Readers share thoughts about Rachael Ray

Over 100 readers wrote in response to Nancy Leson's column about Rachael Ray. Below is a selection of their comments:

Ms. Leson-

A big thank you for the rant on Rachael. We recently moved away from the Jet City for a few years and stay in touch via the Times on-line. I am certain several neighbors here in Boise are wondering what is so funny at 5:40AM, as your article induced fits of laughter and several loud "Right on(s)!". Just this past weekend, my father in law pulled a box of Ritz from his cupboard and began lamenting "...that Rachael Ray is everywhere and she drives me crazy!".

As a hard core capitalist, I applaud Ms. Ray's moxie and drive; however, somewhere, someone at the Food Network or at Ray Inc has to come to the realization that a little bit of Rachael goes a long way. Just like EVOO!

Best Regards,

Dave Self

dear Nancy:

Thank you so very much for stating in plain English the sentiments of the millions of us who have had it with the ubiquitous Rachel Ray. It is gratifying to know that there are people, such as yourself, armed with a bully pulpit, that can perhaps help to stem the tide of white teeth, caffein induced hysteria, and tired catch phrases. You have the thanks of a grateful nation. keep up the good work,

Dr. Andrew Parks

So you're peeved that she works hard? Has a nice personality? Big Smile? Huh?

When asked if he wasn't worried about overexposure, the creator of Dilbert is supposed to have replied, "The road to overexposure runs through filthy rich." Credit her agent and network for knowing a gold mine when they see one. She seems plenty nice, and will probably at some point cut it all back from overexposure...but in the meantime she's just like growing up in an Italian-American family with the happy aunt who's an amazing cook. They laugh, they smile, they have décolletage, they don't live in Idaho and make pancake mix. (Not that there's anything wrong with that...)

You would have Paul Newman in your frig even if he kept all the money because you like his blue eyes, and there's nothing wrong with that either. Me - Rachel's more my type. Gotta go, I think I'm out of crackers...:)

Rod R.

I often enjoy your columns, and this one is so fun it's getting emailed to friends who also share your (our) sentiments exactly. There IS a place for a good 30-minute meal; I make them all the time. But I, too, wonder at the popularity of this woman when there are so many other better cooks on and off the airwaves. I avoid her like the plague because I can't stand to hear the EVOO phrase one more time. My brother-in-law, who has never commented on a woman's breasts (to my knowledge), told my sister he was repulsed by the Food Network's attempt to give Rachael cleavage.

Which allows me to make one more comment....I've tried and enjoyed dozens of Giada Delaurentiis's recipes but cannot make one without thinking something's missing: "First, put on your Wonder Bra...."

I'm looking forward to more of your columns.

Best regards,

Diane Laird