I finally got dragged to Sushi Samba, and it is an outrage if ever there was one. This popular Brazilian sushi bar is a knockoff of my pal Nobu Matsuhisa’s famous eateries right down to the tiradito and shishito peppers, but every plate at SS is overwrought, lacks freshness, and tastes almost pre-plated. Ceviches are over-marinated, sauces are too garlicky or lack any finesse at all, and the presentations are clunky. Tempura is greasy and cloying. The chef sent several little freebies to our table, which was very kind and much appreciated, but for the first time in my life, I tasted flavorless foie gras! Even the spoiled stuff has flavor. Oy vey. Skip this place if anyone ever mentions it as a dining option. Chicago has dozens of great sushi joints; I encourage you to frequent them.

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Man v. Food, the Adam Richman vehicle on Travel Channel, is shooting in Minneapolis from February 5 to 8. Word from the office is that they will be checking out everything from Juicy Lucy joints to the brewski at local beer bars. I am going to take Adam to Brasa and see if he can eat everything on the steam table in one sitting. Speaking of Travel Channel, we are continuing to make loads of episodes of Bizarre Foods, and my new series, Bizarre Worlds, starts shooting in April with a plan to begin airing in September.

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StarChefs.com announced that the 2009 International Chefs Congress (ICC) will take place between September 20 and 22 in New York City. This is an amazing weekend event where the best and brightest talents in the food world essentially present symposia to each other. Log on to the website to make your plans to be there. I am very involved this year and hope you are, too.