Chef Art Smith hosts mass gay wedding on Miami Beach

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By KELLI KENNEDY

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — With a mix of elegance and irreverence, only celebrity chef Art Smith could round up his famous chef buddies, a sea of white orchids and a drag queen DJ to pull off a wedding ceremony Saturday for more than two dozen same-sex couples on Miami Beach.

Smith, a Florida native and former chef to Oprah Winfrey and Gov. Bob Graham, is revered by fellow chefs and those in the gay and lesbian community, known as the chef with a big Southern accent and an even bigger heart.

When Smith heard that Florida judges had lifted the state's ban on same-sex marriage last month, he set out to throw an over the top-wedding officiated by chef Guy Fieri, with a stunning cake from Duff Goldman, and a dance party spun by local star Chi Chi LaRue. He invited the first 101 couples to participate in the free wedding, noting he chose the number after the movie "101 Dalmatians" to shame Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has ardently fought to keep same-sex marriage from becoming legal.

"We have our own Cruella De Vil, Pam Bondi. She was determined that she was going to prevent equality from coming to Florida," Smith said.

FULL story at link.



In this Feb. 26, 2011 file photo, Celebrity Chef Art Smith discuss a healthy journey to wellness during an interview with the Associated Press in Miami Beach, Fla. Smith is hosting a group wedding for 101 same-sex couples Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 with a little help from some of the country{2019}s top chefs who are in town for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.(AP Photo/J Pat Carter)



Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150222/us--101_gay_weddings-90b9757b0d.html

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[Rhinodawg]

1. I would hope they had food there.

[FarPoint]

7. Foodies always have food.

This event was most generous.

[diabeticman]

2. Really?! Guy Fieri? I read one time that he was homophobic. If I am wrong I didn't mean to

offend but my wife and I had that impression.

[Omaha Steve]

3. His show has had several episodes on D,D, D's run by LGBT owners

I've never heard homophobic about him. Heard he is an jerk off screen.

[RoBear]

4. Never heard he was homophobic, but

I can't stand him. Parts of the weekend on Food Network are dominated for hours by his D D & D show. I watch something else or turn off the TV.

[FarPoint]

6. Guy does not control the Food Network.

He works for Food Network... There is a difference.. Guy works, Food Network sells.

[RoBear]

9. I never said otherwise.

My point was that he's on constantly some days. Of course he's scheduled by the network. That wasn't my point at all. I just don't like his style and get really weary after one show with him.

How from my post did you get the impression I was saying he "controls" the network? I simply meant he's on for long stretches at a time and since I find him unprepossessing I switch to something else.

My problem with the frequency lies with the network, not with Guy Fieri. He's made lot of those DDD shows, and obviously works hard. Good for him. But if he's on for hours at a stretch. Somebody must be watching, or they wouldn't do that.

[Behind the Aegis]

10. Actually, I have heard a few rurmors he is homophobic.

Or at least has an "issue" with gay men getting too close to him. I remember reading it and thinking, "really? in the restaurant business?!" Of course, it could all be BS. I watch his show because sometimes there are really good recipes.

[FarPoint]

5. Guy is a good soul...

Misinformation runs rampant.

[Stargazer09]

8. Love the Cruella De Vil reference!

I bet that was a party to remember!