AlwaysPartying: Food and Wine Celebration for Veggie U

Arthur Bovino — July 19, 2010

Chef’s Garden Squash Blossoms at the 8th Annual Food & Wine Celebration hosted at The Chef’s Garden in Milan, Ohio.

This weekend marked the 8th Annual Food & Wine Celebration. The event, hosted by Farmer Lee Jones at The Chef’s Garden in Milan, Ohio, benefitted the Veggie U Children’s program, an effort to combat adolescent and juvenile disease, and create a better understanding of sustainable agriculture.

Outside, under tent cover that shielded everyone from a hot, summer day, Farmer Lee Jones graciously welcomed his guests, wearing his trademark blue overalls and red bowtie. There were dishes prepared by more than 40 local chefs, including one by chef Jonathon Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern, who was recently noted as one of Food & Wine’s best new chefs.

Farm-fresh corn, sweet peas, micro-greens, carrots, beets, and green goodies of all kinds graced the tastings— the food was fantastic. One of the best dishes was the Chef’s Garden Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Fire Roasted Heirloom Sweet Corn and Silver Lake Chevre with Fresh and Spicy Peach Chutney from Chef Michael Deligatta of Michael Anthony’s at the Inn (top).

Vegetables were crisp, sweet, and full of summer flavor— but then, they came from the farm, and you can’t get much more to-table than that. And while the after-party coincided with a torrential downpour, festival-goers and chefs partied on with a deconstructed clambake, more farm-fresh salads, soft-shell crabs a la plancha, and a seemingly endless supply of steamed lobster.

More at The Chef's Garden >>

AlwaysPartying: Celebrate Flatiron Chefs

Maryse Chevrière — July 14, 2010

Clockwise from top: Taste of Summer Melons from Eleven Madison Park, slicing porchetta from SD26, the scene at Celebrate Flatiron Chefs in Madison Square Park.

Last night, just a month after the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, tents were in place and grills were once again fired up in Madison Square Park— this time for Celebrate Flatiron Chefs.

The annual event, which benefited the Madison Square Park Conservancy, was just as much a reminder of how good the neighborhood has it on the food front, as it was a preview of great things to come. A table of salume was there to represent the game-changing, Italian mega market-restaurant concept Eataly (scheduled to open August 31st), and a rum cocktail in a lime cup from The Hurricane Club built anticipation for an after-work, tiki-themed happy hour.

The highlight (for those who arrived early), was a preview from Hill Country Chicken. Last night it was a Mini Texas Hand Roll. They joined offerings from more than twenty of the Flatiron District’s top restaurants. There was pork, of course, burgers too, and plenty of other summer-inspired fare.

More photographs of the food at Celebrate Flatiron Chefs >>

AlwaysPartying: Barista Competition at RBC NYC

Ashley Poon — June 28, 2010

Left, the signature drink from Counter Culture Coffee’s barista, Katie Cargulio, made at RBC NYC.

Last Thursday, the day of the 2010 World Barista Championship in London, there was also a little friendly coffee competition going in TriBeCa at the new downtown buzz-spot, RBC NYC. Baristas met at RBC to make signature drinks at the behest of its assistant manager, Cora Lambert, who had been inspired by the signature drinks division of the United States Barista Championship (USBC). “Signature drinks bring in the culinary aspect of coffee,” said Cora, “It’s more than pressing a button.”

More at RBC NYC >>

AlwaysPartying: Toast of the Town 2010

Maryse Chevrière — May 25, 2010

Catsmo Smoked Trout with Chopped Beets and Shaved Fennel from Wall & Water.

As expected, the City’s wine fanatics came out to play at last night’s Toast of the Town grand tasting event hosted by Wine Enthusiast. The David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center was once again packed with well-heeled revelers sampling from more than 500 internationally acclaimed wineries and spirits producers.

There was food too, of course. Small plates from a handful of New York’s top restaurants helped keep party-goers on their feet as pours got bigger and continued until 10pm. Thalassa’s silky Olive Oil-cured Scallop over Caviar Mousse was a repeat favorite, joining Brasserie Cognac’s Lobster Bisque and Wall & Water’s Smoked Trout with Beets and Fennel as the evening’s best bites.

More Photographs from Toast of the Town 2010 >>

AlwaysPartying: Taste of Tribeca

Arthur Bovino — May 17, 2010

Clockwise from top: Centrico’s Ceviche, and Marco Canora plating a dish for Terroir Tribeca, at the 2010 Taste of Tribeca.

At Saturday’s Taste of Tribeca, live music was playing, Drew Nieporent was on hand, and Duane Street between Greenwich and Hudson was packed with New Yorkers trading punch-cards for samples from more than 60 of the neighborhood’s restaurants and businesses.

Proceeds were dedicated to arts and enrichment programs at local public schools, PS 150 and PS 234. Bouley and Blaue Gans, Bar Artisanal and Bubby’s. Tribeca Grill, The Harrison, and Marc Forgione, they were all present, just to name a few.

The line for Walker’s Pulled Pork Sandwiches stretched the longest, but with this many participants choosing six tastes allowed by one ticket proved difficult. Favorites included: Pepolino’s Pappa al Pomodoro, Plein Sud’s Duck Liver Mousse, and Duane Park Patisserie’s Molten Chocolate Cake.

But Bouley Upstairs and Bouley scored with interesting textures in their Tofu with Truffled Dashi, and Strawberry and White Chocolate Parfait. Whether or not they were shooting for the slightly ice-crystallized fruit layers in the latter, it was an effect that really worked.

Slideshow of a Taste of Tribeca >>

AlwaysPartying: Top of the List

Maryse Chevrière — May 12, 2010

Left, Four-Berry Tea Infusion dipped in Roederer Estate Brut Rosé from La Maison du Chocolat. Bottom right, Smoked Oyster with Pickled Celery and Relish from Fort Defiance.

Last night’s Second Annual Top of the List grand tasting event hosted by Wine & Spirits Magazine at the Metropolitan Pavilion celebrated some of the best-selling and most popular wines served at the country’s top restaurants. The benefit offered pours from more than 100 wineries— from Spanish and Italian reds, Mediterranean whites and Rieslings, to Port and Sparkling Wines. Every base was covered.

Between the swirling, sniffing, and tasting, there was sustenance— food from a selection of new and notable tri-state restaurants and artisan purveyors helped keep imbibing in check. On the savory side, Artisanal’s Cheese Panna Cotta with Mushrooms and SD26’s Pappa col Pomodoro were the best bites.

But it was gourmet chocolatier, La Maison du Chocolat who really shined, wooing with an interactive offering that combined food and drink— berry and tea-infused ganache squares that were to be dipped in sparkling wine, whose bubbles created a thin, hardened shell.

More Photographs from the Top of the List >>

AlwaysPartying: Calçotada at Savoy

Arthur Bovino — May 11, 2010

Chef Peter Hoffman’s Calçotada Festival at Savoy in SoHo.

On the corner of Prince and Crosby outside Savoy, a musician strummed his guitar as the wind picked up smoke from the grill on the sidewalk. Chefs Peter Hoffman and Ryan Tate used thongs to flip batches of charred leeks dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper. Not long after, Hoffman was inside demonstrating how to drink a stream of rosé from the spout of a porrón held in his hand a foot away. Happy Monday.

More Photographs of Calçotada at Savoy >>

LUCKYRICE Festival: Grand Feast of Asian Flavors

Arthur Bovino — May 03, 2010

Clockwise from top: Tongue N Cheek from The Setai (Steamed Braised Veal Cheek, Foie Gras, and Truffle Dumpling, Pickled Veal Tongue and Vegetable Salad); Le Bernardin’s Black Sesame Panna Cotta; The Merlion Cocktail from mixologist Chris Johnson.

A huge vat of Bibimbap, Foie Gras with Yuzu Marmalade, and Santa Barbara Sea Urchin with Jalapeño.

Those are just three of the great tastes at the LUCKYRICE Festival’s Grand Feast of Asian Flavors hosted by Lisa Ling. Attending the party on the 36th floor in the Mandarin Oriental’s ballroom meant sampling these and other haute Asian flavors by chefs Morimoto and Michael Bao among others.

There were great bites to be had, and interesting cocktails to wash them down with— one even featured durian. And all while looking out on a glorious view of Central Park on a Saturday evening.

Photographs of the LUCKYRICE Festival's Grand Feast >>

LUCKYRICE Festival: Night Market

Arthur Bovino — May 03, 2010

Clockwise from top: Spicy Pork Sandwich from Mantao for American Airlines, Little Poh Pohs from My Brooklyn Kitchen, the scene at the Night Market.

“Yeah, smell that?” exclaimed one excited festival goer of the pungent smells wafting out from The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

Brooklyn. David Chang. Asian Street Food— add those ingredients together and what do you get? A recipe for a sold-out event. If you didn’t make it to the LUCKYRICE Festival’s Night Market hosted by the Momofuku master on Friday night, you missed out on a scene.

A dedicated Malaysian Pavilion meant attendees could eavesdrop on Zak Pelaccio as he explained to one of the camera crews on hand how to prepare Roti Canai as it was stretched out before them. There were Barbecue Rainbow Carrow Buns by Dirt Candy, Tuna Tartare Spicy Rolls from Buddakan, and toppings for ice cream from the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck like Cayenne, Ginger Syrup, Sriracha, and of course, Wasabi Peas. But the delicious Crisp Pork Belly with Kim Chee and Island Creek Oyster by The Setai was perhaps one of the best tastes of the night.

Photographs at the LUCKYRICE Festival's Night Market >>

LUCKYRICE Festival: Opening Night Cocktail Party

Arthur Bovino — April 30, 2010

Left, White Cosmopolitan by Daniel. Right, preparing cocktails, top down: Moments Notice, White Cosmo, and Dragon’s Breath.

This year’s LUCKYRICE Festival kicked off last night with twenty-three Asian-inspired cocktails at an event hosted by Kelly Choi at the The Bowery Hotel. As expected, there were a lot of martini glasses, and sweet drinks with ginger. Iconic drinks, like Madam Geneva’s Jam Cocktail waited for you around the corner from playful dollops of whipped cream on warm sake from EN Japanese Brasserie. The White Cosmopolitan by Daniel featured a jawbreaker-looking, peach-sized ice orb, which almost convinced you that this liquid confidence really was some kind of superhero, comic book elixir.

In your service, we, ahem, sampled all the evening’s cocktails. Favorites follow, as well as a slideshow.

Cocktail Photographs from LUCKYRICE Festival Kickoff >>

AlwaysPartying: LUCKYRICE Preview

April 26, 2010

From left, dumplings from co-owner Anita Lo’s Rickshaw Dumpling Bar. Bo Ssäm from David Chang’s Momofuku Ssäm Bar.

We’re very excited about the upcoming LUCKYRICE FESTIVAL: Cuisines + Cultures of Asia in America, which is running from April 29th through May 2nd.

Among the great events there’s going to be an Opening Night Cocktail Party at The Bowery Hotel, a Dumpling-Making Demonstration by Anita Lo, an Asian Afternoon Tea and Dessert Pairing, and a conversation with chefs Eric Ripert and David Chang about Buddhist cuisine. Of course, the “Night Market,” the sold-out, David Chang-hosted celebration of Asian street food that is taking place in The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge, will undoubtedly be the hottest ticket of the event.

Get prepared by checking out Always Hungry’s coverage of festival participants and related topics:

• All things Momofuku
• All things Asian cuisine
• On Rickshaw Dumpling Bar’s steamed buns and dumplings from their 2009 Vendy-nominated truck
• What to eat at Le Bernardin and all other things related to The Ripper’s restaurant
• Where to go for Chinatown Desserts and Bubble Tea

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: Grillin’ On the Bay

Maryse Chevrière — March 29, 2010

Clockwise from top: Pork Ribs on the grill from Uncle Jed’s BBQ Team, Wildwood chef “Big Lou” Elrose tends to his short ribs, the scene at Grillin’ on the Bay, at St. Mark School in Sheepshead Bay.

Smoking grills and the smell of ribs cooking reminded attendees at Saturday’s Grillin’ on the Bay that summer is just around the corner—despite temperatures in the breezy 40’s. The casual, backyard barbecue-style cooking competition, sponsored by RUB BBQ, pitted a mix of rookie and veteran teams vying for top prizes in four categories: fish, chicken, pork ribs and chefs choice.

The vibe was a relatively carefree, beer-in-one-hand-cooking-tongs-in-the-other kind of relaxed. That is, until the clock for turn-in started to wind down. Gears shifted and game faces came on. Amid the rush and excitement were heated debates over rib-slicing technique and entry piece selection. (Rumor had it that the judges only took one bite, so you had better submit your best efforts).

Since food prepared during the cook-off was intended only for the judges, there was a $10 all-you-can-eat chili smackdown held just inside the St. Mark School, for whom the event benefited. Of course, many teams allowed hungry event-goers to sample their competition “rejects”— which included everything from smokey pork ribs, to Alabama white sauce-drenched chicken, to a play on a pastrami sandwich that featured double-smoked bacon and hanger steak pastrami.

Scenes from the 2010 Grillin' on the Bay >>

AlwaysPartying: Brooklyn Brunch Experiment

Arthur Bovino — March 29, 2010

Judges Award Winner: Savory Corn Cupcakes with Bacon Frosting from Wanna Spoon?.

Yesterday, Nick Suarez and Theo Peck packed The Bell House once again with one of their Brooklyn Experiments. Past events have featured beer, cheese, chocolate, and tacos. This time, attendees’ actual first meal on Sunday was in keeping with the event’s theme, Brunch.

From quiches and French Toast, to breakfast cupcakes and chicken waffle sandwiches, amateur cooks brought outlandish team names, and intricately thought-out dishes to compete for the attention of audience members and judges. Among those casting votes were Bon Appetit’s Andrew Knowlton, chef Sean Rembold of and Marlow and Sons, and chef Emile Castillo of Norma’s.

Special prizes went to Jeffrey Olsen’s “Mad Tea Party” (Earl Grey and Honey Ice Cream with Orange Blossom Water Scones, and Strawberry Syrup), and Andrew Food for his Full Brunch (Hashed Browns, Scrambled Eggs, with Duck Prosciutto, and dessert bite).

Judges awarded the top three spots to Wanna Spoon? (above, Savory Corn Cupcakes; below, Bloody Mary with Bacon Garnish), Redneck Caviar (Duck Confit and Bacon Marmalade Doughnuts), and Working Class Foodies (Buttermilk Waffle Bread Pudding). But it was the audience who got things right. Among Righteous Burn and Team Vail, the crowd singled out One and Supp as one of the best contenders on-hand. There was little that anybody had on their Pork Hash Tamales.

Winnters of The Brooklyn Brunch Experiment >>

AlwaysPartying: Fatty Crab UWS Turns One

Arthur Bovino — March 04, 2010

Clockwise from top: Lamb Breast Sandwich with Lemon-Garlic Emulsion from Fatty ‘Cue, the scene at the bar at Fatty Crab UWS, T-Shirt from the upcoming Fatty ‘Cue.

Last night the Fatty boys celebrated the one year anniversary of Fatty Crab UWS in full-flavored fashion. Among the bites and booze flowing there were previews of two Fatty ‘Cue cocktails (The ‘Cue and the Hunter S) and three dishes. The bartenders worked furiously to send out Fatty cocktails like the Chupacabra, the Dark & Stormy, and the Fat & Dirty, with champagne bottles at the ready. “Maybe save those for later?” someone suggested. “When’s later?” flew back the response with a smile.

Speaking of later, what about the ever-elusive Fatty ‘Cue opening date? Three days? Three weeks? Three months? Rumors floated among the packed revelers in the dining room, but in the VIP room (the doorway to the kitchen) the guys could be overheard being more concerned (at least for the night) with the next round of Malpeque oyster shooters, and making sure that drinks were being distributed en masse to party-goers who were having trouble bellying up to the bar. Whenever the opening is, we’ll be there to get some more of that lamb breast sandwich.

More Fatty 'Cue Preview Photographs >>