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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 03
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Emeril plans Mississippi restaurant
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Given the nature of this gig, things can occasionally get awkward. Take, for example, our chat with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse before his participation Thursday night at the Taste of the Nation fund-raiser at the Georgia Aquarium. Just as AJC dining critic Meridith Ford’s lukewarm review of Emeril’s Atlanta (Read it) was making the rounds, we interviewed the man himself at his Buckhead restaurant.
To our relief, Lagasse was warm, outgoing and extremely generous with his time. He acknowledged that his Atlanta eatery is a work in progress (one factor: His head chef is hospitalized), but Lagasse said he was thrilled to be back here cooking and raising money for the hunger charity he’s worked with for close to two decades.
“I gotta be honest,” he confided in his trademark accent, “my schedule hasn’t been as consistent as it could be since we’re still so busy rebuilding things in New Orleans. It remains a local problem, a state problem and a national problem. And you can’t finger any one person either. We’ve all got to work together.”
While Lagasse’s tourist-friendly restaurants are all back open in New Orleans, he estimates that “40 percent of the city is still heavily damaged. There’s a shortage of housing, so there’s a shortage of labor. It’s a Catch-22. But we’re pushing, pushing forward.”
Among the TV personality’s many upcoming plans: to open a new restaurant in Mississippi on the Gulf Coast hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina.
While the Food Network elder statesman uses his prominent place in the media to keep New Orleans and the affected Gulf Coast area on the nation’s radar screen, he also assists the newer members of his Food Network family in becoming accustomed to sudden fame as a rock star chef.
“It can get scary out there,” he allows. “There are some real nuts running around.” (Consequently, Lagasse and his family travel with two members of a security team.) Likewise, he also helped pave the way for Savannah cook Paula Deen when she started at the network.
“Not everybody understands people from the South right off the bat,” he says. “But she does great TV and has an audience who loves her. Her honesty comes through. You can’t fool the viewer. You might be able to [expletive] them for a couple of shows, but not for long. The audience is too savvy. “
‘BACHELOR’ IS BACK
Here’s encouraging news for those who haven’t yet humiliated their entire family by appearing on a TV reality show. ABC’s infamous “The Bachelor” returns to town this month seeking new contestants. According to “Bachelor” associate casting producer John Perez, the show is looking for women between the ages of 23 to 35 who have graduated college, who are career-motivated and wish to get married. Best of all, you won’t immediately be asked to degrade yourself by scratching out the eyes of the other contestants when you turn up for the audition. “Um, yes, well, the catfights are optional,” Perez told us. “The casting calls are actually pretty laid back.”
On May 19, an open call will be held 9 a.m.-noon at Tongue & Groove in Buckhead, 5-11 p.m. May 21 at Ten Pin Alley in Midtown and 3-8 p.m. May 22 at Buckhead Crunch Fitness.
MORE METRO BISCUITS
Q100 “Bert Show” producer Jeff Dauler announced on air Thursday that he’s entering into a partnership with Raving Brands (the folks who brought you Moe’s Southwest Grill, Mama Fu’s and Planet Smoothie Cafe) to open five new metro franchises of the Flying Biscuit Cafe.
Dauler is going into the restaurant business with Raving Brands and investors, including pal and Longhorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill co-founder George McKerrow Jr. and Slocum’s namesake John Slocum.
“[My wife] Jessica and I have established roots here and this is a way for us expand on that,” Dauler explained. While the formerly nomadic radio personality is signed to remain with “The Bert Show” through the end of 2009, the Daulers wanted to cement another business venture here.
Dauler indicated that the deal had been in the works since February.
The next Flying Biscuit Cafe location is due to open May 14 at the West Paces Plaza shopping center at West Paces Ferry Road and I-75.
The eatery concept emphasizing more whole foods and a whole grains-centered approach to breakfast dishes was created by founder Delia Champion 15 years ago in Candler Park. A second location is in Midtown at Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street.
Champion was on hand (with a small mountain of biscuits, eggs, turkey bacon and potatoes) for the announcement.
“I’m starting to get a little old,” Champion cracked to Buzz off air. “I didn’t want the Biscuit to go away. Every neighborhood deserves a great restaurant. For years, I’ve been approached by people who either wanted to buy the Biscuit or expand it. Raving Brands were the first people who understood completely what the restaurant stands for and who didn’t want to change a thing.”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Surf guitarist Dick Dale is 70. Singer-songwriter Nick Ashford of Ashford and Simpson is 65. Country singer Stella Parton is 58. Singer Jackie Jackson of the Jacksons is 56. Singer Oleta Adams is 54. Country singer Randy Travis is 48. Actress Mary McDonough (“The Waltons”) is 46. Comedian Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) is 40. Bassist Mike Dirnt of Green Day is 35. Singer Lance Bass of ‘N Sync is 28.
OVERSCENE
Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (left) was among the capacity crowd for WWE Wrestling Backlash at Philips Arena. Atlanta Thrashers head coach Bob Hartley taking in the Braves and Phillies at Turner Field.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Bert Show producer joins restaurant venture
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Q100 “Bert Show” producer Jeff Dauler may tense up the next time CBS 46 “Restaurant Report Card” reporter Adam Murphy pays a visit to the popular radio morning show.
On Thursday, Dauler announced on air that he’s entering into a partnership with Raving Brands (the folks who brought you Moe’s Southwest Grill, Mama Fu’s and Planet Smoothie Cafe) to open five new metro-area franchises of the Flying Biscuit Cafe.
Dauler is going into the restaurant business with Raving Brands and investors, including pal and Longhorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill co-founder George McKerrow, Jr. and Slocum’s namesake John Slocum.
“[My wife] Jessica and I have established roots here, and this is a way for us expand on that,” Dauler explained. While the formerly nomadic radio personality is signed to remain with “The Bert Show” through the end of 2009, the Daulers wanted to cement another business venture here.
Dauler indicated that the deal had been in the works since February.
The next Flying Biscuit Cafe location is due to open May 15 at the West Paces Plaza shopping center at West Paces Ferry Road and I-75.
The eatery concept emphasizing a healthier and more whole foods and whole grains-centered approach to breakfast dishes was created by founder Delia Champion 15 years ago in Candler Park. A second location is now based in Midtown at Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street.
Champion was on hand (with a small mountain of biscuits, eggs, turkey bacon and potatoes) for the announcement.
“I’m starting to get a little old,” Champion cracked to Buzz off air. “I didn’t want the Biscuit to go away. Every neighborhood deserves a great restaurant. For years, I’ve been approached by people who either wanted to buy the Biscuit or expand it. Raving Brands were the first people who understood completely what the restaurant stands for and who didn’t want to change a thing.”
In addition to overseeing her two current locations, Champion is also spending this month training the West Paces location’s staff.
“We’ve always had a reputation for hiring a staff that might not fit in elsewhere,” she explained. “I’m terribly proud of that. I’m here to ensure that a corporate culture does not over ride the Flying Biscuit culture.”
Naturally, Dauler’s radio co-workers only had one remaining question for the budding restaurateur about the eateries that routinely attract busloads of waiting customers each weekend for brunch.
Asked co-host Jenn Hobby: “Does this mean we can now by-pass those lines?!”
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Hip-hop icon’s a picky swearer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hip-hop godfather Russell Simmons has a problem with the n-word, the b-word and that h-word Don Imus spewed over the airwaves last month. But the s-expletive and the f-bomb? Simmons seemed to have no issue dropping a few of those Tuesday night at a Literate Nation discussion and book signing at Emory University — where most of the attendees were metro area high school students.
“This book is a culmination of all I’ve learned,” Simmons said of his new publication, “Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success.” Then the 49-year-old shook his head and muttered, “Man, I’m old as [expletive].”
He went on to tell the audience that he sent an early version of “Do You!” to cultural tastemaker Oprah Winfrey, when it was titled “The Hip-Hop Laws of Success.” She told him he should change the name. “I thought it was funny,” Simmons recalled. “Oprah told me my [expletive] was corny.”
Over the past month, Simmons has practically been a fixture in Atlanta. “This is called Hotlanta for a reason,” the Def Jam co-founder explained after his talk. “And if what you’re doing doesn’t work here, how hot is it, really?”
COMIC MAKES TIME FOR A PAL IN NEED
Last week Fayetteville native and comedic actor Gary Anthony Williams finished production playing a cross-dressing lawyer on ABC’s “Boston Legal.” He arrived in Atlanta this week with a full agenda: attend a family wedding; check out a play he wrote spoofing “Rocky” for Agatha’s — A Taste of Mystery theater; and help his college buddy Donna Blair raise money for her daughter Maggi, who suffers from a rare chromosome disease.
Williams, who also voices Uncle Ruckus on Adult Swim’s award-winning “The Boondocks” cartoon, helped put together a fund-raiser at Manuel’s Tavern tonight for Maggi featuring Laughing Matters, an improv group both Blair and Williams used to be a part of. He also procured a “Boston Legal” script signed by castmates James Spader, William Shatner and Candice Bergen for auction.
Blair said her 2-year-old daughter suffers from Trisomy 9 Mosaic, which causes problems with the heart, kidneys and immune system. She’s hoping to raise up to $7,500 to help pay for Maggi’s education at Joseph Sams, a special needs school in Fayetteville. Kids with this disorder seldom live past age 4. “We’re hoping that won’t happen to Maggi,” Blair said. Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20 at the door. More info at 404-225-5000.
THEY’RE REALLY STUCK ON NEW SPIDEY FLICK
Morning show duo Murph Dawg and C.J. from 95.5 The Beat will be easy to pick out at the around-the-clock screenings for “Spider-Man 3” tonight at the Atlantic Station Regal Cinema 16. They’ll be the folks in Spidey PJs and carrying pillowcases. As a stunt, the pair have signed up to watch the comic book flick for 48 hours straight tonight and through Saturday. They’re broadcasting Friday’s morning show from the venue as well. “Murph Dawg is such a sci-fi comic book geek he would probably be doing this even if it didn’t involve work!” 95.5 The Beat program director Lee Cagle told Buzz on Wednesday.
‘GREEN’ MAG PARTY JUST AN ILLUSION
Longtime Rolling Stones keyboardist and environmentalist Chuck Leavell let some scoop fly while guesting on Mara Davis’ lunchtime show Wednesday on Dave FM. The Georgia tree farmer disclosed that the recent two-page spread in Vanity Fair magazine’s “Green Issue,” which featured Leavell and other green-minded musicians, was largely Photoshopped. It seems that the only other folks present at Leavell’s sitting were Jack Johnson and Alanis Morissette …
LOUNGE LEGENDS JOIN COBB VENUE DEBUT
Cocktail lounge icons Michael Feinstein and Linda Eder will headline opening-night festivities at the new $145 million Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Sept. 15. Ticket details will be released later. Info about the gala, which includes the show, is available at cobbenergycentre.com or by calling 770-989-5120.
TWO OUSTED ON ‘IDOL’
With “American Idol” skipping an elimination last week because of its big charity event, the voters Wednesday got rid of two contestants instead of the usual one: former Hooters manager and Justin Timberlake copycat Chris Richardson and Navy petty officer Phil Stacey. Four remain. Results were based on what host Ryan Seacrest said was 135 million votes over two weeks.
Neither departure was a terrible shock though some “Idol” bloggers were predicting LaKisha Jones. Fortunately for her, she made up for a few shaky weeks with a powerful “This Ain’t a Love Song” Tuesday. It was so good, judge Simon Cowell said he could kiss her. She obliged.
Stacey had picked up the pace recently, capped by a strong rendition of “Blaze of Glory” Tuesday, but the bald dad from Jacksonville fell short in the voting department. Richardson, of Chesapeake, Va., was criticized for his nasal delivery and boy-band vocal runs.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“He told me, ‘You have to be Jackie Kennedy today.’ And I’m thinking, ‘Jackie Kennedy? Her husband was murdered. You lied and cheated on me. And now I have to be Jackie Kennedy?!’ ”
— Former New Jersey first lady Dina McGreevey, on “Oprah” this week, recalling what former hubby James McGreevey told her the day the self-proclaimed “Gay American” resigned from office in 2004
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Folk singer Pete Seeger is 88. Actress Ann B. Davis (“The Brady Bunch”) is 81. Singer Frankie Valli is 73. Sports announcer Greg Gumbel is 61. Actor Dulé Hill (“The West Wing,” “Psych”) is 32.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Rodney Ho, Tom Sabulis, news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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