along with his acting career, Ameen has set up his own production company with his first feature screenplay already optioned by Revolver. He plans to continue with both acting and directing, while spending as much time in Los Angeles as possible.

For more info on Harry's Law, check out their website at www.nbc.com/harrys-law/

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Barry Lynn, the Cheese Impresario Will Help Us Pair Artisanal Cheese with Exotic Cocktails - Like Brazil’s National Cocktail, the Caipirinh!

Cultivating cheese enthusiasts with a passionate hand-to-mouth approach, Barrie Lynn - The Cheese Impresario is a leading educator on all things cheese. Her uninhibited style and engaging personality afford fun and innovative ways to discover and enjoy the complexities of artisanal cheese.

A former advertising executive with a love of food and wine, she took a client to a Slow Food fundraiser. It was there her passion for artisanal cheese was born. Meeting these cheesemakers, and tasting the diversity and nuance of their cheeses, Barrie Lynn decided her mission is to educate others about the pleasures of cheese.

Barrie Lynn has produced and taught cheese tasting events around the country, including Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience, the Ministry of Rum San Francisco Rum Festival, the Los Angeles Times Celebration of Food & Wine, Denver International Wine Festival, and Great Tastes Culinary Festival in Baltimore.

Her passion for cheese was brought to the stars of Hollywood via her personally hosted Cheese Tasting Adventure Parties for the Oscars, Emmys and the Golden Globe Awards. She has led cheese tastings for celebrities like Oscar winners Three 6 Mafia, Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Jeff Garlin, Actor/Musician Terrence Howard, NFL star Shaun Phillips, musicians Slash, Dee Snyder, and Jason Bonham, as well as the cast & crew of Showtime’s hit TV show WEEDS.

Barrie Lynn – The Cheese Impresario writes the "Cheese Matters" monthly column in The Beverly Hills Times and she is the cheese pairings columnist for Mutineer Magazine. The Cheese Impresario has been featured in USA TODAY, VARIETY, Wine Spectator, The Hollywood Reporter, Daily Candy, the popular food blog EatingLA, KGO TV, KTLA TV and E! Entertainment.

Her educational and entertaining show, CHEESE RULES, hosted by Barrie Lynn - The Cheese Impresario, is dedicated to increasing pleasure by educating viewers on all things cheese including entertaining, cooking and pairings with wine, beer, fine sake, spirits and cocktails. Here's a link to the show: http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/cheeserules/

Barrie produces and stages cheese events at unique venues and festivals throughout the country.

More information can be found at her website: http://www.thecheeseimpresario.com/

Laura Innes Tells Us All About Her Role As Sophia Maguire on NBC's "The Event!"

Laura Innes stars as Sophia Maguire, the leader of a mysterious group of detainees being held at a top-secret facility. She becomes a critical liaison to President Elias Martinez (Blair Underwood) amidst a huge government cover up, in NBC’s new high-octane conspiracy thriller “The Event.”

Recognized for her talented work in front of the camera as well as behind the lens, Laura Innes is a three-time Emmy Award nominated actress and director.

Innes is best known for her work as the skilled but abrasive Dr. Kerry Weaver on the long-running hit show “ER.” She joined the acclaimed NBC medical drama in its second season, and her recurring role led to being cast as a series regular at the start of the third season. She received two Emmy nominations for her portrayal, as well as three Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the “ER” ensemble, and has received five nominations for Best Supporting Actress from Viewers for Quality Television. In January 2007, Innes left “ER” after 12 seasons, becoming the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history. She returned to “ER” for two episodes (including the series finale) during the series’ 15th and final season.

Also a seasoned television director, Innes garnered an Emmy nomination for directing “The West Wing.” She has also directed various popular shows, including several more episodes of “ER” as well as episodes of “Brothers & Sisters” and “House.”

Innes’ additional TV and film acting credits include the Emmy-winning cable film “And the Band Played On,” as well as the NBC hit comedy series “Wings,” where she played the lovable but promiscuous ex-wife Bunny from 1991-93. Innes co-starred in the blockbuster apocalyptic film “Deep Impact,” and with fellow “ER” castmate Noah Wyle in “Can't Stop Dancing.”

Innes began her acting career in the theater. She performed in her first major play at Chicago’s renowned Goodman Theatre, where among other roles she played Stella with John Malkovich’s Stanley in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Other major stage credits include “Two Shakespearean Actors” with Eric Stoltz at Lincoln Center, “Our Town” at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, and “Three Sisters” at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego.

Innes resides in Los Angeles with her family and is a graduate of Northwestern University.

For more info on The Event, go to http://www.nbc.com/the-event/

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company's Harold Mabile Tells Us About Mardi Gras At Bubba Gump's in New Orleans!

The Mardi Gras celebration in the French Quarter is like nowhere else in the world. New Orleans isn’t the only city to host the revelry filled celebration, but it’s arguably the best. The season begins officially in January, but the real celebrating kicks off the Friday before and builds to a breathtaking climax on Fat Tuesday.

As a restaurant in the French Quarter, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is thoroughly enjoy hosting folks from all over the city and the world! It’s a time where folks typically step outside of their normal lives dress up in zany costumes and lose themselves for a while in revelry. Oh, the costumes! Last year the big thing was obviously all about the Who Dat Nation. It was a sea of Black and Gold! It will be interesting to see the popular themes this year. The party-goers enjoy engaging with the restaurant guests and often stop by and show off their fun costumes and special catches from the parades.

One of the things that makes New Orleans Mardi Gras so interesting is the fact that you can take your drink to go. This year the Bubba Gump Shrimp Factory has a delicious drink called the Mardi Gras Madness that is perfect for parade watching.

Lots of folks stop by for a meal or drink on the way to the parade route. The restaurant's balcony is a great place for people watching. There are no major parades that will pass in front of the restaurant, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any action!

While Mardi Gras is known most for it’s revelry and sometimes questionable behavior, it is still a time for local families to gather. It’s not uncommon to see families camped out on the neutral grounds with blankets, tents & LADDERS!

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a great family friendly restaurant with a great kids menu and an engaging environment. They provide top quality seafood, a fun interactive experience and an environment that brings the movie Forrest Gump to life. Their prime location in the historic French Quarter on Decatur Street is conveniently located within walking distance of Jackson Square, Jax Brewery, the River Walk, and of course the Downtown parade routes. The restaurant offers two floors of indoor dining, as well as, courtyard and balcony dining. Their enthusiastic staff will keep everyone smiling with trivia questions from the movie Forrest Gump and superb service with an element of fun.

For more info, check out http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/new-orleans/!

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3/4 Hilltop Steak House, Pontchartrain Vineyards, Cayuga Wine Trails, New Orleans Hilton, Steve The Movie Guy

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

We're Taking a Trip to Saugus, MA to Visit With Chef Robert Boudreau and CEO Dennis January From Hill Top Steak House!

In 1961 Frank Giuffrida bought a club in Saugus that he converted into a western-style steakhouse. Over the years Frank became known as the "king of the Hill" serving over three million customers annually. Now over 50 million meals later The Hilltop is still known today for it's generous portions at a great value winning numerous awards.

In October 1994, Dick Monfort of High Country Investor, Inc. acquired the assets of the Hilltop in Saugus. Mr Monfort's family business "MONFORT BEEF" supplied the Hilltop its beef needs for over 40 years until the his family business was sold to the large food conglomerate "CONAGRA". Mr Monfort is still active in the beef industry with feeding lots of over 100,000 cattle as well as being on the board of directors of other major food companies.

Since being purchased by High Country Investor, Hilltop continues to be recognized as one of the leading independent restaurants in the Northeast winning such awards as #1 Steakhouse (City search 2003), #2 Independent Restaurant in the country (Restaurant & Institutions Magazine 2002) and many more.

In 1996 Hilltop expanded its business to include five large function rooms for all types of family events and business meetings as well as elegant weddings.The year 2008 brought more recognition when Hilltop was featured on the New England TV program "Chronicle" and the "Travel Channel" as one the three top Steak Houses in the country.

For more info, check out http://www.hilltopsteakhouse.com

Continuing Our Series On Mardi Gras, We're Visiting With Louisiana Winemaker John Seago, Owner of Pontchartrain ("Poncha-train") Vineyards and Winery!

Planting began at Pontchartrain Vineyards’ 40 acre vineyard site north of Covington, in the fall of 1991. The location is approximately 140 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and 20 miles north of Lake Pontchartrain in the first hills arising off the flat coastal plain of south Louisiana. The vineyard is approximately 150’ above sea level and has well drained, sandy loam soils from the Savannah and Ruston series of the soils of the upland terraces. Pontchartrain Vineyards, which is a registered trade name of Distinctive Wines of Louisiana, Inc., was formed in 1992.

The planting of the first 5.5 acre block was completed in the spring of 1992 and the vineyard’s first harvest resulted in a modest 200 cases of wine from the 1993 vintage. Beginning in the fall of 1994, these 200 cases of wine were marketed exclusively to fine restaurants in New Orleans and on the Northshore.

A 2,400 square foot winery building at the vineyard site was partially completed in time for the 1995 crush which yielded wine production of about 1,500 cases of wine. Most of the 1995 vintage wines were released in the fall of 1996. The winery building was completed in 1996 and that year’s production totaled about 1,800 cases or 4,300 gallons of wine.

In 1997, construction of a French provincial style tasting room and visitors center overlooking the vineyards was completed. Current annual production ranges from approximately 5,000 gallons (2,100 cases) to about 6,900 gallons (2,900 cases) of wine. Pontchartrain Vineyards wines have been awarded over 60 medals (including six (6) Gold medals) in both national and international wine competitions over the last several years, and are well represented in the finer eating establishments and wine stores in the New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Northshore areas.

In 2004, the winery was honored by the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group out of New York who selected the winery’s 2000 Le Grand Louis Syrah as one of 27 wines from across America to be included in the Undiscovered Gems part of their All-American Wine List. With the exception of the Greater Houston, Texas area, the wines are generally not available outside the state of Louisiana.

Approximately 13 acres of vines are presently under cultivation and producing. The main varieties grown are Blanc Du Bois (white) and Cynthiana/Norton (red). It is anticipated that estate vineyards will eventually account for about 2,800 cases of the winery’s annual production.

For more info, go to http://www.pontchartrainvineyards.com/

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

New York Celebrate Mardi Gras, Too! We're Talking With Cathy Millspaugh From the Cayuga Wine Trail About Their Annual Mardi Gras Event!

Cayuga Wine Trail's Annual Mardi Gras event will be held on March 5 & 6. Attendees will join them for a bit of Irish luck participating in the Scavenger Hunt! The big prize? The infamous Pot of Gold! The fun part of this event is the beads all colors, shapes and sizes. A few beaded shapes reminds us of St. Patty’s day, shamrocks and dollar signs but chili peppers and alligators that squeak are also thrown into the mix. Attendees also receive a wine glass, plus instant gratification, if they're one of the lucky ones to pick the specially marked coin to win exciting prizes at each of the 16 wineries or win the Grand Prizes. At all of the Cayuga Wine Trail's events, wine and food pairings are offered. This event, of course, features a New Orleans cuisine.

About the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail: It was the first organized and longest running wine trail in New York, established in 1983. Since then, the Trail has become a model for other wine trails both in New York and around the country. With 15 wineries, one cidery, one meadery, four distilleries, and countless other businesses involved, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has something for everyone!

We're Back in New Orleans With Fred Sawyers, General Manager of the Hilton New Orleans! Fred will tell us how they celebrate Mardi Gras at the Hilton and he'll give us a tour of their famous Drago's Restaurant!

A 24-year veteran of the hotel industry, Fred Sawyers has been General Manager of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside for the past four years. Prior to his appointment as GM, Fred was Hotel Manager of the 1622-room hotel for two years. When Hurricane Katrina struck, Fred and his team successfully and safely guided 4500 guests and team members through the disaster in the absence of the GM.

Prior to New Orleans, Fred spent 7 years in Portland, Oregon, managing the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the Doubletree Columbia River/Jantzen Beach. Fred is currently Chair-Elect of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Association, Treasurer of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and past Chairman of the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association.

Fred lives in New Orleans with his wife Jayme (who also in the hotel industry), two daughters (Sara 3 and Kylee 2) and three cats.

A heartwarming touch to the Katrina story: after years of trying to get pregnant, Jayme was undergoing fertility treatments when Katrina hit – and the clinic was wiped out by the storm. Three months after Katrina, Jayme walked into Fred’s “bombed out” office in the middle of the day and announced “I’m pregnant!” Sara was born the following July.

Today, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside is once again one of the top-producing hotels in for Hilton Worldwide. In 2009, it was among the top 10% most-improved in “Overall Service” scores as measured by guest surveys. It has been named by City Business magazine as one of the “Best Places to Work” in New Orleans for the last four years in a row (the only hotel with that distinction), and has over 240 Team Members who have been here for 15 years or more.

Movie Guy Steve Evans Gives us the Movie Hits and Misses!

Steve Evans, the Movie Guy, is going to tell us what we need to run out and see and what we can avoid in the movie theaters, this week! So, grab your popcorn, folks! Get your movie news and reviews right here on the What's Cookin' Today show!

Steve “The Movie Guy” will take a look at what’s hot at the box office and the new films being released this weekend including…

• The Adjustment Bureau - Matt Damon is a politician who discovers a powerful, mysterious group of agents conspiring to keep him from the woman he loves.

• Beastly - Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer star in a hyper-modern retelling of the "Beauty and the Beast" tale set in New York City.

• Rango - Johnny Depp stars in an animated comedy about a chameleon who faces an identity crisis when he finds himself in the wild west.

• Take Me Home Tonight - A group of directionless friends struggle with their burgeoning adulthood over the course of one unforgettable night.

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