'Top Chef' viewing party

Red Maple chef survives to cook another day

By Michael Cook
Special to Metromix

On Nov. 12, Red Maple hosted a "Top Chef" viewing party for its chef, Jill Snyder, who is a contestant on Bravo's hit show. The viewing party itself felt like a reality show, with a sudden change of venue mid-party that resulted in chaos (and some angry words), but failed to stop the celebration.

When Red Maple opened its doors at 8:30 p.m., 150 guests immediately charged the bars and began to enjoy the free munchies. Snyder appeared for just a moment before running back into the kitchen. Apparently even Top Chefs don't get the night off.

Then, a few minutes before 10 p.m., Red Maple announced its TV setup was not functioning. The powers at Red Maple sent their crowd over to the recently reopened Sapphos, where the bartenders promised to play the show. At Sapphos, the sudden influx swamped the bartenders, making it difficult to cash the two free drink tickets handed out at Red Maple. For those who had paid $35 for a ticket, the setup was infuriating.

Luckily, Snyder cleaned house. The crowd cheered every time she took the screen, even launching into a "Snyder, Snyder, Snyder" chant. With a well balanced Jamaican meal that judge Tom Colicchio said was "very good," Snyder conquered the elimination challenge and lived to cook another day.

Check out pictures of Snyder and her fellow partiers and be sure to tune in next week to cheer her on!