Snag Some of the Few Seats Remaining for Brian Baxter of Husk at Gunshow’s “Hired Guns” Dinners May 22 and 23

Brian Baxter, chef de cuisine of Husk in Nashville, bull’s-eyes the Gunshow kitchen as guest chef for this month’s “Hired Guns” dining events on Sunday, May 22 and Monday, May 23. The former football player sees a parallel between the teamwork and intense action of gridiron and kitchen. Baxter, chef Kevin Gillespie and Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward will man the kitchen as they share their passion for Southern food driven by the availability of fresh, local ingredients. Baxter was recently named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30. Read more about his guest chef visit on our blog. Buy tickets for dinner seatings online, $95 per person (plus small service fee).

Looking ahead through the 2016 “Hired Guns” viewfinder:

• June 12-13: Kenny Gilbert of Gilbert's Underground Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, Florida (Tickets on sale now.)
• September 11-12: Brooke Williamson of Hudson Housein Redondo Beach, California (Tickets on sale August 11 at 8 a.m.)
• October 23-24: Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina (Tickets on sale September 23 at 8 a.m.)

Nashville's Humming Now that FLIP burger boutique is Opening January 21 f

FLIP burger boutique patties up restaurant number five this month, opening its first Nashville location on Wednesday, January 21. FLIP creative director and television personality Richard Blais is the man behind the plan, same as at the Atlanta and Birmingham locations. FLIP Nashville chef Chris Cunningham and general manager Jason DeSpain welcome guests to enjoy FLIP's high-quality burgers, unique combinations and excellent service at lunch and dinner daily, served inside or out on the patio (weather permitting). Ho, ho! Light-hearted FLIP repurposes space in a former Hostess bakery warehouse, emitting a bun-tiful high-energy new life amid mod red and white decor. Menu items rotate with seasonal produce accessibility and feature creative starters and sides ($3.50-$12), salads ($6-$10), about 20 burger varieties ($7.50-$14) and Blais' signature nitrogen-infused dessert-type milkshakes ($5) and liquor-laced milkshakes ($10, adults only). Fun yet sophisticated FLIP burgers include the Earth + Turf mushroom and beef blend patty; the Southern, a chicken-fried beef patty with pimento cheese, bread and butter pickles and Coca-Cola ketchup; a chickpea Fauxlafel with pickled beets and pickled red onion; chorizo-spiced pork with hash browns, manchego and a fried egg; or the Shrimp, a blackened shrimp patty with tempura-fried lemon and Cajun-aise. Add a side of sweet potato tots with burnt marshmallow foam or crispy duck confit nuggets with maple-oy to your RBQ Angus beef and pulled brisket burger -- or protein pack a salad by adding a burger patty or seared chicken. An edgy drink menu yields beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Nashville's new FLIP burger boutique, located at 4111 Charlotte Avenue in the Sylvan Park neighborhood, offers ample free parking.

James Beard Finalist and Nashville City House Chef Tandy Wilson is Gunshow Hired Guns Guest on August 12-13

It's that time again! This month's Hired Guns guest chef is Tandy Wilson of City House in Nashville. On Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13, Wilson will serve up stuffed mozzarella bruchetta, zucchini, garlic garum and lemon; crispy pork meatballs, peach jezebel, mint, red onion, chilies and grit crumbs; and baked ricotta, blueberries and preserves and cinnamon toast. This talented chef grew up to pad his degree in hotel restaurant administration with studies at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, time at world-famous Tra Vigne restaurant in St. Helena, Calif. and a few years in Italy learning about regional Italian cooking before opening City House in 2007. He’s a member of the Southern Foodways Alliance and has been a Best Chef: Southeast James Beard Award finalist two years in a row. Grab your seat by reserving online or by calling 404-380-1886.