Saturday, June 23, 2012

Movin' On Up

Fast Food Mania is on the move.





Destination America has decided to anchor Wednesday nights with our new episodes at 10pm effective July 11th.

In addition, each week will feature new back to back Fast Food Mania episodes for a full hour of fast food pleasure.



Two marathons of our first four episodes have been scheduled to fill you up through June.

* Sunday, June 24 at noon Eastern

* Saturday, June 30 at 10am Eastern

We're skipping July 4th since everyone will be out eating and celebrating anyway, and returning with a splash on July 11th with my favorite episode of the series so far, "Originals".

Thanks again for tuning in and supporting Fast Food Mania. Gotta get back to my research. Check out the marathons, and then I'll see you Wednesday nights.

Jon

P.S.  I'm going to be busy on July 4 anyway. Heading to Coney Island to host a big Destination America event involving Apple Pie, which goes great with hot dogs (I won't forget my red fry fork).


Sunday, June 3, 2012

Tonight's The Night - Early FAQ

I will be tweeting LIVE during the premiere of Fast Food Mania at 10pm Eastern on Destination America tonight!

We will be showing two episodes to kick off the series in style.

Feel free to tweet me any Fast Food Mania questions at @jonmhein. I'll try to provide some behind the scenes insight to tonight's episodes.

Here's a quick FAQ for some questions that I've already received:

Q. Did you eat everything plain on the show?
A. Actually, no. I decided if I was going to host the show, I would need to broaden my horizons and try food with stuff on it. You'll see me eating condiments galore, but watch carefully to see what I really enjoy. Yes, I still prefer stuff plain.

Q. What channel is Destination America on my TV?
A. The best way to find out what channel Fast Food Mania is on is to use the CHANNEL FINDER on top of the Destination America home page. They've got 'em broken down by zip code and system.

Q. Is the show on in Canada?
A. Honestly, I have no idea. I hope Destination America is on Canadian cable systems, but I'm not sure it it is.

Q. What does Howard think of the show?
A. Howard was very happy for me when I told him I was hosting the show. As for what he thinks of the final product, I'm going to find out on the air at the same time you do.

Q. How do you celebrate fast food with obesity at an all-time high?
A. This show focuses on fast food nostalgia and Americana, but of course we tackle the meals. No one is telling you to eat fast food every day, but when you do eat it, do it right and enjoy yourself.

Q. Are you worried about your health?
A. Of course I am, but this show isn't made up of crazy food challenges and constantly asking "how much can Jon eat?". I routinely monitor my blood sugar, and I'm very aware of how different fast food places alter my levels. Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean you can't make a stop at DQ.

Q. How much weight have you lost since you started taping the show?
A. Uh, none. But I haven't gained all that much. Probably 5 pounds or so.

Q. Are we going to see you in sports team t-shirts?
A. Nope. I had makeup and wardrobe, and deferred to their expertise.

Q. What was your favorite stop?
A. I had a good time almost everywhere we stopped, but the original KFC in Corbin, Kentucky holds a special place in my heart. I've always been a fan of the Colonel, and to stand in the kitchen where he came up with those original 11 herbs and spices was pretty cool.

That's all for now. See you tonight at 10 for the big premiere!


Saturday, June 2, 2012

Coming this Sunday

I can't believe it's here already.

Sunday night, at 10pm Eastern on Destination America, Fast Food Mania will make its debut.  To find out if you get the channel, head to Destination America's web site and use their Channel Finder.

I will DVR the Game of Thrones season finale (which, of course, is running ten minutes over until 10:10) and Mad Men so I can watch Fast Food Mania live and tweet along with you.

Our first two episodes are "Cult Favorites" and "Beyond the Bun". "Cult Favorites" includes trips to White Castle, Domino's and Chick-Fil-A, while "Beyond the Bun" has visits to Kentucky Fried Chicken, Whataburger, and Taco Bell. We had a lot of fun making these eps.

Our first season is comprised of ten episodes, so if you don't see your Fast Food favorite - don't worry. There's plenty more to come.

The two newspapers I grew up reading gave me some nice coverage this week - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Newsday. And here's a behind the scenes look at our Nathan's taping from Business Insider.

Destination America has also posted a bunch of Fast Food Mania videos on its You Tube page.  There are a lot of fun extras, including my audition tape at Shake Shack.

The Fast Food Mania hype is in full swing, and I really hope you guys enjoy the show. I had such a good time taping it and learned a lot about the food I love.

Tweet me at @jonmhein and let me know what you think as you watch on Sunday night. I'd love to hear your feedback.

Have a great weekend!