AlwaysPartying: Tap & Tapas 2010

Arthur Bovino — April 20, 2010

Clockwise from top: Chilled Seafood Sausage from Alto, participating chefs pose with beneficiaries of Groove with Me’s free dance classes, and the scene at Studio 450.

The relocation of Groove with Me’s Tap & Tapas Spring benefit event from the Westside Loft (where it was last year), to Studio 450 meant a great cause and good food, in a space with river views, fantastic light, and more room to dance for the event’s beneficiaries— the kids.

This was the sixth annual tasting benefit for Groove With Me, Abigail Rosin’s nonprofit youth development organization that enlists volunteer dance teachers to give free classes to inner city girls. Donations, combined with last night’s auction meant Groove With Me was able to raise between $90,000 and $100,000, about a quarter of their annual budget.

While renowned tapper, Savion Glover, was unable to attend at the last moment, the event didn’t suffer for celebrity. Chef Tom Colicchio, Today co-host, Hoda Kotb, and The Times’ publisher Arthur Sulzberger, mingled among other notable New Yorkers, along with some of New York’s hot chefs.

All told, there were 11 food stations, including Colicchio & Sons, The Harrison, Scarpetta, and more. Among the best tastes were a Mussel Soup from Aldea, and a Warm Duck and Snap Pea Salad from Perilla. And, of course, Michael Laiskonis’ impeccable desserts. A hot ingredient, Black Beluga Lentils, made another appearance, with Alto’s Chilled Seafood Sausage.

More Photographs at Tap & Tapas 2010 >>

AlwaysPartying: James Beard Chefs & Champagne

The Gluttoness — August 28, 2008

There is nothing better than an occasion that brings together a slew of talented chefs, a couple hundred bottles of champagne and a beautiful summer night. And this years James Beard Chefs & Champagne was just that kind of event—as the Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, NY was transformed into a classy culinary mecca with all the tasty trimmings.

The evening was centered around honoree Wolfgang Puck, who addressed the crowd with a near-perfect tan. Most revelers spent their time balancing a wine glass against a wobbly plastic plate—but I dropped my drink in lieu of multiple plates, unable to decide what to eat first. Don’t feel bad, I got my fill on the first lap around, while I carefully sipped my bubbly and scoped the serious selection of dishes before indulging. Funny how the dishes I devoured with my eyes weren’t as pleasing to the palate.

There was plenty to see in the crowd alone, it is the Hamptons after all, but those intently mastering their craft dwarfed the beautiful people. Tim Love of the deceased Lonesome Dove was smoking Wild Boar Chops in a separate tent while Cesare Casella showcased his 24-Month-Aged Prosciutto di Parma. As I passed by Kerry Simon, Fabio Trabocchi, Anne Burrell, and their respective dishes, I noticed a pattern.

The chefs clearly considered the warm-weathered season when deciding their offerings. Lighter fare was all the rage, and more than a few gazpachos found themselves at home under the glowing white tent. I’m assuming there wasn’t much discussion amongst the presenters, as three gazpachos is just as bad as showing up in the same prom dress as two of your closest friends. And you know what happens next—everyone starts talking about who wears it best and it’s all downhill from there. In this situation, they all could have chosen better outfits.

Click Here to read about the event highlights >>

The Round-Up: NY Magazine’s Best of New York ‘08

July 07, 2008

For your dining pleasure, New York Magazine has compiled its annual “Best of” list spotlighting everything from the restaurant with the most delicious deviled eggs to the best place for an un-beef burger. (3/3)

Fried Chicken: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill

Hot Dog: The Smoke Joint

Goat: Fiamma

Clam Chowder: Dovetail

Pork Belly: Adour

Tapas Bar: El Quinto Pino

Ramen: Ramen Setagaya

Grilled Cheese: Resto

Bruschette: dell’anima

Deviled Eggs: Smith’s

Small Plates: Bar Stuzzichini

Un-Beef Burger: Anthos

Click Here for the Full List >>