New locations, new set, new vibe, new SANDWICHES, same ol’ host.  This season of Sandwich King will definitely blow your mind.  In thanks to a new production company (Bobby Flay’s Rock Shrimp Productions), a new and talented director (Chris Sgueglia – Cash Cab, Bobby Flay’s Throwdown) and fabulous recipes, this season will hopefully break every Food Network Record known to man.  What those records are, no one knows.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Jeff Mauro

Hi Folks!

I am officially done with the Food Network Star Book Tour!  2 weeks, 8 cities, countless interviews, TV appearances, airports, and thousands of books signed.  What a whirlwind.  I honestly loved every minute it.  My room service ordering ability was greatly improved, as well as my airport-navigation savviness. Meeting the thousands of fans was the true gift.  Little did I know how many people love this show.  You hear about ratings and see the facebook and tweeter responses, but in person it is a whole different sandwich.  The spectrum of fans is diverse:  Toddlers, teens, Dads, Grandmas, Babies, Moms, etc.  The outpouring of support was mind blowing, and getting to meet everyone one -on-one really humbled me.  Not to mention all the signatures!.  I even signed a sandwich, in mustard, and took a bite.  Truly a dream come true.

As for the first two episodes of Sandwich King, I feel they came out stellar.  It’s hard watching yourself for 22 minutes under the microscope of HD television.  Every silly thing said, repeated phrase and goofy face is up front and center.  That’s going to take a little getting used to, but overall, I’m proud.  Shooting a cooking show is the most mentally taxing performance art I’ve ever attempting.  The juggling of mental and physical requirements left me exhausted at the end of the day.  One flub and you have to do another take.  As the days went on, I did get more comfortable, so hopefully, by next season (if they give one) I’ll be even better.

Til’ then, it’s back to recipe development, sandwich research (eating), and maybe a little vacation with the family.  Thank you all for being great fans.  This is truly only the begining, and I’m glad you’re all with me…

A Sandwich a Day….

Jeff Mauro

We started out this episode eating our faces off.  Literally, I ate at 5 different locations in an hour, averaging 4 items per location.  That’s like 118 meals in a hour.  I truly did lose weight when taping in LA.  I truly gained it all back in an hour.  That being said, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” camera challenge was the least stressful and most enjoyable camera challenge to date.  I loved tasting, talking food and interviewing each of the chefs/owners.  It was truly a dream come true.

The Roast on the other hand, was a different story.  The cooking portion was a breeze (I finally got back on the deli slicer horse which put me right back at home).  At that point, I was gone for 9 weeks, and not only hadn’t I hugged my wife or kid, but I also hadn’t had the opportunity to  use a deli slicer, which I tend to operate for at least 80 minutes a day.  The slicer coupled with the fact that I was doing a fantastic and personal favorite dish (Italian beef) made it a very enjoyable cooking experience.  Having the knowledge that I was a failed comedian (professionally at least) about to serve and present to a bunch of successful comedians loomed over me the whole time.  I knew they knew about my past, and that they would be hardest on me.  My goal was to not lay it on too thick.  Be me, but sit back and get whatever beating they were gonna give me.  If I could throw in a joke here or there, so be it.  But my goal was to show I could be a star not a standup.

Kaboom.  Third win in a row and going into next week’s Iron Chef challenge with a fair amount of momentum and confidence.  WHAT. WILL. I. DO. WITH. SAID. MOMENTUM?

I love you all.  Thanks for supporting me and all the great facebook messages and tweets and whatnot.

A sandwich a day….,

Jeff Mauro

I arrived in NYC with a revived spirit and an excitement for a change of scenery, studio and cityscape.  I was ready to take on any challenge they threw at me and no matter what, I was going “balls” out.  However, when Ina walked in the room I had a feeling our first camera challenge would be a bit shaky for me.  Ina is a food-star legend whom I greatly respect,but we are cut from two very different clothes.  My first reaction was “oh crap, how will I impress her amidst the girls (and vic) who are all super fans?”  So why not make a 5-meat cupcake?  At least if I’m going down, I’m going down swinging for the fences.  Granted, I swang my bat so hard it slipped out of my hands and hit the pitcher (Bobby), catcher (Bob), and the left fielder (Ina) so hard that it knocked out all their incisors.  If you were to see my FNS journal, beside “Italian Sub Cupake” I had written “Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake” which would have been a wiser albeit less entertaining decision.  My cupcake was a behometh, an abomination and overall, the funniest thing I’ve ever made.  It makes me very proud and I have no regrets.  Especially my prosciutto floret garnish.

The Rachael Ray show was a challenge I HAD to win.  Not only to erase my cupcake from B & B’s minds, but to also show that ultimately, I am a good entertainer.  Being in RR’s studio was daunting but I never let my nerves get the best of me.  I remember waiting to perform and my fellow finalists where all very, very anxious.  I said screw that, this is mine to win.  When the cameras started rolling, I just turned on auto pilot and did my thang.  It went by so quick I can’t recall the specifics, but I do remember feeling elated at the end.  I knew I connected with the audience and RR and wanted to do it again, and again, and again.  I was hooked.  My only regret is pronouncing the silent “s” on Illinois.  I know. I know. I know.  Sorry to my fellow Illinois residents.  I was in the moment and it just came out.  Well aware.

This was my first solo win and it felt great, especially with such an ENORMOUS challenge.  Part of me felt that if I didn’t win FNS, at least I hopefully proved to someone out there that I can handle myself in this genre.  Thanks everyone for the kind words and the continued support.  I love you all equally but some more than others.

Next week, Gilbert F’in Godfried.  The former comedian feeding and attempting to entertain legitimate comedians.  WHAT. WILL. HAPPEN!?? Til’ Then….

A Sandwich A Day…

Jeff Mauro