Fame Bites - Gayle King

Fame Bites goes inside the belly of the entertainment beast. We're dishing out where the celebrities are eating, what they're eating and who they're eating with.

It's not easy being King.

That is, unless you're Gayle King - editor-at-large of "O, The Oprah Magazine" and host of "The Gayle King Show" - who we recently talked soup (and sprouts and Sprinkles) with.

You describe yourself as a food lover.
"Big time!"

Who taught you to love food?
"Nobody taught me - it’s not something that you have to be taught. You just have to put your mouth around something that was really tasty and I was hooked.

It’s not like I grew up in a house where my mother was a fabulous cook. My mother was an O.K. cook, so its not like I grew up thinking, 'oh my God, food is so wonderful.' But certainly in my young adult life I realized through having really great meals that food is a source of pleasure. And, I believe that one of the most loving things you can do is prepare a meal for someone you love. None of which I know how to do!"

Was there a defining moment or memory where you said "Wow, this is taking me to a higher level?"
"I guess it's maybe when you go to some fine dining restaurant where you look at the menu and you have no idea what it is. And you go, 'I’m going to give it a try' - and you end up liking things that you didn’t think that you would.

For instance: I thought I would never like beets a long time ago when I was younger. I went to a restaurant that prepared them really well - the same with Brussels spouts. I said there is no way I am going to like Brussels sprouts. Then yesterday I went out to Café Luxembourg on the West side with my favorite daughter Kirby and favorite son Will, and they had Brussels sprouts cooked in an apple brown butter. Think about that for a second - with bacon bits! Lord have mercy! I was thinking I don’t really like Brussels sprouts but anything described as caramelized, I’m in."

Seriously, that is a good rule to live by. Have you taught your children to have the same appreciation? Do they love food like you do?
"My daughter Kirby does. Will still has some habits which he needs to of course correct - all of which he blames me! They didn’t grow up with a love of vegetables and if I had to do it over, that is one of the things I would do differently in terms of parenting. I would make sure they had much better nutrition than they had. I was a throw it in the microwave kind of girl. They ate a lot of processed food - so I would do that very differently."

What is one food or drink that you can’t go a day without?
"I don’t have something I cant go one day without. There are things that I love, love, love. But I’m not that extreme about anything like that in the food world."

What is one food that you absolutely love?
"I love a great cheeseburger. Love, love, love a great cheeseburger."

You’ve interviewed really incredible and diverse people on your various shows. Who is your dream dinner date and where would you take them?
"I would love to have dinner with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. I think we would have a lot to chat about. I like them both so much, and I love them as a couple. I like that they are both at the top of their game - and that they have a mutual respect and admiration for each other. And I feel the same about them. We’ve been at places where we were at the same room at dinner parties, but when it’s just us just chilling and kicking back, I think that would be a kick."

Is there a certain restaurant you’d take them to?
"I love Per Se. Per Se has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted in my life. They really make food an art. It’s an art form there.

Sometimes you can’t go wrong with a great pizza place or a great burger place. You know it doesn’t always have to be fancy schmancy. I don’t believe that either. Great food does not always come from five-star, gazillion-star restaurants. You can find the perfect mom-and-pop place where you can take ownership and say, 'I love the food here.' I’m still looking for something on the Upper West Side."

What is your favorite spice or flavor?
"I love anything sweet. I’m a sweet girl. I love bananas, peaches and icing out of the can."

Can’t go wrong with that!
"I dare you to take a spoonful of Duncan Hines and not just drive yourself absolutely nuts."

You know a lot of cupcakes places like Sprinkles in L.A. will sell shots of frosting.
"Do they?"

They do – so many people just love the frosting and go crazy for it.
"I did not know that - I’ve never heard that! I was just at Sprinkles in L.A. I have almost missed a plane going to Sprinkles that is how ridiculous it is. I’m not kidding."

What’s your favorite cupcake there? I’ve been in the same boat!
"Banana."

What would you say is one of the best or most memorable meals you’ve had?
"When Oprah did the trip of a lifetime, it was in Turkey in the mountains. The driver knew of it and called ahead. It was so memorable because the setting was so spontaneous and off the beaten path. He called with less than two hours notice and this woman put on a spread like you wouldn’t believe. It was a bed and breakfast type place, it wasn’t a big fancy schmancy place, but the food was so fresh. It was a big group of us and it was just really wonderful.

A good restaurant just makes me giddy. I can go all day with anticipation just knowing where I’m going to eat. Sometimes it’s well planned, sometimes it’s spontaneous. Either way works.

You know, I’m going to Gaga’s concert tonight. I think she’d be fun to have dinner with."

We say she’d be the dinner and the entertainment all in one.
"I’d be curious to see, I think she’d be fun."

Cover story: Why we can't stop watching

In 24 hours, actor Charlie Sheen managed a marathon of appearances that kept viewers enthralled.

The troubled "Two and a Half Men" star was interviewed early Monday on "Good Morning America" and "Today," and later on TMZ's live webcast, talk radio program "Loose Cannons" and CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight." The next day, he chatted on Howard Stern's radio show. He's also on the cover of the new People magazine.

During the interviews, the actor let loose a number of very quotable comments, saying that he's not bipolar but "bi-winning," that he "was bangin' seven-gram rocks and finishing them because that's how I roll," and that producers of his hit show "picked a fight with a warlock."

The common consensus quickly became that Sheen may well have issues beyond the current hiatus of his hit CBS sitcom.

On a 'drug called Charlie Sheen'

Yet as uncomfortable as some of the moments may have felt for fans, Sheen's appearances made for compelling television that many of us couldn't turn away from.

"It's seeing somebody that has more than us, having less than us," said Dr. Lillian Glass, author of the book "Toxic Men." "We are watching this, and you feel like 'Hey, I may not have the millions, but I've got my act together.' "

Dr. Drew Pinsky, whose new show premieres on HLN on April 4, told CNN's Piers Morgan in an earlier interview that he believes Sheen's issues have moved beyond substance abuse.

"The problem with him now is he's getting so impaired psychiatrically that eventually -- provided he doesn't get really medically ill or harm himself or somebody else and the legal system step in -- eventually, the psychiatric system is going to step in," Pinsky said.

Reacting to similar comments by Pinsky, Sheen told Piers Morgan "To like have a prognosis about somebody you've never been in the same room with, based on his image in a media setting? He should be ashamed of himself...got to dismiss these clowns. "

It's not as if this type of very public unraveling hasn't been seen before.

Celebrity meltdowns are as old as Hollywood, and in the age of the 24-hour news cycle, the events are more buzzed about than ever. Names like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan have become almost synonymous with the concept of troubled stars enduring very personal hardships very publicly.

But Glass said that unlike those young celebs, Sheen appears to currently lack a support system that could step in and help him. Consequently, she said, Sheen is out there in full glory -- appearing gaunt and speaking angrily against many, from his show's creator to the media.

"When Britney Spears was having a meltdown, she had this great family support that was behind her," Glass said. "But when your team abandons you like [his publicist], like your producer. CBS is making millions and millions, so it would be in their best interest to keep him, but they can't because he is so out of control."

Sheen's publicist, Stan Rosenfield, resigned Monday after his client's many appearances.

"I have worked with Charlie Sheen for a long time and I care about him very much," Rosenfield said in a statement. "However, at this time, I'm unable to work effectively as his publicist and have respectfully resigned."

For years, the actor has been a darling of the tabloids for his colorful lifestyle: There have been marital breakups, rehab stints and public admissions of dalliances with prostitutes, which initially came to light in a high-profile trial involving accused Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss in 1995.

In October 2010, police were called to a New York City hotel where a porn actress was found locked in Sheen's hotel bathroom. Sheen was transported to the hospital for what his publicist called an "adverse allergic reaction." A few months later, production on his show was halted as Sheen began an at-home treatment program.

On February 14, Sheen said on the syndicated radio program "The Dan Patrick Show" that people should avoid crack unless they can "manage it socially." About 10 days later, he told the "Loose Cannons" radio show that he was at war with the creators and producers of his hit CBS sitcom.

But his more recent appearances have ratcheted the Sheen machine to another level.

On Monday, he allowed TMZ to record him in his backyard, where he was joined by some of his friends who weighed in during the interview. At one point, he paused after a request from one of his girlfriends to give her a hug and said, "When the goddess speaks, the brain melts."

As outrageous as Sheen's behavior may appear to some, Dr. Mike Dow said it's in keeping with someone in a battle against addiction.

Dow, who has not examined Sheen, is a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist who serves as an addiction recovery expert on the TLC series "Freaky Eaters" and "My Strange Addiction." He said Sheen's behavior has appeared to be shocking, comical and delusional.

"I think in his mind, what we are seeing is what we see with a lot of addicts, which is defensiveness," Dow said. "Underneath it all, I do believe that what he really is, is scared because he knows that he is an addict."

Dow said shows like his are popular because stories of addiction can be dramatic and Sheen's very public problems have the same appeal.

"I hope that what we do on our show, which is actually help people, far outweighs the Charlie Sheens, which is really just a train wreck," Dow said. "I hope he takes a page out of the Robert Downey Jr. handbook and gets his life and career back on track."

Pax Prentiss, co-founder and director of the Passages Malibu Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, said Sheen is not painting himself in a favorable light.

"I wish Charlie had some real clean time under his belt before he went on television and said the things that he has been saying," said Prentiss, who has been sober for more than a decade after addictions to cocaine, heroin and alcohol. "For one, he is saying he's cured, and it would be good if he had maybe six months of sobriety under his belt first. It takes away from what he is saying when you see him, and it's so obvious that he's had a drug problem."

Jeff Jarvis, who blogs about media and news at Buzzmachine.com, said he worries that Sheen, in his current state, is being exploited. There is also a need for context to his media appearances, Jarvis said.

"I'm not against covering something that is wrong or insane or any of the things that he has done, but to act as if there is something to be learned from what he says right now is questionable," he said.

Jarvis said he is in no way equipped to diagnose Sheen, but the writer has a concern that giving Sheen a stage at this point in his life is detrimental.

"His behavior, I would think, certainly is to act out and get attention," Jarvis said. "He is getting a lot of attention right now, and I think that affects his recovery and his career."

Bob Garfield, host of NPR's "On the Media," said in an e-mail to CNN that "The question is, just because someone is a celebrity, are the media absolved of the responsibility not to exploit his illness for the sake of audience?"

"Rhetorical question there," he wrote. "The answer is, when someone is coming mentally unhinged, it is ethically abhorrent to egg him on."

BALDI BDAY

Looking very posh, Drew Barrymore and her new boyfriend Will Kopelman head out for a classy lunch at the trendy E. Baldi restaurant in Beverly Hills on February 23. Drew celebrated her 36th birthday the day before, and after being spotted out canoodling with her new man at Joan's on Third earlier this week I'm sure it was a happy one. Despite the chilly weather Drew dressed to impress the cool crowd in an ornate printed full skirt topped with a black cropped motorcycle jacket (try Tag Jeans' Mayfield Motorbike Jacket in Black over Meghan Los Angeles' Eden Dress in Grey Print), black stockings and a pair of laced booties. Drew layered up in a checked scarf (like Lucky Brand's Wind Curled Scarf in Black) and wore a fab fringed crossbody bag (check out Susan Farber's fierce Andorra in Dusty Gold) to complete her look. What do you think of Drew's daytime style, does it work for the occasion? At her side, Will was looking especially dapper in a black fitted jacket over a white button front with a striped tie (keep your man looking polished and comfortable in 7 Diamond's Berlin Jacket in Charcoal over Joes Jeans' Relaxed Fit Pinstripe Shirt in Black/White) with cuffed trousers and brown oxfords. What do you think of this new couple, do their styles complement each other? I'd have to say yes as they're both looking very put together here… almost too composed! For those of you wondering who Drew's new beau is, Will makes his living as an art consultant and happens to be the son of former Chanel CEO Arie Kopelman. The two were recently spotted at a Chanel dinner in LA, so it sounds like the relationship is offer to a great start – at least for Drew's wardrobe! A pal dished on their budding romance to the paps: “It’s a very new relationship and they’re taking things slowly. They’ve been getting to know each other a lot better these last few weeks.” Based on appearance alone, do you think this one is built to last? He's definitely putting Justin Long to shame in this tailored look!

TAKING MOM TO MILAN

Heading overseas with a fashion agenda, Katie Holmes touches down at the Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy with her mother Kathleen on February 24, hours ahead of the MaxMara Fall/Winter 2011 runway show. Katie arrived looking a little frumpy, cinching her camel overcoat tight (stay cozy and classy in Suzabelle's Hazelwood Coat in Winter White) to hide her laidback travel clothes (are those Ugg boots under there?) as she made her way out of the terminal with an amber ostrich tote over her arm (travel instyle with a textured carryall like Julie K Handbags' Jules Weekender in Slate Cobra). After a fantastic hair and makeup turn-around, Katie arrived at her front row seat in a glamorous espresso jumpsuit with an asymmetrical knot at the shoulder (check out Tt Collection's Farrah Onesie in Taupe) with black pointy toed pumps. Katie accessorized with a round initial pendant necklace that reads "S" for her daughter Suri (love the vintage vibe of Jessica Elliot's Vermeil Initial Necklace in Vermeil) and a sparkly cocktail ring (love Amrita Singh's playful Ava Ring in Silver). What do you think of Katie's transformation, is it front row appropriate? If bringing your mom with you to sit front row at the MaxMara show isn't fabulous enough, the mother-daughter duo was seated next to Franca Sozzani, the editor of Italian Vogue. Looks like Katie will be getting some Italian press over the next few months, besides her lucky seat she's also been awarded the title of "Face of the Future" for MaxMara's 2011 Women in Film tribute, which will be presented at a luncheon in Beverly Hills in June. Quite an honor for a woman whose taste is defined by her four year old daughter's choices! Katie chatted with the press about the brand: "It's so soft and comfortable. I love their clothes." It sounds like she'll be wearing a lot of them this year!

Kirstie Alley To Lose 40 Pounds For Dancing With The Stars?

Kirstie Alley says she wants to lose 40lbs before making her debut on Dancing With The Stars in less than three weeks' time.

Kirstie Alley, the American actress who is among the season twelve cast of Dancing With The Stars, says she has already lost 60lbs for the show, but wants to lose a further 40lbs, reports Us Weekly. Speaking at Monday's (28th February 2011) cast reveal, Alley says she is getting into shape for the show, adding, "I've lost 60 pounds, and I have 30 or 40 more to go. And I think with this strenuous, rigorous dance schedule, I think it's going to work. It's exciting". The 60-year-old revealed that she'd declined offers to appear on the show several times before, saying, "You know, it's like that guy who asks you out over and over and over again and you're like no, no, no, no, no. And then finally you're like, Oh fine, all right, we can have breakfast. And then you're like, Oh all right, I'll sleep with you". Alley, perhaps best known for her role on the television show 'Cheers', added that she finally has the "confidence" to appear on the hit dancing show.

Kirstie Alley will be up against the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, 'Karate Kid' star Ralph Macchio, 'Sports Illustrated' model Petra Nemcova and television host Wendy Williams in the new show, which is set to premiere on 21st March 2011.

Justin Bieber's Romantic Birthday With Selena Gomez

Serena Williams hospitalized with pulmonary embolism

Hours after she dazzled the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, Serena Williams was in a Los Angeles hospital receiving emergency treatment for a blood clot in her lungs.

People magazine was the first to report that Serena suffered a pulmonary embolism last week and was seeing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for the problem. It was discovered after she returned from New York for doctor's appointments relating to her foot issues.

"Monday Serena Williams underwent emergency treatment at Cedars [Medical Center] for a hematoma she suffered as a result of treatment for a more critical situation," a representative for Williams, Nicole Chabot, told the magazine.

Chabot said doctors are continuing to monitor the situation.

Earlier in the week, Serena said she had been targeting the French Open as her return to tennis. She hasn't played since last year's Wimbledon because of a foot injury suffered when she stepped on broken glass.

For now, Serena has more important issues to deal with than the timetable of her return to the court. Getting her health in order is priority one. Tennis can wait.

Update: Serena Williams released a statement about her condition later Wednesday:

"Thank you everyone for all of your prayers, concerns, and support. This has been extremely hard, scary, and disappointing. I am doing better, I'm at home now and working with my doctors to keep everything under control. I know I will be ok, but am praying and hoping this will all be behind me soon. While I can't make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer. That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely."

In another statement, her agents said the clot was caught in time and that Serena is resting at home under doctor's care.

There had been reports that the 13-time Grand Slam champion could miss up to a year. Her timetable seems more optimistic.