Ken Jennings will be 1st interim ‘Jeopardy!’ host
NEW YORK — “Jeopardy!” record-holder Ken Jennings will be the first in a series of interim hosts replacing Alex Trebek when the show resumes production next Monday.
Producers announced Monday that Jennings, who won 74 games in a row and claimed the show’s “Greatest of All Time” title in a competition last year, will host episodes that air in January.
A long-term host to replace Trebek, who died of cancer on Nov. 8, will be named later.
“By bringing in familiar guest hosts for the foreseeable future, our goal is to create a sense of community and continuity for our viewers,” the show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, said.
The show is in its 37th year of syndication. It is still airing shows that Trebek filmed before his death.
Richards said “Jeopardy!” will air repeat episodes for the holiday weeks beginning Dec. 21 and 28, meaning Trebek’s final week of shows will air starting Monday, Jan. 4.
Jennings’ episodes begin on Jan. 11.
Thanksgiving marks last day for Commander’s Palace chef
NEW ORLEANS — It was an emotional rollercoaster of a Thanksgiving for longtime
Commander’s Palace chef Tory McPhail, who is leaving after nearly three decades at the legendary New Orleans restaurant.
Thursday marked McPhail’s last day at Commander’s Palace, where he’s worked for 27 years including 19 years as executive chef. He hands over the reins of the culinary institution to Meg Bickford. She’s the first woman to take on the head chef role.
“I love the folks of New Orleans, and thank you for the years of service,” he told WVUE. “I’m very proud and honored to have been your chef here at this amazing restaurant for as long as I have.”
McPhail noted how Commander’s is often a place for special family gatherings and how honored he was to be part of those celebrations.
McPhail has helped navigate the restaurant through the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit restaurants especially hard. Commander’s was closed for months for dine-in service and reopened in September. They have also started doing takeout service and online wine-and-cheese gatherings.
He was also head chef during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when the restaurant was closed for 13 months.