If you watch Top Chef, you know Richard Blais. He’s an ex-winner who appears often as a guest judge. In fact, the man does so much TV it’s easy to forget that he’s a chef, first and foremost. This month Blais is reminding people of his first love — opening The Crack Shack‘s inaugural LA location, at the Westfield

The San Diego-based Crack Shack concept is scheduled to open its fourth location in Los Angeles on July 21, with a fifth soon to follow in October in Pasadena as the chain positions to ramp up growth next year. Read the full interview here! 

It’s Crack Shack time in Century City. The long-anticipated fried chicken spot from celebrity chef Richard Blais is ready to open at the sprawling Westfield Century City complex soon, with an opening date slated for July 21. Read the rest of the article on Eater LA’s site. 

See the article on the LA Times website. Let’s get cracking: “Top Chef” alum Richard Blais is about to open the first Los Angeles outlet of his fried chicken restaurant Crack Shack. Blais, culinary director Jon Sloan and Crack Shack founder Michael Rosen also have locations in San Diego and Orange County. The Los Angeles Crack

Richard Blais and his San Diego Crack Shack team are close to opening an official Los Angeles address at the Westfield Century City, with an arrival planned for sometime this summer. They aren’t stopping there, though, as renderings have just been revealed for the company’s second area outlet in Old Pasadena. Read more here! 

Plus, the secret to crispy skin and juicy meat. Read more here! 

Check out this video of Richard Blais’ Locale cover shoot and the interview with the Chef.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Top Chef alum Richard Blais has crafted a menu of ethically sourced free-range chicken and egg dishes, so—even though you’re not tucking into the healthiest meal—you can at least feel good about what you’re eating. There are veggie-dense salads and power bowls packed with quinoa, but