Marc Summers talks new Food Network gig and where he likes to eat in Philly

MARC SUMMERS has hit a milestone. The part-time Philly resident, known for his hosting work on everything from "Double Dare" to the Food Network's popular program "Unwrapped," will have his 25th show hit the air when "Rewrapped" premieres on the Food Network on April 21.

"Rewrapped" is a competition show hosted by former 'NSync-er Joey Fatone. Three contestants are tasked with recreating a famous snack food - including Tastykakes. In the second round, the contestants make an entirely new meal out of those confections. The winner receives a year's supply of that episode's central snack food. "It's 'Chopped' meets Soupy Sales," Summers told me.

He continued: "There's something universal about snack food. But it's also cool because you know what a Twinkie looks like and as a viewer you know what these things taste like," he said. "But in round two, it's about what they do with these elements.

Summers acts as head judge on the show, while Fatone takes over emceeing duties. Summers loved the cross-generational nostalgia factor brought to the show by their participation, giggling at how starstruck contestants and even other judges would get around Fatone.

Summers, of course, has his own recognition factor. As a big booster of the Philly restaurant scene, he's always out and about. He loves Jose Garces' Cuban diner Rosa Blanca (707 Chestnut St.) and Kevin Sbraga's Fat Ham (3131 Walnut St.). "Sbraga just nailed it with that one," Summers said.

"Rewrapped" isn't Summers' only big upcoming milestone. Summers recently filmed the 100th episode of "Restaurant: Impossible," the show he produces with celeb chef Robert Irvine as host. The special was shot at WHYY. "I went back to my roots, because that's where we first shot 'Double Dare,' " he said. "It was kind of emotional. I came to this town in 1986 for Nickelodeon, now here we are in 2014."

The Daily News' own Barbara Laker and Wendy Ruderman will see the release today of their first book, Busted: A Tale of Corruption and Betrayal in the City of Brotherly Love, based on their Pulitzer Prize-winning series for this here newspaper. Don't miss these badass ladies talking about the exploits that inspired their book at the Free Library of Philadelphia (1901 Vine St.) on March 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Want a taste? Check out bustedthebook.com for an excerpt.

Hey, Union fans: Maurice Edu, Jack McInerney, Zac MacMath and Ray Gaddis will be at Jim's Steaks (400 South St.) today at 2 p.m. to serve up some cheesesteak-y goodness. They're not the only celeb cheesesteak slingers Jim's has seen. Kevin Hart brought his "Ride Along" co-star Ice Cube behind the counter while they were promoting their buddy-cop blockbuster.

Looks like production designers of "How to Get Away With Murder" - the ABC pilot from "Scandal" creator Shonda Rhimes, shooting in Philly and starring Viola Davis - want to be as accurate as possible when it comes to their setting. An extra playing a reporter chasing Davis' character was given a 6ABC microphone during scenes that were filmed at City Hall over the weekend. Fingers crossed for a Jim Gardner cameo?

Warminster-born-and-raised actor Paul Hipp will return to ABC's "The Middle" tomorrow night. The Archbishop Wood High School grad plays Reverend TimTom in the series starring Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond") and Neil Flynn ("Scrubs").

The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia will celebrate local music legends - including Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Famers Danny and the Juniors; Stephen Caldwell, from the Orlons; and Kenny Jeremiah, from the Soul Survivors, among others. The luncheon takes place on March 19. Call 856-365-5600 to R.S.V.P.

Online: ph.ly/DNGossip