Appetite for Good

This invitation-only event offers insiders the opportunity to learn about new trends and products in the beverage industry and provides a sneak peek of the Grand Tasting experience (the Festival’s signature event). Invited guests sample rare vintages, unique spirits and select tastings while networking.

The BubbleQ® just wouldn’t die. It seems inconceivable that one of the most fun parties on the schedule could just ride off into the sunset. Attendees—and methinks the chefs—simply love this ticket too much for it to not succeed.

When your day starts with a few sips of champagne (early AM at Q After Dark party, formerly Bubble Q) and unfolds into a sushi pairing lunch that showcases the best of New Zealand’s emerging wines (Brancott Estates), you’ve got to count your blessings and smile.

This year, Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, hosted a special Valentine’s Day cookie baking class benefiting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Chef Instructor Melanie Underwood and Miss USA led this feel-good baking class with a demonstration on how to make Lemon Bars.

The Bid Against Hunger is an annual event aimed at raising money for this cause. And with more than 60 of New York’s best chefs serving delightful seasonal dishes (and many more chefs supporting the cause) and some incredible auction items, the event raised more than $1 million.

On Tuesday, November 1, Barnard College will host what looks to be a fascinating panel discussion sponsored by the Barnard Center for Research on Women on the social, political, and ecological implications our food policy. It’s a very timely topic and should be lively and interesting.

All good things must come to an end. But that doesn’t mean things can’t go out with a bang!
On Sunday evening, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival came to an official close with its final event, Party in Guy’s Garage presented by Pucker Flavored Vodka. Right in the heart of the Meatpacking, at 440 West 15, food lovers and charity supporters alike gathered together at the Highline Stages to bid a fond farewell to the four-day long festival dressed as their favorite 1980s stars, munching on some of the city’s best pub grub.

This year the taco offerings were heavily skewed toward meats, primarily beef and pork with a few lamb, chicken, and duck even thrown in. Given the carnivorous offerings, after my 6th meat taco, the rest started to blur and only a handful really stood out, mostly the seafood tacos.

They say you should never have too much of a good thing. But a plentiful amount of two good things is an ideal balance, right? With this principle in mind, I marveled at the balance of great things offered at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival

Ben Tsetlin has been making chocolate by hand for 3 years, ever since he discovered how delicious and healthy raw chocolate was. His recipe was surprisingly simple to follow, even for a kitchen klutz like me. With just a few ingredients, some mixing, and 30 minutes of time, I was able to make 12 pieces of bittersweet ganache-y chocolate!