Allez Cuisine and John Candy

Clearly, 24 Diner's Chef Andrew Curren is a battling man.

Not only will he popping up on the telly tonight in Top Chef: Texas, competing with fellow Austinite Paul Qui for the first time in the new season (and damn you, Bravo, for holding out the hometown boys on us in last week's premiere episode), but Curren will also be a food warrior in tonight's Iron Chef event at the Alamo Drafthouse South. Curren and and Alamo executive chef John Bullington will cross knives while John Hughes' Planes, Trains and Automobiles unspools on the big screen.

Timing-wise, we might worry this bodes badly for Curren's chances on Top Chef tonight – what better place to avoid the television but in a movie theatre? – but that would make us sound kinda twitchy and conspiracy-minded, huh? Instead we choose to focus on anticipating some sweet, delicious comfort food (the night's theme), an American comedy classic, and the good cause Iron Chef Alamo is supporting. Tickets are still available, and all proceeds will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank – just in time to help local families enjoy a solid Thanksgiving meal.