Meeting the fans!
Posted by Aarti on August 3rd, 2010 . Filed under: Uncategorized .I actually got to meet some of you face to face this past weekend. And it was more joyful than I thought possible.
See, there’s something so abstract about this experience. I shot this show months ago, but had to keep quiet about it until it started airing. It’s broadcasting to all of “America”, which is too huge for me to comprehend. And don’t even get me started on my family being able to watch in India. Little puffs of smoke are coming out of my ears!
Thank goodness for all your kind comments and messages! I really love hearing from you. Especially since I’ve read some nasty things out there, so it’s good to balance it all out, as you know my tendency is to believe the negative. No strike that. My tendency USED to be to believe the negative. I’m over that part of my life now! Right? RIGHT?!
But it wasn’t until I got to meet some of you, face to face, that this all became real. The top 6 finalists (Aria, Brad, Herb, Serena, Tom and myself) were invited to Food Network’s festival in Atlantic City this past weekend. I thought we’d hang out with each other, perhaps get recognized a few times, but mostly just watch the pros at work.
WRONG.
At the first event, the kickoff party, none of us made it more than 5 feet from the door for about an hour! Tons of you came up to us, showered us with hugs, took tons of photos, asked for autographs, and did nothing short than make us feel like rock stars. All that hard work was suddenly worth it. It’s exhilarating. This now feels real, visceral, and for the first time for me, like it’s really happening. Tom and I chatted on the phone yesterday, and we both said that meeting you guys made us both feel like this is what we were meant to be doing. We all went to bed at 7am every day, but bounced up at 10am because we were so excited to make the next event and meet you all!
Here we are at the launch party. Don’t we look fab? I was wearing a dress generously donated by Eliza Parker, a line dedicated to curvy women! Check it out ladies — only sizes 10 and up. And you feel gorgeous. These are the kind of dresses that will ONLY look good on women like you and me. For a change!
Family aka the Final Four!! Well minus me, because I’m taking the photo.
This woman and her daughters found me outside Guy Fieri’s first ever Philly Cheesesteak contest (oh boy, was it good!). She told me that they hadn’t had any idea this was happening, and had just walked into it. She was ecstatic because she said she was such a big fan of mine (*blush*), and so I said, with your luck, you should play the slots! 5 minutes later, she walked up to me and said that she had played $5 at the slots, and won $45! I had to take a picture to commemorate it!
After the cheesesteak battle, we went to the cigar and whiskey-tasting event. In addition to tasting some amazing Makers Mark 46, we also got to roll our own cigars! I don’t care for them myself, so I gave mine to Bren, who puffed on it on the porch on Sunday as the sun set, whilst sipping a little whiskey. He said I rolled a good’un!
Tom’s brothers came down for a visit. I have such a soft spot for brothers who really love each other, like these ones. It’s precious! I was so thankful to be invited to meet the family.
The next day, Saturday, we went to Sunny Anderson’s Sunset, Sliders and Spirits event on the rooftop of Caesars. Great food, great cocktails, and Sunny herself! And believe it or not, she had a bag that exactly matched that dress. Ha! Right before we snapped this photo she said, I bought you some cute flower clips that you’re gonna love! I mean, who does that?
There’s nothing like a VIP after-party to make you feel extra special. I don’t normally do shots, but we had so much to celebrate, I had to have one! Thanks to the ladies in PR and marketing for doing one with me!!
I found some sisters from another mister that night. These girls are the BOMB. They all share my love for flowers in their hair, wine, and MiracleSuits!
I can’t believe I stayed up late enough for the after-after party. Mike, the owner to Tony Baloney, the winner of Guy Fieri’s Cheesesteak Battle opened up his shop for us at 4 in the morning! Isn’t he grand? He let us make pizzas and showed us the secret behind his cheesesteaks: curry powder! Who knew?!
All in all, the most amazing weekend yet! Thank you all so much for making it such a blast!
-x-
aarti
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Aarti,
Thank you for taking us along on your adventure! It looks like a dream come true! And isn’t Sunny a doll? I met her at the SBWFF and she is so down to earth. How sweet that she gave you the flower clips! Anyways, whatever happens on NFNS, I know big things are in store for you girl…keep that smile going!
XOXO
Heather
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Wow, Aarti, it looks like you had a great time! I just want to say that I’m rooting for you to win this. The Indian culture has always interested me, but until I saw the food that you cooked and how delicious it looked, I never really got that into it. Now I am finding myself trying Indian food (it’s delicious) and listening to Indian music (Anushka Manchanda – Mila Mila is an AMAZING song in Tamil) and I have to say that I’m really enjoying myself! Thanks so much for being a fresh face on the show and for inspiring me the way that you have!
Best wishes and lots of luck,
Stephy
August 3rd, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Aarti,
You are beautiful and so very talented! This past Sunday, my husband, my 3 kids and 2 dogs were all piled on the bed watching. When they said your name at the elimination, we all started screaming! We were going to be devestated if you were the one who went home. I have been rooting for you from the first day and I have never eaten Indian food, ever! You have a spirit and personality that is so engaging. That is something that can’t be taught. People can learn to cook but they can never learn to have the gift that you have. That is what makes you a star! DO NOT listen to the terrible stuff out there. You rock!
Lara
August 3rd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Aarti!
You look FAB! I’m glad you had so much fun! I can’t wait to look at that website for the dresses….
Love to you!
August 3rd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Aarti! I considered driving up to Atlantic City for the Food and Wine Festival and now I wish I had. I had no idea the NFNS crew would be there!
You’re still my favorite!
August 3rd, 2010 at 5:19 pm
How fun! Love reading all this and seeing the pics, Aarti! Thank you xoxo
August 3rd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Aarti, you have such a gorgeous smile! So happy for your success and thankful that you’re involving all your fans by posting your blog and photos! Thank you!
August 3rd, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Aarti,
You are such an inspiration. You are beautiful on the inside AND on the outside! I have been vying for you since the very first NFNS because I have ALWAYS ALWAYS wanted to be able to make Indian food. Food Network needs you! (And so do I!) I love to cook and am so glad I found you, I am almost done watching all your You Tube videos and have watched many of them many times! I admire you and believe you will make it all the way! Go Aarti Go!
Much Love,
Clare
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Hello, Aarti. My name is Anabel, and I’m 12 years old. tonight I made your Earl Grey Kulfi Popsicles. Well, actually, I’m waiting for my dad to come home with the heavy whipping cream. I can’t wait to try them. Unfortunately, we won’t be watching NFNS on Sunday… because we will be watching it on Monday with my Uncle Davy after an early-morning roadtrip to his house. We are making a dish from each of the 4 contestants to eat during the show. I am making your green chicken curry. You are the favorite of everybody I know who watches NFNS. We are a family of Indian Lovers, and my love of it started with Mother’s milk. HaHa. I would LOVE an Indian Cooking Show on Food Network. I think I hear my dad’s car wheels in the driveway, so I’ll get back to your recipe and you can get back to filming your show. (Hopefully.) Bye!
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Looks like a lot of fun! I love your blog and YouTube channel (I’ve read/watched everything on both) and my family and I are rooting for you to win The Next Food Network Star and look forward to your next blog entry!
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Wow! How exciting Aarti! Thanks for sharing your food network adventure. You are such a super star in our house. We are definitely team Aarti over here! My husband, 2 kids and myself are faithful fans and hope that YOU are the Next Food Network Star!!
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Aarti,
Wishing Best of Luck to you…I hope you have kicked the money by now .. and on your way to win the trophy… next episode is already shot ..how can we know some details ? I am just praying that you are still there and accumulating points for the championship…
just waiting for your final dish . .very curious to know what it would be!
Thanks for awesome pics..
./p
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Looks like lots of fun! I’ve enjoyed seeing the pictures in my facebook newsfeed. I guess living in a house with everyone fosters a strong bonding experience because it seems more like a group of friends than a group of people competing for a show on the Food Network.
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Wow, so awesome. I wish I could of been there to meet you as well. I am rooting for you! You have a great personality and great food. No one on the Food Network cooks with Indian spices..you HAVE to win!
Thanks for being awesome!
Lots of luck!
Amber
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:21 pm
It looks like you are having so much fun at these Food Network events! I’d love to meet you someday too! I can’t wait to see what happens on the next episode. You’re a rock star! Stay positive!
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Oh to be in your shoes! It really looks like you are having an amazing time with this experience. I’ve been watching from the beginning and am rooting you on all the way! It’s great to see a fellow food blogger on the show. Congrats on your success!
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Hey aarthi , r u the winner?have been voting for you 10 times everyday? is the winner decided already or does voting even makes sense?
wish you loads of good luck to win, if you havent won already:)
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:42 pm
I’m so excited for you! I couldn’t stop smiling reading this!
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Aarti, from one curvy woman to another, you looked great, as always! I’m so glad you are enjoying the ride! You’ve inspired me to make my first curry. It’s on the menu for this weekend! Take care of yourself!
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:45 pm
You look so flippin’ radiant in every picture!
)) And yes I love that dress – the color, the material, the design. Gorgeous!
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Aarti! You KNOW you have a zillion fans in Chicago. We are so proud of you. Keep on truckin’ (and bloggin’ please – it’s brings pizazz to my Google Reader every time!). Hope you’re well, and can’t wait to see what happens next!
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Aarti,
I am voting for you everyday! I think you are an amazing inspiration. God Bless you!
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
aarti you are inspiring! you are wonderful & you bring joy into our house every time we watch food network star! thanks for being real & sharing your struggles! stay positive & remember that it is Christ who strengthens you and gives you your worth (and He thinks you’re WONDERFUL!)
also i make fabric flowers & would love to send you some to wear in your hair!! is that possible?
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:32 pm
aarti you are inspiring! you are wonderful & you bring joy into our house every time we watch food network star! thanks for being real & sharing your struggles! stay positive & remember that it is Christ who strengthens you and gives you your worth (and He thinks you’re WONDERFUL!)
also i make fabric flowers & would love to send you some to wear in your hair!! is there somewhere i can send them? email me & let me know!
rooting for you!!
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Aarti, you look absolutely fabulous in all of those pics! Thanks so much for sharing with us! (and thanks for the Eliza Parker info!) Best wishes for continued success! God Bless!!
August 4th, 2010 at 5:09 am
Oh my gosh! What a star studded event! I’m totally rooting for you…you seem so down to earth and sweet and that’s what Food Network needs!
August 4th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Hi Aarti, looks like you guys had a grand time! I’ve enjoyed watching you this year and am hoping you won. You are great on camera and I would LOVE to learn how to make Indian inspired dishes – after all, my name is Curry.
And my husband and I were excited to see you reading your Bible on one show and to hear you quoting it on another one!
August 4th, 2010 at 6:36 am
What a great post!! I will be rooting for ya this weekend!!
August 4th, 2010 at 7:13 am
I live somewhat close to Atlantic City, and really wanted to go to the Food Network event! Unfortunately, I didn’t make it, but it looks like you had a blast! You are super inspiring, keep up the good work!
August 4th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Aarti, you are such an inspiration and I have had my fingers crossed for you since the first episode. I, too, struggle to feel worthy. When I start to freak out and doubt my ability I say my favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” ~ Phil 4:13
Loving your blog, which I found because of “NFNS”. Looking forward to seeing lots more of you on your “Aarti’s Party” show!
August 4th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Love you on TNFNS! Of all the contestants, yours is the show I’m most excited about watchning. Best of luck to you. And I’ll definitely check out Eliza Parker!
August 4th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Hi Aarti,
I just wanted to give you a shout-out love the blog, and am addicted to NFNS but I prefer my DVR so I showed much restraint and didn’t check your blog on Monday, ran home and watched the show that night!
I am rooting for you,
KCatGU in PHX
August 4th, 2010 at 10:55 am
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND YOU AARTI!!! My husband and I just adore you!!! ADORE YOU!!!! Good luck. You are wonderful and amazing!!!
Much love, happiness and success!!
Ami and David in PHX
August 4th, 2010 at 11:31 am
You look great in your dress! I love your hair and the flower in it but I wish so much I could have met you! That is, if you would want to meet a child chef…
August 4th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Hey Aarti,
Thanks for sharing your pics with all us fans. It looks like you had a fantastic time. You are so inspiring to watch… I really hope you win — your dishes look fabulous and I can’t wait to continue to journey of Indian flavors with you.
Cheers,
-Nikki
August 4th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
You’re the best Aarti! Wish I could’ve been there to meet you. Looks like you guys had a great time. I really hope you turn out to be the winner, I’d love to be able to watch your show on Sunday Mornings!
Best of Luck,
-Chris
August 4th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
You look beautiful and love your smiley face on camera. Keep it up. There’s always negative in everything — but you should know that you’re doing great!
August 4th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Hi Aarti,
You are amazing! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and I love your videos ( your amazing husband does that for you , right?)
Love your recipes. I love well seasoned food. And then I saw you on food network and got so excited. You are fantastic!! Relax!! You are great, your recipes are awesome, your funny and charming and I vote for you all 10 times every day and YOUR IN THE LEAD!!!!!! YAY!!!! AARTI IS THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR!!!!! I can’t wait to see your show!!!!
Love and Blessings,
Courtney
August 4th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Dear Aarti,
I understand your bouts with fear and self-doubt; I experience them myself. But please know that you have a great many fans – no matter what happens. Thank you for sharing recipes here and for all these lovely photos of you and the other contestants. Much good luck to you! Theresa
No matter the outcome, you are by far my favorite (and my hubby’s and all my friends who watch!). I am keeping my fingers crossed because Food Network TRULY needs someone of your personality and style (I adore how you already wear such a beautiful flower in your hair). Indian cuisine is my all-time favorite. Food Network TRULY needs a cooking show to teach us know to create traditional Indian cuisine, as well as fusion, in our own homes.
August 4th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Oh how fun! So glad you got to meet fans – you have so many, because you totally rule!!
I can’t wait until Aarti Paarti airs so you’ll be able to tour more often with the Food Network stars! You’re the perfect addition to the food network channel! Yay!
Betsy
August 4th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
I’ve been sending you messages thinking this is just happening and its already happened. No matter…you rock and I know you’re going to win! So glad you had a great time at the After Party! Peace, D
August 4th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
hi ! Aarti I am huge fan of your and I vote for you every day.
August 4th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
GO AARTI GO!!!!
YOU are da BOMB!
August 5th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Hi Aarti..just wanted to write a little note here that you are the best
August 5th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Aarti you are amazing! My husband and I have been cheering for you from the beginning. We have gotten into Indian food flavors over the past year, but have a hard time finding good recipes out there. I would LOVE to watch you on the Food Network. Your ideas are so fresh and new. There is no one out there like you. Believe in yourself! You are awesome! Good Luck!
August 6th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
My family LOVES watching you on Next Food Network Star. You are an amazing chef and are such an inspiration! We really hope you win!
August 6th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
I’m so happy for you Aarti and that you’re having this amazing experience! I think I’m addicted to your YouTube show. LOL The chemistry between you and your hubby reminds me so much of me and my husband. The Giddy Up Flank Steak episode had me rolling on the floor laughing. The “wah” is so much like my man it’s crazy.
Keep dolling out the amazing recipes!
August 7th, 2010 at 7:06 am
you are gorgeous. inside and out.
August 8th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Just wanted to drop in and say that you are my favorite this year. I’m really rooting for you. I find you amazing and adorable. Bring a leg!
August 8th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Aarti,
I am so rooting for you on Star. I really hope you win. . . I don’t think I could watch FN anymore if you didn’t! I love your Youtube shows, watched them all. Love the blog too, of course. You have really really inspired me, because we are very alike in our way of thinking about ourselves (or used to be, since you’re more positive now right?)
You are wonderful, amazing, and someone I would TRULY love to meet.
Good luck.
August 8th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Hi Aarti! I just found this site, and I’m so glad you’re having fun with everything. I really hope you win (do you know alreadyif you won?) and can’t wait to watch your show.
Oh, and I love that you love “The Wire” and “Deadwood”, lol.
August 9th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Aarti – we’ve just started watching a few episodes in. We’re rooting for you – my 12 year old is your biggest fan!
August 9th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Aarti, I’m so glad I found your blog. You have( almost!) consistently cooked amazing food throughout the NFNS show and you are a natural on camera. I hope you won! I also love your fashion sense and the colors you wear. One question….why do you have a British accent when I don’t see anything about living in Britain in your international upbringing?
August 9th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Hi Aarti,
All the best for “The Next Food Network Star” Challenge. I really want to see you win. My heart almost skipped a beat watching the Food Network Challenge. I am having my fingers crossed for you to win the competition. I did not know anything about you till I saw you here. Both of us being an Indian and you being so friendly and cheerful has created this affinity towards you and makes me want to see you win this badly.
Once again All the Best and I will pray for you to win this. Would love to see an Indian on the Food Network channel.
Take Care
Vanitha
August 10th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi Aarti! I am such a fan of “The Next Food Network Star” episodes. I watch every year. I do hope you win! You have been my favorite from the very beginning. I love your spirit and personality along with the wonderful cook you seem to be. I’m not too familiar with Indian types of foods so your recipes are making me want to try them. I love Herb also and his humble but personable nature. Anyway, I’m glad to have found your blog.
Good luck!
Keep smiling your beautiful smile!
Lee Ann
August 10th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Hi Aarti! I am Lisa from Barbados alllll the way in the caribbean and I know you WILL win NFNS!! Cause your simply the best! better than all the rest! lol! I love your smile, personality and cooking!
and “I think you’ve got what it takes to be a start” ! All the best to you and I’ll be screaming my house down on sunday evening!!!!! (My husband thinks I’m an Aartie freak). Blessings on you and I’m looking forward to watching Aartie Paarti!!!
August 10th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
LOVE these pics sweetness! And that dress is fab on you:)
August 15th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Hi Aarti,
Congratulations! I am really happy about your win. I was praying fervently for the past hour while watching the finale. I have never felt this happy, I don’t know why..
You are superb! Looking forward to your TV show
August 15th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Aarti… congratulations! I was the geeky girl who ran into you on Sunday, at the Showboat. You are nothing short of an inspiration! I am so looking forward to your show!
August 15th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Congratulations!!!!! So excited that you are the Next Food Network Star!!! You are an inspiration to all of us cooks who love Indian food and Indian cooking!!! woo hoo! You won!!!
August 16th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Hi Aarti my name is saajan and im 10 years old and im indian too. I want to become an idain chef to just like you. Congrats on your win and i am looking foward to seeing you on AARTI PARTI on food network because im absesed over cooking and watching food network i really really wish i could meet you ur my role model i want to be just like you except im a boy.
hoping you read my comment
saajan
p.s can you make Butter Chicken Murgh Makhani or chiken makhani
August 16th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Aarti — I have questions about your wardrobe! Where was your wardrobe from? Was it all by Eliza Parker? I just love the orange colored dress in the pics above. I adore the outfits you wore on the Next Food Network Star. Please, please, please do share where I can get some of my own!
Thanks and of course, CONGRATULATIONS! Me and the hubby rooted for you the whole way!
August 16th, 2010 at 11:57 am
CONGRATS! My husband and I knew from the start that you would be the winner…just had this gut feeling! Don’t doubt yourself, ever, your very talented & you come across so warm and inviting on TV. You’ve even sparked an interest in us to try Indian food….we’ve never had that desire in the past. Enjoy living your dream come true….you’ve earned it.
August 16th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
IM SOOOOOOOO GLAD U WON!!!!! INDIANS RULE! LOL!
August 16th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Hi Aarti my name is saajan patel and im 10 years old and im indian too. I am abssesed with cooking and i want to be an indian chef like you you are my role model and i wish we cud meet congrats on your win and im looking foward to seeing your show and i hope i dont miss an episode can you make Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani or chiken mukhani on AARTI PAARTI
hoping you see this,
saajan
August 16th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
CONGRATS!!! Aarti, We have never met you, but watching you on youtube and Food Network, we feel like we have known you for years. We love that you are bringing our Desi cuisine to the distinguished platform where it belongs, and we are so proud of you! Your journey has been inspirational to watch; we think we are your #1 fans, but by the outpouring of love displayed here, that is clearly not the case. All the same, we would be totally star-struck if we got the opportunity to meet you (we are local SoCalians). Anyway, Mubarak ho! Mubarak ho! Mubarak ho! All the best, love,
Deepti & Sameer
August 16th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
HI Aarti, YEAH, you won! I am so happy for you. You’re such a cutie pa-tooty! You made the show worth watching. I’m the one that approached you in Ralphs. Thanks for staying so humble, didn’t think you were going to pull it out…SURPRISED ME! You bought a different culture and flavor to the table and it was very exciting rooting for you. Your winning was well deserve. YEAH, you made my night. I look forward in supporting your show. Keep it real and keep the great recipes coming. Coolness, peace and good luck girlfriend! P.S. I think you’re mistaking your uncertainty for your humbleness and greatfulness! Keep the Faith.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Aarti, you rock! It’s so wonderful to see a REAL woman, whom I can identify with make it big. I hope that your confidence never falters and lets that wonderful inner sunshine out for the world to see. Love your blog and can’t wait to watch your show. You have a great personality and put a smile on my face every time! Now I’m going to make your ” I ain’t chicken chicken” for my and hubby. He loves you too!
August 17th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
This trip looks like it ws the max on fun. I am so happy that you won I was pulling for you all the way and I knew you should because the judges all loved your food. Can’t wait to watch your show. The best of everything to you and for you!
August 18th, 2010 at 10:13 am
I love you AARTI……i voted for you every day…..i cant wait to see and try some of your dishes………….whoooooooooooo……….im from Jamaica…………………yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1