Robert Irvine wears many hats. He’s a celebrity chef, an author and a popular host on the Food Network.
On Friday, hundreds of his fans filled Doylestown’s Fine Wine and Spirits Store to buy a bottle – or two – of his latest venture, Irvine’s Gin and Irvine’s Vodka, as they stopped to pose for a photo and shake the Englishman’s hand.
The spirits are distilled and bottled in Lansdale, with proceeds from the sales supporting The Robert Irvine Foundation. The nonprofit benefits active-duty veterans, first responders and their families.
“They are my favorite kind of people, the military, vets and first responders,” said Irvine, pausing for a quick break from the long line of loyal admirers snaking through the aisles of wine and spirits. “The American people have forgotten about the military,” said Irvin, who served in the U.K. Navy before turning to a career in the restaurant world.
“He’s an amazing chef,” said Tammy Griffin, holding her freshly signed bottle of vodka. “He helps people rebuild restaurants,” said the Buckingham resident, who works as a prep chef at None Such Farm and has three sisters who are professionally trained chefs.
Oliver Groman Jr. was bringing home a bottle of Irvine’s vodka, too.
“I like his attitude,” Groman said. “He can be kind and gruff…he has a way to bring out the best in people,” in his TV shows.
The Plumstead man, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard, said he respects Irvine’s commitment to his causes. “He’s really serious and involved with his projects. What you see is what you get.”
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