Gourdet on Cutthroat Kitchen; Food Truck Race Casting

FOOD TV— Departure chef Gregory Gourdet will appear on an episode of Food Network competition Cutthroat Kitchen that airs this Sunday, March 9 (and he looks pretty pleased with something that happened, at right). In the episode, titled "Pressed or Steamed," host Alton Brown forces the chef-contestants through challenges like making quiche from compost scraps and cooking using an iron. Back in 2011, Gourdet appeared on an episode of the Food Network's super-extreme competition Extreme Chef. Cutthroat premieres Sunday at 10p.m. [EaterWire]

EVERYWHERE— Speaking of the Food Network, its reality/competition show Great Food Truck Race is currently casting for its next season, actively seeking "newbies who are interested in opening a food truck." Food Carts Portland has the official casting notice, but confidential to interested food-cart owners: the concepts in this show must be completely mobile (hence the "race" part). More information here. [FCP]

CENTRAL EASTSIDE INDUSTRIAL— Hybrid bowling alley/bar Grand Central Restaurant and Bowling Lounge plays host to Portland's annual edition of Lebowskifest, celebrating with a costume contest, The Big Lebowski screening, and drink specials (probably White Russians). More information here. [EaterWire]

Photo of Gourdet courtesy Food Network