Bay Area Chef Appears On 'Regis & Kelly'

A little history first. Karen & Kevin Howe are Albero family friends going back to the 1950's. I grew up with Karen Cunningham, (now Howe) and quite frankly these are by far some of the kindest people I have ever known. Anyhow, even after all of these years we all stay in touch and enjoy each others company whenever we can break away from our abnormal lives but the reunion is always the best.

Anyhow, Chef Kevin Howe entered a contest with Live with Regis and Kelly and WON yesterday! Congratulations Kevin & Karen and HELLO CUNNINGHAM FAMILY!



Chef Kevin Howe makes a delicious pork tenderloin

SPRING HILL, Fla. - It's an announcement that has turned this little restaurant in Spring Hill upside down: Chef Kevin Howe of the County Line Cafe and Grill is the winner of this week's "Live with Regis and Kelly's Ultimate Hometown Grill Off."

The news is spreading fast.

"We have people in Ireland that voted for us because they know somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody that called," says restaurant employee Shane Cunningham. "We have customers that call that said, 'Wow we heard about you'."

Chef Howe's winning dish is a mouth-watering sesame, ginger, and lime grilled pork tenderloin.

"It just melts in your mouth. It's just so good," customer Karen Young says. "I had to try it of course but it's just great. It's fantastic. But of course everything Kevin makes is great."

Young is a regular at the cafe. She was one of thousands who voted for Howe during the contest.

"It's been crazy," Cunnigham says. "It's been absolutely nuts. They're reading. They're hearing. It's been remarkable."

A white board thanks customers for the support, while letting everyone know of the chef's T-V debut Friday, when he gets to show off his "skills on the grill" to the nation.

"When Kevin talks about food you can see the passion," Young says. "He loves the job."

While Howe won this week's contest, there is still a national competition that ends on August 16. To help him win, visit liveregisandkelly.com and click on the "Hometown Grill Off" icon to vote.

The winners of the contest will appear in New York and compete against each other for the best dish.

The overall winner will appear in an upcoming issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

GO HERE to see the video.