Bid on a Four Top for Gunshow’s SOLD OUT March 12 Hired Guns Dinner and Help the American Brain Foundation during Brain Injury Awareness Month

Kevin Gillespie and fellow “Top Chef” season six alum Jen Carroll are reuniting, joining Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward and crew for a one night Hired Guns dinner on Mar. 12 to showcase Carroll’s signature flavors. Even though the event is sold out, a set of four tickets is up for grabs in a special charity auction. Bid on a chance to win this table for four at the 8:30 p.m. seating, a $400 value (drinks and gratuity not included). March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and all proceeds from the winning bid benefit the American Brain Foundation, an organization close to Carroll’s heart. Bravo “Top Chef” finalist and fan-favorite Carroll is executive chef and partner at Requin, a seafood-focused French Mediterranean restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia, with location number two set to open in Washington, D.C. She also has appeared on “Top Chef: All-Stars,” “Top Chef Duels,” “Life After Top Chef” and multiple other cooking shows. Learn more about the American Brain Foundation and its work to fund research for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, autism, epilepsy and other brain diseases.

Chef Jamie Lynch Heads to James Beard House – Preview His Menu at Special 5Church Atlanta Dinner Jan. 24

5Church executive chef, partner and “Top Chef” contestant Jamie Lynch will cook at the James Beard House on Feb. 8 with fellow 5Church chef Adam Hodgson. Logistics may prevent you from attending that event. On one special night, however, diners can enjoy their James Beard House menu at a special preview dinner at 5Church Atlanta in Midtown on Tuesday, Jan. 24, two weeks before the chef duo flies off to New York City. The four-course, prix fixe preview dinner with wine pairings begins at 7 p.m. and is priced at $85 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). The menu features winter squash salad with compressed stone fruit, tempura greens and aïoli accompanied by Piper-Heidsieck Champagne brut NV; sautéed skate with root vegetables Parisienne and blood orange grenobloise sauce paired with Weingut Josef Leitz rosé 2015; wood pigeon roulade with cauliflower, sake-braised turnip and wild mushrooms along with Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012; and dessert of PB&J -- butter brioche with peanut butter zeppelin, ruby port spheres and Gianduja chocolate, paired with 5Church Signature port wine hot chocolate. Limited seating. Reservations required with 48-hour advance cancellation notice; call 5Church Atlanta at 404-400-3669. Validated parking and complimentary valet available.

Fire Up for Gunshow “Hired Guns” 2017

Gunshow is loading an all-new lineup of superstar chefs over six can’t-miss Sunday dinners in the upcoming year. The 2017 “Hired Guns” series is sure to trigger excitement among Atlanta foodies who will be able to savor signature dishes created by renowned chefs from all over North America without even venturing outside I-285. Chefs Kevin Gillespie and Joey Ward are going international for the opener on Sunday, Jan. 29, inviting Hakim Rahal and Pablo Rojas of Provisions in Montreal. Season tickets make the perfect gift and are the only way to guarantee a seat at the intimate dinners as the series is expected to sell out quickly. Buy the entire series now for $1,000 per couple on the Red Beard Restaurants merchandise site. The package includes souvenir tickets, signed menus and a photo opportunity. Drinks and gratuity are additional. If tickets are still available after season passes are purchased, they will be priced at $95 per person and go on sale Dec. 29, 2016 via Xorbia. 

Other 2017 “Hired Guns” dates and chefs include: March 12 – Jennifer Carroll of Requin in Washington, D.C.; May 7 – Grae Nonas of Tullibee in Minneapolis;  Aug. 6 – Justin Devillier ofLa Petite Grocery in New Orleans; Sept. 10 – Jamie Bissonnette of Toro and Coppa in Boston; and Nov. 5 – TBA. As with the Jan. 29 event, any available tickets may be purchased through Xorbia one month prior to the dinner.

Cheer on Chef Jamie Lynch at 5Church Atlanta “Top Chef” Thursday Night Viewing Parties

Season’s greetings! The premiere episode of Bravo “Top Chef” season 14 aired Thursday, Dec. 1. Did you catch 5Church executive chef and partner Jamie Lynch in the mix of eight new-to-the-show chefs and eight hungry-for-redemption returning chefs? Lynch, voted Charlotte Magazine’s “Best Chef” three years running, vies toque to toque in the “Top Chef” Charleston kitchen fray. Pull for Lynch at 5Church Atlanta viewing parties every Thursday night during the season 14 competition. Cocktails at 9 p.m. prep for each Thursday’s 10 p.m. broadcast. Why go home first? Make a night of it by booking pre-show dinner reservations online or by calling 404-400-3669.

5Church News Flash: Jamie Lynch of 5Church is Bravo “Top Chef” Charleston Contestant – And He’s Added New Dishes to Dinner Menu

Bravo Media’s Emmy- and James Beard Award-winning “Top Chef” heads to Charleston, South Carolina, for the upcoming season, and 5Church executive chef and partner Jamie Lynch is on board. Lynch battles it out in the kitchen along with eight esteemed chefs from across the country and eight returning chefs – chefs from past seasons who are seeking redemption for not bringing home the “Top Chef” bacon the first time. Lynch oversees operations at all three 5Church locations – Charleston, Charlotte and Atlanta – and he’s splitting his time between Charleston and Atlanta during the competition. Season 14’s supersized premiere airs Thursday, December 1 at 10 p.m. ET. For a sneak peek, visit online.

Amid all of the “Top Chef” excitement, Lynch has created several irresistible new dishes to top off the dinner menu at 5Church Atlanta. Could chicken adobo pay homage to the Charleston “Top Chef” competition with crushed Charleston gold rice, shaved broccoli, and lemon ash ($24)? Fresh farfalle beckons veggie lovers to savor corn, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli florets and ricotta salatta ($24) – and add grilled chicken for $5. Treasure the flavor of PEI mussels with toasted garlic, chorizo, heirloom tomatoes, vermouth and grilled bread to soak up those intoxicating juices ($13). Dine inside or go all out for fall by dining out on the street level or rooftop patios overlooking Peachtree Street in Midtown.

“Top Chef” Fave and Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen Chef Kenny Gilbert is Gunshow “Hired Gun” June 12-13

The 2016 “Hired Guns” series at Gunshow packs heat with a powerfully hot guest chef roster. Bryan Voltaggio and Vishwesh Bhatt have already stirred the pot, and June opens the kitchen to chef Kenny Gilbert of Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on Sunday, June 12 and Monday, June 13. “Top Chef” fans are already keen on Gilbert, who became one of the most likeable contestants in the show’s history during season seven. Most recently, he championed in The Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay.”Gilbert has cheffed for the five diamond The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, the G8 Summit, “The Today Show,” the Sports Illustrated Super Bowl party, the James Beard House and for numerous celebrities. Gilbert will buddy up with chefs Kevin Gillespie and Joey Ward to prepare his innovative blend of traditional and tropical dishes, and they’ll have his back when he takes a kitchen break to hobnob with dining room guests. Read more about Gilbert on our blog. To save seats, buy tickets online; $95 per person (not including drinks, tax and gratuity). Seatings sell out so snag them while you can.

#Foodgram

Sneak a peek into the life of Gail Simmons of Food & Wine magazine and Bravo’s “Top Chef” fame. Food, cooking techniques, friends, family and travel are all “fare” game here. 

Red Beard Restaurants Stages TomorrowWorld‘s First Tomorrow’s Table Dining Experience September 25-27

TomorrowWorld, America’s largest 21+ music festival, is coming to Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia over the weekend of September 25-27, and this year the victuals will be stars along with the music. TomorrowWorld is partnering with Red Beard Restaurants, created and owned by celebrated chef, author and “Top Chef” finalist Kevin Gillespie, to serve an assortment of exclusive dining experiences at Tomorrow’s Table. The festival’s first sit-down restaurant experience offers Main Stage views for seated diners and takeaway picnic baskets for those wanting to beat it back to their own spots. Each day’s meals sing to the beat of one of Gillespie’s culinary creations -- Terminus City whole hog, chicken or smoked mushroom barbecue on Friday; global fare from Gunshow on Saturday; and Southern traditions and trimmings from Revival on Sunday. 

Chef Kevin Gillespie’s “Pure Pork Awesomeness” Release Party at Gunshow

Some chefs tout using “everything but the squeal” in their restaurants and recipes. Squeals are included in the case of “Pure Pork Awesomeness,” the second cookbook from Atlanta chef, restaurateur and “Top Chef” alum Kevin Gillespie. Hog meat hounds are squealing with delightful anticipation about routing through the book when it trots onto shelves March 31. Gillespie can’t wait to put pork in our bellies so he’s hosting a special “Pure Pork Awesomeness” Cookbook Party at his nationally acclaimed Glenwood Park restaurant Gunshow on Sunday, March 29 from 2-6 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and include a signed copy of the book plus dishes prepared from book recipes such as Korean barbecued pork bulgogi, Indianapolis-style fried pork loin sandwiches and Buffalo pork “wings.” Brews from SweetWater Brewing Company and drink specials flow at the watering hole.

Pre-Order Your Signed Copy of Kevin Gillespie's "Pure Pork Awesomeness" Cookbook

Photo Credit: Angie Mosier

Hogwash to winter. Gunshow's website hints spring is squealing round the bend. The clue? Not daffodils. The pre-order link is up for signed copies of chef Kevin Gillespie's new cookbook, "Pure Pork Awesomeness," releasing March 31. In his second cookbook, Gillespie shares his unbridled passion for pork in 100 worldly recipes -- and puts you in the know on selecting, preparing and enjoying the tattooed chef's favorite meat. A few bacon-baiting examples are banoffee trifle with candied bacon and bacon popcorn. Poke around on the Gunshow website and hit the General Store tab or tap this link to reach the pre-order page. Ordering your book ($30 each) from Gunshow guarantees you'll receive a first-edition book, signed by chef Gillespie himself and shipped out to you on the release date of March 31. So purely awesome, you'll want to order at least one to give and a keeper for yourself.

Chef Kevin Gillespie Leads Gallery Talk at High Museum of Art on December 5

Already have Thirsty Thursday plans this week? Good, ditch them and instead, enjoy a cultural night of better drinks,  beautiful art and excellent company at the High Museum of Art from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5. Gunshow owner, chef, Fire in My Belly cookbook author and Bravo “Top Chef” star Kevin Gillespie will be there too, so you know it's going to be a rocking good time. He'll be creating a sculpture using the freshest ingredients from his kitchen with...OK, just kidding. Gillespie actually joins Dr. Pegah Zamani, Southern Polytechnic State University professor of architecture, to lead Dialogue, an informal gallery talk of their favorite High pieces. For those coming straight from work, receive half-price admission after 4 p.m. With extended hours, a DJ and a bar (hence the "Thirsty Thursday" reference), plus the company of the talented and tattooed chef Gillespie, there's no excuse good enough to miss this. Seriously.  

Kevin Gillespie is Celebrity Chef at BB&T Atlanta Open Charity Night

Kevin Gillespie is this year's celebrity chef for the 2013 BB&T Atlanta Open "Tennis on the Town" charity event. This event will be hosted at Atlantic Station on Saturday, June 20 and will benefit Y youth tennis programs for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. The Bravo "Top Chef" celebrity and the man behind the newly-opened restaurant, Gunshow, will be cooking up recipes from his cookbook, "Fire in My Belly". The evening's signature cocktail is the perfect way to wash down the tasty bites. Be sure to get those bargaining skills ready, because 10 attendees will win an in-home cooking class and dinner with Gillespie himself during a live-auction bidding. No need to be a tennis star to attend - even Gillespie needs a little practice with a racket! Register for the event at http://www.atlantaymcatennis.org by July 18; tickets are $150 per person or $250 for two.

Kevin Gillespie's New Website Will Tide You Over Until October

The wait is over for Atlanta’s most fired up new culinary “click here.” Get extra helpings from "Top Chef" contestant and Woodfire Grill executive chef Kevin Gillespie on his new website complete with recipes, restaurant news, personal information and a sidebar on his cookbook Fire in My Belly, which is scheduled to be released in October. We clicked and read about how his granny turned him on to fried green tomatoes and how he makes them now. Sorry granny, we think he's on to something. 

Embark on a Fine Food and Wine Cruise with Kevin Gillespie, If “The Price is Right”

From being a contestant on “Top Chef” to serving as the executive chef at Woodfire Grill, Celebrity Chef Kevin Gillespie has many accomplishments under his belt. On Wednesday, April 4, be sure to watch “The Price is Right,” because up for grabs is an exotic Fine Food and Wine Cruise sailing away to French Polynesia, September 29 – October 6, with a ‘Wine, Dine and Jazz at Sea” party on board. So how does this wonderful prize involve Woodfire Grill’s executive chef? Aboard the intimate cruise ship, Gillespie will bring the “dine” element, with assistance of Washington winery DeLille Cellars on wines, and a Grammy-nominated jazz ensemble from Cjazz performs for guests’ to make this trip an unforgettable experience.  Gillespie, who also serves as a Celebrity Chef Ambassador for the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, will be attending to the preparation of special culinary events during the cruise. Furthermore, he will be hosting a variety of cooking demonstrations and classes. Although, you may not be a contestant on “The Price is Right,” you can still register for the super-inclusive package at www.finefoodandwinecruise.com. As if there weren't enough reasons for you to book this fantastic eight-day cruise, Gillespie will also be celebrating his 30^th birthday during this trip. Wonder if you can eat his cake, too? Early booking rates start at $3,700 per person. For more information, call 800-218-6031 or email info@foodandwinecruise.com. 

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.

Don’t Miss Chef Tracey Bloom in Action this Month

With the weather finally warming up around Atlanta, farmers market season is about to be in full bloom! Come out to High Meadows School for their Indoor Farmers Market from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 and shop, hop into family fun activities, and see what Ray's at Killer Creek Executive Chef Tracey Bloom is chopping and stirring at the chef demo. You can sign up for her cooking demonstration by emailing kbeneduci@highmeadows.org. Bloom's demonstration is sponsored by Harris Family Heritage Beef from Georgia's own White Oak Pastures. Admission to the event is free; however, you can bring a canned good to donate to North Fulton County Charities. High Meadows School is located at 1055 Willeo Road in Roswell.

Also, don’t forget about the upcoming "Top Chef" dinner at Ray's at Killer Creek on Sunday, March 27. The five former cheftestants- Arnold Myint, Tiffany Derry, Kenny Gilbert, Andrea Curto-Randazzo and Ray's at Killer Creek Executive Chef Tracey Bloom - are putting together a six-course meal with wine pairings. Dinner begins at 6 p.m.; $150 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity). Only 200 spots are available so reserve your spot today online or by calling 770-649-0064. A portion of the proceeds benefits AFLAC Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Ray's at Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.

Top Chef Talent Unites at Ray's at Killer Creek on March 27

Want to get a taste of what you watched on season seven of Bravo's "Top Chef" television series? Now is your chance! On March 27, Ray's at Killer Creek is bringing in four of Executive Chef Tracey Bloom's fellow chef-testants - Arnold Myint, Tiffany Derry, Kenny Gilbert and Andrea Curto-Randazzo - to cook up a meal together for guests. The six-course meal paired with wines begins at 6 p.m. and costs $150 per person (including tax and gratuity). A portion of the proceeds benefits AFLAC Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. There is a limited amount of seats available for this special dinner, so interested guests are encouraged to reserve their spot today online or by calling 770-649-0064.

Ray's at Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.

Last Day to Vote for Kevin Gillespie for Food & Wine's "The People's Best New Chef"

For all the procrastinators out there, it's your last chance to vote for Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Co-owner and "Top Chef" contestant Kevin Gillespie in Food & Wine's "The People's Best New Chef 2011" competition -- voting closes on March 1. Show your support for Kevin today!

The newly established contest is an offshoot of Food & Wine's "Best New Chef" title that's doled out to the nation's most promising up-and-coming chefs who have run their own kitchens for five years or less. The contest divides the nation into 10 regions with 10 nominees per region; voters may cast one vote per region. The chef receiving the most votes in a region will be that region's finalist, and the one garnering the most votes overall will win the title of "The People's Best New Chef 2011."

Food & Wine announces "The People's Best New Chef" on March 2 and "The 10 Best New Chefs" in early April on their website, on Facebook and via Twitter.

Catching Up With Kevin Gillespie

Now that the "Top Chef" madness is slowly coming to a close, we sat down with Chef Kevin Gillespie to get the inside scoop on what he has been up to:

MLA: What's the next concert you're going to see?
KG: The Avett Brothers at the Fox on January 1. I am a huge fan.

MLA: Are you dating anyone seriously?
KG: Not yet, but I'm currently interviewing.

MLA: Have you changed since being on "Top Chef"?
KG: I haven't changed at all, but my world has changed a lot because I get recognized everywhere I go.

MLA: Are you thinking about restaurant number two?
KG: I'd love to have a little BBQ shack. If it could be on Cheshire Bridge, that'd be awesome, so it would be close to Woodfire Grill.

MLA: What do you want for Christmas?
KG: As for a gift I would love a Macbook or a new TV. I generally don't buy Christmas gifts or receive them, and instead give all of the money to a needy family or donate it to charity. I prefer Christmas to be about family than gift giving.

Find out more tonight when "Top Chef" airs their reunion episode at 10 p.m. on Bravo.

Tonight is the Night!

Will Kevin win the Top Chef season finale tonight? We certainly hope so, but even after tonight's final episode Woodfire Grill Partner and Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie has a full plate. Be sure to visit Bravo TV's "Top Chef" web page and vote for Kevin as fan favorite! If he wins he gets $10,000, plus, every time you vote, you have a chance to win a "sinfully delicious" trip to Las Vegas. Let's help Kevin add this to his growing list of achievements! Atlanta magazine recently named him "Best of Atlanta Rising Star" and "Best of Atlanta/Top Chef," saying he "has the potential to lead our twenty-something generation of cooks into Atlanta's next level of dining greatness." And if those weren't accolades enough, Atlanta magazine Restaurant Critic Bill Addison listed Woodfire Grill as one of his top-12 favorite restaurants.

Don't forget, you can follow Kevin's live tweets during tonight's finale @topchefkevin.

Want to see Kevin in action? Check out his cooking demo this Saturday at Piedmont Park's Green Market at 11 a.m.