From Piedmont Park to the Georgia Dome... Catch Chef Janine Falvo Around Town This Weekend

Janine Falvo seems to be everywhere these days! While "Top Chef:  Texas" had her skedaddling out west, Briza's executive chef spends the majority of her time creating Southern-influenced, whimsical dishes that are drawing happy diners in at the Midtown restaurant. On Saturday, November 12, she won't have to travel far when she journeys the few blocks from Briza's turf adjacent to the Atlanta Renaissance Midtown Hotel to the Piedmont Park Green Market. Falvo will lead the Green Market chef's demo from 11 a.m. until noon on the patio. Market opens at 9 a.m. for shopping; fill your shopping bags with seasonal good stuff then get some prep and serving tips from Falvo.    

On Sunday, Falvo will be at the Georgia Dome, heading up the local chef stand while the Falcons take on the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. While the Falcons battle it out on the field, Falvo will be stirring things up inside 2View Restaurant located in the Dome's east end zone on the executive concourse (near the suites). Chat with Falvo and savor her dishes without missing a minute of the action on the field.

Get to Know Briza Chef Janine Falvo on "Top Chef: Texas" Tomorrow Night

From our experience with past seasons of "Top Chef," we all know how much fun it is to have a local chef to root for, and Season 9 in Texas is no different. This time around, Briza Excutive Chef Janine Falvo is the hopeful we have our eyes on as she competes against 28 other chefs on the new season of Bravo's "Top Chef: Texas." Tune in for the season premiere tomorrow, Wednesday, November 2, at 10 p.m. Only 16 of the 29 chefs (double the usual number of hopefuls) will progress to cook their way across the Lone Star State. Since everything's bigger in Texas, cheer big for Chef Falvo! And when you're done cheering, come meet Falvo on her home turf at Briza. The restaurant happens to be hosting a Gloria Ferrer Wine Dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 3 that will feature seven courses prepared by Falvo and wine pairings from Eva Bertran, executive vice president of Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. During the dinner, you'll have a chance to taste the dish that Falvo created on the "Top Chef" Season 9 premiere the night before! Cost is $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity). For reservations, please call 678-412-2334.

Atlanta Chefs Show Off Pumpkin Carving Prowess This Thursday

Thinking about carving your pumpkin but need a little inspiration? Watch local chefs battle it out for the top pumpkin carver crown at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's Fest-of-Ale on Thursday, October 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. We'll be cheering for Chef Janine Falvo of Briza as she cuts her way through the competition during the 25-minute contest (and if you miss seeing her at the pumpkin carving contest, you can catch her on Bravo's Top Chef Season 9, which starts on November 2). Guests are encouraged to clap loudly for their favorites as audience applause determines the winner. Once a winner has been picked, all of the chef-carved pumpkins will be sold in a silent auction to benefit the Garden, giving you another chance at an eye-catching jack-o-lantern for your own home.

RLife LIVE Returns to Briza on Friday with Matthew Mayfield

Esquire magazine and Renaissance Hotels will host emerging artist Matthew Mayfield in a special acoustic performance at Briza as part of the RLife LIVE global entertainment program on Friday, October 14 at 9 p.m.  If you're a "Grey's Anatomy" follower, you've probably heard some of Mayfield's songs.  His hits have topped the iTunes singer/songwriter charts -- claiming #1 status several times -- and he's recently released a new album, Now You're Free. The versatile artist has an online series covering hits by Britney Spears, U2, Radiohead and others.

RLife LIVE is Renaissance Hotels' global entertainment program dedicated to providing hotel guests and local patrons with an intimate and up-close look into music, culinary arts, film, arts and more.  During the show, nationally acclaimed bartender Chris McMillan will craft one of his classic cocktails featuring Belvedere Vodka to complement full bar offerings. Be sure to RSVP on Facebook for this event!