TOP CHEF R.I.P.

Speaking of reality shows with a home slant, the finale of Bravo’s Top Chef is this Wednesday. When I was recently taking a local cooking class (which you can read all about in the March/April issue of D Home–yes, that’s a shameless plug), my instructor told us that she went to culinary school with show finalist and resident villian Marcel. Is he as obnoxious as Top Chef portrays him to be, we asked? Her exact words: “Yes, and I wish he would die.” Ouch. “Okay, maybe not die,” she countered. “But he’s the most vile person I’ve ever met.” Mmmm… should make for a juicy finale.

CHEAPER ELECTRICITY COULD BE AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAL MART, ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD…

I hate them, I love them. $4 prescription drugs… next up health care insurance and weddings…

INTERIOR DESIGN ON REALITY TV

Finally, reality shows get style. Bravo’s “Top Design” starts Jan 31 with 12 designers scouting the immense halls of the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. Teams are chosen by paint chips, and each team is assigned an “interior design task” to pass or fail. Judges are celebrities like Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, and Margaret Russell of “Elle Decor” fame. I just can’t help but picture this in Dallas–but with bigger showrooms and nicer people. So, who would judge? I’m thinking Richard Trimble for his historical knowledge, Jan Showers for her glamour, Allen Kirsch for his sarcasm, and Christine Allison for her Libra-esque ability to judge and be kind about it. What think?

PATTERN BY TRICIA GUILD

A word from our in-house design sleuth, Eugenie McCarthy:

“Known for her bold, brazen, and beachy fabrics, Tricia Guild has published again. I am reminded of Palm Beach’s Lily Pulitzer colors—namely pink and green—when I look at the book’s cover. Drawing classic from the Caribbean, Tricia Guild reminds me of Gauguin’s Primitivist years—his strong hues depicting Tahitian life shine forth in Guild’s patterns. Combine Lily with Gauguin, and you get Guild. Pattern by Tricia Guild. Buy here for $27.60.

You can find all patterns and the collection of Guild’s fabrics and wallpapers at ID Collection 1025 N. Stemmons Fwy. 214-698-0226.”

WHEN A VULTURE IS A WELCOMED VISITOR

A vulture on your roof doesn’t usually bode well for the day, but for homeowners around the Dallas Zoo, it could mean a little free publicity. An African white-back vulture wiggled her way out into an open-air holding pen (not much of a holding pen for a bird, but I digress) and then flew the coup. She dodged a tranquilizer dart and was last seen perched on the roof of a house near the zoo.

But there’s no need to worry: She’s not an endangered species, has no known predators in North Texas, and is a danger only to dead animals. She does have a wingspan of some 5 feet, though, which can be a little intimidating to the boat-tailed grackles (and the patrons) at the Corner Bakery I like to visit. Let’s hope she doesn’t like bread bowls.