'Foodgod' Jonathan Cheban Fontainebleau Nachos Still Bad ... Hit Me Up, I'll Fix 'Em!!!
-
Exclusive
- 92 shares
"Foodgod" Jonathan Cheban's not letting Fontainebleau Vegas off the hook -- even though the resort's updated its much-maligned nachos, he has a different plan for upping their appetizer game.
We got the reality TV personality/foodie out in NYC this week and asked him about Fontainebleau's viral nacho debacle. He was actually at the hotel's opening night, and while he complimented most of the menu options ... he went scorched earth on the nachos.
ICYMI, the meager nacho offering went viral after a pic of the plate, priced at $24, ended up on social media. The unappetizing dish caused a frenzy on X, and 'Bleau ultimately redid their nachos and posted an updated pic, trying to do some damage control.
JC's very clear on where the hotel went wrong ... saying the chef should've invited him into the kitchen to design a truly over-the-top nacho plate.
The Tavern menu was designed to be “bar food favorites, all grown up.” We hope you’ll excuse our growing pains while the nachos went through their awkward phase. We’re thrilled to report they’ve matured into one stacked snack. pic.twitter.com/CIibhiGMrQ
— Fontainebleau Las Vegas (@fblasvegas) January 25, 2024 @fblasvegas
As for whether nachos should even be on a five-star menu, the "Foodgod" is unequivocal -- it all depends on what you put on those bad boys! He was generous enough to offer up a few ingredients to make high-class gourmet nachos. Pay attention, Fontainebleau!!!
And, if the ritzy Vegas spot hears something they like here, it better move quickly. Foodgod's a gun for hire, and is already chatting with other Strip hotels.
One more thing, lots of folks were pissed about the $24 price tag for the "nachos" -- but Cheban's cosigning on that ... pointing out nachos at regular places go for about $17, and Fontainebleau's far from regular!
Fontainebleau Vegas might wanna get Foodgod on the horn, stat!
related articles
TMZ TV Recap Darius Rucker Arrested for Drugs ... Avril's New Friends, Andre Reed
We're wrapping up the week here at TMZ, but we're just getting started on juicy topics to talk about on TV -- which is exactly what we did on Friday.
TMZ Live
On 'TMZ Live,' Harvey and Charles dove head-first into the Darius Rucker arrest that goes all the way back to last February, and which landed with him in a jail cell earlier this week.
It's a bit of a convoluted mess, but long story short ... the guy got stopped in 2023 over expired tags -- which ended in cops finding what they say might've been drugs ... and almost a year later, they said they were sure it was drugs, resulting in Hootie posing for a mug shot.
TMZ on TV
Over at 'TMZ on TV,' we got into Avril Lavigne's new friend (and maybe love interest?) who went skating with her out in L.A. earlier this week ... in what sure looked like a date.
Of course, we're talking about Nate Smith ... whom we ran into at the airport, and who cleared the air. Take a look ... the guys seems to suggest that AL is ... just a pal.
TMZ Sports
Finally, we get to 'TMZ Sports' ... where Babcock talked to NFL HOF'er Andre Reed about the Buffalo Bills and Stefon Diggs ... who AR says could take a pay cut to stick around.
Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!
related articles
Trevor Noah Good Genes Or Good Docs?!
There's no doubt Trevor Noah's looks over the years deserve an award!
Here is a 30-year-old version of the comedic host looking dear and dapper at the Met Gala in New York City back in 2015 (left). This was the year he took over Jon Stewart's spot on "The Daily Show."
And, nearly a decade later good ole' Trev's darling dimples never looked better earlier this year, and his bow ties are still hittin' 😜 (right).
Tonight he will host the Grammy's for the fourth year in a row. Yes, he sure is lookin' fine at 39, but the question is ...
related articles
Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!
Behind this altered image are two highly accoladed stars who are set to take the stage at this year's Grammys, but it's been a hot minute since one of these singers released new music. You may need to "Turn The Lights Back On" to see them shine in the spotlight!
Yes, there's a 50+ year age gap between these two musicians, but with both of them being Grammy winners ... it came to no surprise their performance at Madison Square Garden was legendary!
Examining this dynamic duo may give you "Deja Vu" ... Can you guess who they are?
related articles
Alyssa Milano Skirts Shannen Doherty Firing ... Talks 'Charmed' Toxicity
Alyssa Milano's responding to claims she got Shannen Doherty fired from "Charmed" way back in the early 2000s ... well, kinda.
The actress -- who played Phoebe Halliwell on 178 episodes of "Charmed" from 1998 to 2006 -- hit the stage at 2024 MegaCon Orlando Friday to talk about the hit show ... and, of course, Shannen Doherty's controversial comments came up.
ICYMI ... Doherty hopped on her podcast titled "Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty" back in December and spoke with former costar Holly Marie Combs about their experiences on the show -- and with Milano.
Among the many stories -- Holly said Alyssa went to the producers and laid down an ultimatum ... axe Shannen or she'd quit and sue "Charmed" for being a hostile workplace which led to Doherty's unceremonious exit.
Obviously, fans needed to get an answer from Alyssa, and they got one ... just one that completely skirted the claims themselves.
Check out the video taken by a fan at the convention and posted to YouTube. Alyssa starts by saying she wants to address the elephant in the room, but she basically avoids the tusks and trunk entirely.
Instead of answering the claims directly, Milano kept reiterating how "sad" she was by all of the "toxicity" surrounding the show before saying she was upset "people can’t move past it. And I’m sad that we all can’t just celebrate the success of a show that meant so much to all of us."
It seems Milano did get choked up while saying her piece, appearing to brush away tears onstage ... but she didn't clear up what happened with Doherty's exit, and the whole thing actually makes it seem like Milano may have done exactly what SD accused her of.
BTW ... Alyssa's active on Twitter -- retweeting a couple posts about her comments at the convention, but not adding any new info as of yet.
Shannen's still got her podcast though ... so maybe another Alyssa Milano-filled episode coming soon?
Stay tuned ...
related articles
Britney Spears Shares Throwback Pic of Jamie Lynn ... Crops Out Mom?!?
Britney Spears' recent post deserves another look ... 'cause it seemed like an innocent throwback with her sis, but it might've been a coded dig at her mom.
The 42-year-old singer-songwriter took to Instagram Saturday afternoon to share a sweet pic from back in the day with her sister Jamie Lynn Spears ... showing BS in a black turtleneck with JLS pulling off 2000s chic in her brown cap and bright orange T.
Brit captioned the pic, "Throwback!!! I can't stop laughing" followed by some laughing emojis. She even went as far as tagging her sister in the caption ... so it seems the two may even still be on speaking terms!
However, another family member was also in the photo, but didn't make the cut on Spears' IG grid ... 'cause Lynne Spears is off to the left in the actual pic!
Here's the full photo from way back in 2002 ... and there's Lynne in the bright red top, pearly-white smile on her face.
So why didn't she make the cut on Instagram ... there are any number of innocuous reasons for the exclusion like Britney only wanted to show her and Jamie's faces -- both of which are highlighted by rather funny expressions. Or, perhaps, the full pic wouldn't fit on Insta, so Britney was forced to cut Lynne out.
But, with all the turmoil in Brit's family from the past -- and the fact that Spears didn't even mention cutting her mom out in the caption -- it's always possible the two had another falling out despite their attempts at reconciliation.
We broke the story ... Britney and Lynne started working through their issues weeks before Mama Spears attended her daughter's 42nd birthday celebration at the beginning of December.
Everything seemed to be heading down the right path ... with Lynne expressing hope her daughter would come to Lousiana for Christmas to keep the good times rolling.
Since then though, we haven't heard a peep ... which suggests the wheels may have fallen off their relationship though we certainly don't know anything for sure.
On a brighter note ... Jamie Lynn seems to be back in Britney's good graces! We knew a reconciliation between the two was also taking place back in December though the actress wouldn't tell us anything when we caught up with her at LAX.
So, it seems we'll just have to wait and see if Lynne has anything to say about getting the axe from Brit's pic.
Stay tuned ...
related articles
Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino Insane Video Shows Son Choking ... CPR Classes Incoming
Scary moment in "The Situation" household ... as a Ring camera shows Mike Sorrentino's son choking on his favorite pasta.
The "Jersey Shore" mainstay shared the clip via social media on Saturday ... documenting a nice family dinner Thursday night that quickly evolved into a nightmare scenario.
A family meal starts out innocently enough ... with Mike sitting at the table and his 2-year-old son Romeo sitting in the chair beside him. The little guy puts a bit of pasta pesto gnocchi in his mouth -- and that's when things take a turn.
Romeo's almost immediately in distress ... coughing and starting to cry -- and Papa Mike's on his feet within seconds, checking in on his eldest child before Romeo collapses into a hunched-over position.
One of the two adults Sorrentino is with can be heard clearly saying "He's choking, he's choking" with a woman who appears to be Mike's wife Lauren heading to the kitchen for some water.
MS smacks his son on the back repeatedly, trying to dislodge the food from his windpipe which seems to work eventually ... with Romeo letting out a loud cry as his mother seems to use some kind of tool to get the food out and pulls him into a tight embrace.
The father-of-three posted a couple pics of his kids after the vid ... and gave more details on the ordeal -- basically saying Romeo got the pasta stuck in his throat while applauding himself and his wife for staying calm despite the horror of the moment.
He added he loves his family ... and he and his wife are heading to CPR classes soon -- while Romeo's gonna have to lay off the gnocchi for a bit!
related articles
The Rock WWE Fans Criticize New Storyline ... Dwayne Skipped The Line!!!
The Rock may be cooking in the WWE once again ... but some fans aren't super happy about it -- 'cause it seems his return has knocked a major storyline off track.
Here's the deal ... last night, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson got into an intense staredown with current Undisputed WWE Universal champ Roman Reigns at the end of ESPN's WWE SmackDown -- an insane moment seemingly setting up a match between the two wrestlers.
Indeed, rumors have been floating around today that they will fight in the next couple of months -- maybe at WrestleMania in early April -- and the online response ... is a bit lukewarm if we're being totally honest.
Sure, there are diehard Rock supporters who want to see their champ-turned-actor wipe the floor with Reigns ... but a lot of people are pointing to recent Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes and asking why it seems his story's now taking a backseat to The Rock's.
NO. WAY.@TheRock is here on #SmackDown!!!! pic.twitter.com/AbES50dO43
— WWE (@WWE) February 3, 2024 @WWE
See, right before The Rock came out for his staredown ... CR talked about taking RR's title from him -- a right to challenge Cody earned by winning The Royal Rumble just last week -- and then seemingly stepped aside as he introduced The Rock to the crowd as if to indicate DJ's getting the chance instead of him.
That's all kinda shocking for fans ... 'cause Rhodes has been on the road to Roman for a while now while The Rock only recently hopped back into the ring.
As we previously reported ... Dwayne called out Roman Reigns back in early January during a surprise appearance on RAW during which he asked if he should be sitting at the "head of the table."
So it seems clear The Rock wants the title ... and that's where people are starting to voice their frustration -- because it sounds like the WWE's not really interested in furthering Cody Rhodes' journey anymore. Basically, they've backed a different dawg in the ring, and -- based on the X trend -- fans just aren't totally on board.
The major question here ... is it fair for fans to voice their frustration with The Rock at all? After all, the guy's not writing his own storylines as far as we know, and he's a legend in the sport, so it makes sense the WWE wants to use him.
But, Johnson recently joined the TKO Group board -- the governing body of the WWE and UFC -- and he now holds "The Rock" trademark ... so you could say he's got a lot more agency than your average WWE superstar.
Plus, Johnson's got a bit of a rep as someone who gets what they want in Hollywood. When he was working on "Black Adam," for example, he said he worked his magic to make a standalone film instead of first appearing in "Shazam!" ... a departure from the OG plan.
Bottom line ... The Rock may still be cookin', but it seems a fair few wrestling fans want to try a new recipe.
related articles
Dua Lipa Movie 'Argylle' Bombs at Box Office ... Despite Incredible Cast
Dua Lipa really stepped out of her comfort zone with her major role in the new movie, "Argylle" ... hopefully, she won't be too discouraged by box office numbers.
If you don't know ... "Argylle" centers on an author who writes secret agent novels -- and whose life becomes one after her latest book starts to reflect real-world events.
However, most of the buzz around the movie's centered less on the plot and more on the cast -- Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, Catherine O'Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua ... the list just goes on and on.
But, even an army of stars can't seem to save "Argylle" from the dreaded box office bomb. The first weekend for the comedy-thriller's not going well according to The Hollywood Reporter ... which reports the film grossed just $5.6 million on Friday in the United States and it headed for an estimated $16.5 million domestic opening
The overseas numbers look just as bad for the flick ... with those markets expected to rake in just $16.9 million -- a poor opening for a movie with a blockbuster budget like "Argylle."
Multiple outlets report the film cost $200 million to make .. and, that's not including the marketing budget -- probably another huge sum given the massive commercial campaign the team at Apple launched.
As for what happened, that seems obvious ... early reviews of the movie weren't flattering and may have convinced prospective moviegoers to skip a trip to the cinema. The movie's currently got a 37% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes though audiences are rating it at 65%.
Now, Dua's inclusion in the flick's specifically important here ... because she doesn't do much acting. This is really only her second role listed on IMDb where she's played a character -- she was also a Barbie in "Barbie" but so was half of H'Wood.
So, a box office blow in her first real major role may negatively impact her career prospects ... or maybe not. She's still one of the most popular singers in the world.
Bottom line ... it seems "Argylle" is living up to its secret agent roots -- 'cause no one seems to be noticing it!
related articles
Dognapping Case Suspect Arrested For Alleged Robbery ... Dog Still Missing
-
Exclusive Details
- 622 shares
Police say they've arrested a suspect in the viral dognapping case ... but, unfortunately, they haven't found the dog yet.
The Los Angeles Police Department announced Saturday they've arrested Sadie Slater ... a 21-year-old L.A. resident on a robbery charge for her alleged involvement in the crime. Her bail is set at $70,000, according to the LAPD.
We've confirmed the arrest with law enforcement sources ... who added they've been trying to find out the dog's location from the suspect.
1/18/24
Remember ... the victim Ali Zacharias was eating lunch in DTLA last month when a woman came up, grabbed her dog Onyx's leash, and started to walk away with him. Ali gave chase before the alleged thief jumped into a car.
AZ leaped onto the hood of the thieves' getaway car and was driven around for several blocks, fearing for her life before the vehicle made a sharp turn and loosed her from the front.
We spoke with Ali earlier this week ... who told us police were starting to take her case seriously when all of the media attention spotlighted it.
Well, cops are certainly taking it seriously ... with their first suspect in custody.
Hopefully, officers can find Onyx ... and bring him home, safe and sound.
related articles
Brad Pitt Rockin' Bucket Hat, Crocs ... It's Giving Gen-Z?!?
Brad Pitt's aging like fine wine ... or perhaps a fine White Claw -- 'cause he stepped out in Florida in a Gen-Z-approved 'fit.
Check it out ... the 60-year-old slayed in an all-white ensemble on Thursday complete with a couple of the younger generation's favorite accessories -- a bucket hat and Crocs.
If you don't know ... the younger generation is obsessed with looks like these -- especially Crocs which has partnered with properties like NASCAR and Pixar to appeal to young audiences.
Matched to a fuzzy sweatsuit, BP looked not only stylish but comfy as hell while hopping into his black SUV.
Now, as to why Brad's sporting this fun, contemporary style ... we've got a few ideas -- starting with his six kids.
The movie star's got six kids he shares with ex-wife Angelina Jolie ... the oldest, Maddox, is 22, and the youngest, twins Knox and Vivienne, are 15 -- so, it's entirely possible he's trying to match their own fire styles.
On top of that ... our boy Brad's got more rizz than almost anyone in the celeb dating game right now -- he's been linked to the likes of Emily Ratajkowski and Nicole Poturalski since his 2016 divorce -- and he's got a new lady in his life.
She's not pictured in these photos ... but we know he's been dating Ines de Ramon -- a jewelry designer with exquisite taste. So maybe Brad's upping his style game with some newer outfits to keep impressing her.
Not that he's got to keep doing that ... the couple have reportedly been dating since late 2022 and we've seen them lookin' madly in love at his 60th birthday back in December.
There's an old joke Pitt's a man who always matches his GF ... so we'll have to see if Ines tries to pull off the tracksuit too!
Cool drip, Brad ... that look hits different -- no cap!!!
related articles
Dr. Phil Visits w/ Border Patrol in TX ... Blasts White House, VP
-
Exclusive
- 704 shares
Dr. Phil McGraw's known for helping families iron out their issues, and now he's taking on his biggest challenge yet ... trying to fix U.S. immigration.
The television therapy star visited the Southern border in Texas on Friday to film upcoming episodes of "Dr. Phil Primetime" -- a new primetime show he announced a few months ago which will reportedly follow a similar format as his OG "Dr. Phil."
DPM walked the fence down in Eagle Pass, TX and filmed several interviews with border agents while also stopping to take some pics with border patrol officers ... all while railing against the current administration's immigration policy.
McGraw's specifically calling out Vice President Kamala Harris ... pointing out she's America's immigration czar -- but claiming she's only actually visited the border with Mexico one time since she ascended to the VP job.
What's interesting here ... Dr. Phil isn't taking the "all or nothing" stance many conservative politicians and commentators have staked their reputations on ... instead, he said he's actually in favor of immigration and knows immigrants drive the U.S. economy forward.
But, McGraw explained, that doesn't mean there isn't a problem at the border ... saying we need to "teach people how to treat us" instead of showing undocumented migrants that "they do not need to follow the rules at our border" -- adding it's a slippery slope from ignoring immigration laws to migrants breaking laws once they're in the country.
NEW: Dr. Phil is at the Southern Border blasting Kamala Harris and speaking out against the Biden Border Crisis calling it a "humanitarian crisis unlike anything we've seen before."
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 2, 2024 @CollinRugg
You know it's bad when Dr. Phil is involved.
The move from Dr. Phil came after he announced that… pic.twitter.com/qBZhqZCGTn
As for those people against "America First" policies ... McGraw said they need to remember putting themselves -- or in this case, your country -- first isn't the same as being selfish.
FWIW ... the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported a nearly 40% increase in border encounters from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2023 -- and that appears to be growing in subsequent months with encounters over the last 3 months of 2023 topping date from the same months in previous years.
"Dr. Phil Primetime" is all set to premiere on McGraw's own cable broadcast network, Merit Street Media, on February 26.
related articles
Jay-Z's Pre-Grammy's Party Celebs Cram Into Hollywood Hills Club ... Kim K and OBJ Attend
Jay-Z held a pre-Grammy soiree Friday night ... bringing out a small contingent of big-name stars to party hard with the rap mogul, including Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr.
Kim K and her sister, Khloe, arrived separately from Odell and the other celebs, namely Karrueche Tran, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert, and Corey Gamble.
Jay-Z and Corey were filmed leaving The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood -- and everyone looked stunning, to say the least!
Kim looked hotter than ever -- decked out in her black leather ensemble.
We're told Kim quietly left the shindig later on, climbing into her blacked-out Range Rover parked near the garage.
Our sources tell us ... Kim's primary security guard was seen standing outside the SUV -- but the SKIMS magnate was never eyeballed while she was supposedly inside the vehicle. There was also some talk about Odell being inside the garage with Kim, but that's not confirmed.
Of course, this only fueled rumors that Kim and Odell might be more than just friends. You may recall, Kim sparked chatter among people that she was dating Odell when she showed up at his 31st birthday party last year. For now, though, it's all just speculation.
Back to Jay's celebration, everyone who attended seemed to have an awesome time as they geared up for the Grammys. The Grammys, of course, are Sunday and expected to showcase some iconic performances.
We'll be watchin'!!
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Strip Club Offers $1 Million Couple's Package ... Party Here If You Win SB!!!
-
Exclusive
- 298 shares
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are being courted by a Las Vegas strip club ... not to work the poles, but to party their faces off if his team wins the Super Bowl across the street.
Larry Flynt's Hustler Club in Las Vegas is offering Taylor and Travis what the strip joint's calling a Topless Touchdown Celebratory Package ... and it's valued at $1 million.
So long as Travis and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas -- which is being played across the street from the Hustler Club -- the package is theirs for the taking ... and it's on the house.
Here's what $1 million gets ya inside the strip joint ... unlimited access to the $10K per hour Mohney Suite, an Ace of Spades champagne bottle parade, and $50K for Taylor and Travis to make it rain.
Oh, and that's not all ... roundtrip limo transportation is included, plus Taylor and Travis get a VIP Platinum Lifetime Membership to HC ... which gets them free lap dances for life.
Frankly, this is a Hail Mary from the Hustler Club ... it's hard to envision Taylor and Travis taking them up on the offer ... but then again, Travis wore a Vegas strip club shirt after a regular season win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brittany Rose, the GM of the club, tells TMZ ... “We are used to catering to a-list celebrities and athletes alike so we can ensure their discretion will be met while partying inside our venue.”
Shooters shoot, right?!?
Even if Taylor and Travis turn 'em down, there's a good chance the Hustler Club is going to have a few Swifties in the house.
The gentlemen's club is currently auditioning Swifties for positions.
Viva Las Vegas!!!
related articles
Jon Bon Jovi Joined By Bruce Springsteen Onstage ... Jersey Boys Bring Down The House
Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen gave everyone a big treat Friday night, rockin' and rollin' on the same stage in front of a star-studded crowd!
The two New Jersey music icons performed together at the Los Angeles Convention Center to honor Jon's artistic career and charity work as he received an award for MusiCares Person of the Year.
Many celebs were in attendance, namely Paul McCartney, Sammy Hagar, Jelly Roll, Shania Twain, Melissa Etheridge, Robert Kraft, and Jim Gaffigan.
All of them got to kick back and enjoy the Jersey boys playing one of Jon's most memorable tunes, "Who Says You Can't Go Home."
Check out this video, obtained by TMZ ... Jon first introduced the person he called his "mentor" and "hero" before Bruce walked out on stage with an electric guitar. After Bruce hugged Jon, the rockers went straight into the song, dazzling the audience.
Other footage shows comedian Jim Gaffigan dressed as a 1980s version of Jon with a huge head of hair. Jim gave Jon a light-hearted roast, making everyone crack up.
Then Jon, Sammy, Shania, and others hit the stage to sing a rendition of Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer."
Jelly Roll also honored Jon in a solo capacity, performing his 1988 hit, "Bad Medicine."
What a night for Jon and Bruce ... but it was bittersweet for Springsteen. As we reported, he shared a touching tribute to his mom, Adele, earlier this week who died at 98.
related articles
Bill Maher Note to Music Lovers ... $$$ Isn't Everything!!!
Bill Maher has not changed his tune about the problems with young people ... he says one of the root problems is the musical messages pumped into their brains.
The 'Real Time' host made his case that the music industry has been singularly obsessed with the almighty dollar and the things it can buy. BM says back in the day ... there were only a handful of songs about the pursuit of cash.
These days, Bill says, the charts are flooded with the pursuit of all the goodies money can buy. Even in a country where "Rolex on a Redneck" is a big hit!
He says there's a sociological element when it comes to rap. The Black community was denied access to wealth and opportunity for so long, when it finally started seeing some inclusion, rappers flaunted their success.
But, as Bill says, the money obsession in music is everywhere ... and growing. E.g., Bruno Mars' "I Wanna Be a Billionaire So F***ing Bad."
And Bill says these musical messages get burned into the brains of teens ... like the first time you saw your father coming out of the shower!
BTW ... you should watch 'Real Time.' Bill's one-on-one guest was Killer Mike, and he was amazing!