Giuliana & Bill star Bill Rancic is set to host the upcoming Food Network show, Kitchen Casino. Premiering on Monday, April 7th at 9pm ET/PT, the new show brings together four talented chefs in a high-stakes game of chance that requires skill, speed and adaptability.
Bill opens up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about his new show, how fatherhood has made him an “even better communicator” with wife Giuliana Rancic, the importance of date nights and family vacations, and how “everything in life matters more” thanks to his adorable 19-month-old son Duke.
CBS: As a restaurateur you have an appreciation for food. What made you want to be a part of Kitchen Casino? It’s a novel idea to combine gambling and cooking, what was the inspiration behind the show’s theme?
BR: “People love to eat and to gamble, so why not combine the two! When I was approached to host Kitchen Casino, I was thrilled because I loved the novelty of the idea, combined with the required skills from the contestants to execute great dishes in such a challenging environment.”
CBS: How were the competitors selected for the program? How much strategy is involved in winning the game versus luck of the spin?
BR: “The more sill a competitor brings to the competition, the more likely they are to yield success despite andy twists and turns we throw their way. You could quickly tell the chefs from the cooks in how they would adapt to every situation.”
CBS: You and Giuliana have busy careers. How do you make family a priority? What kinds of things do you enjoy doing as a family?
BR: “Family always comes first for Giuliana and myself and we make sure to constantly work our schedules to ensure that never changes. We are constantly going on hikes and spending time with Duke. We make a point to have date nights and we believe that because of our hard work, we are fortunate enough to enjoy family vacations and that quality time together.”
CBS: You recently went to Mexico. Since having Duke, have your ideal vacation spots changed? Where do you like to go and get away from it all?
BR: “We love going to places that encourage relaxation. Mexico is definitely a favorite because you really feel like you’ve gotten away from the stresses of work and can focus on the enjoyment of family.”
CBS: Mother’s Day is approaching. How do you plan to celebrate?
BR: “Moms are so important in my life. My mom continues to be a huge influence, as does Giuliana’s. And now that we have Duke, I love celebrating what a great mom my wife is to our son. I’m sure we’ll do something to celebrate our family and how blessed we all are.”
CBS: How has being a parent changed your relationship with Giuliana?
BR: “Giuliana and I have similar parenting styles on the big stuff, but lots of different opinions on the little stuff. It’s made us even better communicators with one another and we’ve learned to make compromises along the way.
Giuliana is such a great mother and her bond with Duke is one of my favorite things to watch every day.”
CBS: How has fatherhood changed you? What are some of your favorite memories so far as a dad?
BR: “I have nieces and nephews, but nothing really prepared me for being a dad myself. Because of Duke, I love the little things even more — a quiet moment, his smile, his first steps. Everything in life matters more because of him.”
CBS: Do you have any other upcoming projects you’d like to share with us?
BR: “Right now my priority is on my family, the new season of Giuliana & Bill on E!, and hoping for many more seasons as host of Kitchen Casino on Food Network.”
