Rachael Ray has made her first public appearance since being bashed by fans for her appearance.
The 58-year-old Food Network star co-hosted the 18th annual Blue Moon Burger Bash in New York City on Thursday, alongside comedian Burt Kreischer.
Ray encouraged the crowd to vote for which burger they enjoyed the most.
“A huge crowd here! My love to everyone within the sound of our voices!” the TV personality said, per the Daily Mail. “It’s a big, big deal. It’s a big deal to these people, and they busted their [expletives] all day, so please do take the time to vote.”
Kreischer shared how grateful he was to cook with Ray.
“Yesterday I did my cooking show, Something’s Burning, with Rachael Ray. It is an honor,” he said.
“I didn’t burn anything, and neither did he! He made amazing tortellini,” the celebrity chef replied.
“Tortellini carbonara. Handmade tortellini!” Kreischer proudly announced to the audience.
The winners were crowned by the event’s celebrity judges: comedian Cedric the Entertainer, journalist Sophie Flay, YouTuber chef Andrew Rea, chef Jet Tila, television co-host Ana Navarro, and comedian Anthony Anderson.
Three awards were given out. Nowon took home the Blue Moon People’s Choice Award, while the Gotham Burger Social Club earned the Pat LaFrieda Judges’ Choice Award. RW Prime won Mike’s Amazing Special Opportunity Award.
Ray was an energetic and personable host, just months after fans raised concerns about her appearance.
She posted a video to social media in July, sharing seasoning tips, but the comments were flooded with followers claiming she looked unrecognizable.
One user wrote, “I haven’t seen her is SO LONG. I’m genuinely wondering.. is she okay?” while another commented, “Is that Rachael Ray?”
In September 2024, Ray concerned fans after she posted a clip from her cooking show, Rachael Ray in Tuscany. Her words sounded slurred, and she appeared to be leaning on the counter in front of her.
The chef later said she had “a couple of bad falls” while carrying wood for a fire, according to the Daily Mail.
This story was originally published by Parade on Oct 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dining and Cooking