Native Alexandrian Makes It Big on Reality TV!

Chris Bassett, owner and GM of Myron Mixon Pitmaster BBQ and Alexandria native (West Potomac Class of ’96) has brought Alexandria into reality TV fame on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Potomac!

photo: Abby Jiu

Bassett and his fiancée, Candiace Dillard, Miss United States 2013, joined the Real Housewives cast for season 3, and have given the show a breath of fresh air. Dillard’s sass and savviness, along with Bassett’s “I’m just here to have fun” attitude, has drawn in new viewers and spiked the show’s ratings to an all-time high.

photo: Abby Jiu

Not only has the couple spiced up the show, they also haven’t been shy about showcasing some of their (and our!) favorite Alexandria spots. If you pay close attention, you’ll recognize Southside as the backdrop for their opening scene, a restaurant the couple frequents for Raw Bar Wednesday (try not to fan girl if you “run into” them there next week!). The show was also spotted filming at Blackwall Hitch, so there is a chance it makes an appearance in the coming episodes, and Myron Mixon has become a staple for the show's restaurant scenes.Bassett couldn’t reveal any big secrets, but he did share with us that the on-screen drama is real, and you never know when you just might run into a housewife in Alexandria. Keep your eyes peeled, people!

Craft cocktail made by Bassett using Richmond, Virginia's ‘Belle Isle Moonshine’

Housewives fans from all over the East Coast have already started to make their way to Old Town just to catch a glimpse of Bassett behind the bar at Myron Mixon. This could the beginning of Alexandria’s reality TV fame.Make sure you tune in Sundays at 8pm. Season 3 has eight episodes left and we would love to see Chris and Candiace (and Alexandria!) slated for a fourth season.