Top diplomat Rice dines in Buckhead

Why were all those Secret Service agents buzzing around Midtown hotspot Veni Vidi Vici earlier this week? They were keeping an eye on one special diner: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Madam Secretary was in town visiting family for the holidays, Buzz hears. Her dinner group Monday night started out with a bottle of Antonori Cervaro Chardonnay and sliced prosciutto with Gala apple puree, then ordered up the special menu prepared by Executive Chef Jamie Adams, including pan-seared scallops and swordfish, risotto and pasta specials, and the rotisserie duck for a main course.

In addition to all the security on hand that evening, we hear the Buckhead Life Italian eatery underwent an advance security sweep and background check prior to Rice’s visit.

For his trouble, Chef Adams scored a special keepsake of the evening. Rice autographed a menu with the inscription: “To Jamie —- I’ve eaten many great meals in Italy, none better than tonight. Many thanks!”

From ‘Bachelorette’ to ‘Married’

Remember DeAnna Pappas? The Newnan real estate agent was rejected by Brad Womack on “The Bachelor” in late 2007, but got her own “Bachelorette” show in the summer of 2008. On that show, she picked snowboarder Jesse Csincsak, then dumped him in November.

With those romantic credentials, Pappas has been named a host of the daily Lifetime Network wedding advice show “Get Married,” which is produced in Atlanta.

“She’s going to be the bride’s ultimate best friend,” said Stacie Francombe, who founded “Get Married.” “She’s the girl next door. Brides are intrigued by her.”

Pappas will do reports on bridal-related trends and features, replacing Jessica Campbell, who left the show to pursue acting. “Get Married” also dumped host David Tutera in favor of Colin Cowie, a party planner and lifestyle guru seen regularly on “Oprah.” The new season starts at 7:30 a.m. Monday on Lifetime.

Big laughs = big bucks

The temperature was in the low 40s, but apparently that didn’t put a chill on charitable feelings at the recent comedy fund-raiser held by the John Smoltz Foundation at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. The final tally from the November evening, which drew 2,500 in the closing event of the amphitheater’s inaugural season, was in excess of $100,000.

Emcee Ernie Johnson Jr., along with Braves star Smoltz and comic/actor Jeff Foxworthy, kept the audience laughing through an unscripted evening of comedy. The opening act was country/rock performed by Angela Wolff, whose backup singers included Chip Davis of Manheim Steamroller fame, no less.

The event included a poignant poem penned by Johnson reflecting on the friendship of Foxworthy and Smoltz, a hilarious video comparing the athletic prowess of the two (Foxworthy always won!), and a stellar stand-up routine by Foxworthy. Gov. Sonny Perdue and his wife, Mary, along with many civic and business leaders from the north Fulton area, enjoyed the 2 1/2-hour show.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

TV host Jack Hanna is 62. Actress Gabrielle Carteris is 48. Movie director Todd Haynes is 48. Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. is 41. Model Christy Turlington is 40. Actor Taye Diggs is 38. Actor Dax Shepard is 34. Actress Kate Bosworth is 26.

CELEBRITY DOCKET

A court date for Winehouse

British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse has been summoned to appear in a Norwegian court on Jan. 12 in her appeal against a fine in a drugs possession case. Winehouse and her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, were arrested in Norway in October 2007 on charges of possessing marijuana. They were held overnight and released after paying fines. The 25-year-old Winehouse appealed, claiming Norwegian police made mistakes in the case.

Contributing: Jennifer Brett, Rodney Ho and news services.

Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or buzz@ajc.com