Rachael Ray's SXSW Shindig Not For Everyone
3/5/2008 By Dave Synyard

The SXSW festival is known for bringing bands and spectators alike together, but this year there is a hate-on a-brewin’ for the queen of "30 Minute Meals" Rachael Ray. Last month Ray made a completely unexpected announcement that she had plans to throw a day party during the festival in Austin, Texas, which was in-turn, criticised by the music community through a series of impolite blogs.

"I'm not aware about what blogs were saying about me," Ray told MTV News on Tuesday (March 4). "But I don't see why we'd be out of place down there, when we're just fans of music who decided to put on a show. I guess if they don't like good music, and they don't like good food, they don't have to go."

Unknown to many people is Ray's love for indie rock, which should be apparent as her hubby John Cusimano happens to be the front-man for the Cringe (who?). She also happens to be fans of the Raveonettes and Holy Fuck, and for some reason this all seems a little much for some fans of the bands.

"My husband and I listened to a bunch of discs and picked our favorites," Ray explained. "We also have Sirius, so we're always listening to the Left of Center program, which is how we heard the Raveonettes. With a band like [Holy Fuck], I have to say that it was the name that got us listening. But we're glad we did. They're pretty good. And I don't understand why that's so surprising. [Really? I mean, really? – ed.] I find it weird that they find it weird. People think I'm like this food robot or something, but music is a huge part of my life."

So if you’re down in Austin next week and are not interested in Ray's tasty treats like her “Southwest Seven-Layer Sliders” or “Austin Mac and Cheese Suizas,” you should steer clear of her mouth-watering shindig. As they say, if you can take the heat, get out of the kitchen. [I can’t believe she didn’t use that! – ed.]

Rachael Ray with The Hulkster
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