Kirk Gilbert, executive chef at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, has a personal interest in "Top Chef: D.C.": His older brother, Kenny, is one of the 17 cheftestants competing for the "Top Chef" title and $125,000. Kirk, 35, who's been overseeing the Inn's River House Restaurant since October, said his brother was approached by the show's casting directors on the recommendation of last season's winner, Michael Voltaggio, who had worked with Kenny at several events. Kirk was also contacted -- perhaps the show was hungry for a second helping of sibling rivalry -- but, as he had only been at Palmetto Bluff for a month, he decided to pass. "I didn't think it was appropriate," Kirk said. He said he may audition in the future, but he's happy to let Kenny be the guinea pig.

Kenny, who will be cooking with Kirk in November at Palmetto Bluff's annual Music to Your Mouth Festival, seems to be an early favorite to win. Entertainment Weekly singled out the 36-year-old chef as the contestant "whose skill set seems so far beyond the rest." Kirk said Kenny is not only passionate about food, but dedicated to leadership and mentoring. "He made a point that he wouldn't make an ass of himself on TV," Kirk said. "He didn't want to be cutting people down."

So, does Kirk think he could take down Kenny in a Quick Fire Challenge? "I may be able to pull that off," Kirk said. "It would be neck and neck, but I might have a couple more tricks up my sleeve."

Read the full story here and tune in tonight for the season premiere of Top Chef. 

Food and Beverage Director, Jeremy Walton, is featured in a recent Island Packet / Beaufort Gazette article. As the sole native Southerner on the Music to Your Mouth team, Jeremy's roots run deep, from Alabama, through Georgia, and finally to South Carolina.  Read the full story here