Meet 'The Chef's Wife'

cast at WTVI fundraiser

On Tuesday, WTVI debuts its new show "The Chef's Wife" at 6:30 p.m. It stars a Charlotte couple married for 25 years -- executive chef Phil Anderson and his wife, Bonnie Jones.

Viewers will learn how to make five-star restaurant style meals at home in the series that airs every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for eight episodes.

The show's premise is that Jones, who's not ashamed to admit she's a disaster in the kitchen, also adores fine food. Each week, she invites an acclaimed professional chef from around the country to the couple's Charlotte kitchen where she gets them to reveal their culinary secrets, and tell about their lives.

You can meet Anderson and Jones at "The Chef's Wife" Culinary Experience at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at WTVI, 3242 Commonwealth Ave. Guests will be treated to a cooking demonstration and sampling by local celebrity chef Tom Condron of The Liberty Restaurant. Anderson will cater the event, plus there's a silent auction that includes travel and jewelry.

The cost is $75 per person. Proceeds go to WTVI, a nonprofit station that recently lost its funding from the county due to budget cuts. Tickets are available online at www.wtvi.org/chefswifeevent.cfm. Olivia Fortson

Dilworth Chili Cook-Off will kick off Sept. 18

The inaugural Dilworth Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for Sept. 18 at the Courtyard Shopping Center, 2400 Park Road. The event starts at 4 p.m. and the judging begins at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 (free for children) and includes games, bands, and chili samples from the competitors that range from restaurants to individual teams. The four categories for judging are Red, Green/White, Vegetarian and People's Choice.

If you're interested in participating in the competition, the registration deadline is Sept. 10. Fees are $30 for restaurants, plus the donation of a gift certificate to be raffled off for charity; $20 for individual teams.

To enter or for more information, contact Melanie Tritten of Bonterra Dining & Wine Room and Sunset Grille at 704-333-9463; or e-mail her at melanie@bonterradining.com. OF

Spend the night at an ostrich farm

Last week we ran an item about the Charlotte Area Farm Tour scheduled for Sept. 18-19 where more than two dozen farms will be open for tours.

Now we've learned that one of the participating farms, BirdBrain Ostrich Ranch in Sherrills Ford, is giving visitors the chance to make their tour an overnight experience.

On Sept. 18 only, a limited number of guests will be able to camp at the farm for a fee of $15 per tent.

The evening will include ostrich-themed crafts and activities for the kids, as well as a family-friendly bonfire. For an additional fee, guests can enjoy an ostrich barbecue dinner that evening, or an ostrich egg breakfast the next morning.

Reservations: 704-483-1620. You can also inquire about the farm's other upcoming camping experiences. OF

Continue the food conversation

Keep up with latest food news with blogs by Kathleen Purvis and Helen Schwab.

This week on Kathleen Purvis' I'll Bite: A workshop for food memoirs in Chapel Hill and updates on late-summer farmers markets.

From Helen Schwab: Restaurant openings and closing, dinner deals, and celebrity food endorsements. Follow along at helendining.blogspot.com and obsbite.blogspot.com. OF

Family Nights at Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company is hosting Tuesday family nights on Sept. 7 and Sept. 14 at its restaurants at The Arboretum (8016 Providence Road; 704-752-7803) and South End (2201 South Blvd.; 704-334-2980).

From 5 to 9 p.m. both nights, ages 12 and younger get a free meal of a small bowl of noodles and a drink.

Fun extras including sampling cookies and Rice Krispies Treats, plus balloons and activities. OF