Jan. 07--The new year is off to a good start for Chef Art Smith, who will appear as a judge on Thursday's episode of "Top Chef" and whose fried chicken sandwich earned rave reviews from newlyweds Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello.
"I know (it's) just Wednesday but I had to," Vergara posted on Instagram with a picture of a fried chicken sandwich, mac 'n' cheese and grit sticks. The "Modern Family" star later posted a picture of a berry dessert with a scoop of ice cream "to complete the sin."
Manganiello, who starred in last year's "Magic Mike XXL," wrote on Twitter, "Best fried chicken sandwich/biscuits/mac/grit-sticks of my life." Manganiello and Vergara tied the knot in November in Palm Beach.
Smith is slated to appear in Thursday's episode of "Top Chef" to judge the contestants' food for a wedding for 25 gay couples. Oprah Winfrey's former personal chef is no stranger to the Bravo cooking competition.
Smith, who recently announced his Table Fifty-Two restaurant in the Near North neighborhood will reopen as Blue Door Kitchen Garden this year, appeared on "Top Chef Masters" and "Top Chef Duels."
"Top Chef" airs at 9 p.m.
