What's up in Blowing Rock

Crippen's Country Inn & Restaurant plans two January events with other chefs:

* Jan. 20 kicks off a yearlong “Rising Star Chefs” series with Raleigh chef/owner Chad McIntyre of Market Restaurant. McIntyre's cooking is described as clean Southern flavors with an inventive, sometimes global twist; he's worked on the Gulf coast and out west, and opened in Raleigh about a year ago. $39 (must be purchased in advance); www.crippens.com.

* Jan. 24 will be a “Battle of the Champions,” pitting Nate Allen from Knife & Fork in Spruce Pine (WNC Chef Challenge winner), Michael Barbato from Chetola Resort (2011 “Fire On the Rock” winner) and Crippen's chef Stan Chamberlain in a battle in which diners will vote on the winner. Each chef will do two courses; $49 (must be purchased in advance); www.crippens.com.

Crippen's is at 239 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock.