"emmy awards" news and stories

In one of the bigger surprises of this year's Emmy Awards, Top Chef took home the award for "Best Reality Competition Series," beating out The Amazing Race. It was Top Chef's first win in this category (even though it's been nominated four consecutive times) -- and the first win for any show aside from The Amazing Race, which has had that category in lock-down since the award was introduced in 2003. The Top Chef team of Padma Lakshmi, Gail Simmons, Tom Colicchio and the rest of the producers took the stage in disbelief to accept the award.

The award was given for season six, Top Chef: Las Vegas, which featured one of the stronger competitions of recent memory. It certainly helped that the contestants were much more down to earth than backstabbing. The finale aired on December 16, 2009, where Michael Voltaggio edged out his brother Bryan Voltaggio and Kevin Gilespie to take home the title of "Top Chef."

In related news, Top Chef is currently winding down season seven, in Washington D.C. Bravo has just announced that the show's finale will take place in Singapore, marking the first time a winner is crowned outside the U.S. or its territories (season 4 ended in Puerto Rico).

Want more of Gail Simmons? Watch Gail Simmon's and get her recipes on KitchenDaily.com.

Your invitation to the Governor's Ball must have gotten lost in the mail. Not to worry, Cinderella, because you can have your own Governor's Ball by re-creating Joachim Splichal's menu at home while watching the Emmy Awards from the comfort of your home. The Paper Palate has re-printed the official menu from the official caterer of the official Emmys party. TVGuide has provided a recipe for the first course, and we've trolled the web to find suitable recipes to make your Sunday night soiree star-worthy:

First Course - Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp, Crab and Sprouting Salad Served with Assorted Rolls and Grissini. The official recipe is here, on TVGuide.

Entree - Filet of Beef with Mushroom Tart Served with Gratin of Spinach, and Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Epicurious has a Filet Mignon with Truffled Mushroom Ragout, Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Gratin, and Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Rosemary.

Dessert - Milk Chocolate Mousse Made with Dove Milk Chocolate, Soft Caramel and Fresh Banana Creme. Since it's a black tie affair, Gale Gand's Black and White Chocolate Mousse works perfectly, or you can borrow from the Oscar's official caterer, Wolfgang Puck, and make his Chocolate Box with Chocolate Mousse.

Drinks - Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2004, Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Laurent-Perrier Champagne, and Grey Goose "Emmy" Cocktail. The wines are easy, since you can just go to your local shop and pick them up. As far as a special cocktail, the San Francisco Chronicle's Food section had some deliciously fruity cocktails.