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When I started doing Project Runway recaps back in November, I never imagined in a million years that by the end of the season, I'd be sharing guacamole with Kevin, Jack and Sweet P. (Especially Kevin, who, um, I sort of mocked relentlessly all season long. Sorry, dude.)
But fairy tales can come true, folks.
It all started when Sweet P (also known as "My Favorite Person On The Planet") tracked me down on the interwebs to tell me she was a big fan of my "60-Second Recaps". Eventually, our casual emails and MySpace messages led to her inviting me as her date to the big Runway Finale Viewing Party. (This was a totally platonic invite, by the way. She's happily married. I'm happily married. No need to start any rumors, folks.)
Before we got our party on, Sweet P suggested we grab a quick bite to eat with fellow cast members Kevin and Jack. On our way to the restaurant, I got some awesome behind-the-scenes dirt (which I will never reveal) but also a warning that I shouldn't say anything catty at dinner because so and so is friends with so and so and this person is best friends with that person. "I would never!" I insist.
More after the jump.
Fast-forward to about 15 minutes into our meal. Kevin is telling a story about how he scored a free flat iron in some gift bag from some function, to which I quip, "You should have given that to [flat-haired Runway contestant] Christian." Sweet P shoots me a look. Jack's jaw drops. Kevin stares at me for a beat and then guffaws. "Holy crap, did I just say that out loud?"
Foot in mouth #1. (Perhaps this is why Jack gives me the nickname "Jim Hot Mess Tranny." But for some reason I think he means that as a compliment?)
Now it's time for the party! Sweet P is a flawless date, introducing me to everyone, often times announcing me as her "new friend, MTV's Jim Cantiello." One such person is Season Three beauty Allison Kelly. "Oh My God, you met Mama Kors, didn't you?!," I blurt out. (Important to note here that aside from Sweet P, I am also ridiculously obsessed with Michael Kors' mother.)
"She was on during the mom challenge," Allison matter of factly says. "I was kicked off right before that."
Foot in mouth #2. (Perhaps this is why Allison quickly finds other people to talk to.)
Throughout the course of the evening I meet several other cast members. Every time they recognize me, their reaction goes from "Oh, I know him" to "Ohhhhh, I know him because he makes fun of me every week." Chris March is the first victim, who chuckles as he says, "I know who Jim Cantiello is."
I try to make peace with him. "Sorry I called you Ricky Gervais all season."
But it turns out he loved the comparison!! And then he went on to quote (yes, quote!) one of my recaps! "I loved when you said I was 'a guy so nice, they off'd me twice.'" My mind is officially blown.
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And how could I forget Ricky? (Yes, he was still wearing that silly hat and no, he didn't cry.) Ricky was a lovely guy with a fantastic sense of humor, and by the end of the night he was spilling secrets about Sweet P that she wish he hadn't. Their chemistry is adorable. Bravo should give them their own show STAT.My craziest encounter of the night had to be with two of the models from the show, Katie and Jacqueline, who recognized me from my recaps and wanted to chat me up. They were big fans of my work, especially Jacqueline, who squealed when she found out that I also do 60-second recaps of "American Idol." (A long discussion about David Archuleta and David Hernandez followed).
The whole time I couldn't believe that two young models were actually talking to me. It was awesome. If I wasn't married to a supermodel already, I have a feeling I could have possibly gotten a phone number or two if I played my cards right. I settled for a picture with them. Too bad it's the most unflattering photo I've ever taken.
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Overall, it was a fantastic evening. We watched the show in a small screening room. Jack was to my left, Sweet P to my right (full disclosure: I totally stole that "Posh can write?!" joke from Jack). Sweet P would whisper awesome tidbits about the production of the show as it unfolded on the screen (e.g., "Me and Chris March are in the room next door working on our line," "Me and Chris March are right behind Rami going into the fashion week tents!", "Me and Chris March got to stay in the same fancy hotel as the finalists!"). It was like having a private director's commentary. And then when Jillian was eliminated, Sweet P cried. She cried!! Could she be any sweeter??
To paraphrase Jennifer Carnes and Bill Medley, I had the time of my life, even if I did have to cut out of the party early to work on my recap all night. I was thrilled to learn that Sweet P is totally as awesome in person as she was on the show. She's down-to-earth, hilarious and even more beautiful in real life, and I'm forever grateful to her for not only forwarding my recaps to the entire cast, but for also letting me tag along to this intimate gathering.
Sweet P rules!!
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Finale Recap:
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