Roker manages to keep it off – in company of celeb chefs

New York – “It’s all about small bites.” That’s Al Roker’s line about how he keeps off about 100 pounds – in the company of some of America’s finest chefs and their culinary creations.

On Wednesday, Thomas Keller, Bill Telepan and a lineup of other chefs, including Daniel Boulud and David Bouley, set up tables in Manhattan’s enclosed Pier 60 on the Hudson River, offering small bites of dishes with big names such as terrine of shrimp with mango and artichoke, dressed with celery root and passion fruit (a Bouley specialty).

The event was the annual “Preview of Spring Dining” organized by Careers through Culinary Arts Program, which provides inner-city high school students with training, scholarships and jobs in the food industry.

Roker was the master of ceremonies. The formerly rotund weatherman of NBC’s “Today” show, who was 330 pounds at his peak, had gastric bypass surgery in 2002.

Kid Rock says Stapp’s an ‘idiot’ for losing sex tape

New York – Kid Rock blames Scott Stapp for losing a sex video showing them with several strippers, but appreciates Stapp for one thing.

“What perfect timing,” Rock said in an interview Wednesday. “I got a record coming up … Maybe I should thank him.”

The hard-partying rap-rocker, whose new live concert album “Live Trucker” hit stores Tuesday, defended his backstage antics, saying, “It’s not any big revelation that this goes on in rock ‘n’ roll, especially with who I am.”

Still, Rock (aka Robert Ritchie) has fired back against Stapp’s claim that the tape was stolen, saying the former Creed singer filmed the tape, which was made in Rock’s motor home in 1999, and is responsible for losing it.

“He’s the idiot because it’s out,” the 35-year-old Rock said. “I’m holding him responsible.”

Rock has won a temporary court order preventing World Wide Red Light District from distributing or promoting the video.

‘West Wing’ alumni to return for show’s final episodes

New York – A sizable group of former “West Wing” regulars and recurring players, headed by Rob Lowe and Mary-Louise Parker, will return to the show for its final episodes.

Lowe, who left the show toward the end of the 2002-03 season, will reprise his role as Sam Seaborn, the former White House aide last seen running for a congressional seat in California. NBC says he’s now a “senior political official” and that the outcome of the election between Democrat Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) and Republican Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) will have been decided before Lowe’s appearance.

Parker, currently starring in Showtime’s “Weeds,” will return as lobbyist Amy Gardner, the one-time love interest of Bradley Whitford’s Josh Lyman. Others expected back include Emily Procter (“CSI: Miami”) as lawyer Ainsley Hayes; Timothy Busfield as reporter Danny Concannon; and Marlee Matlin as pollster Joey Lucas.

“The West Wing,” which has won 25 Emmys, returns March 12 for 10 episodes leading up to the May 14 finale.

Burnett will play it cool on ‘Desperate Housewives’

Los Angeles – Carol Burnett, paying a visit to “Desperate Housewives” as stepmother to Bree Van De Kamp, won’t be dispelling any wicked stepmom myths.

“Just make her a little bitchier,” Burnett said she advised series creator Marc Cherry after reading a description of her icy, distant character.

“It will be fun. I just think it’s so campy,” Burnett said. She’s scheduled to film her appearance as Eleanor Mason next week, with the episode tentatively set to air April 9.

Viewers will learn that Eleanor became part of Bree’s (Marcia Cross) life after her mother was killed.