FN: What did Bobby and Jamie like you to cook for them when they were young?
Paula: They were not picky eaters. They loved just about everything I cooked, but Bobby especially loved a dish called goulash. He's 36 years old now and guess what he still asks for on his birthday?
FN: It's gotta be goulash!
Paula: Uh huh. And Jamie loved corned beef and cabbage and mashed potatoes. I was really lucky that they also appreciated a big ol' pot of fresh string beans and sweet potatoes. I didn't have any trouble getting them to eat.
FN: What did you teach them about cooking and being in the kitchen?
Paula: Well, what I wanted to teach them was the joy of it--to have a good time. To surround themselves with friends and people they care about being with. Time in the kitchen can almost be therapeutic to me. So I've encouraged them to gather in the kitchen and have a good time with family and friends.
FN: And did they help you cook a lot while they were growing up?
Paula: No, not a whole bunch. They were really busy. They had their activities and everything, but they may remember more special moments than I've realized.
FN: What kind of activities did they like when they were growing up?
Paula: Well, they were both pretty athletic. Bobby was a good baseball player and Jamie was better at football. So they each had their own favorite. But Jamie actually did something to his back and it hasn't been the same since. His back just flares up frequently and, you know, almost just stops him cold.
FN: How would you say they are similar?
Paula: Oh well, that's a hard question.
FN: Are they even similar?
Paula: Well, they both have a real keen sense of humor. I think Bobby has got this serious streak. As far as the restaurant and the business are concerned, they are so different. Bobby feels really comfortable with all the people. Not to say that Jamie doesn't, but Bobby just takes it very very seriously. He just tries to speak to everybody that comes in and Jamie always enjoys the back of the house more, while Bobby loves the front of the house
FN: So what about Jamie, what was he like as big brother to Bobby? Would they fight a lot?
Paula: No. You know, they didn't. I never saw those boys have one fight.
FN: That's impressive. How many years apart are they?
Paula: 2 years and 10 months. They slept in a double bed together and hugged and kissed each other good night every night.
FN: So, they're very loving brothers?
Paula: Uh huh. Very very loving.
FN: Can you remember any of the bad stuff they used to do when they were kids or how they used to get into trouble?
Paula: Well, they were so full of energy, and I'd try to take them shopping and they would run around that store like crazy and hide from me underneath stuff. I remember more than once having to pull out a paper bag and hyperventilate into it. They were good kids, they were just..
FN: Typical boys?
Paula: Typical boys. They had a lot of energy.
FN: And now Jamie is married and Bobby is single?
Paula: Yes, Bobby is single.
FN: That's good for all the female viewers!
Paula: Yes, Bobby says he's happily unmarried right now.
FN: And Jamie is a newlywed?
Paula: Well, they've been married a little over a year, and his wife is pregnant. My first grandchild is due September 9.
FN: Do they know what she's having?
Paula: Uh huh, a little boy.
FN: So many boys in the family!
Paula: And they've already named him. His name is going to be Jack Deen. Isn't it a cute, strong American name?
FN: That is sweet. What is it like at a typical dinner when you all get together?
Paula: Grab and growl, honey, grab and growl, everybody chopping at one time. Oh, I fed 'em. I cooked right before I came up here. They had just gotten back in off the road, and oh my goodness, they just killed the food, just killed it.
FN: I'm sure.
Paula: But like I said, a lot of talking going on, a lot of laughing and a boarding house reach that you wouldn't believe. It's amazing how long their arms are.
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