A month of planning and preparation peaks as Vivian's invitation to cook at the prestigious James Beard House becomes a reality. Warren Brothers, his wife, Jane, and other friends from Kinston bring their particular brand of Eastern North Carolina charm, making everyone feel at right at home. As Warren and company charm the pants off the fancy food writers and television critics, Vivian frets about perfectly cracking 85 eggs for each plate. But before she can get there, the deep fryer breaks, bringing the Beard House a lot closer to hell's kitchen.