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Okay, it’s finally happening...
Welcome to the Carolinas, “Top Chef.” | Photo by NBCUniversal
“This is gorgeous.” That’s how one of the cheftestants in Season 23 of “Top Chef” seemingly described our city in the official trailer, which dropped Thursday, Jan. 29.
This season, which premieres on Monday, March 9, will be centered in Charlotte (hey, CLTtoday) with several challenges taking place right here in Greenville. There will be 15 chefs participating in “high-pressure challenges that highlight the regional history and flavor of the Carolinas.”
I watched the trailer frame-by-frame, and here’s what I caught
They’ll cook with local ingredients like the Carolina Reaper — still crossing my fingers for a Duke’s Mayo moment.
Grammy-winner and Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominee Danielle Brooks — who is from Greenville and Int to the Governor’s School — will make an appearance as a guest judge. I think that background is Abyss based on the booth behind her.
Judge Tom Colicchio drops “Michelin” in the trailer — could this point to our status as the home of Michelin North America and our role in launching the American South Guide last year?
I also have the inside scoop on a few details not shared in the trailer.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for Greenville, effective this afternoon and running through Sunday morning, ahead of snow expected this weekend. As I type this, it is still a watch, but NWS said it could become a Winter Storm Warning soon.
Edu
Greenville County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay today. It’s been a full week of modifications due to last Sunday’s ice storm. Any weekend school activities and trips set to take place this weekend are also canceled.
Gallery
We know we just did this with the ice storm, but we want to see how you spend your snow day, too. Submit your photos and videos for a chance to be featured here in our newsletter and on our social media.
Civic
The Greenville County Planning Commission voted unanimously to move forward with a study on impact fees — one-time charges on new development to support infrastructure. The next step is going to County Council for consideration. (Greenville Journal)
Outdoors
Paris Mountain State Park could expand by 87 acres along Altamont Road (where a hotel was previously proposed) after Naturaland Trust and the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust put the $2 million property under contract. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Eat
To celebrate Greenville hosting the inaugural Michelin Guide American South, euphoria Greenville is launching “By the Starlight,” a four-part chef dinner series from February to April. It kicks off at Jianna on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale this morning at 10 a.m.
Today Is
TEDxFiveForks Youth. You can still grab tickets to the second annual student-led event, organized by Christ Church Episcopal School senior Amanda de Leon. It features youth speakers from across the Greenville area.
Finance
You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. From overpaying when online shopping to sticking with a car insurance plan instead of shopping for a lower rate, here are 11 of the dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Event Spotlight
Taking over Greenville stages
Plus, more new plays will be announced. | Photo by SCNPF
The SC New Play Festival returns to Greenville July 29 to Aug. 9, and we already know some of the theater action taking over our city.
The Broadway Cabaret returns, starring Drew Gehling, who is currently playing Will Shakespeare in "& Juliet” on Broadway.
The festival will premiere its first full production, “The House I Live In: Josh White’s America,” an original musical inspired by thetrue-life story of the Greenville-born blues and folk musician.
The Buy
The countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun. Discover our favorite gifts for loved ones, perfect for any kind of Valentine:
🧳 Gift them this premium leather toiletry bag that’s top rated for style and function.
👣 You can never go wrong with a heated foot massager that was designed with insights from real massage therapists.
🌹 Instead of a bouquet that only lasts a week, opt for these forever roses that will stay beautiful for years to come.
🧥 Keep them warm with this 4.6-star rated sherpa-lined flannel that’s both dapper + durable.
⛳ The golf lover in your life will appreciate this accessory case for storing their gloves, balls, tees, and markers.
I can finally tell you that I went behind the scenes for one of those “Top Chef” Quickfire Challenges and participated in an Elimination Challenge. The details are still under lock and key, but I’ll share them with you — along with my interviews with host Kristen Kish and judge Gail Simmons — as soon as I can.
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