Neely co-owns Neely's Bar-B-Que and is the Memphis Restaurant Association's restaurateur of the year. He and his family join Paula to cook their favorite barbecue recipes.

The episode called, "Fried vs. BBQ," airs at 8 p.m. locally.

The show features several Neely's Bar-B-Que favorites, like barbecue spaghetti and pork ribs.

"Working with Paula was just fabulous," Neely said. " 'Paula's Party' is truly like being at a fun party . . . just with cameras."

Patrick and his wife, Gina, brothers Anthony and Mark, and their mother, Lorine, joined Deen and her two sons, Jamie and Bobby, for the episode.

"We were ready to show Paula that grilling was better than frying, but instead, we learned how the two cooking techniques are actually somewhat similar," he said.

Tune in to see how Paula's fried pork ribs stand up to Neely's classic Memphis barbecue rendition.

Calling all cooks

Chef Jose Gutierrez of Encore Restaurant is writing a cookbook, and you're invited to send in your favorite recipes.

His book will include recipes for his versions of old staples, plus dishes you'll find on American tables.

Your submission could be a recipe your mother made for you on your birthday, a traditional dish your family enjoys on holidays, or something you discovered while dining with friends in a special restaurant.

Submit recipes to Cooking with Jose, 23 Royal Oaks Place, Jackson, Tenn., 38305 or to cookingwithjose@bellsouth.net.

A little taste of Italy in Memphis

The Memphis Italian Festival is Thursday through Saturday at Marquette Park, on the corner of Mt. Moriah and Park.

Entering its 18th year, the Memphis Italian Festival is a community celebration, demonstrating the values of family, faith and fellowship in the Italian-American tradition, for the benefit of the children of Holy Rosary Parish School.

Be sure to stop by this family-oriented event for some scrumptious Italian food as well as Italian cooking classes and chef demonstrations, great music, games and crafts for kids of all ages. The gravy cooking and homemade wine contests on Saturday are worth checking out.

General admission is $10 at gate, $8 in advance, kids 12 and under free. On Friday, stop by for lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and get in free. For more information and event schedules, visit memphisitalianfestival.com.

Grillin' in the Grove

The City of Germantown's Grillin' in the Grove cooking series begins next week.

Prior to a few of Germantown's free Evening Notes concerts, local chefs will teach cooking classes in the shade grove facing Exeter Road in Municipal Park.

On Tuesday, the menu will feature backyard favorites like stuffed burgers with all the trimmings, cast iron kettle-baked beans and pecan cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream. The next two classes will be June 19 and July 17.

Classes are from 6 to 7 p.m. and cost $25 for adults and $7 for children under 12. For reservations, call 757-7375.

Please share your fabulous food finds and restaurant news with me at jennifer@cookwithjennifer.com.