Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo with Food Network star and girlfriend Sandra Lee in 2009.
Posted on 12/31/2010 4:32:22 AM PST by NYer
Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo with Food Network star and girlfriend Sandra Lee in 2009.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/05/2010-11-05_table_first_lady_title_for_andys_gal.html#ixzz19gx8xTpV
New Yorkers can call her the domestic diva, shortcut cooking queen or the governor's main dish - they just can't call Sandra Lee the First Lady.
The girlfriend of Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo won't have any official titles, duties or staff.
"Sandra would never expect any taxpayer dollar to support the contributions she makes nor would she want to burden the state in any way," Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto said.
That's smart, say etiquette experts, noting the First Lady title doesn't extend to Lee since the duo haven't uttered "I do."
"It's absolutely incorrect to call her the First Lady," said Lyudmila Bloch of Etiquette Outreach, a Manhattan manners school. Instead, she said, dignitaries and constituents should call her Ms. Lee.
The charismatic couple, who met at a Hamptons bash five years ago, won't move into the executive mansion. They'll use their Mount Kisco house as a home base, Vlasto said.
One source added that "She's very much a part of his life and will do whatever he needs."
The 44-year-old Food Network host joins the ranks of Diana Taylor, Mayor Bloomberg's companion, affectionately referred to as "Diana."
"I'm all for modern takes on partnerships, but in this case, unless you are married, I'd refrain from using the title First Lady," said Anna Post of the Emily Post Institute.
Traditionally, the state's First Ladies have had a prominent public role in government as well as a staff and budget.
Lee, a Food Network host and author who boasts a product line, did say last year she'd bring her creative cuisine to the executive mansion.
"I will cook. And do you know what I'm going to bring when I get to the governor's mansion? Great garnishes."
Justin Wilson? Yeah, I recall him using a lot of wine in his recipes... and having a glass along with the plate that he'd fix for himself at the end of each episode.
I'd say it's a French thing, pretty common in south Louisiana Creole (French Caribbean) and Cajun (French Canadian) cooking.
Justin's schtick was at least rooted in the cultural past. Sandra just comes off as a lush.
What ever happened to Bruce Colley?
There are some racy blind items that many guess are Giada.
“take canned tuna, mix with Campbell’s mushroom soup. Add a cup of diced onions and celery. Add pepper and salt and bake in casserole dish for 40 minutes”
Hey! Thats my Mom’s recipe. How did Sandra get it?
Let’s see . . . The First Slut? The First Shack-up? The First Laidee?
Phideaux the dog..lol
Half the Cajuns must have the last name Beaudreax
Dear God - she’s a chef not Mother Theresa. What the hell do I care that she’s “no Snow White.”
Is there anyone out there who remembers a southern tv cook who was sorta like Justin Wilson - only really crabby and humorless. At the end of each recipe, the ingredients would come up on the screen. This was before the Food Network; but he was very weird and amusing (to me!)
I was just saying... sorry it struck a nerve.
LLS
I wish I could say I knew for sure, but it's been a long time since I saw any of those older shows. It might've been Chef Tell, or perhaps Earl Peyroux (pretty much the grandfather of PBS cooking shows). I've never really thought of either of them as "southern", but my memory of both is pretty dim.
There were quite a few local TV chefs that never were seen outside their station's broadcast area, too.
My husband says it was Earl Peyroux. Not only was he a major crab but he got everything wrong. According to hubbie, Peyroux would say: “You will need one teaspoon of pepper...I mean paprika...” and so forth. Thanks so much for the answer!
Sorry to be rude. I love Nigella! She’s just sooooooo pretty. And she’s a good cook.
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