Tom Colicchio, the chef/restaurateur behind places like Craft and Craftbar, showed up on Tax Day to talk with Charlie Rose. Rose is a great interviewer and I think ya’ll will find this very entertaining.
In the culinary world, Colicchio is well established. In general media, he is probably best known as the Generalissimo of Top Chef, so it’s interesting to see Colicchio talk with such candor and panache. For those of you most interested in his opinion on reviews, jump ahead to 8m55s.
Have dreams of unseating Richard Blais as celebrity chef in ATL? Here is your chance. Planning for season six of “Top Chef” has kicked into high gear. In that spirit, they have issued a press release with all the usual information. This is your chance to hang out with Padma, Tom, and everyone else! One guess as to where the try out are going to be. Details after the jump!
Last night, I met a few buddies over at Craftbar for some drinks, a nibble of food, and a touch of stuffiness. Craftbar and Craft, the big brother that looms upstairs, are Atlanta’s versions of Chef Tom Colicchio’s New York flagship. I went with high expectations; based on our brief flirtation, I am anxious to see how this potential love affair develops. Despite a hiccup (or two), there is enough promise here to warrant at least a couple of return trips.
The Internet Food Association reports that Tom Colicchio saved the life of Joan Nathan, a James Beard-award winner. Top Chef fans across the country gasp when they realize Colicchio is not as gruff as he appears on TV.
Overall: 
Over the past year and change, Atlanta has lost a number of its’ most well respected chefs. Joël Antunes left for the bright lights of New York, Guenter Seeger ran off into oblivion, and Michael Tuohy went to Sacramento (that’s not a misprint ladies and germs…SACRAMENTO!). [Quick aside – Tuohy is doing very well: LINKY]
At the same time, we have welcomed Jean-Georges, Tom Colicchio, Laurent Tourondel, and others. While their restaurants thrive, despite mixed reviews in some instances, these culinary giants have grabbed a great deal of attention. Deservedly so, I might add. Toss in the emergence of our beloved and adopted Richard Blais [he’s actually a New Yorker … and dare I say..a Gators fan!!!], and there isn’t much room on the front page for anyone else. While somewhat lost amongst them, chef Bruce Logue has garnered some well deserved attention from the local foodies (myself included).
Logue’s return, as he is a native Atlantan, is inspiring to say the least. Though his skills as a restauranteur are not as polished as those mentioned previously, he has proven to be a very capable chef. Read the rest of this after the jump.
