Little known fact:  Gael Greene’s article on Rocket Pops has long been regarded as the pinnacle of novelty ice cream criticism.  I think we can all agree that we have a new King of the Mountain.

Seriously, though, it’s refreshing to see a critic with a sense of humor about the topic they cover, so I think I like Frank Bruni even more than I did before.

We always eat dessert first here at the smörg!

Some interesting news on the PBS front:

- The Ripper will be starring in a new, behind-the-scenes show.  Icy glares are sure to be a regular feature of the program.

- Gourmet magazine will be launching a new show featuring editor Ruth Reichl.  I know what you’re thinking:  Gourmet…PBS…wayyyy to classy and refined.  You’ll want to cleanse your palate with some Paula Deen after watching this one.

After the jump:  another reason to hate celebrities, Jeffrey Saad returns from the land of the undead (i.e. where former reality show contestants live forever) and a familiar face goes dancing.- You know that statistic about how a high percentage of restaurants go under in less than a year?  Well, Eva Longoria is actually expanding her culinary empire.  As if the successful acting career, insane good looks and professional athlete husband weren’t enough…

- Food Network will feature NFNS runner-up Jeffrey Saad in a web-series called “Spice Smuggler.”  I can’t wait until we get to see the tension-filled episode when the balloon full of saffron bursts in his lower intestines.

- Mark Dacascos — better known as the Chairman on Iron Chef America — will take a break from his taxing life of voiceovers and backflips to cut a rug on the new season of Dancing with the Stars.