None — Guy Fieri: he's a chef, restaurant owner, Food Network star and now he's returning for another season as a game show host on Channel 11 and NBC.
Being a serious foodie, I was excited to chat with Guy on the morning of the summer premiere of "Minute To Win It."
The show features competitors participating in a series of simple, yet nerve-wracking, 60-second games that can lead to a $1 million prize.
Besides food, I found that Guy's passion is people. Contestants go through a series of preparations before appearing on the show. I was surprised to learn they are shown over 60 games prior to the competition and are encouraged to practice these one-of-a-kind challenges at home.
The final piece of preparation is a back stage pep talk with Guy. He said he tells them to calm down and remember to be themselves.
"The challenges look a lot easier than they are," he said. "Especially when you got the camera on you, the lights on you, you've got the huge audience there. It's pretty nerve-wracking."
So who is responsible for coming up with these crazy challenges?
"We have what I call the game wizards. And the game wizards are this group of people who take household items, they lock themselves in this gigantic warehouse and they just make games up," Guy said.
The first season of "Minute To Win It" featured 40 different games. Guy said to look for lots of new games this summer.
"The new games are even more crazy and outlandish than the first season," Guy said.
When he's not hosting "Minute To Win It" Guy of course can be seen on The Food Network in shows including the popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." I knew the show had brought him to Pittsburgh in the past, but I didn't know about his other Pittsburgh connection.
"My dad grew up in Ohio and I have an uncle there in Pittsburgh, Tom Ramsey. And every time I'd come to Pittsburgh, I was at Three Rivers Stadium, I saw when Willie Stargell played, I have great, great memories of being in Pittsburgh," he said.
While Primanti Brothers has gained worldwide fame, Guy said his favorite Pittsburgh food can be found at a lesser-known diner.
"One of the most unique foods I tried when I went to Pittsburgh, that I couldn't even believe was going to be as good as it is, and as a matter of fact I even made my rendition of it and did it on my show, 'Guy's Big Bite,' and that was at Kelly O's; haluski. Haluski at Kelly O's was one of my all-time favorites," Guy said.
Guy has many other Pittsburgh favorites he told me, including Dor-Stop in Dormont and Big Jim's on Saline Street in Pittsburgh.
"We'd love to come back, so if you've got some more recommendations for us please let me know," Guy said.
You can watch "Minute To Win It" Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. on Channel 11.
WPXI
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