Jake: One Hot Chef

Sunday February 05, 2006 06:00 AM EST

Jake Gyllenhaal

Michael Germana/Everett

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As the Oscar race heats up, Brokeback Mountain nominee Jake Gyllenhaal has it all under control – in the kitchen. "My brother is actually an astonishing cook," sister Maggie Gyllenhaal says. "I'm a pretty good cook – I'm like the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper kind of cook. He took it to the next level. My brother makes roast beef in a béchamel sauce. When I'm in L.A. I stay with him and he cooks major meals."

But even when Jake's taking care of her, Maggie can't help herself from being the protective older sister. "I really lost it when they show him getting beaten up (in Brokeback Mountain)," she told us at New York City's Spotted Pig restaurant, where she was celebrating Reebok's "I Am What I Am" campaign (she's a spokesperson). "He's my brother so maybe I felt it even more acutely. I thought, 'Why hurt him? What has he done?' "

Heart Beat

The clock is ticking toward Valentine's Day, but Pamela Anderson still doesn't know who will be her date. "I've got to pick a Valentine first," the actress – dressed in an eye-popping black gown – told us at a MAC Cosmetics kickoff party for New York Fashion Week at the Eyebeam gallery. How about Grammy nominee Kanye West? She was spotted with him at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood several weeks ago. "I did a video (with him) – that's how these rumors always start," she demurred.

Caught in the Act

• Christina Aguilera (right), hanging out at L.A. club The Lobby with husband Jordan Bratman and Flava Flav.

• Luke Wilson, dancing to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" at the opening of New York City club Nest. Also there: Josh Lucas, Ja Rule, Kelis and Eliza Dushku.

• Carey Hart, dining with friends at Sushi Roku in Las Vegas. On another night, rock group The Killers feasted on yellowtail sashimi with diced chilis at the trendy eatery.

• By KELLY CARTER, KATE LINTHICUM, MARK DAGOSTINO and MARISA LAUDADIO