Paula Deen: Original Doodle

Paula Deen is a self-made success story who learned the secrets of southern cooking from her Grandmother. Newly divorced and with only $200 to her name, Paula packed up her two sons (Jamie and Bobby) and moved from Albany, Ga., to Savannah. There she started her own catering business called The Bag Lady, where she prepared fresh lunches to sell to downtown businesses and doctors' offices. Her local specialties, such as chicken pot pies, barbecue sandwiches, lasagna and banana pudding, caught on with the Savannah business crowd and quickly became the talk of the town.

In 1990, Paula opened her own restaurant, The Lady and Sons in a small space that could seat 42 people maximum. The restaurant remained in that location for four years, where Paula and her sons built their business with a core of faithful patrons. In 1995, Paula jumped on the opportunity to relocate to downtown Savannah, where the restaurant still stands today.

The Lady and Sons has gathered accolades from critics and media alike. The most important honor for Paula was when the food writer for USA Today recognized The Lady and Sons as having the Most Memorable Meal of the Year for 1999. In 2003, the restaurant was named Georgia's Small Business of the Year. And in September of the same year, The Lady and Sons was honored with 1st Runner-Up for National Small Business of the Year at the SBA Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC.

Paula's business continues to flourish with a series of successful cookbooks: Paula Deen and Friends: Living It Up, Southern Style, The Lady and Sons Savannah Country Cookbook, The Lady and Sons Too and The Lady and Sons Just Desserts. And in November 2005, Cooking with Paula Deen magazine appeared in newsstands nationwide.

Paula's relationship with The Food Network began in 1999, when a friend introduced her to Gordon Elliott. He took her through the city for a series of Doorknock Dinners episodes. She also appeared on Ready, Set, Cook!. The network eventually gave Paula her own show, Paula's Home Cooking, which premiered in November 2002. In June 2007, she won two Daytime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Lifestyle Host and Outstanding Lifestyle Program) for this show.

Her most recent series, Paula's Party premiered on the Food Network in 2006.

Paula made her film debut in Elizabethtown, starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst. She plays the aunt of Bloom's character, and her cooking is showcased heavily. The film premiered on October 8, 2005. A Food Network special, Paula Goes Hollywood, aired in conjunction with the film's premiere.

For much more on Paula's inspirational story, read her new memoir, It Aint All About The Cookin (April 2007).

"None of this would have happened if I hadnÕt of taken the good with the bad, embraced both the heartache and joy, and taken control of my life when I thought it could not have gotten worse. Most of all, during good times and bad, IÕve had the love and support of family, friends, and you Ð my fans. From my heart, I always wish you love and best dishes, from my kitchen to yours. And I canÕt wait to continue the adventure with you!"

Visit her Official Website.

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