Emeril leaving the Food Network

Rumor has it that Emeril Lagasse and Scripps Howard couldn't agree on the terms of Lagasse's contract, so he will taking his pork fat and "Blam" elsewhere.
The last taping of his Emeril Live! will be Dec. 11.
I really enjoyed watching his show, and listening to the different music artists that appeared on the show as well. Too bad things couldn't be worked out. I think Emeril made the Food Network what it is today.

Souper Chef Cooking Contest

If you think you have a soup recipe that's worth prizes valued up to $750, share it with Quick Chek. Starting today through Dec. 5, Quick Chek customers will have the chance to put their culinary skills to the test by submitting an original recipe that incorporates one of Quick Chek's 14 fall menu soups as an ingredient to the company's first ever Quick Chek Souper Chef Cooking Contest.
A panel of individuals from the Center for Food Development and Manufacturing Technology at the School for Environmental and Biological Science of Rutgers University will evaluate each "souper" submission based on innovation and originality. Five finalists will be chosen to cook at the cook-off at the company's store at 317 Dunham Ave. in South Plainfield on Dec. 15.
Contestants may enter Quick Chek's Souper Chef Cooking Contest by picking up a Souper Chef mail-in entry form at any Quick Chek location or by going online at wwww.souperchefcontest.com. Deadline is Dec. 5.

Lorraine Bracco comes to Woodbridge

Lorraine Bracco won't be listening to Tony Soprano's problems on Nov. 17. She will be signing copies of her book "On The Couch," and bottles of her wine from 2 to 5 p.m. at Joe Canal's, formerly the Bottlesmart, on Route 1 South in Woodbridge.
If you want to try out her wine ahead of time, run, don't walk, to the store and purchase a bottle for $10.99. If you become a club member, it will only cost you $9.29.