Is there a culinary catfight going on between domestic diva Martha Stewart and lifestyle maven B. Smith?
When Smith appeared at the Mall of America in Minneapolis recently to sign copies of her new cookbook, 'B. Smith Cooks Southern Style,' Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune columnist C.J. asked Smith about the rumored feud.
"I wouldn't call it a beef," said Smith, "but at one point, people were calling me the African American Martha Stewart, and I think that Martha Stewart really didn't like that."
The restaurateur, who has businesses in New York City; Sag Harbor, N.Y.; and Washington, D.C., said the comparisons to Stewart never really bothered her.
"Now, I liked it because it let people know what I did – that I'm in the lifestyle business," Smith explained, before adding, "Though I like to think I do it with a little rhythm."
Stewart's rep shot down the claim when called for comment.
"I really don't think this is accurate at all. We all love B. Smith," said Nicole Sutliff.
The host of the now-defunct 'B. Smith With Style' has a new television show in development and recently launched a jewelry line.
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For related stories, read also: 'Frankly Speaking: Martha Stewart is A Hip-Hop Fan' & 'Who's Got Next: Fresh Faces That Could Succeed Oprah'
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Comments: (8)
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By: alwaysjoyfull on 12/22/2009 5:39PM
I love both these women for breaking new ground in the lifestyle business. they are both unique in their own way. I think both women are enjoying the attention it's giving them. so whomever is responsible for spreading the rumor,TAKE THAT! Ha!
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By: M. Alexander on 12/26/2009 11:56AM
Martha Stewart and B. Smith aren't do anything more than most women ! I watched my mom do what they do for years ! The only difference is they turned it into a business !
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By: M. Alexander on 12/26/2009 12:04PM
Martha Stewart and B. Smith aren't doing anything more than most women do ! My mom owned of the largest privately owned catering businesses in our city for years.
She was doing what these ladies do before we knew what lifestyle meant ! Ditto for my pops ! He was doing home improvement way back in the day before Home Depot and DIY (Do It Yourself) and Home Improvement TV Shows ever came about !
The only differences being Stewart and Smith turned their ideas into a business !
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By: Dimples on 12/26/2009 11:15PM
Well, I have to give it to B. Smith because she's a great cook, well at least according to me. I would rather do arts and crafts with Martha Stewart and I'm just annoyed by Rachel Ray's voice.
However, Martha Stewart can be a control freak if you've ever watched her show because she doesn't seem genuinely interested in her guests. Her guests are like helpers in her kitchen or on the show.
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By: captain midnight on 12/28/2009 11:59AM
How on earth would you know she's a great cook, did you ever taste her cooking? Have you been over to her house for dinner?
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By: jessica on 12/29/2009 2:06PM
I think the three of them are really clean but I'd prefer rach cooking.....
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By: Reign on 12/29/2009 3:38PM
I think these women are in the same industry (lifestyle), but their style is very different. I commend Martha Stewart on what she does, she's good at it. However, B Smith's style is more in line with what I like. I have some of B Smith's bathroom decor and it's off the chain. I've seen other stuff from her collection and I love it. I've never seen anything of Martha's that makes me want to run out and buy it, but that's not the case with B Smith. They're both great at what they do, there's plenty of room for them both and many more, so there's no contest
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By: Angela on 4/03/2010 10:54AM
Martha Stewart still looks amazing. I searched and found http://www.rapidsloth.com which has more pics
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