Still, Mr. Smith was kind enough to take our call and tell us about the Gaga-inspired dish of the evening.
"It's called Little Monsters' Little Meatball and Penne," Oprah's former personal chef of 10 years told us. (Since he began in 1997, he was responsible for both Fat and Thin Oprah.) "We're expecting a lot of Little Monsters tonight, and wanted to make something special in their honor."

(We would have gone for Pasta-razzi, or perhaps "Cod in a Crab Trenette.")

And though Lady Gaga won't be attending tonight (or so Chef Smith said), an appearance at the restaurant wouldn't be totally unexpected. She's not only the daughter of the owner, after all, but has a history of restaurant investments.

We're actually more excited for what Mr. Smith promised for the Spring: Southern Fried Sundays, where the Italian menu will integrate a more down-home theme for brunch. (Currently the restaurant only does dinner.)

"The two cultures actually share a lot similarities," Mr. Smith said about the Italian/Southern food meshing. Here's a quick peek at what you're missing.

Gael Greene is reporting on her Insatiable Critic blog that the Chicago-based chef Art Smith, employed by Oprah as her personal chef for a decade, may become Sen. Obama's personal chef if he gets elected.

This past Sunday, Mr. Smith reportedly catered a Mexican meal for Sen. Obama, and Mr. Smith's friends are wondering if he might be asked to take over the White House kitchen. But, his "confidantes" say that he would agree to handle special events, but not daily meals.

Is there a code for stealing somebody's chef, even if it's part time?

Mr. Smith has won two James Beard Foundation awards, has penned two cookbooks, Back to the Table and Kitchen Life, and has previosuly cooked for former Governors of Florida, Bob Graham and Jeb Bush as well as Brazilian artist Romero Britto.