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🎥 Of course “Top Chef” loved Greenville
They also shared behind-the-scenes secrets on a preshow panel at the premiere. | Photo by GVLtoday
“I loved your city. Thank you for having us, and I hope we do you very, very proud.” That’s what “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish said to me as we sat down to talk all things Season 23. At the redorange carpet premiere on Monday, March 2, I was armed with your reader-submitted questions as I spoke with her and judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio.
What’s a dish you had while in Greenville that you wish I brought with me today to this interview?
Gail: I had a lot of good meals in Greenville, but I loved the breakfast pogacha at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. It’s like a bread that’s stuffed with bacon, egg, and cheese, and it was so good.
What are you most excited for viewers to see?
Kristen: For the locals, I hope we do your cities and states very proud. I always find that even locals learn something about where they’re from. It’s always fun to hear from locals who say, “You introduced me to...”
Haywood County’s most outrageously delicious burgers reign supreme during this flavor-packed journey through five cozy NC mountain towns.
Look forward to towering stacks of patties rivaling Haywood’s highest peaks, all-new burger-inspired dishes, and just about everything in between. Plus, vote for your favorite Fat Burger across three unique categories.
Just pick up a Fat Burger sticker card at any participating restaurant or the Visit Haywood Welcome Center and track your burger-eating progress every step of the way.
The more spots you try, the more stickers you get, which means even better prizes (think: gift cards, t-shirts, custom hats + more). Full prize details this way, including shipping info.
Ready for unlimited burger fun? Sneak a peek at this year’s lineup of 20+ custom burgers below.
The first day of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The action tips off at 11 a.m. and runs through Sunday. Whether you’re planning to attend or not, here’s our Event Spotlight with tips on how to make the most of the festivities.
Civic
Downtown’s design rulebook is getting a refresh with a draft expected this spring. City consultants are drafting updated guidelines to align with the 2023 development code and expanded boundaries, now including Unity Park and the Village of West Greenville. (Greenville Journal)
Sports
College baseball meets Fluor Field as Clemson faces Michigan State tonight at 6 p.m. It’s a midweek matchup packed with hometown pride — grab your crew, claim your seats, and catch the action live.Snag tickets.*
Coming Soon
Food Lion is moving into the former Bi-Lo at Field Plaza Shopping Center (where North Pleasantburg and Rutherford intersect). The 42,000-sqft space should open by the end of the year. (Upstate Business Journal)
Real Estate
This fully renovated four-bedroom home in West Greenville pairs timeless charm with quartz counters, custom cabinetry, and a covered deck made for year-round hosting. Plus, it boasts a main-level primary suite and walkability to The Village.
Health
Bon Secours St. Francis opened a $23 million freestanding, 24/7 emergency department on Woodruff Road in Five Forks with nine exam rooms, a trauma bay, and on-site CT and X-ray imaging. (Greenville Journal)
Cause
In honor of its 150th anniversary, the YMCA of Greenville launched a $1.8 million campaign to expand financial assistance and keep memberships and programs accessible across the county. The nonprofit served 3,100+ people through aid in 2025 alone. (Greenville Journal)
Gallery
Play ball. Greenville Little League kicked off opening night at Mayberry Park in Unity Park on Feb. 27, complete with ceremonial first pitches from local leaders and Sterling High standout John Whiteside. The new field sits near the Auro Bridge and Wong Honor Tower — see photos from the celebration. (Greenville Journal)
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.*
Editor’s Pick
🍔 More bun-derful burger news
Everywhere the light touches... is Perfect. | Photo via Auro Hotels
As the days get longer (hello, daylight saving on Sunday, March 8), that means Perfect Buns is open for the season, and there’s something new brewing this year.
The burger window at Camperdown teamed up with Barista Alley for morning coffee — plus, there’s a new kind of bun for sale: cinnamon buns.
Grab your drip coffee or cold brew with the new breakfast menu, and then lunch and dinner are the burgers you know and love.
The Buy
A 4.5-star rated practice golf mat. It simulates a real hitting experience with three different mat options so you can practice driving, chipping, putting, and more.
Gail wasn’t the only Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery fan. All three raved about it as a go-to spot as “Top Chef” filmed in Greenville. I also have a feeling we’ll get to see it on screen at some point this season — more to come on that soon.
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