italianchef

Hey folks, do you know why it's hard for me to write. Y'all know who I am. Anyway, here goes. I'd split up Oktoberfest between International Street and Paramount Action Zone. Funnel Cakes would be re-named Dutch Funnel Cakes. Festhaus would be annexed by International Street - and it'd serve metts, brauts, cole slaw, German beer, and "German" pizza. German music would rock the house on Friday and Saturday nights. Viking Fury would also be annexed by International Street. And The Bakery & Fudge Shop would serve croissants. Bubba Gump Shrimp Shack would be annexed by Paramount Action Zone. So would Adventure Express - which would be renamed Young Indiana Jones. And FoF would be re-named Star Trek and a new Star Trek film and theming would replace the current film and theming. Plus Vulcans and others walk around. Basically - I'd try to make PKI the Epcot and Universal Studios of the Midwest. Hooray PKI!!!!!!!!!!

Forgive me for being greedy.....but I'll share some ideas with you if I was GM for a week. First off, I'd collect a GM's salary for a week, which would be many more times than I what I earn in a week - or month, maybe more. Hence, I'd buy diamonds for my wonderful wife who I adore. Second, I'd purchase a small ferris wheel and try to have it delivered ASAP. As an amusement park, I think that a ferris wheel would really improve PKI - and it'd fit perfectly in Coney Mall which is the most traditional area of PKI. Third, I'd give a season pass for life to the author of The Unofficial Guidebook to Paramount's King Island and that very lucky woman he married. Plus, I'd give him a 50% discount on all food and merchandise purchases. Why? GREED!!!! I am that author. Fourth, I'd try to learn as much about the business as possible. I'd talk to high executives, security people, seasonal employees, park guests, etc. Fifth, I'd get to my favorite rides early in the morning and ride them before the guests could.....then I'd go to the office for work. Sixth, for my week of tenure........all of the Hanna-Barbera characters would grace Hanna-Barbera Land and International Street. Seventh, I'd give raises to Marnee Guttery and Jeff Siebert because they are OUTSTANDING assets to PKI. Eighth - I'd take a very behind the scenes tour of the park, to understand the infrastructure and appreciate the efforts of all the hard working seasonal and full-time employees. This would make me smarter and more cultured. Nineth - I'd perform in a few of the shows at PKI. I'm a lousy singer. But in my youth (I'm 31 now) I was quite a dancer and won several talent shows. Tenth - free admission for all my best friends (including my boss at 5/3) and their families for my week of tenure. Eleventh - I'd sometimes cook at Bubba Gump Shrimp shack. I'd make my famous Salmon alla Pinot Noir sauce, shrimp fettucine alfredo, teriyaki salmon, and gamberi (shrimp) con risoto. They all rock!!!!! And lastly, on my final night I'd prepare a HUGE Italian feast and share it with all members of PKIUnlimited. I have won several cooking contests and used to have my own cooking show. Free food for everyone! And free wine for folks over 21 with designated drivers. Okay....it's all fantasy. So what. Why do we go to PKI? Fantasy - get away from the office, school, etc. Have a great weekend, Italian Chef

As most of you may have observed by now, I try NOT to offend people. I don't insult folks for being the member of any ethnic, religious, or cultural (eg. hick/red neck, gambler, smoker, etc.) groups. I am NOT PC - I simply rather call a spade a spade as an individual than attack an entire demographic group. I try to be open minded and polite to everyone. However, hygeine is where I draw the line. As a chef (though amateur) I know to always wash my hands for at least 20 seconds scrubbing in warm water. I always wash my hands after using the bathroom, before and after eating and cooking, shaking people's hands, etc. I always wash meat and vegetables and wrap them up in plastic when leaving them in the refrigerator. And as clean as I am.......I fell victim to Ecoli food poisoning when I lived in Asia. Hey I am NOT blaming Asians as it can happen anywhere and I am the husband of a Japanese woman. However, I am just stating that someone else probably didn't observe good hygeine in one of the restaurants that I dined at and I got VERY sick. I lost 30 pounds in a few weeks, had diarrhea up to 20 times a day for several weeks, - and I was always under weight to begin with. My point is..............PLEASE PEOPLE WASH YOUR HANDS!!!! It is important for you and for society. Sincerely, Italian Chef

Thanks for the description of Bubba-Gump Shrimp Shack. If I was at the park and I ran into that "certain person in marketing" I probably would've gotten the same VIP treatment. I've been invited to other media functions (including media day in April) but not this one. They must know I don't like seafood and don't get enough vacation days from work. I'm taking Mrs. Chef to Bubba Gump this Saturday because she loves seafood and we'll see the shows that we've been waiting for. I hope that it doesn't rain. And I can't wait to ride The Beast.

Hey folks, Here's one for your imagination. What would you do if Craig Ross (the GM of PKI) took a one week vacation and left YOU in charge of PKI for the week. What changes would you implement, if ANY, during your one week tenure. And be realistic......don't say you'd build a mega coaster because that takes a lot more time (and money) than one week. Okay PKI monarchs..........please respond.

I cannot tell a lie, though no longer in existence, Phantom Theater is still my favorite dark ride. How much? Look for one editorial about it and at least one fictional story based on it in my column after Aaron gets it set-up. The Maestro was like Phantom (of the Opera), Helga was like a cross between Christine (POTO), Maria Callis (a famous soprano YEARS ago) and Anna Nicole Smith (Brother Charles loves full-figured ladies), Houdelini was like Harry Houdini, and there was even a Macbeth look-a-like. Plus a gargoyle, a mummy, and much more! The whole presentation was much like Disney's HAUNTED MANSION and the music was like Beatlejuice with some scores from Phantom of the Opera. The steam from the furnace was appreciated in winter. The lines were short, so we could ride it 3 times in a row after lunch. C'est la vie. Yes, SDATHC is great........but my favorite dark ride was and still remains the Phantom Theater even after its demise. Adio mon Phantom Theater. Vive in mi core. Italian Chef.

I figured it was a lie, but either way, I'm still not allowed to comment on such things w/o: 1. Knowing for sure. 2. Getting PKI's permission (if it's confidential). 3. Getting my publisher's permission (if it is book related). I do like Top Gun, and Face/Off, and Rugrats Runaway Reptar. Best of all, I like The Beast. Italian Chef

I'm not allowed to comment on factual information like that. But I can tell you that Rugrats Runaway Reptar and Face-Off are both similar to Top Gun (suspended coasters) and make great substitutes. Italian Chef

You don't want to know. I'm no marksman.

NoLimits, I am most pleased that you agree with me. You must be familiar with the proverb "Great minds think alike". Sincerely, Italian Chef PS - Let's do a parody of Phantom of the Opera with The Phantom Theater. The Maestro will be the Phantom. Helga will be Christine. Okay/ But who will be Raoul? Garbanzo or Houdelini??????????

Tek, You can buy The Unofficial Guidebook at the following venues: 1. At Paramount's Kings Island's retail shops. If you don't see it, ask for it. It's usually near the cash registers. 2. Bookstores throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana - including Walden Books, Brentano's, Barnes & Noble, and Borders. 3. http://www.orangefrazer.com 4. http://www.amazon.com 5. http://www.wal-mart.com And soon it'll be for sale on www.pki.com. Thanks for your interest in my book. Have a great day. Sincerley, Italian Chef

Thanks for attending the book signing. It was great to meet you.

Forgive me for repeating myself, but I'd like to remind you all about my book signing this Saturday, June 7th at the Kenwood Towne Center: Charles Infosino at Walden Books Kenwood Town Center 7875 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH on June 07, 2003 at 2:00 pm Discussing THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK TO PARAMOUNT'S Kings Island If you can make it, I'd be honored to meet you and autograph your book. If you cannot make it - no hard feelings. Have an awesome weekend! Sincerely, Italian Chef

If you eat red meat: veal, meatballs, beef, or salmon.........I recommend Merlot or Pinot Noir. If you eat white meat: chicken, pork, panchetta or fish.......I recommend Pino Grigio. Italian Chef

My favorite eatery in the park is Mandarin Cuisine. However, my single favorite food in the park is the pumpkin cheesecake that I ate at Festhaus last year. It was better than any dessert I ever had at a theme park. I respect all of you LaRosa's fans. However, if you ever visited New York City and ate in an authentic pizzeria and ate the REAL New York pizza............LaRosa's would never taste as good again. Italian Chef

Out of every show Mrs. Chef and I have seen at PKI, our all-time favorite is GRAVEYARD SHIFT!!!!!!! I'd like to bring back that show and more like it, in terms of the horror theming, the music, the dancing, and the cast. Additionally, I'd like to see Broadway reviews - or even a parody of one. How about The Phantom of the Theater.........Maestro can be Phantom and Helga can be Christine, etc. Phantom of the Opera is my favorite musical and Phantom Theater was my favorite non-roller coaster ride before it was removed. Italian Chef

StXBomber, I sincerely hope that you can make it. My last book signing was a disaster because of severe thunder storms. Eight people told me that they'd show up and none of them did because if the weather. Don't worry about not being able to stay long. Have a great day. Italian Chef

DragonLord, Regardless of your views on drinking, I hope you can make it. Though I am quite fond of wine - and on RARE occasions drink a beer - I have never drank at PKI. The reason is that for me, alcohol and thrill rides don't mix with my weak stomach.

If you must know.......... The statue that you all see that looks so Roman is actually a statue of ancient Roman chef armor. PKI put it up to honor to me and thank me for writing The Unofficial Guidebook to Paramount's Kings Island and all my support for the park. Believe that folks and I've got ocean front property in Arizona to sell you. Italian Chef

AZ Kinda Guy, Happy Birthday. Buon Compliano. Feliz Cumpleanos. Otanjobi Omedeto Gozaimasu. Sincerely, Italian Chef

Hey folks, if you really want to ride a stand-up coaster, you can always got to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom - they got one. So do lots of other amusement parks. However, Phantom Theater was a unique attraction. There were no other PTs anywhere else on the earth. PT made PKI even more special that it was. So, if I could bring anything back........it'd be Phantom Theater.

My wife and I overslept, so we didn't make it to the Character breakfast! Darn. However, we were one of the couples first to ride The Beast and thereafter FoF. Then we rode Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad. Afterward we rode Viking Fury and Adventure Express. Then we had lunch at Mandarin Cuisine - a great restaurant. Then the rain started to fall, so we called it an early day and went home. I love having a season pass, you can spent only 3 hours at the park and feel you got your money's worth.

I think that smoking is not the main issue here, it's communicating respectfully. I've seen people be very cruel to each other on this forum over things like FearFest, PKI vs. CP, and even a person who posted on this topic INSULTED me about my book and never had the decency to apologize. The idea here should be diplomatic communication. Rather than say "I hate all smokers" or "smokers got a death wish"........how about: "Smoking is a serious health risk. I respect the right of smokers to smoke in their own homes but wish they would refrain from doing so on lines at PKI because I don't like second hand smoke, especially since it is against the rules." Or how about: "Smoking causes health defects. I respect the right of people who choose this habit, but SOME (don't blame all) smokers disrespect PKI and other guests when they smoke on lines, which is against the rules." You can say anything you want folks, that's why we have the First Amendment. However, there is a diplomatic way to say things. Here's another example. "PKI rocks, CP sucks." How about, CP is a great amusement park. However, compared to PKI, it isn't that impressive." Have a great weekend, Italian Chef

I will be interviewed on ICN6 (Cable TV Channel 6 in Northern Kentucky only) on Friday May 30, 2003 about my book, The Unofficial Guidebook to Paramount's Kings Island. The interview will take place LIVE at 10:30 AM and be replayed at 3:30 PM and 9:30 PM. I hope that you can see it. Have a great weekend, Italian Chef

Mrs. G. I hope that you will not be permanently leaving this forum. Your insights are greatly appreciated - especially since you a member of two seemingly under-respresntative groups on this forum (women and mature folks). I'm quite certain that neither Dino nor anyone else intentionally meant to harm your feelings. Personally, I am a non-smoker and I'd love for PKI to be smoke-free. Nevertheless, I respect your (and other people's) right to smoke. Not to get off track, but I don't gamble - but respect other folks right to do it. By the same token, I like my Merlot wine and some folks from certain religious demoninations may take issue with that. I would hope that those people respect my right to comsume wine. Additionally, I agree with you that sometimes some people - intentionally or unintentionally - launch personal attacks at others on this forum. I myself was on the receiving end of such an attack last week when someone called me "s----less" and my feelings were hurt. Again, your contributions greatly enhance the quality of this forum and I would be very disappointed if you left. Either which way, I am closer to your age than most folks here and respect your wishes as a mature person. Though I hope that you shall participate in this forum in the future, I wish you the very best of luck either way. Have a great summer. Sincerely, Italian Chef