Richard Blais is going to be crowned the "Top Chef All Stars" winner tonight. Or not. Either way, fans of the telegenic Atlanta chef can come cheer him on at a viewing party at the Buckhead Theatre. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., last week's episode rolls at 9 p.m. and the big finale starts at 10 p.m. We talked to Blais, the guy behind the Flip Burger Boutique concept, for a minute this week as he was juggling a slew of media interviews. "It's definitely made me a better chef," said Blais, a past "Top Chef" contender who's also worked with the Science Channel on a show called "Blais Off," which flexes his "molecular-gastronomy" muscles. "There's nothing like taking criticism in front of millions of people." Given the glut of reality fare on the television dial, we asked Blais why he thinks chefs seem to make such good TV. Simple, he said: "Everyone eats! Maybe not everyone wears fancy clothes, but everyone has a strong opinion about food." In his scant free time he enjoys Fourth & Swift and Bacchanalia when not dining on his own fare. And when comfort food is in order? "I'm always good for a banana and peanut butter [sandwich]," he said. Blais will be in New York tonight, by the way. There's no admission to attend the viewing party, and there will be a cash bar. Guests are, naturally, encouraged to eat at Flip beforehand.
Sunny skies for 20th anniversary gala
Since we're making bold predictions today we'll go ahead and guarantee perfect weather this Saturday for "V20," the 20th Veneralia gala, benefiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. Chaired by Merry Carlos, Annette Joseph and Robert Long, the evening begins at 7 p.m. with cocktails in the galleries, followed by dinner and dancing under a tent in front of the museum. Honorees are past and present museum curators Jasper Gaunt, Elizabeth Hornor, Peter Lacovara, Monique Seefried, Margaret Shufeldt, Jessica Stephenson and Rebecca Stone. Tickets are $350 each. Call 404-727-2115 or see www.carlos.emory.edu.
Say what?
"I want everyone to see me as a sister and a mom. Singing is what I do for a living."
- Singer and soon-to-be reality television star Toni Braxton, at an event promoting her new show this week. She and her four sisters and their mom will air their drama while the cameras roll for "Braxton Family Values," launching April 12 on the WE channel.
Celebrity birthdays
Actor John Astin is 81. Actor-director Warren Beatty is 74. Rock musician Graeme Edge (The Moody Blues) is 70. Rock musician Eric Clapton is 66. Actor Justin Deas ("Guiding Light") is 63. Actor Robbie Coltrane is 61. Actor Paul Reiser is 54. Rap artist MC Hammer is 48. Singer Tracy Chapman is 47. Actor Ian Ziering is 47. Singer Celine Dion is 43. Actor Mark Consuelos is 40. Actress Bahar Soomekh is 36. Actress Jessica Cauffiel is 35. Singer Norah Jones is 32. Country singer Justin Moore is 27.
Contributing: news services
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